Howard Campbell, Gleaner Writer

THE constituency of East Kingston and Port Royal, which has recently made headlines owing to a series of violent incidents, is in line for a facelift as the Cricket World Cup tournament nears.

Phillip Paulwell, the Minister of Industry, Technology, Energy and Commerce, who is also Member of Parliament for the area, said plans to renovate the once-popular Bournemouth club/pool, in Rockfort, as well as historic Port Royal are well advanced.

He said when work is completed at Bournemouth - a swinging spot during the 1940s to the 1960s - that location and the Kensington Cricket Club will host fairs where small business operators will showcase merchandise made specifically for Cricket World Cup 2007.

Mr. Paulwell said plans for Port Royal would be announced soon.

The Industry Minister made the announcement during a press conference at the Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica auditorium, in St. Andrew, where some of the merchandise produced for the World Cup, by just over 25 small businesspersons, was unveiled.

These products range from leather wallets and portfolios by Leder Mode Limited to sauces from Ruth's, and scented candles manufactured by Starfish Oils.

Each item will be marketed by the Jamaica Business Development Centre (JBDC), which comes under the industry portfolio.

Through funding from government, the JBDC will assist small businesses produce merchandise for the World Cup, which bowls off March 13, at Sabina Park, in Kingston.

Things Jamaican shops

"We recognise that a number of these small manufacturers/producers would be unable to directly apply for a licence to produce logo items because of a number of factors including cost, volume and quality," said Mr. Paulwell. "Against this background, the JBDC through its chain of Things Jamaican shops has positioned its retail arm to provide an opportunity for this sector to take advantage of the economic opportunities arising out of this event."

Colin Porter, manager of technical services at the JBDC, said most of over 50 products presented by manufacturers have been approved by Cricket World Cup's merchandise committee.

"We are still putting in more product, but I would say as much as 80 per cent of the items have been approved," Mr. Porter told The Gleaner.

In June, the JBDC was granted a licence by the International Cricket Council to produce and distribute merchandise bearing official logos of the World Cup including 'Mello', the tournament's mascot.

Mr. Porter said more than 1,000 entrepreneurs have participated in the JBDC's 'Bowling for Business' workshops which addressed intellec-tual property rights, packaging and branding.