No homecoming this year

Dear family and friends in Prince Edward Island,

I am heartbroken! It has become virtually impossible for our family to return home to P.E.I. this summer for our annual visit, which we have enjoyed for over half a century. In fact, this will be the first time for me, personally, in over 80 years, to experience the door so firmly slammed shut and gated.

We’ve been told that because we live and work in different parts of Canada, this disqualifies us from the free access and genuine welcome to “The Island” which since Confederation, at least, has always existed.

Two weeks ago, after the announcement of the P.E.I. government’s restriction and requirements for entrance to the province, I completed and submitted a detailed travel approval form, without, as yet any positive reply. I answered 28 questions, including the exact time and date I intended to arrive; as well as with multiple assurances that I must go directly to our property in Stanhope; and not leave that property for the next 14 days in pain of a severe fine and maybe deportation. Even though, our summer home is just 200 or 300 yards from the shore; no walking to the beach, during those two weeks, would be permitted or tolerated.

You can imagine our seven grandchildren, ages nine to 16, are even more distraught than their parents. Until now, they have never missed a single summer on P.E.I.

I have treasured for many years a Prince Edward Island penny from 1855. On one side is the declaration “Self Government and Free Trade”. It speaks to the confidence and pride among a people who looked outwardly to the world beyond. How sad, that in this instance, some

Islanders are feeling fear and a rejection, even of our own, to welcome back the ‘home comers’ and those who seek to experience what local radio station CFCY in Charlottetown constantly identified as “The friendly Voice of the Maritimes”.