BRUSSELS, Belgium, March 31, 2009 - Senator Arley Gill , Minister of State in the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sports and Culture arrived in Brussels on Tuesday to attend the European Union Sponsored International Colloquium on Culture. The theme of the event, “Culture and Creativity vectors for Development”; takes place between April 1st – 3rd. The Colloquium is expected to discuss a number of key issues including. Culture and national policies; Culture and decentralized cooperation; Financing of cultural development; Cultural policies and access to markets and Creative management of cultural heritage Senator Gill will be meeting with other Ministers of Culture from African Caribbean and Pacific States, while in Brussels at the margins of the Colloquium. Senator Gill was met on arrival at Brussels National Airport by Charge d’Affaires, Samuel Orgias. Later in the afternoon, Senator Gill met with Grenada’s Ambassador to the European Union, Stephen Fletcher and his staff at the Embassy. In addressing the staff, Minister Gill highlighted the Minister of the Foreign Affairs support for the Embassy in Brussels, and highlighted the importance of the Embassy in mobilizing international assistance for Grenada in light of the difficult global economic situation. Senator Gill wished the staff success in their undertakings. In response Ambassador Fletcher welcomed Senator Gill to Brussels, and expressed his satisfaction with Grenada’s participation at the Colloquium. He reiterated his personal commitment and that of the staff in promoting the best of what Grenada has to offer, and to mobilize resources for the development of Grenada, Carriacou & Petit Martinique. Senator Gill departs from Brussels on Saturday April 4th, to London where he will meet with key Grenadian cultural practitioners to finalize plans for the launch of Grenada’s Carnival in London in early May. This is in keeping with the Ministry’s strategic effort to internationalize Grenada’s carnival. FROM: Embassy of Grenada (Brussels Mission)