The following statement was given today in the House of Assembly by the Honourable Gerry Byrne, Minister of Fisheries and Land Resources:

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of two members of my department.

Fish and Wildlife Enforcement Officer Mark Gillam and Superintendent Barry White were recently nominated for the 2018 Peace Officer of the Year award. This award, presented annually by Newfoundland and Labrador Crimestoppers, recognizes the successes of recipients both on the job and in their respective communities.

I congratulate Mr. Gillam on his nomination and I applaud Mr. White for being named the 2018 Peace Officer of the Year.

Mr. White was not able to be here in the House of Assembly this afternoon, and is instead involved in training that will further benefit the residents of Newfoundland and Labrador.

Mr. Speaker, Barry White was born and raised in Millertown and is a second generation Wildlife Enforcement Officer. Over the past 25 years, Superintendent White has worked as an officer in Cartwright, Carmanville, Gander, and, most recently, in St. John’s, where he has been the Regional Superintendent since April, 2011.

Superintendent White is heavily involved in a number of community groups in St. John’s and surrounding areas, including the Law Enforcement Torch Run, Special Olympics NL, Paradise Grasshoppers, NL Police and Peace Officer Memorial, Uniformed Services Gala, Gender Equity Committee (though the Department of Justice and Public Safety), and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards. He is also a coach of female Under 12 soccer.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask my honourable colleagues to join me in recognizing and congratulating Superintendent White for his dedication to the wildlife of our province and the social wellbeing of our communities. It is because of people like Barry White that our province will continue to flourish in years to come.

Thank you.