Jamaica House to be 'constructed' in London

JAMAICA WILL be seeking to gain maximum exposure for its national brand at the London Olympics this summer.

Tourism and Entertainment Minister Dr Wykeham McNeill on Tuesday noted that the upcoming London Olympics would be the biggest event in the world, with more than four billion television viewers.

McNeill noted that much of the focus of the world would be placed on the country's athletes.

"Leading up to and into the games, just about every newspaper on Earth will provide coverage of the Olympics on the front, middle and back pages, and we can only speculate how many times the Jamaican team will be featured," McNeill said.

"We could not have an event like the Olympics in London, with the role Jamaica is expected to play, and not have a powerful presence there."

The minister told the House of Representatives that a venue would be established in the 02 Arena in London called Jamaica House during the time of the games.

"Jamaica House will showcase an exciting display of all things Jamaica, including our music, our food, our culture, our art and much more," McNeill said.

In the meantime, McNeill said the Jamaica Tourist Board, in collaboration with the London-based West India Committee, will be hosting a black-tie fund-raiser on August 13.

The event, to be held in the museum of London, is to be staged under the patronage of Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller.

"The proceeds from this event, which will have both athletes and dignitaries from all over the world, will go towards establishing a sports museum in Jamaica," McNeill said.