Trinidad Government Minister is special Spicemas Guest

Featured Article - by Lincoln Toro Depradine
August 5th, 2011

Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism has pledged to continue doing his utmost to assist the government and people of Grenada.

"Anything I can do within my capability, I will do for Grenada," Winston Peters said Friday morning shortly arriving in Grenada as a guest of the government on the occasion of Spicemas 2011.

Senator Arley Gill and T&T Minister of Arts and Multiculturalism, Winston Peters

Peters, known as entertainer Gypsy, is a former Trinidad and Tobago Calypso Monarch who has visited and performed in Grenada on numerous occasions.

Senator Arley Gill, Grenada’s Minister with responsibility for Culture, has worked closely with Peters in the build up to this year’s Spicemas.

He said Minister Peters has been instrumental in providing Grenada with marketing and material assistance, including the loan of bleachers that have been erected on the Port Highway and on the Carenage so that spectators can sit and view the parade of bands on August 8 and 9.

"It’s a tribute to Grenada’s carnival to have an eminent Caribbean Icon like Winston Gypsy Peter visiting with us as a special guest of honour for carnival," Sen. Gill said. "His assistance and his ideas are helping us to move our carnival to a different level and to enhance our carnival profile."

(left – right) are Sen. Arley Gill, Minister Winston Peters, Ambassador Gillian Bristol and Ambassador Moshe Marco Sermoneta

During a welcome at the VIP lounge at Maurice Bishop International Airport, Peters was met by Sen. Gill. He was also introduced to Grenada’s Ambassador to Washington, Gillian Bristol, and the non-resident Israeli Ambassador to Grenada, Moshe Marco Sermoneta, who both were waiting to catch flights out of the island.

Peters said he has always had an affinity to Grenada, where his grandparents were born.

"My ties to Grenada are more than superficial," he said. "I have always had great relations with Grenada, and the relationship between Senator Gill and Me are very good."