Transportation and Works
November 12, 2014
Paying Tribute to History through New Infrastructure
Provincial Government Names the New Bell Island Ferry
To commemorate the role of Newfoundlanders and Labradorians in global conflicts, the new ferry that will service Bell Island will be named the MV Legionnaire with the observation deck and the two passenger lounges honouring the contributions of four notable Bell Islanders – Harry Hibbs, David Nish Jackman, and Tom Fitzgerald Senior and Tom Fitzgerald Junior (Big Tom).
The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works, made the announcement at a Remembrance Day Ceremony yesterday at the Royal Canadian Legion on Bell Island.
“Newfoundlanders and Labradorians appreciate memorials and symbols that pay tribute to sacrifices made by the many women and men who have so gallantly served their countries. With 2014 marking the 100th anniversary of World War I, the naming of the new ferry to salute those who serve is timely. We must always remember, celebrate and honour their contributions to society, during past wars and in conflicts around the world today. With every trip it makes across the Bell Island Tickle, the MV Legionnaire will serve as a reminder of the bravery of all who serve.”
- The Honourable David Brazil, Minister of Transportation and Works
On the MV Legionnaire, the observation deck will be called the Harry Hibbs Observation Deck, while the two passenger lounges will be called the David Nish Jackman Lounge and the Tom Fitzgeralds’ Lounge – Senior and Big Tom. Information on the individuals being honoured is outlined in the enclosed backgrounder. The new ferry will arrive in Newfoundland and Labrador in February 2016.
“As the local MHA, I appreciate the well-earned reputations of Harry Hibbs, David Nish Jackman, Tom Fitzgerald Senior and his son Tom on Bell Island and throughout the province. It is important to us as a government to celebrate their accomplishments and create a connection between the new ferry and the community it will serve.”
- Minister Brazil
Recognizing the contributions of those individuals that represented Newfoundland and Labrador in global conflicts reinforces the pillars outlined in Honour 100, which was launched in 2013 and commemorates the centennial anniversaries of the First World War through to 2018. Honour 100 is organized into five pillars – anniversaries, education, legacy, outreach, and research and development.
QUICK FACTS
- The new ferry which will service Bell Island has been named the MV Legionnaire.
- Parts of the vessel have been dedicated to local residents who positively impacted their community and served as ambassadors to Bell Island: Harry Hibbs Observation Deck, David Nish Jackman Passenger Lounge, and the Tom Fitzgeralds’ Passenger Lounge.
- The new vessel will arrive in the province in February 2016.
- The new Fogo Island and Change Islands ferry will be named in the coming weeks.
- The new ferries will be 14 knot, 80-metre ice-class vessels with roll-on, roll-off capability and a capacity to carry 200 passengers and 60 vehicles.
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Media contact:
| Scott Barfoot Director of Communications Department of Transportation and Works 709-729-3015, 690-6290 scottbarfoot@gov.nl.ca |
BACKGROUNDER
Names Selected for the New Ferry, as well as its Observation Deck and Passenger Decks
Dating back to 1926, legions have played prominent roles in communities throughout Newfoundland and Labrador and across Canada. Legion members, known as legionnaires, support, promote, and celebrate those that have served our country in global conflicts.
The observation deck of the MV Legionnaire is being named the Harry Hibbs Observation Deck in honour of the Bell Island-born musician and performer who recorded 26 albums, several of which went gold.
One passenger lounge is being named the David Nish Jackman Passenger Lounge. Mr. Jackman was the first MHA from Bell Island elected after Confederation and was president of the miner’s union on Bell Island for almost 30 years.
Another passenger lounge is being named Tom Fitzgeralds’ Lounge – Senior and Big Tom in honour of Tom Fitzgerald Senior, a 40-year public servant and the first Bell Islander to serve as manager of the Bell Island Ferry Service, and his son, Tom Fitzgerald Junior, commonly known as ‘Big Tom’, who was a well-admired radio host who hailed from Bell Island.
2014 11 12 9:20 a.m.