Premier announces new appointment

Premier Roger Grimes has announced the latest appointment to the Premier�s Council on Social Development.

Dr. Hillary Rodrigues, a dentist and owner of the Markland Cottage Winery in Whitbourne, joins other members on the council that advises government on implementation of the Strategic Social Plan (SSP) and other social policy issues.

"The SSP stresses that social and economic development are linked, and Dr. Rodrigues certainly brings that perspective to the table," said Premier Grimes. "He has a wealth of diverse experiences not only as a successful businessman, but also as someone who is very active in his community."

Born in Tanzania and educated in England, Dr. Rodrigues moved to Newfoundland and Labrador in the early 1970s to practice dentistry in Whitbourne, where he also founded the province�s first winery and distillery. The Markland Cottage Winery sells its award-winning products across North America and Japan.

Dr. Rodrigues� community work includes serving as a municipal councilor, a deputy mayor and mayor of the town of Whitbourne. He has served as a chair for Community Futures, and for the Community Advisory Committee�s Green Plan.

"I strongly believe that we all have a role to play if we want to make a difference in the social and economic well-being of this province," says Dr. Rodrigues. "I thank Premier Grimes for inviting me to sit on the council, and I certainly look forward to joining other members around the table to talk about the issues that impact the well-being of our citizens."

The Premier�s Council on Social Development was created in 1998 as an advisory group on the Strategic Social Plan, and other social policy issues. Members are appointed based on the their expertise in social development issues and the diverse points of view that they bring to the table.

New council members are appointed to three year terms and meet four times a year.

"We look forward to welcoming Dr. Rodrigues to our group," said Dr. Phil Warren, chair of the Premier�s Council. "As a businessman who is active in the community, he brings an interesting dynamic to the table that will help us emphasize the links between social and economic development as we move ahead with the Strategic Social Plan."

"The council represents an important partnership between government and community, and that is a central theme in the SSP," said Gerald Smith, Minister of Health and Community Services and lead minister for the Strategic Social Plan. "It�s great to have Dr. Rodrigues join the energetic, diverse group of people we have on the council."

Media contact: Marcia Porter, Communications, 729-0175.

2002 09 26                                        8:55 a.m.