The following is being distributed at the request of His Honour, the Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador:

Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recipients to be invested on September 8

The Honourable Edward Roberts, Lieutenant Governor of Newfoundland and Labrador, today announced the date of the investiture ceremony for the first members of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. Edgar Baird, Gary Graham, Paul Johnson, Joanne MacDonald, Susan Patten, Linda Peckford, Henry Shouse, Dr. Otto Tucker and Dr. James Tuck will be formally inducted into the Order at a ceremony at Government House in St. John�s on September 8. Mr. Roberts is the Order�s Chancellor.

"It will be a great pleasure to bring these deserving individuals together at Government House in September and to bestow this honour upon them," said Mr. Roberts. "These men and women personify all that makes us proud to call ourselves Newfoundlanders and Labradorians. With their chosen guests looking on, these men and women will be granted the highest accolade that our province has to offer."

Premier Danny Williams said a benchmark has been established for all residents of the province and he looks forward to this prestigious event in September. "These individuals are exemplary role models for both the young and old alike in Newfoundland and Labrador," said the Premier. "I will be honoured to be in the presence of such outstanding people, and I eagerly anticipate witnessing their investiture."

In June 2004, nine individuals from various regions of the province were appointed as Members of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador. Chosen from more than100 nominations received from all over the province during the initial year of the Order, these individuals were selected for their demonstrated excellence and achievement in fields of endeavour which benefit Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents in an outstanding manner.

Nominations for the second induction into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador may be made until November 30, 2004, and will remain active for a three-year period.

Media contact: Melony O�Neill, Communications, (709) 729-0557

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