NI Conservatives’ spokesman, Trevor Ringland, has welcomed the announcement of National Heritage Memorial Fund funding, which will keep the World War 1 warship, HMS Caroline, in Belfast.
“It is great news that there is now money to restore this vessel, which played a central role in our naval history and has become an important part of the heritage of Belfast”, Trevor remarked. “It can offer another aspect to our tourism product, particularly with a location in the Titanic Quarter, close to the new signature building, the Odyssey Arena and Harland and Wolff’s Drawing Office”.
“I also think we have a great chance to use HMS Caroline to engage, train and bring together young people, at a time when work is scarce. Let us take the opportunities which the refurbishment and staffing of this vessel presents, to develop skills and provide jobs for unemployed young people. A coordinated approach by the executive and agencies can make this possible.”
“Yesterday David Cameron unveiled plans to remember the World War of 1914-1918, across the UK, and there was a particular focus on engaging young people and getting them to reflect upon the lessons of the past. HMS Caroline provides a well timed opportunity to bring an extra, practical dimension to this process, in Northern Ireland.”