Dear Editor,
Lost and lonely, cold and scared, feelings most can’t associate with, unless it actually happened to you, or heard it in stories, or imagined it in day dreams of how hard it must be. But one thing is for certain; we all see and feel the need for political interaction and action, with regard to Search and Rescue improvements (not reduction) here in Labrador.
Newfoundland and Labrador, especially the Big Land, is a unique area of Canada which, without a doubt, has its own need for services such as Search and Rescue. But here we are, living with the reality that decisions about our safety and security are being made by people who have never been here or experienced what we all experience and live on a daily basis.
Just imagine how the people of Ottawa would feel if a citizen of Labrador (who has never been in that city) made decisions to cut-back or close fire departments in that city. It’s the same thing which happens in regard to bureaucrats cancelling or cutting back search and rescue here. It would not be tolerated anywhere else, so we can’t ever let it happen here again.
As Burton was looking for home, he did not give up and he pushed on with courage. I can just imagine how happy he would have been if he seen the lights of rescuers coming to take him home. So let’s use this type of determination and courage to continue the struggle to ensure that we do get adequate Search and Rescue facilities (in Labrador). So that a tragedy like this does never happen again. Lets do this with memories and thoughts of Burton, (a friend, Brother, Son, Grand Son, student and fellow Labradorian).
Sam Ford
