Fishermen and offshore workers who lost their lives at sea will be forever remembered by a new Mariners� Memorial that was unveiled today in Grand Bank. The monument, designed by sculptor Luben Bokov and commissioned by the Grand Bank Heritage Society, was unveiled today at a ceremony attended by the Honourable Kathy Dunderdale, Minister of Natural Resources, on behalf of the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development.

"A monument such as this is a symbol to those who worked at sea and often did not come home. It is a tribute to the seafaring way of life and recognition of the hardship it sometimes created," said Minister Dunderdale. "This monument also commemorates the people left behind, particularly the wives and mothers who had to continue without their loved ones."

"For many years I have thought that given our history, our fishing industry, and our proximity to the ocean, we should have a monument to the people who have lost their lives at sea," said the Honourable Trevor Taylor, Minister of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development. "I am glad that we are now honouring these people who made their livelihoods from the sea."

The Provincial Government has contributed $250,000 to the memorial from its Regional Sectoral Diversification Fund and the Grand Bank Heritage Society has raised $400,000 in sponsorships from local business, residents, families and friends for the $1 million project.

The project was initiated in 2003 when the Grand Bank Heritage Society contracted with Fred Hann and Associates of St. John�s and Luben Bokov to produce a scale model of the sculpture and memorial garden.

"This bronze sculpture is of a life-sized woman gazing forever at a distant horizon and captures the loneliness of women left behind," says Frank Crews, chairperson for the Grand Bank Heritage Society. "This monument is a tribute to the wives and mothers who have to cope with sudden loss, as well as a record of those lost at sea."

The Grand Bank Heritage Society was formed in 1986 and its work includes the publication of history books, the inception of the Grand Bank Theatre Pageant, and the preservation of the architecture of Grand Bank. The memorial is designed to add to the attractions that bring visitors and tourists to this area.

The Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund is a $5 million fund of the Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development and a component of the province�s Comprehensive Regional Diversification Strategy. The fund provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.

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Media contact:
Clifford Grinling
Manager of Communications
Department of Innovation, Trade and Rural Development
709-729-7066
cgrinlin@gov.nl.ca