Ferry concerns

Figure of speech -

Well, it's been all over the news and I'm sure talked about in your very living rooms over the last week.

That's right, the replica of the Matthew that was built to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of John Cabot's landing in Newfoundland needs an estimated $750,000 in repairs.

The replica is considered an important tourist attraction for Bonavista and I'm all for preserving our history and keeping our traditions alive, but I have a problem with that much money being needed for one wooden ship.

Have you seen the ferries in this province?

I have travelled on several ferries from Little Bay Islands, Long Island to Fogo Island and Change Islands for business and pleasure and to be honest - they aren't pretty.

The ferries are continuously in need of repair and leave residents stranded or late for work on a regular basis.

I would not be able to understand the government's stance if they give the Matthew legacy committee the money it needs for the repairs. In my opinion, the ship should be taken out of the water, where the most damage is being done, and housed either inside a facility or near the location to be adored by tourists on land. Problem solved!

I wouldn't have an issue with it, except the ship just sits there for tourists to look at four months of the year - when the ferries in the province shuttle residents and thousands of tourists every year to outports on beautiful islands throughout the entire province.

Some of the most wonderful scenery I have seen and people I have met have been after a journey on a ferry in this province. When it comes to water transportation and tourism - I'm sure the $750,000 could be put to better use.

I have travelled on several ferries from Little Bay Islands, Long Island to Fogo Island and Change Islands for business and pleasure and to be honest - they aren't pretty.