Rasbert Turner, Portmore Star Writer

Portmore's Mayor George Lee said he welcomes small investments in Portmore as it helps to create employment and stability for the municipality.

He was speaking on Saturday at the official opening of the Raj Mall along Hellshire main road. The mall has 14 shops including the Rajmaville Gaming Lounge.

"It is a very unique thing and I hope you get the support it needs to be a success. Part of our problem is that in Portmore, we do not support business as we should," Lee said.

He added, however, that it would be part of his mandate to work for businesses to get full support in the municipality. "I have committed my office to the growth of the Portmore, so small investments like these are encouraging. They will complement business expansion such as Fort Agusta to be developed later this year by the Port Authority," Lee reasoned.

"I think this sort of establishment is in keeping with the standard the Betting, Gaming and Lotteries Commission seeks to achieve, with full-service operations such as these, with food, drinks, and other related services," Derek Peart, chairman of the BGLC, said.

Operator of the new gaming lounge, Linval Maragh, said the aim is to give persons a chance to enjoy themselves. "It is very important that patrons can come and feel totally at home by virtue of the splendid services we offer at Rajmaville Portmore," Maragh said.

A number of persons who occupy the 14 shops said the new facility has helped to improve the aesthetics of the area and provide employment for several persons.