Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK has today (Friday 15 November 2013) led a senior delegation from the Isle of Man Government attending the 21st British-Irish Council Summit in Jersey.
Mr Bell, Treasury Minister Eddie Teare MHK and Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK took part in top-level discussions on a range of issues.
The summit, hosted by Jersey Chief Minister Ian Gorst at L’Horizon Hotel in St Brelade’s Bay, focused on the current economic situation in member administrations, youth unemployment and developments in the new BIC creative industries work sector.
The BIC, established under the terms of the Good Friday peace agreement, is the only international forum comprising the governments of the UK, Ireland, Northern Ireland, Scotland, Wales, Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey.
It plays an important role in developing positive links between member countries and provides a platform for consultation and co-operation on matters of mutual interest.
As well as contributing to the summit’s main agenda, the Isle of Man Ministers took the opportunity to hold informal discussions with their political counterparts, including Lord McNally, Minister of State for Justice, on matters of mutual interest.
The Chief Minister said:
‘The British-Irish Council has always been a valuable forum for the Isle of Man, allowing us to take our place alongside the governments of our neighbouring islands and discuss common challenges at the highest level. It affords us the respect and recognition we need to further enhance the Island’s international identity, and provides an opportunity to reaffirm our economic value to our closest trading partners.’
Minister Teare added:
‘The additional value of attending events such as the BIC summit lies in the side meetings where we can strengthen personal relationships with the leaders of other countries and highlight the Isle of Man’s position on specific issues.’
The three Island Ministers, who were accompanied by Will Greenhow, Chief Secretary, and Della Fletcher, Director of External Relations, attended the summit alongside the political leaders of other sovereign governments, devolved administrations and crown dependencies.
They joined delegations headed by Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey), Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Ireland), Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Theresa Villiers (UK), First Minister Peter Robinson and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (Northern Ireland), First Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales), Cabinet Secretary for Finance, Employment and Sustainable Growth, John Swinney (Scotland) and Chief Minister Peter Harwood (Guernsey).
In addition to assessing the current economic situation, Council members discussed proposals to maximise the social and economic benefits arising from the creative industries.
Minister Shimmin highlighted the Isle of Man’s rich creative legacy and the contribution of the creative industries towards the future growth and diversification of the Manx economy.
He said:
‘The Island is a successful hub for film production and our partnership with the Pinewood Group has secured our position as a key player in the UK independent film industry. We are also focused on developing the right skills and environment to encourage the creative industries to flourish and provide employment opportunities for our people.’
The official communiqué from the 21st BIC Summit can be found here http://www.britishirishcouncil.org/news/21st-british-irish-council-summit-held-jersey
