Support Commemorates Titanic Moment in Newfoundland and Labrador’s History
The Provincial Government is contributing $203,267 to Cape Race-Portugal Cove South Heritage Inc. to support initiatives commemorating the 100-year anniversary of the sinking of the R.M.S Titanic.
The Honourable Keith Hutchings, Minister of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, announced the Provincial Government’s investment while attending the unveiling of a new Titanic exhibit at the Myrick Wireless Interpretive Centre in Cape Race. He was joined at the event by the Honourable Derrick Dalley, Minister of Tourism, Culture and Recreation, and the Honourable Terry French, Minister of Environment and Conservation.
“This year, the eyes of the world will once again be focused on Newfoundland and Labrador,” said Minister Hutchings. “This project will highlight the important role Cape Race played in the early days of wireless communications and, most notably, the events surrounding the sinking of the Titanic. The increased international media attention and visitor traffic generated from these activities will have a significant and long-lasting economic impact on local businesses, especially those in the hospitality sector.”
On April 14, 1912, the Marconi Wireless Station at Cape Race was the only land-based location to receive Titanic’s distress signal. In the hours after the tragedy the station was integral in the coordinated rescue effort and in relaying news of the sinking to the world.
Cape Race-Portugal Cove South Heritage Inc., a non-profit organization, was established in 1998 with a mandate to preserve, protect, develop and promote the natural, historic and cultural resources of the areas from Portugal Cove South to Cape Race. It will use the funding for a range of initiatives including the expansion and enhancement of the wireless station at Cape Race; marketing and promotional activities; staff training, and support for commemoration activities and events at Cape Race scheduled for April 14-15.
“This project has enabled us to enhance the tourism product at the Cape Race site and provide a high quality tourism experience for the visitor,” said Gertie Molloy, Chairperson, Cape Race-Portugal Cove South Heritage Inc. “We now have a top notch exhibit where visitors can experience the Cape Race connection to the Titanic. The commemoration events planned for April are attracting attention worldwide, creating more awareness about Cape Race and the Edge of Avalon. This will attract more visitors to our area and the province.”
This initiative was funded through the Regional/Sectoral Diversification Fund. This program, through Budget 2011 Standing Strong: For Prosperity. For Our Future. For Newfoundland and Labrador, has $5 million available for investment. Administered by the Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development, the program provides non-repayable contributions to economic development agencies for initiatives that address regional and sectoral development and diversification.
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Media contacts:
Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Innovation, Business and Rural Development 709-729-4570, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
Gertie Molloy Cape Race-PCS Heritage Inc. Portugal Cove South 709-438-1100 |
2012 04 10 1:20 p.m.