OFFICIAL OPENING – Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis, on Monday officially opened Brickhouse Plaza, a new 21,000 square-foot building owned by Pastor Lloyd Rolle. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

FREEPORT, Grand Bahama – Shopping at home will support local businesses and assist in rebuilding the economy said Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis on Monday.

The plaza is 21,000 square feet with 20 shop spaces at an investment of $3 million, and was constructed by Brickhouse Construction Company, also owned by Pastor Rolle.

Minister Lewis said that the opening of the building demonstrated investor confidence in the Grand Bahama community and as such, encouraged residents to shop at home to assist in rebuilding a community that was first devastated by Hurricane Dorian in September 2019 and then the COVID-19 pandemic: “I am pleased to see that this is an investment from a local son of the soil who has utilized his God-given talent to achieve new heights.”

RIBBON CUTTING – Following the brief opening ceremony, February 8, Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis, took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony. Cutting the ribbon was 14-year-old Kervanna McCartney, granddaughter of Brickhouse Plaza owner, Pastor Lloyd Rolle. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

The property was purchased one week before Hurricane Dorian hit the island, and notwithstanding local devastation by the hurricane and effects of the pandemic, the building is now open for business.

Also present for the opening ceremony were Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. Philip Davis, as well as Senator the Hon. Fred Mitchell, chairman of the Official Opposition Progressive Liberal Party, leaders of the religious community, along with family and friends.

Immediately following the ceremony, the ribbon cutting was held when Rolle’s 14-year-old granddaughter, Kervanna McCartney stood proudly between her grandparents to perform the task.

SUPPORT – As a “son of the soil” Pastor Lloyd Rolle opened his new plaza on Monday, February 8, 2021. Minister of State for Disaster Preparedness, Management and Reconstruction, the Hon. Iram Lewis, encouraged residents to shop at home and help rebuild the economy. (BIS Photo/Lisa Davis)

Guests were then invited the tour the new building which will house a beauty salon, a sports lounge, bakery, pizzeria, preschool and pharmacy.

The Minister said, “This speaks volumes to the confidence that Bahamians have in The Bahamas. As the previous speaker (Philip Davis) said, it is on us. We are in this together and it is important. We welcome foreign investors to come to Grand Bahama, but when we can do it ourselves, it speaks volumes.

Stating that what Pastor Rolle had done was take a leap of faith, he said, “I want to encourage all to support your local investors. This $3 million could’ve gone elsewhere but it was put into this community. I want to urge you to support Mr. Rolle in this very important venture.” He continued, “Grand Bahama is going to be bigger, better and stronger because of persons like you through the Grace of the Almighty God.”