NLIS 8
September 26, 2001
(Executive Council)

 

Premier Roger Grimes unveils an original Marconi kite in ceremony

Premier Roger Grimes unveiled an original Marconi kite in a formal ceremony this afternoon at the St. John�s Convention Centre, during the international Wireless Vision Congress being held in St. John�s.

Premier Grimes said that the Marconi kite has symbolic importance in wireless communications and technology history. "This kite is an important part of our province�s year-long celebrations commemorating the 100th anniversary of Guglielmo Marconi�s successful transmission of the first transatlantic wireless signal," he said. "This year, and today in particular, is a time to reflect on the revolution in wireless technologies over the past 100 years and to look forward to the wireless future. Newfoundland and Labrador played an important part in that revolution, and will play an important role in years to come."

Federal Industry Minister Brian Tobin; Tourism, Culture and Recreation Minister Kevin Aylward; and the president and CEO of the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications (CCMC), Ronald V. Newhook, also attended the unveiling ceremony today.

"On that windy day in December 1901 Marconi raised a kite high above Signal Hill and the aerial wire attached to it received the famous signal," said federal Industry Minister Brian Tobin. "The Marconi kite represents the evolution of wireless communications technology and it all started in Newfoundland and Labrador.�

The original box-kite unveiled today was discovered in a storage facility by its current owners, Montreal-based CMC Electronics, a company founded by Guglielmo Marconi, and formerly known as Canadian Marconi Company. The kite is on long-term loan to the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications.

"CCMC is pleased to support the Marconi celebrations," said Mr. Newhook. "We recognize the importance of this kite as a wireless communications symbol and celebrate this significant anniversary with the people of Newfoundland and Labrador."

The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development took possession of the kite under contract from the CCMC for the duration of the Receiving the World Celebrations. The Department of Industry, Trade and Rural Development contracted a local conservator to restore the kite.

"The Marconi kite is an important historical symbol, not only for Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, but for the entire world. The successful transmission of that first transatlantic wireless signal was a milestone in global communications history and it should be celebrated," said Beaton Tulk, Minister of Industry, Trade and Rural Development. "We recognize the significance of wireless technology on our past, present and future. We are pleased to support the kite restoration and presentation through the Receiving the World Celebrations and the Wireless Vision Congress."

Mr. Marconi used kites to communicate the first transatlantic wireless message on December 12, 1901, at Signal Hill, in St. John's, Newfoundland. While this box-kite is consistent with the designs of Hargrave and Cody, the original designer is unknown. The kite measures 11� feet high x 4� feet wide.

The restored Marconi kite will be on display during the remainder of the Wireless Vision Congress in the Side Hall at the St. John�s Convention Centre. After that, the kite will be displayed in the West Block lobby of Confederation Building for two weeks. It will then travel around the province as part of the Marconi Outreach Program until January 1, 2002. At that time, the department will return the kite to the Canadian Centre for Marine Communications.

The year-long Receiving the World Celebrations celebrate Newfoundland and Labrador as a prime tourism destination with a host of events designed around Marconi and his contribution to wireless communications history. In addition, the celebrations will focus attention on the world of information technology with a series of activities to highlight and explore advances in wireless technology, marine communications, and other areas of the information technology sector.

As a component of Receiving The World Celebrations, the Wireless Vision Congress is an industry-based international event that uses the Marconi achievement and the developments in wireless technologies over the last 100 years as a platform for investigating the future of wireless communications. It takes place from September 26-28 in St. John's. The congress will assemble international industry leaders, visionaries and all others who have a stake in shaping the future of wireless throughout the world to discuss the future impact wireless technologies will have in areas such as health care, education and the economy.

For more information see or www.gov.nl.ca/marconi or www.wirelessvision.nf.ca.

Media contact:

Carl Cooper, Communications
Premier�s Office
(709) 729-3564

Heidi Bonnell, Communications
Industry Canada
(613) 995-9001

Josephine Cheeseman, Communications
Industry, Trade and Rural Development
(709) 729-4570

2001 09 26                                      3:45 p.m. 


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