Political Members
Minister John Shimmin, MHK, Minister for Isle of Man Department of Economic Development
Responsibility:
Has overall responsibility for the Department Strategy and all policies, with particular focus on the diversification of the Isle of Man economy and generating economic benefit. He is a contributory member of the National Strategy Group.
John Shimmin was born in Douglas in 1960. He was educated at St. Ninian’s High School and Worcester College of Higher Education where he studied Physical Education. Having enjoyed a successful career in teaching, both in the UK and the Isle of Man, he decided to enter politics in 1996 and was elected to the Island’s Parliament (Tynwald) as a member of the House of Keys (MHK) for Douglas West at his first attempt.
Mr Shimmin has more than a decade of experience within the Isle of Man political arena. In 1999 he became Chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office and then went on to undertake a variety of ministerial roles in the Departments of Transport, Home Affairs and Local Government and the Environment.
Following the restructuring of Government in 2010, Mr Shimmin became Minister of the Environment, Food and Agriculture before being appointed by the Chief Minister to his present position as Minister for the Department of Economic Development in October 2011.
Known for his optimistic and affable manner, yet demanding approach to politics, John Shimmin is intent on building on the excellent foundations laid by his predecessor the current Chief Minister within the Department of Economic Development, the purpose of which is to promote and encourage creation of a successful and diversified economy.
Alex Downie, MLC OBE
Responsibility:
Mr Downie has a proven track record in bringing business to the Isle of Man. His role within the Department of Economic Development is focused on developing both new and existing markets which is essential to maintain the Island’s position as a well regulated and attractive place to do business. His Departmental responsibilities include space, ship and aircraft registries and e-Gaming.
Alex Downie was born in Douglas in 1945. He was educated at Ballakermeen and Douglas High Schools. His background is in engineering and prior to entering politics he worked as a marine seagoing engineer for a variety of companies including P&O, British India, Trident Tankers and the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company.
He was awarded an OBE in the 2011 New Year Honours list for his services to the community of the Isle of Man and was a volunteer in the Coastguard Rescue Services for 41 years. He is a member of the Institute of Chartered Management and a Fellow of the Institute of Marine Engineering, Science and Technology. He is also a Director of the International Institute of Space Studies which is based on the Isle of Man.
Mr Downie is currently a member of the Legislative Council (MLC) of the Isle of Man and was elected to the Island’s Parliament (Tynwald) in 1991. As well as Chairman of the Isle of Man Post office, he has been Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry (1999-2002), Minister for Trade and Industry (2002-2006) and for over four years held a key position in Treasury, which gave him responsibility for the development of Isle of Man Finance and the Government’s Space and e-Business portfolio.
During his time in the Department of Trade and Industry, Mr Downie was involved in the further development of the Isle of Man Shipping Register, with the introduction of superyachts. He was also instrumental in setting up the Island’s very successful Aircraft Register, which now has some 468 executive aircraft registered in the Island.
Alan Crowe, FCIS ACIB MLC
Responsibility:
In his role as a Member of the Department of Economic Development Alan Crowe has special responsibility for Financial Services and the Companies Registry. Having had an extensive career in financial services, Mr Crowe is keen to promote and foster existing businesses and to support new enterprises, not only in financial services but across the wide spectrum of businesses that come within the ambit of the Department.
Alan Crowe was born in Kirk Michael and educated at Ramsey Grammar School and Loughborough Training College where he gained a teaching diploma. After an initial career in teaching he joined the Isle of Man Bank Limited and then moved to Australia where he was employed by the Bank of America. On his return to the Isle of Man he became a Director and Company Secretary with Eagle Star (International Life) Limited (now Zurich Life International) and later became Director of Allied Dunbar Bank International Limited and Allied Dunbar Fund Managers Limited. This was followed by a period in private practice as a Chartered Company Secretary.
He is a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators (FCIS) and an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Bankers (ACIB).
Mr Crowe was elected to the Island’s Parliament (Tynwald) as a member of the House of Keys (MHK) for North Douglas at a By-Election in 1995. He has served as a member of the Legislative Council since 1998, except for a break in the period 2003-2007.
During his political career Alan has gained experience as a Member of ten Departments, including Treasury, Local Government and the Environment, Trade & Industry, Social Care and Health. He also served as Chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office from 2007 to November 2011. In addition, he has been a Member of a number of Tynwald and Council of Ministers’ Committees and iis currently a Member of the Department of Home Affairs.
Geoff Corkish, MBE MHK
Responsibility:
In his current role as a Member of the Department of Economic Development, Geoff Corkish has special responsibility for Tourism, TT and Motorsport. He recognises Tourism is of vital importance to the Isle of Man’s economy and that there is need to drive and pull together with industry partners and focus on key strengths and features that make the Island unique and special.
Geoff Corkish was born in Douglas in 1953 and educated at Douglas High School for Boys. He later went on to work for the Isle of Man Steam Packet Company from 1969 until 2006, rising to be Communications Director. He was awarded an MBE in the 2007 New Year’s Honours list for his services to the community and charitable causes.
Mr Corkish was first elected to the Island’s Parliament (Tynwald) as a Member of the House of Keys in the 2006 General Election and was returned by the electors of Douglas West in 2011. Since being elected he has served in the Department of Trade & Industry, the Department of Transport and was a former member of the Manx Electricity Authority.
He is Chairman of the Isle of Man Post Office and the Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee. He is also a member of the Public Accounts Committee, in addition to various other important groups. Following his successful re election to the House of Keys Mr Corkish is the appointed Deputy Speaker.
Laurence Skelly, MHK
Responsibility:
In his role as a Member of the Department of Economic Development, Laurence Skelly has special responsibility for part of the Department’s Business Development portfolio including e-Business, information and communication technology, manufacturing, retail, film and media and attracting and assisting high value individuals. He is also responsible for energy policy; clean technology and biotechnology; construction; mines and minerals and the Department’s properties.
Laurence Skelly was born in Ramsey in 1961 and educated at Ramsey Grammar School.
Prior to be being elected to the Island’s Parliament (Tynwald) as a Member of the House of Keys (MHK) in 2011, Mr Skelly was Director of Manx Inspirations, a leading local wholesaler, and Destination Isle of Man event management company. Having lived in California for 15 years, he owned and operated a chain of travel agencies and represented Isle of Man Tourism. Maintaining his Manx roots, he joined the North American Manx Association and served as President 2006-2008.
Mr Skelly is the MHK for Rushen and political Member for Departments of Community, Culture & Leisure and Economic Development. He is also Chairman of Isle of Man Arts Council and a member of South-West Regeneration Committee. He is a keen community supporter of Yn Cruinnaght Celtic Music and Dance Festival, Port St Mary Village in Bloom and the Isle of Man Agricultural Benevolent Trust.
Tony Wild, MLC
Responsibility:
In his role as a Member of the Department of Economic Development, Tony Wild leads the Employment and Skills Group and the Information Systems Division (ISD). Employment and Skills Group’s responsibilities include areas such as Training Services, the Job Centre, the Careers Service and Work Permits.
Tony Wild was born in Newcastle-upon-Tyne in 1958 and educated at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School in Wakefield. He is currently a member of the Legislative Council (MLC) of the Isle of Man and was elected to the Island’s Parliament in December 2011 after a career of 33 years in Retail Banking.
He joined the Ramsey Branch of Lloyds Banking Group in 1978 and his career has spanned appointments on the Isle of Man, the UK and internationally. Tony became Isle of Man Island Director for the Lloyds TSB Offshore Limited in 2002 and had regulatory responsibility for the operations and businesses within the Isle of Man branch. He was also Director of the main holding company as well as being a trustee of the offshore pension fund and a Resident Officer for the Isle of Man Financial Supervision Commission.
Tony is a keen supporter of Manx heritage and is a director of the Laxey and Lonan Hertiage Trust and the Great Laxey Mines Railway Co Limited.
He is an Associate of the Institute of Bankers, Member of the Securities Institute, a Fellow of the Institute of Sales and Marketing and a Chartered Director.
