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Seven years have elapsed since Fort Rocky in Port Royal was designated Jamaica's inaugural entertainment zone, and Minister of Entertainment Olivia 'Babsy' Grange is seeking to assure the public that it will soon be fully operational.

Grange said the ongoing developments in the area form part of a broader initiative aimed at transforming the historic town of Port Royal into a bustling entertainment hub.

"Work on the development of the Port Royal Entertainment Zone -- which includes Fort Rocky, the lighthouse, cruise ship pier, old naval hospital and Fort Charles -- is on track. We have completed much of the necessary work at Fort Rocky. We have done interior refurbishment, landscaping, some roadworks, erection of signage and fencing along the shoreline," the minister said.

Once an area in ruins, Fort Rocky now presents a harmonious fusion of history and nature, where weathered brick structures and remnants of the ancient fort seamlessly coexist with newly constructed brick walkways at the sandy beachfront venue. However, the facility requires more than a little TLC for it to be considered a world-class venue.

But Grange said that more work will be done there. She said the next phase of the development will see the creation of a guardhouse and the installation of toilet facilities and wash stations, among other infrastructure.

Fort Rocky, built by the British during World War II in an effort to prevent invasion from the Germans, offers a scenic view and perfect go-to site for several music videos and TV shoots and weddings. It is also used for entertainment events such as parties.

"Fort Rocky continues to be a popular location for film-makers. Scenes from the TV series Get Mille Black and several music videos have been shot there. It's also being used for all kinds of photography, including weddings and editorial," the minister said.

She disclosed that her ministry has received unsolicited proposals for the use of Fort Rocky. Those proposals are under consideration.

During her contribution to the Sectoral Debate in Parliament last year, Grange said her ministry was awaiting the completion of an environmental impact assessment, which would have a bearing on the entertainment activities that are allowed at Fort Rocky. Grange last week said her ministry has recently received the results of the study, which will be discuss it with the National Environment and Planning Agency .

Entertainment zones are areas in which any legal entertainment activities can be staged any time of day or night unhindered, as long as the organisers are mindful of the historical value of such sites. While fuelling the entertainment industry, these zones are expected to neutralise the problem of noise nuisance.

Earlier this month, Governor General Sir Patrick Allen announced that the Jamworld Entertainment Complex in Portmore, St Catherine, will be Jamaica's first 24-hour entertainment zone. This revelation was made during the Throne Speech at the ceremonial opening of Parliament.

Jamworld has been the home of popular stage show Sting for the past 20 years. Isaiah Laing, owner of Supreme Promotions and CEO of Sting, has been questioning what the Jamworld development could mean for his 40-year-old event.

"Sting addi only thing weh keep a Jamworld and keep Jamworld alive in the music industry fi di past 20 years. Supreme [Promotions] has been maintaining and doing everything for Jamworld, until di Government come in yah now. Suh mi waah know if dem a guh dash wi out and naah gi wi no part a di management team?" the concerned Laing questioned.

"I just, at least, want to know what's in it for me and Supreme, because I wrote to her [Minister Grange] and told her I want to be a part of the management team over there and I haven't gotten any response," Laing said.