Their Royal Highnesses, the Prince of Wales and
Duchess of Cornwall are in the historic Town of Cupids
today, where they will tour the John Guy Plantation
archaeological site; visit the location of the new
Cupids Legacy Centre; get an overview of a new
geothermal heating system at Cupids United Church, and
help unveil a commemorative plaque recognizing the
investment of the Society of Merchant Venturers � an
organization which exists to this day � in the original
1610 colony established at Cupids.
The Royal Couple is being joined by Stephen
Harper, Prime Minister of Canada; the Honourable Danny
Williams, Premier of Newfoundland and Labrador, the
Honourable Tom Hedderson, MHA for Harbour Main; Roy
Dawe, Chair, Cupids400 Inc., among other dignitaries and
special guests.
"In 2010, the Town of Cupids will celebrate the 400th
anniversary of the founding of Cuper�s Cove, the first
English settlement established in what is today Canada,"
said Premier Williams. "I am delighted that Their Royal
Highnesses could be here today to witness first-hand the
incredible historical relevance of this community. Their
visit has brought national and international attention
to the significance of Cupids, which will no doubt
encourage visitors from around the country and the
world, to join us in celebrating Cupids400 events next
year."
The Provincial Government has committed $3.8 million
to date for the Cupids400 anniversary celebrations,
which will include the opening of the Cupids Legacy
Centre, performances of 17th century English
music, theatre and dance; historical re-enactments,
guided tours, family-themed activities, community meals,
family reunions and evening soirees. The events will
culminate in a week of cultural activities August 17-22,
2010, and are projected to inject $15 million into the
provincial economy and provide long-term tourism-related
benefits to the town and region.
"We could hardly have asked for a better means by
which to draw national and international attention to
the Cupids anniversary than through a visit by their
Royal Highnesses," said Minister Hedderson. "There are
media representatives here from throughout the country
and around the world, and we are very pleased that the
Cupids400 event in 2010 has received this kind of
attention."
The Royal Couple will also be in neighbouring Brigus
this afternoon, where they will be greeted by the
Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism, Culture
and Recreation. Their Royal Highnesses will tour a
number of heritage sites, including Hawthorne Cottage,
the family home of renowned Arctic explorer Captain
Robert A. ("Captain Bob") Bartlett, whose life and
accomplishments are being recognized this year through
Celebrating Bartlett 2009, a series of activities
highlighting the 100th anniversary of his
involvement in the celebrated Robert Peary expedition to
the North Pole.
"The Town of Brigus is recognized as a leader in
heritage preservation, a subject which is of particular
interest to the Prince of Wales, and we are honoured to
have this opportunity to welcome him and the Duchess of
Cornwall to this historic, picturesque community," said
Minister Jackman.
A complete itinerary of the Royal Couple�s visit to
Newfoundland and Labrador can be viewed at
www.gov.nl.ca/royalvisit. For more information on the
Cupids400 celebrations, visit: www.cupids400.com .
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