Transport in de north.

WE finely got to sit down with some people from WST and the Woodward Group to discuss transport issues on the coast, to Nain specifically [see CKOK radio briefs below]. The meeting took place on Tuesday 13, one three hour session in the afternoon and another session in the evening.
I was only at the afternoon session; my self and a delegate from Nunatsiavut were the only presenters. I understand only two presenters at the evening session as well.
What we lacked in numbers we made up in passion and knowledge of the issues that effect our every day lives.
We did not get to mention we need a new terminal building at the airstrip, as these pictures show it is an embarrassment, not to mention an inconvenience for the outgoing passengers and the staff of the airlines. You should see it when freight is all over the floor and people are trying to check in. In going passengers do not have to enter the building, unless to use the bathrooms, if they are not frozen up, or out of order for other reasons.

Picture #1 is of the check in area/freight storage area. #2 is of waiting area. #3 is of bathrooms. #4 is of smoking room. # 5 is part of the ramp area, the fuel tanks are behind the Deere.

I will write further on the meeting in a later post. The sun is out and so am I.

CKOK radio briefs: 1:59 PM
Transportation Concerns

The meeting to discuss operational issues on marine and air transport finally took place.
Representatives from the Department of Transport and the Woodward Group of Companies arrived in Nain yesterday and held two sessions with concerned citizens.
Issues of concern varied from mechanical breakdowns of the vessels to the quality of food on the Northern Ranger.
One of the most discussed issues was the “food by mail subsidy” program.
No representatives from the program were present.
Residents were concerned that the businesses were subsidized for the goods but the savings weren’t being passed on to the consumers.
And a request was made that the program be in place all year round and not have a cut-off date.
A point was also made that the shipping costs for dry and chilled goods be more equitable.
It was raised that wholesalers were shipping the two together to save on shipping costs.
A lot of discussion also took place regarding manifests and weigh bills on freight.
It was pointed out that the information on the manifest is incorrect quite often leaving business’ owners and residents out in the cold waiting for items that weren’t even there.
The representative from Woodward’s, Dennis White said he’ll look into the issue.
A number of issues with the Northern Ranger were also brought up.
They varied from the numerous breakdowns last summer to the quality of the cafeteria food.
And for the sake of tourism and passengers these problems need to be addressed.
Another issue brought to the attention of the representatives was the shipping of freight through Cartwright.
It was said that when freight originated from Lewisporte the business owners had better shipping costs so was the choice and quality of goods.
It was also recommended that a freight vessel originate from Lewisport to ports to Nain.
As of now a vehicle is treated as freight and much too expensive to ship.
The government representative said these points will be reported to the Minister, who will come at a later time to meet with residents.