THE construction of an entertainment zone in Salt Creek in Hanover may not be as immediate as stakeholders would like, according to Olivia “Babsy” Grange, minister of entertainment and culture.

“We have the money. You just have to come to us with the right plan. We have to go with the plan to the Public Investment Committee but before we even get to the committee where the Minister (of Finance Nigel Clarke) chairs that body. They will decide if we get the funding, we have to go through a long process (in the Public Investment Appraisal Branch in the Ministry of Finance) to show sustainability. So, we have to make sure we have everything well documented and we are able to,” said Grange.

“Maybe TEF (Tourism Enhancement Fund) can help us along the way because some of what we need to do will require some funding. And, if we don’t come to you to build the zone, at least we will come to you to help us to prepare the documents to get the Ministry of Finance to fund it and I think we really would be moving in the right direction together,” she continued.

Grange, who also has portfolio ministries of gender and sports, was speaking at recent Negril Entertainment Association’s (NEA) inaugural conference held at Swept Away, Negril.

The entertainment minister was quick to point out the land belonged to the Urban Development Corporation (UDC).

“We are going to have to make representations for the land. We do not know if UDC has development plans for those lands, but we will certainly use our best efforts,” said Grange.

The proposed entertainment facility is expected to be equipped with boat rides, a 500-seat call centre, a space designated for Jamaica’s cultural icons, and an open space for large concerts and parties.

For his part, Dr Carey Wallace, executive director of TEF, told the gathering that he is in support of the proposed venue.

“I promise you, we will work seriously. I promise you, not just as family members, but one who shares in the dream of us getting that venue that can make every hotelier love entertainment because that venue will pull so many people into Negril to full up the hotels,” said Wallace. “So, I hope you feel my passion and I hope you see the potential and opportunity.”

Among those supporting the call for a venue were Karen Lanigan, Jamaica Hotel & Tourist Association Negril chapter chair; Daniel Grizzle, director emeritus of the Negril Chapter of Commerce; and Ryan Morrison, president of NEA.

Negril, located in western Jamaica, is known for its white, sandy beaches. It is famous for events such as Dream Weekend, Reggae Marathon, Tmrw.Tday Culture Fest, and Summer Soiree Tropical Paradise.