KINGSTON, JAMAICA — The Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) now boasts a striking new landmark, following the official unveiling of the NMIA Flag Roundabout last Friday.
The revitalised roundabout features a vibrant mural titled “Traffic Blockin”, designed by 2019 Prime Minister’s Youth Awardee Matthew McCarthy and his team of talented Jamaican artists — Suzanna Missenburger, Joshua Solas, Kokab ZD, and Taj Francis as supporting artists, with Travis Bailey and Dean Sutherland providing production support.
Commissioned by PAC Kingston Airport Limited (PACKAL), the airport’s private operator, the installation is part of a wider effort to transform NMIA into a world-class transportation hub. The colourful, movement-rich mural captures Kingston’s status as a UNESCO Creative City.
Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Olivia Grange, praised the initiative, calling it an example of “what is possible when private capital supports creative enterprise”. She also noted that the roundabout continues a tradition of cultural storytelling at the airport, referencing a 2019 mural exhibition in tribute to Jamaica’s Windrush generation.
“It was my distinct pleasure to have unveiled in 2019, right here at the airport, a mural exhibition in tribute to our Windrush generation in Jamaica,” she said, emphasising the airport’s role as a cultural showcase with various other pieces of creative work on display throughout the facility.
“Today we continue this tradition [by] utilising [this] vibrant medium to transmit our stories through art, visually and expressively translating the irrepressible rhythmic beats of our heart and our music,” said Grange as she endorsed the rebranded roundabout.
The ministry has invested over J$80 million in mural projects to date, with Grange announcing that a new mural will be commissioned in Ocho Rios later this year.
PACKAL Chief Executive Officer, Sitara English-Byfield, described the roundabout as more than an aesthetic upgrade.
“It’s a powerful first and last impression of Kingston that captures our city’s vibrant spirit,” she said. A 30-foot by 15-foot Jamaican flag, hoisted at the unveiling, serves as the monument’s final touch.
English-Byfield emphasised that the entire renovation was carried out by local artists and contractors, underscoring PACKAL’s commitment to showcasing Jamaican talent.
“It was very important to us that this monument would also serve as a tribute to the high professional and creative standards of our local artists and contractors,” she said.
The NMIA Flag Roundabout is part of PACKAL’s broader US$161 million (over J$25 billion) transformation programme to elevate the airport’s facilities and services, further cementing Kingston’s role as a cultural and commercial gateway to the region.
Artist Matthew McCarthy (2nd right) leads a tour of his “Traffic Blockin” mural at the rebranded NMIA Flag Roundabout. Looking on from left to right are: His Worship, Mayor Andrew Swaby, Hon. Olivia “Babsy” Grange, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, Odette Dyer – Regional Director, Jamaica Tourist Board (JTB), Sitara English-Byfield (3rd left) – Chief Executive Officer of PACKAL (airport operator) and Donaree Muirhead – Technical Support Officer, Ministry of Science, Energy, Telecommunications and Transport (MSETT).