The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

A NEWLY built $3m Brickhouse Plaza in Freeport opened by Bahamian contractor Rev Lloyd Rolle is said to be a demonstration of the faith and investor confidence in Grand Bahama.

At the grand opening this week, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction Iram Lewis described it as a “great leap of faith,” and encouraged other Bahamians to do the same.

“I am pleased to be here for the opening of this Brickhouse Plaza; I am more pleased to see it is an investment from a local son of the soil…who has utilised his talents to achieve new heights,” he said.

Opposition leader Philip “Brave” Davis, accompanied by PLP Senator Fred Mitchell, also attended and congratulated Mr Rolle and his family for such a significant investment in Grand Bahama at a very challenging time for the island.

Rev Lloyd Rolle, the contractor of Brickhouse Construction, acquired land off East Sunrise Highway a week before Hurricane Dorian hit, and the project was postponed. The plaza, designed by architect Burton Miller, is 21,000 sq ft and comprises 20 shop spaces, including a beauty salon, sports lounge, pharmacy, bakery, and café.

Mr Lewis commended Rev Rolle on the swift pace at which the plaza was built by his construction firm.

“Had it not been for COVID-19, this building would have been completed a long time ago. We thank you for your persistence. I am sure your father, the late John N T Rolle, would be very proud. Today is a proud day in the life of the Rolle family. This speaks volumes to the confidence that Bahamians have in the Bahamas,” he said.

Mr Davis also commended Rev Rolle, whose company was also awarded a major contract by the Christie Administration for the construction of a new school at Holmes Rock, West Grand Bahama.

“In the midst of a situation that many would easily describe as hopeless where despair can easily set in, Lloyd Rolle, a local contractor, has stepped forward and demonstrated great hope, resilience, and confidence in the people of Grand Bahama by investing in its future while significantly contributing to this island’s post Hurricane recovery and reconstruction efforts,” Mr Davis said.

The opposition leader has called on the government to do more to assist small businesses and vendors on Grand Bahama during “this very challenging period.”