AUGUST 2016 Island well placed for post-Brexit journey · AUGUST 2016 Island well placed for...
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AUGUST 2016 Island well placed for post-Brexit journey T he Isle of Man will draw on the strength of its external relationships to protect its position in the wake of the referendum vote for the United Kingdom to leave the European Union. The outcome means the Isle of Man will have to seek a replacement for its Protocol 3 relationship with the EU, which allows free trade in manufactured goods and agricultural products. Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE commented: ‘The Brexit vote is the start of a journey into the unknown for both the UK and the Isle of Man. ‘Fortunately the Island is well prepared for this journey and our reputation and relationships externally are stronger than ever before. We have built up a network of contacts in London and Brussels, in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and with our fellow Crown Dependencies of Jersey and Guernsey. ‘We will need to draw on the strength of these relationships and work hard to maintain them, while remaining relentlessly vigilant in the defence of our Island’s national interests.’ The Chief Minister added: ‘Much will depend on what new economic arrangement the UK can negotiate with the EU, and how the Isle of Man as a Crown Dependency can fit into that framework. ‘We will have to stay very close to the negotiations to ensure that the Island’s needs are known and protected.’ Funding provided by the Isle of Man has supported a campaign to eradicate a form of preventable blindness in one of the world’s poorest countries. The lives of thousands of people have been transformed thanks to a partnership between the International Development Committee of the Council of Ministers (IDC) and UK-based charity Sightsavers. Financial assistance from the IDC has funded vital surgeries, medical supplies, improved sanitation and a programme of community education to tackle blinding trachoma in Guinea Bissau, West Africa. The bacterial infection is spread by flies or via contact with an infected person’s hands or clothing. Years of repeated infection scar the inside of the eyelid so severely that it turns inward and the lashes rub on the eyeball, scratching it and damaging the cornea. Trachoma affects mainly women and children in hot, dry and dusty areas where there is poor sanitation and a lack of water. The £278,000 grant aid provided over three years by the IDC has funded more than 4,700 surgeries, scaled up the mass distribution of antibiotic drugs and led to an improvement in the availability of safe drinking water. Funding helps thousands of families in Guinea Bissau
Transcript of AUGUST 2016 Island well placed for post-Brexit journey · AUGUST 2016 Island well placed for...
AUGUST 2016
Island well placed forpost-Brexit journeyT
he Isle of Man will drawon the strength of itsexternal relationships
to protect its position in thewake of the referendum votefor the United Kingdom toleave the European Union.
The outcome means the Isle ofMan will have to seek a replacementfor its Protocol 3 relationship with theEU, which allows free trade inmanufactured goods and agriculturalproducts.
Chief Minister Allan Bell CBEcommented: ‘The Brexit vote is thestart of a journey into the unknownfor both the UK and the Isle of Man.
‘Fortunately the Island is wellprepared for this journey and ourreputation and relationshipsexternally are stronger than everbefore. We have built up a networkof contacts in London and Brussels,in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, andwith our fellow Crown Dependenciesof Jersey and Guernsey.
‘We will need to draw on thestrength of these relationships andwork hard to maintain them, whileremaining relentlessly vigilant in thedefence of our Island’s nationalinterests.’
The Chief Minister added:‘Much will depend on what neweconomic arrangement the UKcan negotiate with the EU, andhow the Isle of Man as a CrownDependency can fit into thatframework.
‘We will have to stay very closeto the negotiations to ensure thatthe Island’s needs are known andprotected.’
Funding provided by the Isle of Man hassupported a campaign to eradicate aform of preventable blindness in one ofthe world’s poorest countries.
The lives of thousands of people havebeen transformed thanks to a partnershipbetween the International DevelopmentCommittee of the Council of Ministers(IDC) and UK-based charity Sightsavers.
Financial assistance fromthe IDC has funded vitalsurgeries, medicalsupplies, improvedsanitation and aprogramme ofcommunity educationto tackle blindingtrachoma in Guinea
Bissau, WestAfrica.
The bacterial infection isspread by flies or via contact
with an infected person’shands or clothing. Years of
repeated infection scar the inside ofthe eyelid so severely that it turns
inward and the lashes rub on theeyeball, scratching it and damaging thecornea.
Trachoma affects mainlywomen and children in
hot, dry and dustyareas wherethere is poorsanitation anda lack of water.The £278,000grant aid
provided over threeyears by the IDC has
funded more than4,700 surgeries, scaledup the massdistribution of antibioticdrugs and led to animprovement in theavailability of safedrinking water.
Funding helpsthousands of
families in
Guinea Bissau
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The Isle of Man is situated in the middle of the Irish Seaat the centre of the British Isles. It is 33 miles (53km)long and 13 miles (22km) wide at its broadest point,with a resident population of 84,497.
The Island has a distinct cultural and political identity.It is not, and never has been, a part of the UnitedKingdom. Nor is it part of the European Union, with whichit has a special and limited relationship allowing for freetrade in agricultural and manufactured products.
The Isle of Man is a self-governing British CrownDependency with its own government and laws, madein Tynwald, which was founded more than 1,000 yearsago and is the world’s oldest continuous parliament.
It is the policy of the Isle of Man Government to beboth economically competitive and internationallyresponsible in supporting the interests of its people.
More information about the Isle of ManGovernment can be found at www.gov.im
in fact
Agreement paves way for cooperation with China’s ‘Silicon Valley’
MOU strengthensrelations with China
Political leaders discuss EU referendum outcomeChief Minister Allan Bell CBE recentlyjoined leaders from around the British Islesto discuss the outcome of the referendumon the UK’s membership of the EU.
The Extraordinary Summit of theBritish-Irish Council (BIC) was held inCardiff to consider key issues in the wakeof the Brexit vote, including the economyand trade, Common Travel Area and futurerelations with Europe.
The meeting reflected on the potentialimplications for each memberadministration, as well as the impact onthe Council as a whole. Leaders alsoreiterated their commitment to the BIC asa way of maintaining strong relationships
between the sovereign governments,devolved administrations and crowndependencies during this period ofuncertainty.
Mr Bell said: ‘It is vital for the Isle ofMan to stay as close as possible todevelopments following the vote for theUK to leave the EU. We are in unchartedwaters and the Island must draw on thestrength of its external relationships toprotect its position as the implications ofBrexit become clearer.
‘Events have been unfolding rapidlyand we have witnessed dramatic changesto Britain’s political and economiclandscape.
‘The Extraordinary BIC Summitprovided an opportunity for memberadministrations to take stock and todiscuss our common priorities.’
The Chief Minister took his place at theSummit alongside delegations headed byFirst Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales),Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Ireland), Secretaryof State for Wales Alun Cairns, andSecretary of State for Northern IrelandJames Brokenshire (UK), First MinisterArlene Foster and deputy First MinisterMartin McGuinness (Northern Ireland),First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Scotland),Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey) and ChiefMinister Gavin St Pier (Guernsey).
The Isle of ManGovernment hassigned a
Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MOU)with the ZhongguancunBoya MultimediaCreative and InnovationPark (ZBMCIP).
In 1988 ZBMCIP becamethe first high-tech industrialdevelopment zone authorisedby the Chinese State Council.Today it occupies 95 hectaresand, along with neighbouringsister parks, is known as the‘Silicon Valley’ of China.
Economic DevelopmentMinister Laurence Skelly said:‘This is another important stepforward in solidifying ourrelationship with China and itsregions. ZBMCIP has morethan 1,000 high-techcompanies in internet, mobilecommunication, e-pay,animation and games.
‘The MOU gives us theopportunity to work togetherfor the long term to introduceour businesses in our
respective regions and providewider commercial opportunitiesto engage.’
Under the terms of theagreement, ZBMCIP willpromote the Isle of Man intheir region as a base forcompanies seeking to expandinto the West, as well as assistany Isle of Man companieslooking for joint ventures or toestablish themselves in China.
In return, the Isle of ManGovernment will helpcompanies from Zhongguancunwishing to locate to the Islandand take advantage of ouradvanced e-business and ICTcommunications infrastructure.
IMPORTANT STEP: Economic Development MinisterLaurence Skelly signs the agreement with Director of theZBMCIP Ms Zhang Wenning
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Isle of Man welcomes drivetowards global standards
Chief Minister announcesretirement from politics
Chief Minister Allan Bell CBEhas announced hisretirement from politics.
Mr Bell has been a member of the Isleof Man’s parliament for 32 years and hisextensive Ministerial experience hasincluded responsibility for Tourism andLeisure, Industry, Home Affairs, Treasuryand Economic Development.
He has served as Chief Minister for thelast five years and will remain in thatposition until his successor is elected byTynwald this October.
Mr Bell commented: ‘It has been aprivilege to serve the people of the Isle ofMan, and to have played a part in theIsland’s economic and social achievementsover the past three decades.
‘But we are entering a new chapter inthe Island’s story and it seems the righttime to hand over to the next generationof national politicians. Working through theimplications of Brexit, in particular, will bea long journey that is best started bypoliticians who are at an earlier stage intheir career.’ ““
We are now in our fourth decade of continuouseconomic growth, which is a remarkableachievement during such challenging times.
— Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE
He added: ‘The Island is now stronglyplaced to face the challenges of the future.I have always been a passionate believerin developing the economy because somuch else depends upon it. We are now inthe fourth decade of continuous economicgrowth, a remarkable achievement for anycountry but even more so when it hasbeen maintained through the fiscal andfinancial constraints of recent years.’
Alongside its economic success, said MrBell, the Island had gained an enhancedreputation around the world for itsengagement and leadership oninternational regulatory issues. Itsrelationships with other governmentsacross the world are more positive andconstructive than ever before.
Chief Minister Allan Bell joined politicalleaders from around the world at the anti-corruption summit hosted by the UKGovernment.
Mr Bell expressed his expectation thatall nations, including the largesteconomies, would support the drivetowards achieving greater internationalcooperation and adopting global standardsin the fight against corruption.
The Isle of Man this year became thefirst British Crown Dependency to committo an initiative on automatic exchange ofcompany beneficial ownership information:a move spearheaded by the UK, Germany,Italy, France and Spain.
The Chief Minister explained: ‘If we areever to defeat corruption, every nation
needs to sign up. We need action, not finewords.
‘In our commitment to be at theforefront of the drive against corruptionand money laundering, we are showingthat international business centres like theIsle of Man are part of the solution to suchglobal challenges, not part of the problem.
‘As a hub for international business andfinance, we want to see effectivemeasures in place to protect the health ofthe global economy against the contagionof corruption and other financial crime.
‘We are determined to protect thereputation and integrity of our owneconomy by making sure that the Isle ofMan is not a place where criminals can finda welcome.’
Success for Manxcompanies at topeGaming awards
A number of Isle of Man e-Gamingcompanies were winners at theprestigious awards ceremony hosted byeGaming Review Magazine (EGR).
Alfred Cannan, the political memberwith responsibility for e-Gaming in theDepartment of Economic Developmentsaid: ‘This is reward for the hard workand success of our e-Gaming sector.The awards recognise the achievementsof some of the biggest names in e-Gaming and it’s fantastic to see the Isleof Man so well represented.
‘The e-Gaming sector continues togrow on the Isle of Man, with four newlicences approved this year and more inthe pipeline. Our dedication toencouraging a supportive and business-friendly environment is paramount inthe continued growth of the industry.’
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Same-sex marriage law a‘truly historic moment’
New legislation also allows opposite sex couples to enter into civil partnerships
Anew law allowing same-sexmarriage in the Isle of Mancame into effect in July
following the announcement ofRoyal Assent to the legislation.
Final implementation of the Marriageand Civil Partnership Amendment Act waswelcomed by Chief Minister Allan Bell CBEwho described the move as an ‘historicmoment’ for the Island.
The Act enables same-sex couples tomarry either in a civil ceremony, in a
register office or approved premises, or inreligious premises (except those of theChurch of England) subject to theagreement of the religious organisation inquestion.
The legislation also makes the Isle ofMan the first place in the British Isles toallow opposite sex couples to enter intocivil partnerships as an alternative tomarriage. Civil partnerships have beenavailable to same sex couples in the Isle ofMan since 2011.
Mr Bell commented: ‘Recognition ofmarriage for same-sex couples in Manxlaw is a truly historic moment, showingjust how far the Island has travelled overthe past 30 years.
‘It sends out a clear message that theIsle of Man today is a modern, open andinclusive society where equal rights arerespected. I believe that the values offairness and tolerance reflected in thislegislation are shared by the overwhelmingmajority of our population.’
The UK committee of UNESCO’s Man andthe Biosphere Programme were taken on atour of Legislative Buildings by thenPresident of Tynwald Clare Christian OBE(pictured above right) during a visit to theIsle of Man.
After the Isle of Man was admitted tothe World Network of Biosphere Reservesin the spring, it was chosen to host the UK
committee’s biannual meeting in June.
Richard Ronan, Minister forEnvironment, Food and Agriculture, hosteda dinner in the guests’ honour and theyenjoyed a tour of the Island.
The Island is the only entire jurisdictionto belong to the World Network. Admissionrecognises it is a ‘special place for peopleand nature’.
Island hosts UNESCO visitISLEXPO helps topromote £50m
enterprise scheme
More than 1,000 delegates attendedISLEXPO 2016 hosted by the Isle ofMan Government.
The event was opened by Sir ChrisHoy MBE (pictured) and the Island’sEconomic Development MinisterLaurence Skelly who said: ‘ISLEXPO2016 was a fantastic event and a realfirst for the Isle of Man. It was theperfect platform to promote furtherawareness of our £50million EnterpriseDevelopment Scheme.’
The free one-day conferenceincludedinteractive digitalworkshops with
Google, talksfrom DaleMurray CBE,Alex Hunterand JimMellon andpaneldiscussionswith
industryexperts.
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Crime at lowestlevel since 1970
Isle of Man remains one of safest places in British Isles
The number of crimesrecorded in the Isle of Manhas fallen below 2,000 for
the first time in more than 45years.
End-of-year statistics released by theIsle of Man Constabulary show the overalllevel of crime decreased by 14% during2015-16, compared with the previous year.
A total of 1,968 crimes were recordedfor the 12 months from 1 April 2015 to 31March 2016, representing a 10% dropagainst the average for the past threeyears and a substantial decrease since theyear 2000 when more than 6,000 crimeswere reported.
The 2015-16 statistics also highlight anoverall detection rate of 49.6%, up by 6%
from the previous year, while confidence inthe Isle of Man Constabulary remains high,with the results of an independentlyverified survey revealing a publicsatisfaction rating of 89%.
Home Affairs Minister Juan Wattersonhas welcomed confirmation of furtherevidence to support the Isle of Man’sreputation as the safest place to live in theBritish Isles. He also praised theeffectiveness of the Isle of ManConstabulary in continuing to combatcrime against a backdrop of budgetconstraint and evolving demand.
He said: ‘Driving down recorded crimeto a level last witnessed in 1970 is aremarkable achievement and strengthensthe view that the Island is a safe place tolive, work and visit.’
A pair of silvery gibbons has arrived at theCurraghs Wildlife Park, which has beenchosen to participate in a prestigiousinternational breeding programme.
Nakula, an 11-year-old male, movedfrom Perth Zoo in Australia to HowlettsWild Animal Park in Kent a year ago.
He was recently paired up withSlamet, a nine-year-old old female whowas born at Howletts.
The gibbons are settling in to theirnew enclosure, which has been two yearsin the preparation and incorporates anisland and a rope bridge.
The wild silvery gibbon livesexclusively on the Indonesian island ofJava but the population of 2,000 adults ofbreeding age is threatened by habitatdestruction and the illegal pet trade.
The International Union for theConservation of Nature lists it as‘endangered’.
Island celebratesrecord wins in foodindustry ‘Oscars’
Isle of Man food and drink producers havewon a record number of Great TasteAwards – the ‘Oscars’ of the food industry.
The Guild of Fine Food, which runs theawards, announced that 26 Isle of Manproducts had won awards. Last year, 10products earned the accolade and in 2014,four were recognised.
Billed as the world’s largest and mosttrusted, the awards are sponsored by suchprestigious names as AGA, Harrods andSelfridges&Co.
Leading food critics, chefs,restaurateurs, cooks, producers and foodwriters put entries to rigorous taste tests.
This year, more than 10,000 productswere submitted in 35 categories, only 35per cent winning an award.
Richard Ronan, Minister forEnvironment, Food and Agriculture, said:‘The Isle of Man’s success in these awardsfirmly puts us on the map in terms ofgaining an ever wider reputation for itshigh quality food and drink.’
Gibbons arrive as
part of prestigious
breeding programme
Young peoplehonoured atNAMA awards
Young people have beenhonoured for theircommitment to Manxculture, language andcommunity at the annualNorth American ManxAwards.
The awards date backto 1979, when the NorthAmerican Manx Association(NAMA) established themto mark the millennium ofTynwald, the Island’s par-liament. Kelly McCarthy,past President of NAMA,visited her native Island topresent winners with spe-cially minted medallions.
‘These awards, and thereciprocal award the Isle ofMan Government makes toan American child of Manxdescent, are close to ourhearts in NAMA,’ Kelly said.
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Isle of Man GovernmentGovernment OfficeBucks Road,Douglas,Isle of Man, IM1 3PN
Telephone: +44 (0)1624 685284Email: [email protected]
Is published by:
Corporate CommunicationsCabinet Office
Katie grateful forUSA opportunity
Student gains doctorate at University of Idaho
The Isle of Man was represented at twonational events to mark the centenary ofthe Battle of the Somme.
Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE MHK wasa guest at the commemoration that tookplace at the Commonwealth War GravesCommission Thiepval Memorial in France.
Howard Quayle MHK, Minister forHealth and Social Care, attended theNational Commemoration of the Battle ofthe Somme at Manchester Cathedral.
The Battle of the Somme, fought inNorthern France, was one of the bloodiestof World War One. Starting on 1 July 1916,
the British and French armies engaged theGermans in a brutal battle of attrition thatlasted almost five months and resulted inthe loss of more than one million men onall sides.
The Chief Minister said: ‘The Battle ofthe Somme is synonymous with the greatsacrifice made during World War One.There is no doubt that without the menwho fell in this terrible conflict a centuryago, our lives today would be verydifferent. It is important to remember eachindividual and I was able to pay myrespects on behalf of the Isle of Man at
the commemoration in France.’
The names of Manxmen taken fromvarious rolls of honour indicate that 120were killed during the 141 days of theBattle of the Somme.
Minister Quayle added: ‘The Isle ofMan played an important role in World WarOne, supplying troops and vessels andrunning special camps for the internmentof enemy aliens. Many Manxmen diedalongside their comrades on thebattlefields in Northern France and thenational commemorations provided anopportunity to reflect on their deeds.’
Island represented at Somme commemorations
AManx student who gained adoctorate in the USA saysshe owes a debt of
gratitude to the Isle of ManGovernment.
Katie Taylor, from Ramsey, has gaineda PhD in Education with an emphasis inExercise Physiology at the University ofIdaho after four years’ study.
She first attended the university whenthe Department of Education and Children(DEC) awarded her its annual Ella Olesenscholarship for 2010/11.
Since her doctorate studies started, shehas sat as a student representative on theworld’s largest sports medicine andexercise science organisation, theAmerican College of Sports Medicine,helping organise conferences and the‘knowledge bowl’ contest.
Last year, while in San Diego for aconference, she visited the Ramsey-builtship Star of India.
A surprise attendee at Katie’sgraduation was John Gill, former Head ofLegal and Administrative Services with theDEC, who administered the Ella Olesenscholarship.
Katie has secured a role north of Idahoas Assistant Professor of Exercise Scienceat Eastern Washington University.
‘Attending the scholarship interview inDecember 2009 with DEC Minister AnneCraine and John Gill, I never dreamt this iswhere it would lead me,’ Katie said. ‘I owea lot to the Isle of Man Government.’
GRADUATION DAY: Dr Katie Taylor (second left) with fellow former EllaOlesen scholar and current Masters student Lorrae Fox, John Gill (left) andTom Trail, who, with wife Jo-Ann, greets Manx scholars on arrival in Idaho
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