The Provincial Government will contribute $50,000 to
support a series of celebratory activities and events to mark historic
milestones in the Trinity Bay North-Port Union region this year.
The Honourable Clyde Jackman, Minister of Tourism,
Culture and Recreation, made the announcement Friday, May 30, at a
symposium in Port Union celebrating William Coaker and the 100th
anniversary of the founding of the Fishermen�s Protective Union (FPU).
The two-day event featured a series of lectures and discussions, and was
the kick-off to more than 20 events planned to take place through to
December 2008.
Minister Jackman said the funding, allocated through
Budget 2008, is being provided to a partnership composed of the William
F. Coaker Heritage Foundation, Rising Tide Threate and The Trinity
Historical Society, know as the CRT Partnership.
"These three organizations will work together to
celebrate several historic milestone anniversaries � the 100th
anniversary of the FPU; the 30th anniversary of Rising Tide
Theatre; and the 175th anniversary of the election of Trinity
merchant John Bingley Garland as the first Speaker of the House of
Assembly," Minister Jackman said. "The Provincial Government recognizes
the significance of these events to Newfoundland and Labrador�s heritage
and culture and the importance of highlighting these anniversaries in a
meaningful way."
Edith Samson of the William F. Coaker Heritage
Foundation said activities will include exhibits, school programs, a
gala event, a fall symposium, and a number of interpretive performances
by Rising Tide Theatre in Port Union.
"This is a significant year for celebration, but the
programming created through the CRT Partnership is intended to form a
model for activities that will continue in future years," Ms. Samson
said. "The events not only celebrate the milestones of the area, but
will also provide significant lasting contributions to tourism and
heritage in our region, and to the province as a whole."
Minister Jackman said that the CRT Partnership has the
potential to contribute to the economic development and sustainability
of the region by attracting additional resident and non-resident
visitation.
"We anticipate these added attractions � which will
run throughout the summer and fall
