P.E.I.’s bearded skipper was the breakout star of a recent seafood expo in China.
Fisheries Minister Ron MacKinley gave an update in the P.E.I. legislature Wednesday about a recent P.E.I. seafood trade mission to China and ended up singing the praises of well-known North Rustico lobster fisherman Norman Peters.
Peters, who is known as the bearded skipper for his uncanny resemblance to the fictional Captain High Liner, was part of the trade mission. His singular look made the P.E.I. booth at the China expo quite the attraction.
“Word spread through the expo quickly that there was a bearded skipper in a captain’s hat from Prince Edward Island posing for pictures,” MacKinley said.
People were lined up almost out the door of the facility.
“For three full days, he tirelessly promoted Prince Edward Island. He was a big hit and his picture even appeared on the front page of the newspaper in Beijing,” MacKinley continued.
“Of all the people there, Norman Peters was front page — the bearded
skipper. He’s a great ambassador not only for P.E.I. but
also for the P.E.I. tourism industry.”
MacKinley said overall the mission was a success, as it provided local seafood exporters access to buyers from around the world.
“One company picked up business from as far away as Algeria,” MacKinley said.
Tens of thousands of dollars spent on a useless trip to China and all Ronnie can talk about is the self promotion of a Captain Highliner wannabe? I said it then and I say it now. Disgraceful! Lobster fishermen this fall had trouble selling their catch at the low price of $2.50 a pound. That isn't even close to break even figures. If you think dealing with the Americans is tough, wait till the Chinese get through with you.