Janet Silvera, Senior Gleaner Writer

Montego Bay is poised to get its long-awaited convention centre, once the Chinese Export-Import (EX-IM) Bank signs off on the US$43.75 (J$2.8 billion) construction cost, says Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

The Prime Minister, who was speaking to business leaders at a face-to-face meeting organised by the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI) yesterday morning, said the Government was looking at an October 31 deadline for sealing the deal.

She said the China-based COMPLANT Group, which is currently building the multi-purpose stadium in Rock, Trelawny, is slated to build the 75,000 square-foot centre on 35 acres of land near the Rose Hall Great House in St. James.

Efforts to build the centre, set to complement the development at Rose Hall, which is rapidly becoming Jamaica's first integrated resort area, have been both an inspiration and a sore point for the Government for the past nine years. Each attempt to get the project off the ground has been met with financial difficulties.

However, Mrs. Simpson Miller's announcement has been met with excitement and cautious optimism by residents of the resort town who, after lobbying long and hard for several years, had their hopes shattered late last year when the Mexican Bank, Bancomex, pulled out of a deal to finance the construction.

"I am very pleased that we are closer to realising our dream," said Pauline Reid, president of the MBCCI. "I feel strongly that the convention centre can only help to enhance the tourism product, whilst adding a new dimension to the industry."

True potential

She said Jamaica puts on the best shows and conventions but, unfortunately, without a centre to accommodate large meetings, the country has not been able to realise the true potential of the multibillion dollar groups and conventions market.

Over the years Jamaica has lost several major conventions to Puerto Rico, The Bahamas and Mexico.

Horace Peterkin, president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA), said the tourism capital has come close to having a convention centre in the past, but that yesterday's announcement suggested it would finally come to fruition.

"We welcome the news and look forward to supporting the Government in developing the details of the facility," Mr. Peterkin said.

He added that his organisation would need to be involved in the development of the final concept and that he was looking forward to assisting the Government in marketing the facility for the benefit of the tourist industry.