Premier Danny Williams today paid tribute to Scott Chafe, the senior legislative reporter with Steele Communications, who, as a journalist, covered all nine premiers of Newfoundland and Labrador and every major development during a career spanning more than four decades.

"Scott�s legacy as a journalist and a legislative reporter in this province is unsurpassed. For more than 40 years, on all the major issues of his time, Scott perfected the skill of condensing complex topics and lengthy debates in a few well-chosen sentences that conveyed to the people of the province the heart of the issue. Known and respected by politicians on all sides of the House, he was always fair � and he was always there, even at times when the House sat into the late hours of the night, ready to bring all the news to listeners throughout the province who came to rely on his reporting to keep them in touch with the happenings in their House and their government.

"Some people may not realize this, but Scott�s work as a reporter was instrumental in helping us achieve the Atlantic Accord in 2005. He captured on tape and reported the statement by then-Prime Minister Paul Martin promising Newfoundland and Labrador that we would be able to retain 100 per cent of our revenues from the development of our offshore oil and gas resources. It was this quote that we used during tough negotiations to secure an agreement that would finally make Newfoundland and Labrador the principal beneficiary of our offshore oil and gas resources. It was a monumental feat of reporting that has had immeasurable benefits for the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, and it will always be a key part of Scott�s legacy as a journalist.

"He was a great reporter and a wonderful human being. He set the bar high for those who follow him and he will certainly be missed. On behalf of all Newfoundlanders and Labradorians, I send sincere and heartfelt condolences to his wife Barb, his son Brian and his entire family."

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2007 05 23                                                  9:05 a.m.