St. George’s, July 4, 2011 – Grenada’s cultural and tourism officials have branded the recent promotional visit to Trinidad as “highly successful.’’

Representatives from the Grenada Board of Tourism and the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association were part of the delegation that included Tourism Minister Peter David and Senator Arley Gill, Minister with responsibility for Information, Information & Communication Technology, and Culture.

Among the highlights of the visit was the launch of Spicemas at the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It was the third overseas launch of Grenada’s 2011 carnival, with similar events previously held in London, England, and Toronto, Canada.

“The Trinidad launch was fantastic. It was highly successful,’’ said Sen. Gill, who held talks with Winston Peters, Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism in the Trinidad & Tobago government.

Sen. Gill said he also was able to follow up on issues discussed a few months ago with Mr. Peters, who is known in the calypso world as “Gypsy.’’

He said Mr. Peters is expected to visit Grenada for next month’s carnival celebrations.

Sen. Gill said Trinidad has also confirmed that it will be providing Grenada will collapsible bleachers from where spectators can sit and view the street parade on Carnival Monday and Tuesday, August 8 and 9.

Trinidad Guardian writer, Bobie-lee Dixon, reported on the visit in an article titled, “Grenada, T&T foster cultural exchange.’’

“Besides a few hiccups during the course of the programme’s proceedings,’’ Dixon writes, “the Mini Trade Show and Launch of Grenada Spicemas was what can be described as the region moving into the direction of one Caribbean. Held at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Port-of-Spain, the event chaired by the Grenadian Tourism Board’s public relations officer, Edwin Frank, showcased through verbal description and information, slide shows and even performances, why Grenada is classified as the “Spice of the Caribbean.” And why it is also regarded as one of the regions beloved tourist destinations.’’

Dixon described the activity as “part of a series of promotional events introduced by the Grenada Board of Tourism, in collaboration with the Grenada Hotels’ Association, to promote the culture of Grenada and to foster cultural exchange and travel between Grenada and T&T and the rest of the region. The launch was attended by representatives of numerous travel agencies, hoteliers and airline services, including Caribbean Airlines and LIAT. All pledged to work together to promote travel to the Spice Island, and by extension, the region.

“Also patronising the event were Arts and Multiculturalism Minister, Winston “Gypsy” Peters; calypsonian Brother Valentino; comedian Paul Keens Douglas; mas band leader, Michael “Big Mike” Antoine; soca artiste Iwer George; and a contingent of Ministers from Grenada, including the Minister of Culture, Senator Arley Gill, Minister for Tourism and Civil Aviation, Peter David; and executive director of the Grenada Hotel and Tourism Association, Pansy Cross.’’

Minister David, said Dixon, spoke of Grenada’s affection for Trinidad & Tobago.

“This is our third visit to T&T in the last two months, where we have stressed the importance Grenada places on T&T when it comes to tourism,’’ David is quoted as saying.

“We have observed that 50 percent of our CARICOM arrivals are from T&T. That is why we will continue to promote Grenada to T&T, which some of us Grenadians also regard as our second home.’’

Further, said Dixon, David expressed Grenada’s indebtedness to Trinidad for the overwhelming support it received in building back after Grenada was hit by Hurricane Ivan in 2004.

“We have also observed that between January to May, Caribbean Airlines has gained a 21 percent increase in flights en route—T&T to Grenada. So we know there is a large market in T&T for Grenada,’’ David said.

“Grenada is the ideal destination for vacationers, honeymooners or even for those wanting a romantic getaway. Our beaches, historical sites, restaurants, food, festivities, and even the warmth of the Grenadian people, are our greatest attractions. We want to keep Grenada as the number one tourist destination in the Caribbean; therefore, we are especially grateful to all who have partnered with us in our series of promotional events, welcoming all to the ‘Spice of the Caribbean’—Grenada.”

Live entertainment for the T&T Spicemas launch at the Hyatt Regency was provided by TCL Group Skiffle Bunch Steel Orchestra, the Royal Grenada Police Force Band and various Grenadian soca artistes, including Brother B and Tallpree.