The former Bournemouth Bath complex facility in Kingston will become the headquarters of the Combined Disabilities Association Resource Centre (CDA).

The rehabilitation of the complex has been undertaken by the Rotary Club of Kingston at a cost of $14 million.

The launch of the initiative took place, on Thursday, at The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston.

Gloria Goffe, programmes coordinator at the CDA, in com-mending the Rotarians, said the facility would renew hope for persons in the disabled community.

"This project comes out of a firm conviction by the club that it is better to teach someone to fish rather than continually providing him/her with a fish," she said.

Woodwork factory space

When completed in May, the facility will provide craft and woodwork factory space for 40 to 100 physically challenged workers in the association's training programme. In addition, some of the facilities at the complex, including the swimming pools, will be restored for use by members of the community.

Meanwhile, Phillip Paulwell, member of parliament for East Kingston and Port Royal, said he would be contributing $300,000 to the project to establish a computer lab and one year's free Internet service.

Additionally, Mr. Paulwell said the Jamaica Business Development Centre would be setting up facilities for sale of craft items to visitors coming for Cricket World Cup next month.

Bournemouth Bath was the social 'hotspot' in its day. Established in 1926 by Gordon Lindsay, it featured a ballroom, a bar and two magnificent swimming pools.

The complex was an attraction for many schools, which held swim meets there. It also featured live music, with performers such as Eric Deans, Tommy McCook and the Skatalites.

Before it was burned to the ground in 1969, it provided a safe, healthy place of amusement for the children of Kingston.