NLIS 2 June 27, 2006 (Innovation, Trade and Rural Development) Festival
of the Sea 2006 celebrates The
Irish Loop and Avalon Gateway Regional Economic Development Boards (REDBs),
in partnership with the Ireland Business Partnerships (IBP) and with
support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), will host
the second annual Festival of the Sea, Preliminary
details of the festival were announced at a news conference this
morning. Clyde Jackman,
Minister of Environment and Conservation; Fabian Manning, MP for Avalon,
Pat Curran, Executive Director of the Irish Loop Development Board; and
Calvin Manning, Executive Director of the Avalon Gateway Regional
Economic Development Corporation; joined with community representatives
of the southern Avalon for the announcement. �The
Festival of the Sea provides a prime opportunity to exchange ideas on
social and economic development issues between �This festival will provide an opportunity to
celebrate the Irish culture and influence in "We
are very impressed by the high level of interest here in traveling to The
Ireland Newfoundland Partnership (INP) is the Irish government's
equivalent to the IBP and a significant Festival of the Sea partner. Its
sponsorship will allow almost 50 Irish community leaders, scholars and
entertainers to participate in the 2006 event. �The
Festival of the Sea represents a unique partnership among regions and
communities on the southern Avalon,� said Festival co-chairperson Pat
Curran. �The festival will
build on our shared heritage and strengthen relations with one
another.� Co-chairperson
Calvin Manning agreed, saying �The festival enables us to link our
regions in an ongoing way with Festival
highlights include forums and discussions on community development, A
key objective of the Festival of the Sea is to explore common interests,
opportunities and challenges to living in coastal communities in times
of change. Issues around
sustainable community development are a main focus, with both provincial
and Irish community leaders placing great emphasis on discussing various
challenges and opportunities for economic development in their
communities. There is also a
strong cultural component to the festival, drawing visitors through a
series of readings, storytelling, and traditional song and dance. The
festival alternates each year between The
festival will be held in various locations across the southern Avalon
including communities such as Ferryland, Renews, Trepassey, St.
Mary�s, St. Bride�s, Cuslett and The
IBP is contributing $60,000 toward the festival, with ACOA providing
$50,000 in assistance. The
mandate of IBP is to assist provincial companies and organizations
interested in developing economic, cultural and educational
opportunities with Media
contact: Lynn Evans, Innovation, Trade and Rural Development, (709)
729-4570, 690-6290 2006
06 27
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