Minister for Carriacou and Petite Martinique Affairs, Senator the Hon. George Prime, has congratulated members of the Carriacou Historical Society for their work in the preservation of the island's cultural heritage. The heritage of any country is important and crucial, Minister Prime said in remarks delivered at the Historical Society's annual general meeting. The Society was formed 35 years ago and its responsibilities include overseeing and running a museum in Carriacou. Senator Prime promised to maintain a close working relationship with the Society, for whom he was instrumental in securing a government subvention of $20, 000. It was the first cash contribution of its kind from government in the history of the Society. The efforts of Mr. Prime in obtaining government's help for the group didn't go unnoticed or unappreciated. Patricia John expressed the gratitude of the Historical Society to Senator Prime, who is Leader of Government Business in the Upper House of Parliament. Ms. John was elected second vice-president at the Society's AGM. She had just completed three years as president. The newly elected president is Stephen Alexander, with Cosnel McIntosh as first vice-president. Among the goals of the new executive will be increasing visitor numbers to the museum. There was a slight drop in numbers in 2008, but members of the Historical Society are confident of achieving an upward trend this year. The Society has received assistance from the Grenada Cooperative Bank and plans on attracting greater numbers of visitors by improving the aesthetic of the museum's surroundings. From Deanna Isaac Public Relations Officer, Ministry of Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs INSIDE GRENADA NEWS