Statement by the Ministry of Tourism

on the matter of Gay visitors to Grenada

The Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation, Culture and the Performing Arts, views with concern, the recent negative and adverse reactions being promoted in some sections of the media, on the impending visits of homosexual visitors to our island.

Equally of concern are the negative reports which have now appeared in the foreign press, stating that Grenada has barred gay cruises from docking in our island. As a result of this erroneous information, our tourism offices and embassies abroad have been bombarded with queries and concerns being expressed by prospective visitors.

Grenada is a member of the United Nations community and is party to the various Conventions on the respect for and preservation of human rights and non-discrimination. As such Grenada respects the rights of all persons of all persuasions and lifestyles and has not, as reported, made any attempt to turn away these visitors from our country. The Ministry of Tourism welcomes all visitors to Grenada.

The laws of Grenada prohibit the open display of intimate and indecent acts in public, and these laws are directed at all persons and do not in any way target any specific group. We will take the necessary measures to ensure that our laws are not broken by any individuals whether locals or visitors.

We are conscious that the majority of our people have not been exposed to or have had any encounters with the gay lifestyle and as such we will embark on an awareness programme to sensitize our people to alternative ways of life.

The Ministry wishes to make it clear that the cruise lines which regularly visit Grenada and are scheduled to do so during this cruise season, are important to the sustaining of our Tourism sector and to our people on the whole and as such we will continue to welcome them and will work along with the lines and all other stakeholders, including our population to ensure that their time on our island would be a positive experience for all.

Ministry of Tourism, Civil Aviation,

Culture and the Performing Arts.

6^th December 2007