ST. GEORGE'S, GRENADA, FEBRUARY 12, 2015, GOVERNMENT INFORMATION SERVICE (GIS): - Tourism officials in Grenada on Friday participated in a teleconference that examined the threat of the Zika virus on the Caribbean Tourism Sector and mitigating factors that can buffer the region’s tourism markets.

Led by Tourism Minister, Hon. Yolande Bain-Horsford, the Grenada team which included Mr. Rudy Grant- Chief Executive Officer of the Grenada Tourism Authority, Dr. George Mitchell - Chief Medical Officer and Information Officer Keville Frederick, made its presentation on Zika, Microcephaly and the benefits Private Public Partnership.

Dr. Mitchell who presented the latest report on Zika and Microcephaly and called for a uniformed approached and strategy to   lobby the United States based Center for Diseases Control and Prevention to review existing travel warnings, said it was  necessary and timely.

The meeting also heard of the Grenada experience in receiving endorsements and support from Geo. F Huggins,   leading cruise agent in Grenada and how it has positively impacted the work of the Ministry of Health.

Friday’s meeting was attended by Tourism Ministers, Chief Executive Officers, Commissioners, Consultants and Health personnel from around the Caribbean.

Minister Bain-Horsford was commended for her team’s participation and the positive strides the “Spiceisle” has made in the  fight against Zika thus far. 

With no confirmed case of the virus thus far, the Grenadian Tourism Minister endorsed the Ministry’s and stakeholders for putting the country’s interest first. She also called for a broader tourism-stakeholders meeting be held in Grenada.