Bay de Verde was the scene of a local tragedy that had far-reaching effects on Monday. People in the Newfoundland town on the north-east coast of the island, watched as the fish processing plant burned to the ground, just as the work was ramping up for the season.
The plant was the main employer of as a many as 700 residents including 44 foreign workers form Thailand. The Quinlan Brothers, who owned the plant have vowed to re-build the operation, “bigger and better”.
“To see this ruins, it had to break his heart.”
The company is trying to employ workers at other plants, and has promised to take the usual catch into its plants.
Today about 100 people from Bay de Verde attended an inter-denominational prayer service. Firefighters were given a standing ovation as they crowded into the church.
The service was dedicated to all the volunteers who responded while the fire raged.
The other cause for celebration was the news that no one was injured in the fire.
People have faith in the company. Quinlan Brothers founder Pat Quinlan, now 86, visited Bay de Verde today and said he’s committed to the town that was his mother’s home.
“Do anyone honestly know how much this has hit Quinlan Brothers? I mean, they are devastated,” local Betty Layman told CBC. “This little town had a plant that Mr. Quinlan built in 1954.”
“To see this ruins, it had to break his heart.”
For reasons beyond our control, and for an undetermined period of time, our comment section is now closed. However, our social networks remain open to your contributions.