The group in Bonavista involved in keeping a replica of The Matthew in good shape – a replica of ship John Cabot used to discover Newfoundland – is disappointed that none of the $2.6 million allocated in the region for tourism purposes was given to them. Spokesman Dave Hiscock says the replica vessel, built and launched to much fanfare back in the late ’90’s, is rotting and in need of a million dollars to help preserve it. The ship wasn’t even put out in the water this year, which raises many questions about both the Government’s willingness to keep this part of our heritage alive and the local group’s ability to manage its upkeep.
