Four smiling boys enjoy riding their bicycles in Port Antonio, Portland. Under the 'Spruce Up Jamaica' programme, the parish's capital will be given a very expensive facelift. - Contributed

PORT ANTONIO, Portland:

Minister of Tourism, Edmund Bartlett, has hinted that just over $100 million will be spent in Port Antonio to deal with a series of projects under the 'Spruce Up Jamaica' programme, which will continue into this financial year.

The minister was addressing the business community and other interests at a luncheon at Frenchman's Cove hotel in Portland last Friday.

Among the projects identified were the Musgrave Market, which is to undergo major rehabilitation; the Neville Antonio Park; the Port Antonio Square; the Clock Tower; Foreshore Road; Titchfield Hill and the upgrading of the town.

Investment

"We are committed to the idea of pedestrianising the Titchfield peninsula," said Bartlett. "The projects that we have now, under guidance from TPDCo [Tourism Product Develop-ment Company], amounts to $71 million, so we are looking to give you an additional $29 million to look at the entrance to the market and to see if Long Bay, in particular, can come in for some attention, as that area is becoming the surf capital of Jamaica," said Bartlett.

$23 million is to be spent on the Musgrave Market, landscaping of Foreshore road, along with the paving of the western entrance and gateway on Titchfield Hill.

The minister also explained that the Folly area, which was initially targeted to undergo transformation as a heritage park, would also be used as an artisan village which could embrace the cultural entertainment and merchandising, as well as the creative explosion of Portland's artists and craftsmen.

"That artisan village will provide visitors with an opportunity to see the artists working, so as to select whatever craft items is needed or for the visitor to say to the craftsman, here is a concept, I want you to convert this idea into a thing of beauty," said Bartlett.

The luncheon was put on by TPDCo, and the Portland Chamber of Commerce. Other persons present included, Cynthia Perry, Jamaica Tourist Board manager in Portland; Nellie Walker, banker at the Royal Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, Port Antonio; Donald Rhodd, member of parliament for East Portland and Vassel Brown, Portland Chamber of Commerce president.