NLIS 7
September 14, 2001
(Executive Council)
 

Premier commends people of Gander area

On a visit to temporary shelters yesterday, Premier Roger Grimes commended the people of Gander for their extraordinary response to the needs of international travelers stranded in the area by the recent tragedy in the United States.

"I am moved by the tireless efforts of people of the Gander area," said Premier Grimes. "I have visited the temporary shelter at St. Paul's Intermediate School and the Community Centre, where supplies were dropped off and sorted, and I have to say these volunteers are a wonderful example of the kindness and strength of the people of this province."

Some 6,600 passengers from 38 flights arrived in Gander on Tuesday and were housed in temporary shelters while they awaited approval for flights to resume. People in the area worked diligently to ensure accommodations and meals were available when the travelers arrived. People from all over the Central Region, from Grand Falls -Windsor to Gambo to Twillingate, responded to the request for assistance and donated food and personal items to help stranded travelers. Although international flights have now resumed, many people are still in the area waiting for their final approval for departure.

"I spent some time talking to people from all over the world," said Premier Grimes. "They tell me it has been a long ordeal, a long wait, but, during this time of intense sadness and grief, the response of the people here in the Gander area has made everything more bearable. Like their counterparts across the province, these people have opened their hearts and their homes. I can assure you these efforts will not soon be forgotten.

"Many of these travellers have been here since events began to unfold on Tuesday," said Sandra Kelly, MHA-Gander. "They are understandably tired and concerned and want to be reunited with their families, but they don't complain. They are exceptionally responsive and grateful for the people of Gander, indeed for all the people of the Central Region, and I think that is an amazing commentary on the work that has been done here under the most demanding and tragic of circumstances. I am extremely proud of the people of my district and of the province."

Media contact: Janice Lockyer, Communications, (709) 729-5730.

2001 09 14                                        1:10 p.m.