On Easter Sunday, MP Jamale Pringle celebrated the completion and handover of the Morris Bay Beach Park and Rest Stop in Old Road, Antigua and Barbuda.

The completion of this park was a significant occasion for Pringle, the people of Old Road, and the country as a whole.

Pringle expressed his pleasure at the completion of the project, noting that the Morris Bay Beach Park and Rest Stop was a first in Antigua and Barbuda.

He highlighted that there was no other such facility available anywhere else on the island.

During his speech, the All Saints East and St. Luke MP recalled the plans of the United Progressive Party to turn Long Bay into a public beach park with all the necessary amenities.

However, that dream was lost when the party lost the government, and the current administration failed to follow through with the plan.

Pringle explained that the Morris Bay Beach Park and Rest Stop was the closest version of what their party had promised to do, and with the help of his constituents, business partners, and family, he achieved it while in opposition.

The journey to the celebration day had not been easy, and there were several challenges along the way.

MP Pringle mentioned that the Development Control Authority (DCA) presented challenges, as well as the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic and the shortage of funds.

Despite these challenges, Pringle credited his constituents and business partners for their unwavering support, putting their shoulders to the wheel in good times and bad times.

The rest stop is designed to serve not only the Round South community but every resident who comes to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of Morris Bay.

Pringle noted that the rest stop will accommodate every tourist who needs its services and offer relief and dignity to every taxi driver or tour operator on this route.

Additionally, the facility provides an opportunity for empowering entrepreneurs on-site by bringing customers to patronize their business and buyers for their products.

Pringle emphasized that supporting small businesses and facilitating economic independence is vital. He declared that a hand-up, not a hand-out, is how you support small businesses.

The event concluded with the formal handover of the rest stop to the Old Road Community Group, which Pringle described as “not only capable hands but proud hands, which will not allow its standards to fall.”

The bathroom facility caters to males and females, the able-bodied and disabled, with modern and attractive finishes.

 The facility will be supported by a small user fee and donations from patrons for its maintenance.

The event concluded in a festive atmosphere of food, drink, and musical entertainment.