MANCHESTER, Jamaica – Member of Parliament for Manchester Central, Rhoda Moy Crawford, has voiced her strong support for Prime Minister Andrew Holness’ announcement of plans to establish Jamaica’s third national park in Mandeville.

She described the initiative as a transformative development that will provide a much-needed recreational space for families and residents.

Speaking on the proposal, Crawford highlighted the excitement among community members, noting that many have already suggested potential names for the park, including Heritage Park, Liberty Park, Mandeville Family Park, The Oasis, and The Sanctuary.

The national park is expected to span multiple acres, strategically located to offer diverse amenities for all ages. Crawford emphasised that the space will include play areas, walking and biking trails, open fields for sports and picnics, and designated areas for entertainment events and community gatherings.

She stressed the importance of such a facility in fostering community well-being and promoting an active lifestyle.

“No well-thinking resident of Mandeville will deny our need for an inclusive and accessible state-of-the-art facility,” Crawford stated, contrasting the proposed park with the existing Cecil Charlton Park, which she noted is small and largely restricted to civic functions and special occasions.

She underscored that the park aligns with broader government efforts to enhance housing, connectivity, water access, crime reduction, traffic management, education, and healthcare in Manchester.

“Mandeville deserves a national park that reflects our spirit of excellence and industriousness,” Crawford asserted, adding that any opposition to the project would be “short-sighted and anti-development.”

Read: Mandeville mayor rejects proposal for new park