Isle of Man Government News

Arts Council announces the 2012 Winner of the Archibald Knox Scholarship For Art and Design

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:59 GMT

The Arts Council is pleased to announce the winner of the new Archibald Knox Scholarship for Art and Design for art is Sam Hurt, formerly of QEII High School. Sam was presented with the award by Hon Clare Christian, President of Tynwald with Laurence Skelly MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council and Liam O’Neill Chairman of the Archibald Knox Society in attendance.

Sam has been studying fine art at the IOM College and was short listed with four of his fellow students for the prize. He will now go on to study Fine Art at the University of Northumbria. The scholarship is new for 2012 and has been awarded by the Archibald Knox Society with funding from the Isle of Man Arts Council. The scholarship is a travel bursary awarded to enable a student of outstanding talent to further their studies off island and allows for four years of study. Only students studying art and design at the IOM College can apply and a short list was selected by the staff at the college.

All the students were outstanding and working in new and challenging ways. Sam Hurt won with an interactive auditory installation, his very clear thought processes and innovative approaches to concept and technique. Others students of high merit shortlisted for the award were Annie Richardson, Izaak Flanders, Ruby-May Laidlaw and Tom Maier.

The judging panel was chaired by internationally renowned Manx artist Michael Sandle RA. He was joined by Carol Jones a lecturer in Fine Art at Nottingham University who is originally from the island and Calum Harvey, a textile artist and successful previous student of the IOM College who has recently been working with fashion house Burberry before moving back to the island. All of the judges were educated at art schools in the Isle of Man.

Michael Sandle RA said

‘It has been a very great privilege for me to chair the panel of judges which included the esteemed Carol Jones and Calum Harvey. We had an extraordinarily difficult time in reaching our final decision. Having taught in several colleges and universities in Britain, Canada and Germany there is no doubt in my mind that the Isle of Man College is equal to all of them and in some aspects superior. Helen Fox and her staff are to be congratulated for creating such an outstanding centre of excellence and long may it continue to flourish.’

Laurence Skelly MHK, Chairman of the Arts Council said

‘The Arts Council is very proud to support our young, local artists and in working with the Archibald Knox Society can provide real help with their development. I’d like to thank Liam O’Neill Chairman of the Archibald Knox Society for his commitment and passionate advocacy of Archibald Knox’s legacy and his hard work in making this scholarship happen. My thanks also goes to Michael Sandle, Carol Jones and Calum Harvey and the staff at the IOM College who have all contributed to making this award such a special event.’

Former headteacher says Cav is a terrific example for students

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:49 GMT

Students and staff at Ballakermeen High School, where Mark Cavendish was a pupil, have all been rooting for the ‘Manx Missile’, especially this summer.

Headteacher Adrienne Burnett today (Saturday, July 28) reacted to Cav’s result in the London Olympics.

She said:

‘We have watched with awe and admiration as Mark has achieved success after success – with all the stage wins in the Tour de France, becoming World Champion and now competing in the Olympics. It’s a pity he could not take a medal on this occasion, but he’s a young man with many years of further opportunities to come. His single-mindedness and dedication have been remarkable; no-one could have accomplished what he has done on natural ability alone and it’s wonderful that all his years of hard work have made him a top sportsman. He is a terrific example to our students.’

Chief Minister expresses pride of Manx nation

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:49 GMT

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has expressed the pride of the Manx nation after Mark Cavendish competed with distinction in today’s (Saturday, July 28, 2012) cycling road race at London 2012.

Cavendish started as one of the main medal hopefuls, but was not in contention for a podium finish at the end of a tactical and gruelling 250km event. The Team GB riders could not chase down a breakaway group and deliver Cavendish to a sprint finish as planned.

The Chief Minister said:

‘On behalf of the people of the Isle of Man I would like to say how proud we are of Mark’s performance this afternoon. We were all glued to our televisions and cheering him on. He gave it everything, as he always does, but unfortunately it was not to be on this occasion. I know Mark is the ultimate competitor and will be disappointed not to have won gold, but he is still Britain’s most successful cyclist of all-time and a real hero in the Isle of Man. We have all watched with great delight in recent years as he has won World championships on the road and track, gold at the Commonwealth Games, 23 stages of the Tour de France, the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Award, and been awarded an MBE.’

Mr Bell added:

‘As a nation, the Isle of Man works hard to create an environment that nurtures talent and allows our young people to flourish, and it is extremely satisfying to see them compete at the very highest level. The Island promotes a healthy and active lifestyle and our challenging landscape is proving an ideal training ground for a production line of top-class cyclists. By winning titles all over the world and taking part at the Olympics, Mark has proved what our young people can achieve if they have the ability, determination and support, and I hope others will follow his shining example.’

The amazing depth of cycling talent in the Isle of Man is highlighted by the fact that another Manx rider, World champion and World record holder Peter Kennaugh, has medal ambitions in the men’s team pursuit.

Mr Bell said:

‘Everybody in the Isle of Man will now be throwing their full support behind Peter when he competes at the London Velodrome.’

Island has role to play in economic recovery

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:49 GMT

The role of the Isle of Man in supporting economic recovery in the United Kingdom and further afield was highlighted by Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK when he addressed a distinguished audience in the City of London this week.

The event was part of the Isle of Man Government’s ongoing programme of engagement with key figures in Westminster and the City. Speaking at the Mansion House, the headquarters of the Lord Mayor of the City, Mr Bell said the fundamental challenge facing the global economy was how to stimulate the growth that was so desperately needed.

He told invited business leaders:

‘It is my view that international business centres such as the Isle of Man can play a small but significant role as catalysts for economic recovery and growth - harnessing and developing opportunities for growth, not only for ourselves but also for the benefit of our neighbours and our partners. As a strategic commercial partner, the Isle of Man is already making a significant contribution to the economy of the United Kingdom – particularly the City and the Northwest.’

The Chief Minister’s message to the audience was that the Isle of Man wants to work with UK business to find and make the most of further opportunities for economic growth. The event, hosted by the Isle of Man Government, follows a visit to the Island in January this year by the Lord Mayor Alderman David Wootton, who delivered the Chief Minister’s International Lecture to a local business audience at the Sefton Hotel.

In his speech the Chief Minister referred to recently published research from Ernst & Young indicating that the Isle of Man is well positioned to help foster the United Kingdom’s growth strategy and to strengthen the UK’s commercial relationships with emerging economies.

Mr Bell commented:

‘In other words, growing the UK and Isle of Man economies are complementary activities.’

The Chief Minister was accompanied at the Mansion House on Wednesday by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK and Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK.

Financial Sanctions - Syria

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:28:21 GMT

The Council of the European Union has amended Annex II to Council Regulation (EU) No. 36/2012 ("Regulation 36/2012") with effect from 24 July 2012. Annex II to Regulation 36/2012 lists the persons, entities or bodies subject to the asset freeze.

An additional 26 individuals and 3 entities have now been added to Annex II and are therefore subject to the asset freeze imposed by Regulation 36/2012.

ADDITIONS

Individuals

AL-ABDULLAH, Suhail

Title: Colonel

Position: Head of the Latakia Branch of the air force's intelligence service.

Group ID: 12714

AL-ACHI, Amer

Title: General

a.k.a.:

AACHI, Ammar
AL ASHI, Amis
ASHI, Amer

Position: Head of the intelligence branch of the air force intelligence service.

Other Information: Graduate of the military school of Aleppo. Close to Daoud Rajah

Group ID: 12727

AL-AHMED, Jawdat

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of the Homs Branch of the air force's intelligence service.

Group ID: 12712

AL-AHMED, Riad

Title: Major General

Position: Deputy Head of the Latakia Branch of the army's intelligence service.

Group ID: 12709

AL-ALI, Nasr

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Manager of the Deraa site of the Political Security Directorate

Other Information: Ex-head of the Homs branch

Group ID: 12720

AL-HAMED, Firas

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of branch 318 (Homs) of the General Intelligence Directorate

Group ID: 12717

AL-JARROUCHEH, Ahmed

DOB: --/--/1957

Position: Head of the foreign branch of General Intelligence (branch 279)

Other Information: Responsible for General Intelligence arrangements in Syrian embassies

Group ID: 12724

AL-MISRI, Bassam

Other Information: Police officer at Idlib central prison

Group ID: 12723

BILAL, Bassel

Other Information: Police officer at Idlib central prison

Group ID: 12721

HALLAQ, Issam

Title: General

Position: Air Force Chief of Staff

Group ID: 12729

HAMAD, Salah

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Deputy Head of Branch 291 of the army's intelligence service

Group ID: 12707

ISMAEL, Ezzedine

DOB: --/--/1947

POB: Bastir, Jableh region

Other Information: Retired general. Longstanding member of the managerial staff of the air force intelligence service. Appointed political and security adviser to the President in 2006. Date of birth is middle of the 1940s (probably 1947)

Group ID: 12730

ISMAIL, Ghassan, Jaoudat

Title: General

DOB: --/--/1960

POB: Drekish, Tartus region

Other Information: Responsible for the missions branch of the air force intelligence service

Group ID: 12726

JOUMAA, Samir

DOB: --/--/1962

a.k.a.: SAMI, Abou

Other Information: Head of the office of Mohammad Nassif Kheir Bek

Group ID: 12731

KAFAN, Ahmad

Other Information: Police officer at Idlib central prison

Group ID: 12722

KASSOUHA, Michel

DOB: 01/02/1948

a.k.a.:

HASSAN, Ahmed, Salem
SALEM, Ahmed

Other Information: Member of Syrian security services since early 1970s. Since March 2006 responsible for public relations of branch 273 of the Syrian General Intelligence Directorate. Close to General Intelligence Directorate head Ali Mamlouk

Group ID: 12725

KHALLOUF, Muhammad

Title: Brigadier General

a.k.a.:

EZZAT, Abou
KHALLOUF, Mohammed

Position: Head of Branch 235, aka "Palestine" (Damascus) of the army's intelligence service

Group ID: 12708

KHUDR, Khudr

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of the Latakia branch of the General Intelligence Directorate

Group ID: 12715

LUQA, Hussam

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of the Homs branch of the Political Security Directorate

Group ID: 12718

MA'ALA, Ibrahim

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of branch 285 (Damascus) of the General Intelligence Directorate

Group ID: 12716

MAHMOUD, Abdul

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of the Bab Tuma (Damascus) Branch of the air force's intelligence service

Group ID: 12711

MASA, Sha'afiq

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of Branch 215 (Damascus) of the army's intelligence service

Group ID: 12705

MIHOUB, Qusay

Title: Colonel

Position: Head of the Deraa branch of the air force's intelligence service

Group ID: 12713

NASR, Mohammed, Ali

Title: General

DOB: --/--/1964

a.k.a.: NASER, Mohammed, Ali

Other Information: Close to Maher al-Assad. In 2010 joined the internal branch (branch 251) of the General Intelligence Directorate

Group ID: 12728

QADOUR, Burhan

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Head of Branch 291 (Damascus) of the army's intelligence service

Group ID: 12706

TAHA, Taha

Title: Brigadier General

Position: Site manager of the Latakia branch of the Political Security Directorate

Group ID: 12719

Entities

COTTON MARKETING ORGANISATION

Address: Bab Al-Faraj, PO Box 729, Aleppo

Other Information: State-owned company. Tel. +96321 2239495/6/7/8. Email Cmo-aleppo@mail.sy. Website www.cmo.gov.sy

Group ID: 12733

DREX TECHNOLOGIES S.A.

Other Information: Incorporation date 4 July 2000. Incorporation number 394678. Director is Rami Makhlouf. Registered agent is Mossack Fonseca & Co (BVI) Ltd

Group ID: 12732

SYRIAN ARAB AIRLINES (SAA)

a.k.a.: Syrian Air

Address: Al-Mohafazeh Square, P.O. Box 417, Damascus, Syria

Other Information: Public company controlled by the regime. Tel +963112240774

Group ID: 12734

Financial institutions and other persons are requested to check whether they maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, the designated persons and entities. If so, they must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, refrain from dealing with said funds or economic resources, and suspend the provision of any financial services. They must report their findings to the Sanctions Officer at the Customs and Excise Division of the Treasury.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Syria and links to the Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Boost for Isle of Man's Manufacturing & Space Sectors

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:36 GMT

The Isle of Man’s manufacturing and space sectors have received a significant boost following the Isle of Man Aerospace’s attendance at the recent Farnborough Airshow 2012. It has been announced that ADS, the premier trade organisation for all companies operating in the United Kingdom’s Aerospace, Defence, Security and Space sectors, will be establishing a regional office in the Isle of Man.

The office will be managed by the Department of Economic Development's Business Development Manager for Manufacturing and Space, Adrian Moore, with support from the Isle of Man Aerospace Cluster, the Department’s internal marketing team and Space Commerce consultants, Mansat.

Commenting on the establishment of the new ADS office in the Isle of Man, Adrian Moore said:

'I am delighted to be able to announce that ADS has established a regional office in the Isle of Man. This represents a big step forward for the promotion of the Island’s flourishing manufacturing and space sectors and will further integrate our offer as part of the overall UK proposition.'

'We have just implemented our strategy for aerospace which covers the next five years but which is underpinned by our heritage in aerospace manufacture which goes back over sixty years. Aerospace now forms a significant part of the Isle of Man’s diverse economy with employment growth of 26% in the last five years and GDP contribution up 50% in that period also.'

Isle of Man Department Member for Economic Development, Alex Downie, OBE, MLC said:

'Space is becoming increasingly important to us as a sector and we are already acknowledged as a leading player in Space Commerce. Having an ADS presence in the Isle of Man can only enhance our standing in both space and aerospace manufacturing.'

Speaking on behalf of ADS, Graham Chisnall, ADS Deputy Chief Executive, said:

'The UK’s thriving Space sector is swiftly stepping out of the shadow of its older and successful brothers Aerospace and Defence, and rightly establishing itself as a key contender in the global market. Witnessing the rapid growth of the Space sector in the Isle of Man shows that the UK’s ambition to double our current 5 per cent global share over the next 10 years is a real and tangible target.'

'The Isle of Man is an important part of UK Aerospace and Space manufacturing and services sector. Our new regional office will enable ADS to make sure that it receives the recognition it deserves, and we look forward to repeating the success in the Isle of Man that we have achieved in our regional offices in Scotland and Northern Ireland.'

Find out more about the Isle of Man's aerospace sector at www.whereyoucan.im.

Department of Economic Development hails 'Cav factor' as Isle of Man gets media coverage boost with growing interest in cycling

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:36 GMT

The Department of Economic Development’s Tourism team has hailed the 'Cav factor' as the Isle of Man receives a huge boost in terms of media coverage and awareness as a result of the success of the Island’s cyclists in international competition.

The notable successes of Team Sky members Peter Kennaugh in the Team Pursuit World Championship, which took place earlier in the year in Australia, Onchan resident Ben Swift’s Gold Medal in the Scratch race in the same championships and current World Champion Mark Cavendish’s further Stage wins in this year’s Tour de France, are resulting in significant media coverage worldwide as the UK gears up for the Olympics.

The London Games are set to provide a further boost with Mark Cavendish featuring in the first event of the meeting, the Men’s Road Race, and Peter Kennaugh selected for the Team Pursuit event nine days later.

The Daily Mail’s respected sports journalist Alan Fraser was on the Isle of Man with Sports photographer Kevin Quigley last week exploring the Manx cycling phenomenon. As well as interviews with Mike Kelly and David Cavendish, the pair also visited the Junior Cycling League at the NSC run by Dot Tilbury. BBC Breakfast is also visiting the Isle of Man to capture the budding stars of the future.

A crew from LOCOG’s (London Organising Committee for the Olympic and Paralympic Games) ‘Join in Local Sport’ was also on the Island filming for the UK Government-funded website www.joininuk.org, which will go live during the Games.

Major American broadcaster NBC has already visited the Isle of Man and filmed the Colin Nelson Time Trial in June, with the coverage due to be aired on American Television to an expected audience of over 30 million viewers during the Olympic Road Race, while Sky Italia also filmed on the Island earlier in the month.

Additionally, BBC Radio 5 Live will be broadcasting live from the Isle of Man on Saturday to capture the post-race reactions of local residents.

Member for the Department of Economic Development responsible for Tourism, Mr Geoff Corkish MBE, MHK, said:

'The growing popularity and profile of cycling, coupled with the incredible success of our residents in international competition, presents us with a real opportunity to develop the Isle of Man as a great destination for cycling tourism and we will look to build on our efforts to encourage people to take part in our events and experience everything that the Island can offer cyclists.'

Buoyant TT traffic helps to reduce expected airport passenger shortfall

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:34 GMT

The 4% increase in passengers during the TT period helped to reduce the expected Isle of Man Airport passenger shortfall for June. Passenger numbers had been forecast to be down by as much as 6.6% as the lack of the Southampton route, together with an initial single daily frequency for the London City service and a reduction in flights to Luton, meant that over 5,400 fewer passengers used the three routes alone. However, in total passengers passing through the airport in June reached 70,578, a fall of just 1,925, or 2.7%.

As well as the boost that came from a successful TT, other key routes performed well during June. The Flybe service to Gatwick saw an increase of almost 1,900 passengers, a 16% increase, their Manchester route was up by almost 500 or 4%, Birmingham by 4% and Bristol by 34%. The new Manx2.com London Oxford daily flight exceeded expectations in its first full month, carrying almost 700 passengers and Loganair’s new weekly service to Norwich proved highly popular with the 252 passengers filling almost 80% of the seats available.

Airport Director, Ann Reynolds, sees the relatively small reduction in passengers as a positive outcome for the month.

'I will have to admit to having some concern about expectations for June Airport performance, despite the excellent TT traffic levels,'

she said.

'Firstly, even with the newly introduced Oxford, Norwich and initial single daily British Airways London City services, we were almost 10,000 seats short of June 2011 capacity to South-East England, and this was during the month where seats were desperately needed. Secondly, June 2011 was our best June for four years with a 6.5% increase, making it a tough target to match this year. So a 2.7% reduction is an outturn which is not only better than expected, but provides some optimism for the future.'

North West routes also again saw an overall increase with over 31,200 passengers using the Liverpool, Manchester and Blackpool routes, some 500 more than in June 2011 and the best month for the North West for six years. However it was Manchester and Blackpool that set the pace with increases, whilst Liverpool virtually matched the 2011 level.

Charter traffic also showed a marked improvement of 31%, primarily due to the slightly later scheduling into June of the flights to the Mediterranean, more of which last year departed in late May. Added to this was the fact that many of the 11 flights during the month to the 6 destinations departed full, underlining the popularity that the rapidly expanded direct holiday programme from the Island to a choice of sun spots has enjoyed recently.

From 28 June, the British Airways CityFlyer London City route that commenced in May with a single daily flight, settled into the three flights daily business service, adding a further 1,000 seats and 13 extra return flights weekly between the Isle of Man and London.

Departmental Member for Ports, David Callister MLC, recognises the importance of the restoration of this key route for the Island’s business community.

'The ability for the Island to again enjoy a direct link to London’s business and financial centre served by London City Airport is vital and I am delighted that the triple daily service is back in operation,'

he said.

'By the end of this year the Island will have its best ever choice of services to London with the BA London City route complemented by Flybe’s four daily Gatwick and five weekly Luton routes, the new daily London Oxford service with Manx2.com together with, from October, a new easyJet operation to Gatwick. A truly remarkable choice of flights, aiming at all market levels, linking the Island with the South East.'

Noble's Hospital showcases the best in Island produce

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:27:06 GMT

This week (16 to 19 July) is the Department of Health’s fifth annual ‘Manx Produce Week’ at Noble’s Hospital Restaurant which has been renamed Thie Bee – Manx for ‘Eating Place’. As with previous years the Catering Department is demonstrating to patients and staff the volume and quality of locally sourced ingredients that are used in every day food production.

The week showcases and celebrates the local companies such as; Robinson’s, Isle of Man Creameries, Harrison and Garrett, and Greeba Mushrooms to name a few, all of which provide Noble’s Hospital with the highest quality of fresh produce.

Minister for Health, David Anderson MHK said:

'This is another fantastic display of how the Department supports local food producers by ‘shopping local’. Noble’s Hospital and the Department are 100% behind our local food producers, and demonstrating this commitment to our patients, staff and the public is important. Good nutrition is absolutely vital to good health, and doubly so when someone is unwell. It is paramount that we continue to show our support to the Island’s farmers and their produce so they can continue to provide Noble’s Hospital with the great tasting, healthy, fresh and nutritious food we rely on every day.'

As always, this year’s event has been extended to the patients at Noble’s Hospital as a way to raise awareness of Manx produce and how it is used within recipes in the patient menu system. A new special menu has been produced which is given to patients with an explanation of what local products are used at Noble’s Hospital. A picture of the Manx flag is placed next to the description of the dish and the patients have been given the opportunity to sample the local produce.

Each year Manx Food Week raises funds for a selected charity; this year the staff have decided to assist the Manx Blind Welfare Society to help replace their audio library. Throughout the week raffle tickets are being sold for a chance to win a variety of items donated by Manx producers. The first prize for the raffle is from Kathy Irwin, Greeba Farms, who kindly donated her living display of mushrooms, a fruit basket and a fish platter. There are also equally generous prizes - a Manx-themed hamper and Ken Hom wok.

Derek Peters, Catering Services Manager said:

'This is the fifth year that we have held an event celebrating the support that Noble’s Hospital gives to local suppliers. It is more important than ever in the current climate to support and secure a sustainable local food economy. By highlighting products used in the hospital to the staff and patients we hope to send out the positive message that locally sourced sustainable products are good for the economy, good for the environment and good for the staff, patients and visitors to Noble’s.'

Liz Lillis, Thie Bee Restaurant Supervisor said:

'This event has grown year upon year. Manx Food Week was created by Andy Pennington, Provisions Supervisor in 2006. Andy wanted to highlight how much Manx produce we used within the hospital and create an annual event not only for our customers but also, for the patients. A lot of hard work and effort by the catering staff goes into the preparation and organisation for this event, every year. A big thank you for their dedication goes to the catering staff, our customers and the suppliers; they all make these events a success each year and on a regular basis with our theme days. Last but not least our thanks to the Youth Arts Centre who created special Thie Bee badges for our launch day.'

Important book collection gifted to education

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:26 GMT

The Virginia Edition, a newly published collection of books by one of the world’s most significant science fiction authors, Robert Heinlein, has been gifted to the Department of Education and Children by a trust set up in his name.

The 46 leather-bound volumes, printed on archival-quality paper, include all of Heinlein’s fiction and non-fiction plus 450,000 words of unpublished correspondence. Just 2,000 sets have been produced.

Art Dula, Heinlein’s literary executor and trustee, has presented a set to the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education’s library. The books will be a ‘wonderful resource for students’, said David Anderson MHK, Minister for Education and Children, who received them along with Ronald Barr, Principal at the College.

One of seven children, Heinlein was born and raised in Missouri before enrolling at the US Naval Academy. He distinguished himself academically and served for five years before being discharged for health reasons. He pursued a career in politics and ran for the California State Assembly before finding his way into writing.

Through his novels, Heinlein explored the promise and peril of scientific change with the world – and was so successful that a third of NASA employees working on the Viking Project said the books had inspired them to take up careers in the space industry.

Heinlein died in 1988 at the age of 80. The publication of the Virginia Edition has been overseen by the Robert A. and Virginia Heinlein Prize Trust, in cooperation with the Robert A. and Virginia Heinlein Library Foundation, and is named after the author’s wife of 40 years, ‘best friend and severest critic’, who died in 2003.

The New York Times Book Review called Heinlein ‘one of the most influential writers in American literature’. Stephen King described him as ‘not only America’s premier writer of speculative fiction, but the greatest writer of such fiction in the world’.

Mr Dula – who is Chief Executive Officer of Island-based private spaceflight company Excalibur Almaz Ltd – said Heinlein was ‘not just a great science-fiction author or a great American author but a great author’.

He added:

‘His books are available in more languages and there are more movie options on his work than there were while he was alive and I believe that speaks to the enduring quality of his work. ‘This collection is one of the largest and most significant publishing events in the last century. By making Heinlein’s work available to the world, and by sharing it with students in the Isle of Man, which is at the forefront of the space industry, I believe we have made a big step in satisfying the trust placed in us by – and acknowledging the debt we owe to – Robert and Virginia.’

For more information, visit www.virginiaedition.com

Photo: David Anderson (left), Minister for Education and Children, and Professor Ronald Barr, Principal, leaf through the books at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education’s library

Financial Sanctions: Afghanistan

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:27:55 GMT

The European Commission has amended Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No. 753/2011 ("the 2011 Regulation") with effect from 17 July 2012. Annex I to the 2011 Regulation lists the persons, groups and entities covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources under that Regulation. The amendments reflect the decisions made on 11 June, 27 June and 28 June by the United Nations Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1988 (2011) to add a further three individuals and two entities to, and remove two individuals from the UN list.

The individuals removed from Annex I are therefore no longer subject to the asset freeze imposed by the 2011 Regulation.

Details of the changes to Annex I are contained in the attached Annex to this news release.

Financial institutions and other persons are requested to check whether they maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for the persons set out in the Annex and whose details have been added to Annex I to the 2011 Regulation. If so, they must freeze such accounts or funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, refrain from dealing with said funds or economic resources. They must also report their findings to the Sanctions Officer at the Customs and Excise Division of the Treasury.

Further details of financial sanctions in respect of Afghanistan and links to the Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to other financial regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Firefighters climb into the record books

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:48 GMT

Ten Isle of Man firefighters climbed their way into the record books with an incredible feat of endurance at the weekend.

The team set a new world best for a 24-hour ladder climb by scaling a height of 114.17km on a specially erected tower in Regent Street, Douglas. They smashed the previous record, set by a group of New Zealand firefighters in 2005, by a massive 4.58km.

The successful attempt followed months of planning and training, and has so far helped to raise more than £14,000 for five nominated charities - Pumps 4 Kids, Rebecca House Children’s Hospice, Craig’s Heartstrong Foundation, Help for Heroes and the Hyperbaric Chamber. Money is still coming in and anyone wishing to recognise the team’s outstanding achievement by making a donation should visit the website www.ladder24.im

A large crowd gathered outside the Post Office in Regent Street at 3pm on Friday to see the officers from the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service embark on their epic challenge. To put the record attempt into perspective, each team member had to climb the equivalent of the Eiffel Tower (324m) every 42 minutes; Empire State Building (443m) every 58 minutes; Snaefell (621m) every 1 hour 21 minutes; and Ben Nevis (1,344m) every 2 hours 55 minutes; in order to achieve their combined target height.

Firefighter Gary Kirby, the driving force behind the event, completed the first ascent of the 13.5-metre ladder and the team set a brisk but controlled pace in the early stages. Cheered on by enthusiastic onlookers, the firefighters stayed ahead of the average climb rate required to break the world record. The pace understandably slowed through the night, but volunteer physiotherapists helped tired bodies to push onwards, while a new dawn and increase in temperature sparked a fresh lease of life.

A series of milestones - such as each climber completing 1,000 ascents of the ladder, and the team surpassing the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service’s old ladder climb record set in 1994 - lifted the spirits. Dozens of well-wishers, and many more watching via the live online feed, witnessed the firefighters edge past the New Zealanders’ record with 50 minutes to spare.

he Island team then dug deep to add a further 4,580 metres to the existing mark and set a new (as yet unofficial) standard that will hopefully stand for many years to come. Afterwards the emotional firefighters celebrated with family, friends and colleagues, popping open bottles of champagne to toast their success.

Gary Kirby said:

‘I’d like to pay tribute to my ladder climb team-mates for their amazing efforts and also our many colleagues and sponsors whose invaluable support made this challenge possible. The encouragement we received in the build-up to the climb was amazing and on the Friday and Saturday the support kept us going when we were all exhausted. It’s a great feeling to be part of an Isle of Man world record breaking team and to have raised money for some very worthwhile local charities. I hope people will continue to contribute and push the fundraising total up even higher.’

Financial Sanctions: Al-Qaida

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:27:56 GMT

The European Commission has amended Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No. 881/2002 ("the 2002 Regulation") with effect from 14 July 2012. Annex I of the 2002 Regulation lists the persons, groups and entities covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources under that Regulation. The amendments reflect the decision made on 2 July 2012 by the United Nations Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) to remove eight individuals from the UN Al-Qaida list.

The individuals removed from Annex I are therefore no longer subject to the asset freeze imposed by the 2002 Regulation.

DELETIONS

Individuals

ALI, Abbas, Abdi

a.k.a.: ABDI, Ali, Abbas

Other information: UN Ref QI.A.38.01. Reportedly deceased in 2004.

Group ID: 6900

ATWAH DEWEDAR, Muhsin, Moussa, Matwalli

DOB: 19/06/1964

POB: Dakahliya, Egypt

a.k.a.:

AL-MUHAJIR, Abdul, Rahman
AL-NAMER, Mohammed, K, A
ATWA DWEDAR, Mohsen, Moussa, Metwaly

Nationality: Egyptian

Other Information: UN Ref QI.A.24.01. Confirmed to have died in Pakistan in Apr 2006. Also referred to as Abdel Rahman and Abdul Rahman.

Group ID: 7007

EL GOHARY ABU SINNA, Sobhi, Abdel Aziz, Mohamed

Title: Sheik

DOB: 17/01/1958

POB: El Behira, Egypt

a.k.a.:

ABDULLAH, Taysir
AL MASRI, Abu Hafs
ATEF, Mohamed
EL KHABIR, Abu Hafs, Al Masri
GOHARY ABOU SENAH, Sobhi, Abdel Aziz, Mohamed

Nationality: Egyptian

Other Information: UN Ref QI.E.7.01. Senior lieutenant to Usama bin Laden. Also referred to as Taysir. Confirmed to have died in Pakistan in 2001.

Group ID: 6918

HASSANNEIN, Nasr, Fahmi, Nasr

DOB: 30/10/1962

POB: Cairo, Egypt

a.k.a.:

HUSSEIN, Naser, Fahmi, Naser
SALAH, Muhammad

Nationality: Egyptian

Other Information: UN Ref QI.H.16.01. Reportedly deceased.

Group ID: 7171

MSALAAM, Fahid, Mohammed, Ally

DOB: 09/04/1976

POB: Mombasa, Kenya

a.k.a.:

ALI, Msalam, Fahid, Mohammed
AL-KINI, Usama
ALLY, Fahad, Mohammad
ALLY, Fahad, Mohammed
ALLY, Fahid, Mohamed
ALLY, Fahid, Mohammed
ALLY, Msalam, Fahad, Mohammed
ALLY, Msalam, Fahid, Mohammad
ALLY, Msalm, Fahid, Mohammed
ALY, Fahid, Mohammed
FAHAD, Ahmed
MOHAMMED, Ali, Fahid
MOHAMMED, Mohammed, Ally
MSALAM, Fahad, Ally
MSALAM, Fahid, Mohammed, Ali
MSALAM, Mohammed, Ally
MUSALAAM, Fahid, Mohammed, Ali
SALEM, Fahid, Muhamad, Ali

Nationality: Kenyan

Passport Details:

A260592 (Kenyan)
A056086 (Kenyan)
A435712 (Kenyan)
A324812 (Kenyan)
356095 (Kenyan)

National Identification no: 12771069 (Kenyan)

Other Information: UN Ref QI.M.34.01. Also referred to as Ally Fahid M. Believed to have been involved in the attacks on the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in Aug 1998. Father's name is Mohamed Ally. Mother's name is Fauzia Mbarak. Confirmed to have died in Pakistan on 1 Jan 2009.

Group ID: 7002

OSMAN ABU EL YAZEED, Mustapha, Ahmed, Mohamed

DOB: 27/02/1955

POB: El Sharkiya, Egypt

a.k.a.:

AHMED, Mustapha, Mohamed
SAI'ID, Shaykh

Nationality: Egyptian

Other Information: UN Ref QI.O.11.01. Confirmed to have died in Afghanistan in May 2010.

Group ID: 6945

SWEDAN, Sheikh, Ahmed, Salim

Title: Sheikh

DOB: 09/04/1960

POB: Mombasa, Kenya

a.k.a.:

AHMAD, Ally
ALLY, Ahmed
SALAM, Sheikh, Ahmed
SALUM, Sleyum
SULTAN, Muhamed
SUWEIDAN, Sheikh, Ahmad, Salem
SWEDAN, Sheikh
SWEDAN, Sheikh, Ahmed, Salem
SWEDEN, Sheik, Ahmed, Salim

Nationality: Kenyan

Passport Details: A163012 (Kenyan)

National Identification no: 8534714 (Kenyan) issued on 14 Nov 1996

Other Information: UN Ref QI.S.35.01. Also referred to as Ahmed the Tall, Bahamad, Sheik Bahamad, Sheikh Bahamadi and Sheikh Bahamad. Believed to have been involved in the attacks on the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar es Salaam in Aug 1998. Confirmed to have died in Pakistan on 1 Jan 2009.

Group ID: 6949

YULDASHEV, Tohir, Abdulkhalilovich

DOB: --/--/1967

POB: Namangan city, Uzbekistan

a.k.a.: YULDASHEV, Takhir

Nationality: Usbek

Other Information: UN Ref QI.T.36.01. Former leader of Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan. Confirmed to have died in Pakistan in Aug 2009.

Group ID: 7516

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Al-Qaida and links to the Consolidated List of individuals and entities subject to other financial regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Isle of Man's commitment to combating money laundering

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:26:07 GMT

The Isle of Man Government has published a document underlining its policy of compliance with evolving international standards in tackling financial crime.

The publication ‘Commitment to Combating Money Laundering and the Financing of Terrorism and Proliferation’ is intended as a concise summary of the Island’s position for external audiences. It includes a short overview of the Isle of Man, a review of the various positive international evaluations of the Island, a clear statement of its commitment to international standards and co-operation, and an introduction by Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK. Mr Bell writes:

‘The Isle of Man Government’s commitment to combating money laundering and the financing of terrorism reflects the Island’s position as a reputable centre for international financial services. The Isle of Man is proud of the part it has played in helping the international community to protect global financial systems from those who would wish to abuse them to launder money or finance terrorist activities.’

Jack Quirk Renal fund continues to support Noble's Hospital with latest donations

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:27:06 GMT

The Department of Health has received a number of generous donations including iPads, DVDs, DVD players and much more from the Jack Quirk Renal Care Fund.

The fund, which was set up in 2008 in the memory of Jack Quirk who was a patient of the Renal Unit, has donated numerous items over the past few years, including:

Digital wheelchair weighing scales
Two dialysis chairs
Lo Zone comfort cushions for all the dialysis chairs in the Renal Unit following a generous donation to the Fund from the Peel Charity Shop
Three iPads
A Netbook
DVD’s

Jean Quirk, wife of the late Jack Quirk, purchased pictures and DVD players for the Renal Unit, with donations in lieu of presents for her 80th birthday.

Member for Health, Dudley Butt MLC said:

'The Renal Unit team is extremely grateful for the donations from the Jack Quirk Care Renal Fund, which will ensure that our patients can occupy their minds whilst undergoing dialysis. All the donations - including Mrs Quirk’s - are exceptionally generous and it goes to show the dedication of many individuals to ensuring that patients can receive their care in the most comfortable and well equipped surroundings possible. Dialysis can often be required multiple times a week, with each lasting a few hours – so little things like having an iPad or a DVD to watch can make a real difference in passing the time and make patients more comfortable.'

Renal units offer dialysis treatment, which effectively replaces many of the functions of the human kidneys when they begin to fail, such as filtering blood, removing waste products collected as part of normal bodily functions, and removing excess water from the body. Kidney failure occurs when the kidneys have lost around 90% of their filtering ability and if left untreated, the amount of waste products in the blood will build up to a dangerous level.

Dialysis is a critical treatment for those experiencing kidney failure and is the only option available to replace the functions of the kidneys apart from a kidney transplant, for which there is a long waiting list. The Island currently has one Renal Unit at Noble’s Hospital, but the Department of Health is planning to open a second unit at Ramsey and District Cottage Hospital to meet the increasing demand for renal services.

Pam Makin, Senior Sister, Intensive Care and Renal Services at Noble’s Hospital said:

'The Jack Quirk Renal Care Fund has offered invaluable support to the Renal Unit by providing equipment and patient entertainment systems. This gives the patients something to do whilst they are being dialysed which can take a minimum of four hours, three times a week. On behalf of the team I’d like to extend my sincere and heartfelt thanks to everyone who has so generously donated.'

Noble’s Hospital’s Renal Service, in conjunction with the Jack Quirk Renal Care Fund also held a series of events earlier this year to raise awareness and to mark World Kidney Day. The aim was to highlight the facts about kidney disease and educate people on the risks of developing chronic kidney disease. Events included a bag pack, health promotion displays at Noble’s Hospital and the Strand Shopping Centre in Douglas, and a traditional afternoon tea at Promenade Methodist Church.

Dignity and choice at the heart of the Island's first ever end of life care framework

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:23:42 GMT

The Department of Health has today launched the Isle of Man’s first ever End of Life Care Framework, after 18 months of a detailed research and analysis into end of life care elsewhere, as well as a review of the care available in the Isle of Man. The Framework is accompanied by an Implementation Plan for the next three years, with the aim of investing more resources in key areas such as education, training and support for carers.

Launching the Framework, Minister for Health David Anderson MHK said:

'Whilst death is inevitable, and all of us at some point experience the death of friends and loved ones; death remains a subject which we are all very reluctant to discuss, often until it is too late to do so. Government understands the importance of care at the end of life, as this often has profound effect on those left behind. I would like to commend the work of all those involved in producing the Framework, which has had significant input from government agencies, the third sector such as Hospice and Macmillan, and the general public too, who took part in last year’s survey. We have a clear steer on the direction of travel moving forward.'

A significant element of the research was the survey of the public’s view on end of life care in the Isle of Man called “Getting your views”, which ran from June to August 2011. The survey was very successful, receiving over 1,200 replies and 30,000 items of information. This information has formed the basis of the End of Life Care Framework and Implementation Plan, ensuring that it meets the needs of the Island’s community.

Kirstie Turner, End of Life Care Project Facilitator said:

'Leading up to 2009 the Department of Health began to realise that the range of care it provided for dying patients could be improved. With the generous assistance of Macmillan Cancer Support I was appointed to lead the systematic review of our services. The third sector and the public themselves have been heavily involved, so the review, research and the final Framework itself have very much been a joint effort with input from all sections of our community.'

The survey in particular highlighted that whilst end of life care is of high quality there are inconsistencies in the provision, especially dependant on what diseases are suffered. These inconsistencies reduce the availability of choice of care for the dying person and their family.

In order to correct inconsistencies, the End of Life Care Framework recommends the investment of more time and resources in the following areas:

Education
Training
Communication
Co-ordination of services
Practical support – especially for carers
Increasing society’s recognition, understanding and acceptance of death as relevant to everyone.

Kirstie added:

'There are two unexpected but welcome outcomes from the survey process in particular. Firstly; that respondents had felt encouraged to talk with their families about their end of life care choices; and secondly, that amongst the respondents, there are fewer individuals wanting to die at home than the UK. For many people the place of death is not as important as just being with loved ones and receiving good support. Clearly the survey itself has raised awareness, as I hope the publication of the Framework and its implementation will continue to do.

'I would like to thank everyone, especially the general public, for their valued input. End of life care in the Isle of Man is high quality, but there is always room for improvement and a clear need for consistency, which this Framework will address.'

A copy of the Framework and Implementation Plan can be downloaded from the right hand side menu.

Handing over the keys for Reayrt Skyal

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:25:58 GMT

The Department of Social Care is happy to announce that the Contractor for Reayrt Skyal in Ramsey, Dandara, will be handing over the keys for the latest facility built for the Department.

Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer will officially accept the keys on behalf of the Department at the site today.

Reayrt Skyal represents the final piece in the jigsaw from the 1991 Community Care plan for the provision of EMI services. It incorporates all the Department has learned from the provision of EMI Services following the opening of the very successful Thie Meanagh. Reayrt Skyal will provide twelve continuing care beds and four short term care (respite) beds plus a day service that can accommodate up to fifteen people. It replaces the facilities formerly based in Gardner House at Ramsey District Cottage Hospital.

Cath Hayhow, Assistant Director for Adult Social Services said that:

'even in difficult economic times this demonstrates the Department’s determination to provide high quality services in appropriate settings to the most vulnerable people in our community.'

Mr Leonard Singer MHK stated that:

'the Isle of Man has developed an excellent new facility that is well designed to meet its function. We can be proud of what we have achieved and the North of the island has gained a great asset. I hope those who use the service feel comfortable and at home, and find it a pleasant place to live.'

Mr Leonard Singer MHK also expressed his thanks to all those involved in the development of Rearyt Skyal, particularly Dandara who have delivered a high quality building, and he thanked those families whose relatives temporarily relocated to Thie Meanagh for their forbearance.

It is intended that the service will relocate from Thie Meanagh to Reayrt Skyal during the Summer.

Financial Sanctions: Al-Qaida

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:28:21 GMT

The European Commission has amended Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No. 881/2002 ("the 2002 Regulation") with effect from 12 July 2012. Annex I of the 2002 Regulation lists the persons, groups and entities covered by the freezing of funds and economic resources under that Regulation. The amendments reflect the decision made on 2 July 2012 by the United Nations Sanctions Committee established pursuant to resolution 1267 (1999) to remove one individual and one entity from the UN Al-Qaida list.

The individual and entity removed from Annex I are therefore no longer subject to the asset freeze imposed by the 2002 Regulation.

DELETIONS

Individual

AL-FAQIH, Saad, Rashed, Mohammad

Title: Dr

DOB:

01/02/1957
31/01/1957

POB: Al-Zubair, Iraq

a.k.a.:

AL FAQIH, Saad
AL-FAGEEH, Sa'd, Rashid, Muhammed
ALFAGIH, Saad
AL-FAGIH, Saad
AL-FAKIH, Saad
AL-FAQI, Sa'd
AL-FAQIH, Abu Uthman, Sa'd
AL-FAQIH, Saad
AL-FAQIH, Sa'ad

Nationality: Saudi Arabian

Passport Details: 760620. Issued on 15 Sept 1991. Expired on 22 July 1996

Address: London, United Kingdom

Other Information: UN Ref QI.A.181.04. Head of Movement for Reform in Arabia.

Group ID: 8519

Entity

MOVEMENT FOR REFORM IN ARABIA

a.k.a.:

Al Islah (Reform)
Al-Harakat al-Islamiyah lil-Islah
Islamic Movement for Reform
MIRA
Movement for (Islamic) Reform in Arabia Limited
Movement For Islamic Reform in Arabia
Movement for Islamic Reform in Arabia Limited
Movement for Reform in Arabia Limited
MRA

Address:

BM Box, MIRA, London, United Kingdom, WC1N 3XX
Safiee Suite, EBC House, Townsend Lane, London, United Kingdom, NW9 8LL

Other Information: UN Ref QE.M.120.05. Email info@islah.org, info@islah.tv. Website: http://www.islah.info. Tel 020 8452 0303. Fax 020 8452 0808. UK Company no 03834450. Founded and led by Saad Rashed Mohammad al-Faqih

Group ID: 8520

Island signs up to Rio Convention

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:29:18 GMT

'This is a major milestone for our outstanding natural heritage', declared Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister, Phil Gawne MHK. 'My Department has been working towards this for some time. This is important for the future of the land and marine ecosystems on which we depend. The natural world provides us with seafood, fertile soil, freshwater, cultural inspiration for the arts, places for recreation and enjoyment, coastal protection, pest control and other services worth many millions of pounds a year. A recent study commissioned by DEFA valued a selection of services, covering tourism and recreation, and water supply from the areas of habitat on land as worth £42m a year. We know this is an underestimate. A similar study will be done for the sea.'

Minister Gawne went on to say: 'It is increasingly recognised that biodiversity plays an important part in people’s physical and mental health as well as making the Island the beautiful place where people want to live, work and have their holidays.'

In the spring the Island received notification that the UK’s Foreign Secretary had signed the letter to the UN, saying that the UK had agreed to the extension of the Convention on Biological Diversity to the Isle of Man. Under this notification the Convention will enter into force for the Island on the 90th day after the deposit with the UN, which is Monday 6 August. The depositary notification is in the public domain and can be found on the UN Treaties website.

This Multilateral Environmental Agreement has 193 parties and requires them each, by 2015, to develop, adopt and start implementing a Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan, based on the 20 targets agreed at the 2010 meeting in Japan. A drafting sub-committee of the Island's Conservation Forum (made up of organisations with an interest in biodiversity) is undertaking this process. It is expected that a draft strategy will be available for consultation in early 2013.

As part of this work the Department is looking at the possibility of the Island and its waters being given Biosphere Reserve status.

New Isle of Man Street Atlas - featuring 'Cringle's Rock'

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:29:18 GMT

A new Isle of Man Street Atlas is now on sale, featuring several new residential areas developed in recent years – and a new Douglas landmark named after one of the Island’s best-known residents.

The new Street Atlas has been produced by the Department of Infrastructure’s Mapping Unit, with the A4 sized booklet including detailed street plans of the main towns of the Island plus some of the smaller settlements.

Perhaps the most unusual addition to the Street Atlas is the naming of a large rock on Douglas shore after Manx journalist, Terry Cringle.

Two years ago Terry told in his Isle of Man Examiner column how he had named the rock after himself as a child and jokingly challenged the then President of Tynwald, Noel Cringle, to have it made official. Noel Cringle took up the challenge to see if enough public support could be raised and was mainly responsible for the support that was generated, which has now led to the name Cringle’s Rock being added to the base mapping.

Terry explained: ‘It’s a great honour, and to see the name of the rock added to the maps leaves me feeling somewhat humbled. I’d like to thank everyone involved in the process, in particular Noel Cringle. Noel is no relation, but he has invented Cringle’s Rock as much as me – and is welcome to go on it anytime!’

Minister for Infrastructure David Cretney MHK said: ‘We’re really pleased with how the revised Street Atlas looks, and early sales suggest it was much-needed. My thanks go to the members of the Department’s cartography team, led by Rob Clynes, who have painstakingly brought everything up-to-date for the new edition.

‘We are, of course, delighted to be able to include Cringle’s Rock on the map of Douglas – and very fitting it is too, to name it after one of the Island’s best-known residents.’

The map is priced at £3.99 and is available from most retail outlets around the Island.