Pembrokeshire is on the threshold of one of the most exciting eras in its history and today First Minister Mark Drakeford openly embraced the concept during his visit to Milford Haven.
Speaking to the Pembrokeshire Herald against the sunfilled backdrop of the Milford Haven Waterway, the First Minister stressed that future government investment is imperative in ensuring that Pembrokeshire secures a strong foothold in future international growth following its recent success in the Celtic Freeport bid.
“The bid came through very strongly from both Milford Haven and Port Talbot and the implications that it is going to have on these areas are going to be considerable,” he said.
“But it’s essential that sufficient investment is now made to ensure that the industries grow. And just as the world begins to understand that it can’t rely on fossil fuels, Pembrokeshire is blessed with such fantastic natural resources which can be utilised not just for Wales, but for the whole world.”
Earlier in the day Mr Drakeford had visited Pembrokeshire College where he visited the new engineering facility which has cost between £7m and £8m to establish.
“And the wonderful thing about this facility is the fact that it’s equipped with the most modern, up-to-date equipment to teach young people the most advanced engineering skills that are needed,” said Mr Drakeford.
“There’s a shortage everywhere of people with engineering skills, so this new facility is going to make a huge difference, particularly with the Celtic Freeport development.
“As soon as young people walk into that building, they will feel inspired by what they see and this is what’s so important for our future.”
The First Minister also spent some time in the Ty Hotel where he met staff and savoured some of the delicacies prepared by head chef Simon Crockford using only the choicest local produce from Pembrokeshire. This includes dulce, which is an edible seaweed found along the Pembrokeshire coastline.
“I’ve spent many holidays staying not very far from here, as I have done since I was a child, so it’s surprising that I’ve never heard of dulce,” he told Simon Crockford during his lunchtime tasting.
“And now that I’ve tasted it, it’s really delicious.”
Since first opening its doors in April 2022, the Ty Hotel has prided itself on providing employment to local people who all live within a ten mile radius of the venue on the Milford Haven waterside.
