The Development Control Authority (DCA) has demolished a structure at Morris Bay beach in Old Road erected by the Leader of the Opposition and Member of Parliament for the Area, Jamale Pringle.
The DCA had advised Pringle in a letter dated November 18, 2025, that the structure, said to be used as a restaurant, had been erected at the site and that this constituted a breach of planning control as required under the Physical Planning Act of Antigua and Barbuda.
Pringle was further advised that the breach to the planning control was based on the fact that the structure was erected without Pringle acquiring a permit to do so under Section IV of the Act.
The DCA said it also noticed the placement and operation of a trailer with associated seating facilities and a tent situated along Morris Bay beach. “The trailer and ancillary fixtures have been installed and are being operated without planning permission and therefore, constitutes an unauthorized and illegal development under the Physical Planning Act, 2003,” the DCA letter stated.
DCA further advised Pringle to cease all activities associated with the operation of the trailer and to remove the trailer, associated seating, tents and any related fixtures from the site. It warned that failure to follow these instructions, would result in the removal of the trailer and other fixtures being moved to the Cooks Landfill and his expense.
He was given two weeks to comply with the order from the DCA.
During the National Budget debate this week, Pringle was advised by other parliamentarians to comply with the instructions issued by the DCA, an advice he ignored to his detriment.
One government source noted that Pringle was warned in writing and verbally. Instead of cooperating, he threatened further lawlessness, something that the government took seriously and acted accordingly.
“His threat has implications for compliance by other vendors. A message had to be sent. On the basis that the others cooperate with us, we will use soft hands, reorganize and find them appropriate alternatives,” the source stated.
The source noted that the actions taken against Pringle and his illegal structure at Morris Bay beach had not been motivated by politics; rather it is a case where the DCA is enforcing the regulations regarding similar breaches of the Act.
The Physical Planning Act requires that any erection on a public beach — like the structure allegedly built by Jamale Pringle — must go through formal channels, seek approval, and be assessed under building codes.
