Editor;
Each day I fail to hear an announcement the third provincial government ferry vessel will be constructed at the Kiewit Offshore facility in Marystown, is another day I fear our provincial government is content to wait, on helping to ensure the survival of the rich and important history of shipbuilding, and allow it to die a slow death in Marystown.
The first boats built in the area may have been modelled from Basque fishermen’s vessels, and during the 1840s the construction of schooner-rigged crafts of 20-30 tons, then other types of ships including draggers and tugs.
Ship construction is a specialized craft and it has been said some of the best boats and ships, including vessels for our offshore oil and gas industry, were built in Marystown.
It has also been said many of the best boat and shipbuilders in the world have worked and are still working in Marystown, and are very capable of passing their skills on to another generation of shipbuilders.
Kiewit and the provincial government has to ensure this important part of our heritage and culture remains intact by agreeing to construct all of the required ferry vessels for our NL government at the Marystown facilities.
It would mean a huge loss to the local economy if shipbuilding on the Burin Peninsula disappeared.
Newfoundland and Labrador must have its own provincial shipbuilding policy and Marystown must continue to be a major player.
Everett Farwell,
Burin
.jpg)
.jpg)
.jpg)
Don , one of the reasons you had so much hard luck in achieveing your dreams back here is the overall apathy of the "Fighting newfoundlanders" here. In reality, the Government makes decisions on where best to put their money and Marystown is just not able to benefit most from projects. I agree, the people there don't care beyond getting their stamps.So many historic events that they (Everett)are mourning over but not the business sense to act on rallying for what He/they , say is important. Is it history,culture,economical benefit,...........future. Having said that and being social minded like yourself, the oil sands may be something we don't agree on...other than paying you deservingly good wages, I've gleened it is a bit of an environmental concern....all the very best to you and your family back here!