KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS) — Tourism Minister Edmund Bartlett says discussions are being finalised for the acquisition of certain lands to expand the Devon House gastronomy space.

Bartlett explained that the discussions involve “moving things around” to create proper parking spaces, “so that some of the facilities we now have for parking can (be used) for other things”.

The minister was speaking to JIS News following the launch of Devon House’s Emancipendence Expo, in St Andrew today.

Devon House’s gastronomy experience will include a self-service kitchen, farmers’ market and food shops.

Visitors will have the opportunity to cook their own meals under the supervision of a Michelin Chef, after purchasing produce, meats and condiments from the farmers’ market to be located in proximity to the kitchen.

At the food shops, visitors will pay and sample a selection of the island’s cuisine while enjoying local wines and rums.

The Emancipendence Expo, which is being held from August 4 to 5, will showcase and promote the works of Jamaican entrepreneurs from various industries, such as cosmetics and manufacturing, from all across the island.

The event is free to the public, and visitors will be able to interact with exhibitors and sponsors while learning about the business and their various products and services.

Bartlett said that both days must be viewed as another opportunity to “showcase our creativity and innovation, and our capacity to be creative and to produce items of value that will not only bring economic returns to us, but bring aesthetic appreciation to the wider world”.