Questions have been raised about the statue of Gaspar Corte-Real, placed across from the Confederation Building in St. John's. (Ferne Williams)As statues of slavers and historic figures of dubious morality are toppled around the world, many in Newfoundland and Labrador have been eyeing the statue of Portuguese explorer Gaspar Corte-Real. One of the most prominent statues in St. John's, it stands near the Confederation Building on Prince Philip Drive. However, according to York University professor Gilberto Fernandes, the history of the statue is even more controversial than critics suspect. During an official visit in 1963, the Portuguese ambassador suggested a Corte-Real statue to celebrate the connection between that country and Newfoundland.

Source: CBC News June 14, 2020 08:26 UTC