BY GARTH STAPLES
GUEST OPINION
Central Colchester High School Class of 1958 Prophecy: “Outside a parade was passing by led by Garth Staples, new leader of the Conservative Opposition in Nova Scotia. Grayce Boyd was at the head of the parade promising more apples from the Valley if Garth got in power.”
I don’t have a chance of being leader of the PC Opposition but I can always promise and deliver more apples from the Valley. The opportunity to do so will take place after 49 years and 11 months on P.E.I. It is back to the Motherland -- destination “The Valley.”
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On Jan. 1, 1969 I drove a 1966 yellow Chrysler convertible from Nova Scotia to Charlottetown in a blinding snowstorm, barely able to see the now long-gone overhead sign at North River Road and Capital Dr., “Welcome to Charlottetown.”
In my pocket, a letter from the regional office of International Harvester Co. of Canada promising I would be transferred from P.E.I. at the end of two years. I had demanded it. I did not wish to come to P.E.I. for financial and political reasons.
After 49 years and 11 months there are many things to remember, funny things, sad things but most of all the thousands of people I have met, many to become great friends. The late Ed Hammill, the first Islander I met when checking into the Kirkwood Motel, was a fine gentleman and represented so many others as neighbours, business and government colleagues, community volunteers, students, instructors, politicians and church members.
All have contributed to my well-being and happiness, even though every time I left or returned I had to produce my “papers.” You see, I am still from “away.”
Within a few weeks I return to the “Motherland” and a wonderful part of it, “The Valley.”
I thank Islanders for their kindness, generosity and genuine goodness. You will be missed.
Sincerely.
- Garth E. Staples, Charlottetown, is a former P.E.I. deputy minister, tourism operator and businessman.
