News

Partnership to advance oceans and economic development in Holyrood
Monday, February 3, 2014

L-R (Back Row):Robert Coombs, Darrell O'Neil, Rosena Norman, Chad Butt, Barry Snow, Kim Ghaney, Roger Myette, Sadie King, George Penney,Christine Snow, Jim Joy, Captain Jan Negrijn. (Front Row): Kevin Clarke, Glenn Blackwood, Mayor Gary Goobie, Gus Hawco, Gary Corbett, Robert Bauer

The Fisheries and Marine Institute (MI) of Memorial University of Newfoundland has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Town of Holyrood to provide a framework for advancement of oceans-related education, training, applied research and economic development.

“Our partnership with the Town of Holyrood will enable us to guide future ocean experts by creating and supporting rewarding opportunities for students, researchers and companies,” said Glenn Blackwood, vice-president, Memorial University (Marine Institute). “This collaboration will channel passion and enthusiasm of students, researchers and entrepreneurs toward the future of the ocean and its value to communities within Newfoundland and Labrador.”

The new five year agreement will drive cooperation and creative solutions to economic and sustainable development challenges facing the Town of Holyrood and surrounding area. It will also focus activities on education, research, scholarly initiatives to build oceans knowledge base and outreach to address the growth of a local and regional ocean economy.

“This partnership with the Marine Institute will provide Holyrood the opportunity to engage local and international industry experts, to develop a targeted marketing and public relations strategy and position the town to grow this ocean industry,” said Mayor Gary Goobie. “It is an exciting time for Holyrood and our residents can be assured that the town is ready to take its place provincially, nationally and internationally in this industry as an energetic, progressive and sustainable community.”

Through combined expertise, MI and the Town of Holyrood will foster closer relationships with ocean industry and explore opportunities for expansion of collaborative agreements within Newfoundland and Labrador, Canada and internationally.

“The Town of Holyrood is delighted to solidify its commitment to our partnership with the Marine Institute and reinforce our vision statement to be a proud and inclusive community striving to maintain our natural beauty and eager to prosper as a community of practice for ocean technology and strategic investment,” said Mayor Gary Goobie. “We work closely with the Marine Institute as they have seeded the opportunity for Holyrood to venture out into this exciting new voyage. We plan to ensure that Holyrood is prepared to meet the needs of this industry, thus obtaining maximum long term benefits for the future of our town.”

MI’s Holyrood Marine Base has been supporting applied research, education and training in the areas of ocean technology and offshore safety since its establishment in 2010.

The Town of Holyrood’s Oceans Holyrood Initiative is designed to foster, enable and accelerate an oceans industries community of practice in the Holyrood region.