For their contribution to Island economy

ABRAM-VILLAGE – Nov. 4, 2016 – Feeling that fishermen have not been sufficiently recognized for their immense contribution to the provincial economy in recent decades, the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of commerce of PEI (CCAFLIPE) is organizing a special bilingual luncheon to honour them this fall.

“Our Francophone Pioneer Fishermen’s Luncheon aims to recognize the efforts of all French-speaking fishermen and fishermen’s helpers who are 50 years of age and older and who have at least 20 years of experience at sea,” explains Chamber spokesman Martin Marcoux. “It makes no difference whether they’re still active, retired or in another career; we want them to participate!”

The luncheon is slated for Tuesday, Nov. 29, at 11:30 a.m. at the Acadian Musical Village (Centre Expo-Festival) in Abram-Village. The event kicks off with a bit of music; a bar service will be available. Each participating fisherman and guest will get a salad, some mussels, some delicious seafood chowder and dessert, all free of charge. The fishermen will then receive a beautiful certificate of recognition. A few brief speeches will praise the fishermen’s efforts.

“We are therefore asking all French-speaking fishermen and fishermen’s helpers who meet the criteria to contact us to register for the free luncheon before Nov. 24,” adds Marcoux. “We are also asking them to provide us with a few brief details about their fishing career, such as the number of years they fished and the species they fished.”

The Chamber would also appreciate borrowing or taking a picture of each fisherman that will be honoured for inclusion in a PowerPoint presentation to be shown during the luncheon.

“For those who can’t attend the luncheon, we can still send them a certificate of recognition,” said Marcoux. “They still have to contact us to let us know they would like to receive one.”

To register, contact Amy Richard at (902) 854-3439, Ext. 233, or at amy@rdeeipe.org.

TICKETS FOR PUBLIC

Other family members or people from the public wishing to attend are also welcomed. Tickets, at $25 each, will be sold until Oct. 24; all those who are interested may contact Amy Richard.

This luncheon is being organized jointly with RDÉE Prince Edward Island and the Wellington Rural Action Centre. Several major sponsors are helping to cover the costs; confirmed sponsors are The Department of Agriculture and Fisheries, Mermaid Marine Products, Acadian Supreme and Arsenault’s Fish Mart.

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CUTLINE: Fiddling fisherman Norman Arsenault, left, and his father, retired fisherman-guitar player Amand Arsenault, right, will entertain those who attend the Pioneer Francophone Fishermen’s Luncheon Tuesday, Nov. 29, at the Acadian Musical Village in Abram-Village. Raymond J. Arsenault, coordinator of the Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI, recently met with them to discuss this fishermen’s celebration.

 

For more information, please contact:
Raymond J. Arsenault
Coordinator
Acadian and Francophone Chamber of Commerce of PEI
(902) 854-3439, Ext. 231
raymond@rdeeipe.org