INTERNATIONAL MUSIC FESTIVAL COMING TO GRENADA

ST GEORGE'S, Grenada, Dec. 4, 2008 - Grenada will be hosting its first ever International Music Festival in 2009, Senator Arley Gill announced on Thursday.

He says planning for the first festival is now at an advanced stage, and promises that it will attract "quality acts'' for an event that will be "unique'' to the Eastern Caribbean and the world.

"It will be different to any other festivals in the region.  It will be cost effective and it will be a government and private sector initiative,'' Mr. Gill told journalist at a news conference.

The Junior Minister of Culture said the National Democratic Congress administration expects major economic benefits from the festival, in which Grenada will be marketed as an important tourist destination and its cultural industry will be showcased.

"We have already settled on the niche area that we want to embark upon,'' said Mr. Gill, who is also Minister of State for Youth Empowerment and Sports.

"We have settled on the time of year that we think is best for us to proceed with the festival.  We have done the market research, we believe we have spoken to the right persons and we are poised for take-off.''

Meanwhile, Senator Gill says the government is determined to see the local music and entertainment industry realise its full potential. In keeping with this commitment, the government  is organising what it labels as a "Creative Seminar on the Business of Music and Entertainment.''

 The seminar will be held this Saturday, December 6, 1 PM to 7 PM, at the National Stadium, St. George's.  It will be facilitated by five North American-based professionals, with many years experience in the entertainment business.  They are former Sony BMG executives Ivan Berry and Lisa Zbitnew, international promoter Jonathan Ramos, entertainment lawyer Miro Oballa and business manager Horace Madison.

Senator Gill said the five facilitators are coming to Grenada to share their experience, knowledge and know-how of the entertainment industry.  He has appealed for broad public participation in Saturday's event at the Stadium.

"What will be discussed at that seminar is far more than copyright,'' the Senator promised. "We are inviting corporations, representatives from media houses, producers of music, owners of nightclubs, singers, dancers, musicians and others in the entertainment industry to come out and to hear for themselves.''

Mr. Gill added: "We would like them to learn more about the entertainment industry as we embark upon developing what we refer to as one aspect of the alternative economy in Grenada.''