NEW YORK, USA: Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr. Keith Mitchell on Monday became the first Caribbean leader to ring the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange. The opening bell, which is one of the more familiar features of the NYSE, signals the start of the trading day at the world's largest equities marketplace, which is home to 2,800 companies. It is estimated that 130-million people worldwide view the opening and closing bell ceremonies daily. Dr. Mitchell is optimistic that this level of international exposure will help spur investor interest. Grenada has experienced significant economic growth during recent years and this growth compares favorably to that experienced by other Caribbean territories. Following this historic event, Dr. Mitchell, accompanied by other members of the visiting Grenada delegation met with a group of about twenty business people who are interested in pursuing investment opportunities in Grenada. With tourism being one of the main engines of growth for the Grenadian economy, the Prime Minister underscored the need for the construction of new hotels and an overall enhancement of the tourism product. Telecommunications also represents a growing area of interest as attempts are made to further liberalize that sector, which is only now emerging from a Cable and Wireless monopoly. Minister of State responsible for Business and Private Sector Development, Senator Einstein Louison noted that while these initial meetings are significant, the work that is done in the aftermath is of paramount importance. The other members of the Grenada delegation are Foreign Affairs Minister, Elvin Nimrod, Manager of the Grenada Industrial Development Corporation, Sonia Roden, President of the Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce, Christopher De Allie, and Public relations Officer, Terrence Forrester. Grenada's Permanent representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Lamuel Stanisclaus and Ambassador to the United States, Denis Antoine were also present. The visit by the Grenada delegation to New York was organized by the Lugano Group Incorporated, which is a financial advisory group, working to enhance investment in the Caribbean. Company President, Harold Doley III worked in collaboration with Carlisle Paul, a Grenadian national living in New York for the past 16-years. Paul is the only Caribbean elected delegate in the Carpenters Union. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com