LABOUR MINISTER AND PROMOTERS DIALOGUING

St. George’s, March 5, 2010 (GIS) – Concert promoters applying for work permits to bring artistes to perform in Grenada have been promised a 24-hour response to their application.

The guarantee was given Thursday by Labour Minister, Hon. Karl Hood, when he met with about 20 promoters at the Ministerial Complex in St. George’s.

The meeting came on the heels of the recent decision of the Labour Ministry to deny a work permit to Jamaican artiste, Mr. Vagas.

Hon. Hood said his ministry was interested in having a smooth and amicable relationship with promoters. He welcomed suggestions they offered during Thursday’s meeting.

“They did make some suggestions relative to the business of concert promotion. There were some other things that came out, such as the CSME and how that would impact on the movement of performers,’’ Minister Hood told the Government Information Service (GIS).

“What we have done is taken note of everything. We are planning to send a copy of the minutes of the meeting to all the promoters who were at the meeting, and also a copy of the policy framework that we are working on. So that when we come back next time , we can all discuss that again to concretise it, so that we’ll be all on the same page with what we are doing in terms of promotion of culture in our country.’’

Senator Arley Gill, the Junior Minister of Culture, and two representatives from the Ministry of Finance attended the meeting. Promoters expressed concerns about work permit fees, taxes as they relate to performers, and questioned a policy that limits the appearance of foreign artistes in Grenada on certain occasions, such as on the night of Independence.

Minister Hood said he’ll be working with Senator Gill to develop a policy, which will include a list of artistes whose work permit application is likely to be denied for one reason or another, such as lewd lyrics.

“I think there was understanding in terms of seeing how we both can work together,’’ Hon. Hood said. “The dialogue was very frank, very open and very straight forward, and that was good for all of us. We plan to have another meeting as we look at some other issues to get their feedback.’’

Minister Hood said he desired to see both sides working together with respect.