MV Veteran: New Fogo Island-Change Islands ferry gets a name
The new $50-million vessel that will begin serving the Fogo Island-Change Islands ferry service later this year finally has a name: MV Veteran.
The vessel will also pay tribute to four notable women and men from Fogo Island and Change Islands, with the observation deck named in honour of A. R. Scammell, and the passenger lounges named after Capt. Fred Chaffey, Capt. Patrick Miller and Margaret Cobb.
Newfoundland and Labrador government leaders announced the name during a ceremony on Fogo Island Friday morning.
Premier Paul Davis said recent acts of violence in Canada are "reminders of the valiancy" of Canadians who wear a uniform and serve their country.
"Their sacrifices, as well as the sacrifices of our veterans, have left an indelible mark on our society, and for that we must be forever grateful," said Davis.
The MV Veteran is one of two identical vessels being built at a shipyard in Romania. It is scheduled to arrive in September.
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A second vessel will serve the Bell Island run, and will arrive less than year from now.
The vessels are expected to dramatically increase the quality of service to residents and businesses.
Squid Jiggin' Ground composer honoured
Arthur Reginald. Scammell was born on Change Islands in 1913, and was a prominent member of the province's arts community. He is a recipient of the Order of Canada, and composed the song Squid Jiggin' Ground.
Captains Fred Chaffey and Patrick Miller both operated a ferry service that connected Change Islands and Fogo Island to mainland Newfoundland for many years, while Margaret Cobb was a well-known nurse on Fogo Island.
"It is appropriate that we celebrate the tremendous contributions of four notable women and men from the region which will benefit from this new ferry," said Transportation and Works Minister David Brazil.
The new ferry is an 80-metre ice-class vessel with the capacity to carry up to 200 passengers and 60 vehicles.