Welsh First Minister’s St. David's Day Message
The Right Honourable Rhodri Morgan, First Minister for Wales, released the following message in honour of St. David’s Day on March 1.
“On behalf of the people of Wales I am delighted to send you our best wishes for St. David's Day 2005.
“As we celebrate our Patron Saint's Day we should not forget the hundreds and thousands suffering in countries around the Indian Ocean because of the December 26 tsunami. I am immensely proud of the generous response of the people of Wales to that tragedy, and of all the fund-raising activities that have taken place, from the wonderful mega-concert at the Millennium Stadium to the hundreds of local events the length and breadth of Wales.
“It is also a time to reflect on a momentous period for Wales and the Welsh people. In November last year we saw the opening of the Wales Millennium Centre, a 100 million pound multi-purpose centre for the performing arts which stands as a tribute to Wales' new-found confidence. It sends out a clear message to the world that Wales stands boldly at the cutting edge of artistic excellence and innovation in design.
“That is not just in contemporary music, dance and opera. Wales is making a massive contribution to the production of the A380, the world's largest civil airliner, with all the giant super-critical wings for the aircraft being made at the Airbus factory in Broughton, North Wales, the UK's largest manufacturing complex.
“The strength and diversity of the aerospace sector in Wales is further evidenced by the selection of the GE Aircraft Engine Services plant at Nantgarw, South Wales as the first designated overhaul facility for the A380's engines.
“Later this year, next to the Wales Millennium Centre, another landmark building, the permanent home for the National Assembly for Wales will open. Using traditional Welsh materials and designed to provide a model of sustainable construction, it is perhaps fitting that this symbol of devolution in Wales will open in the year when the capital city, Cardiff, is celebrating its centenary as a city, and also its 50th anniversary as capital of Wales. Swansea will also see the opening of the new National Industrial and Maritime Museum, which will tell the true story of Wales, the world's first industrial nation.
“It is not surprising an increasing number of tourists, investors, students and media VIPs are coming to Wales to see at first hand the tremendous changes going on in our country. Visits by representatives of overseas governments are coming to in ever-increasing numbers to find out for themselves about the strides we are making since devolution. Wales nearly always exceeds their expectations. Gradually but steadily Wales is ceasing to be Europe's best-kept secret.
“As part of our own arrangements to mark St. David's Day this year we are organizing a number of events overseas, including Brussels, New York and Dubai. In London we will host an event for the overseas diplomatic corps and journalists to encourage more to visit Wales and see how we are turning our vision for the future into a reality. But we would also encourage your help in spreading the word about Wales and all it has to offer.
“I wish you a happy St David's Day. Dydd Gwyl Dewi hapus a llwyddianus dros ben I chi gyd.”
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