The Isle of Man’s status as a world leader in digital technologies was highlighted during the 23rd British-Irish Council (BIC) Summit held in Douglas today (Friday 28 November).
Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK welcomed the political leaders of the sovereign governments, devolved administrations and crown dependencies to the Island for talks on a range of key issues.
Digital inclusion – ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to benefit from information technology – was the main topic under discussion. The Isle of Man broke new ground by hosting the BIC’s first ‘e-Summit’, with iPads replacing paper on delegates’ desks in the Villa Marina.
Leaders and Ministers heard about the Island’s strong track record in promoting digital inclusion and investing in its Information Communication Technology (ICT) infrastructure. The Isle of Man was one of the first countries in the world to introduce a 3G mobile network in 2001 and is now home to a flourishing e-business 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.
The visiting delegations were headed by Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Ireland), Secretary of State for Northern Ireland Theresa Villiers MP (UK), Minister of Finance and Personnel Simon Hamilton and deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness (Northern Ireland), First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP (Scotland), First Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales), Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey) and Chief Minister Jonathan Le Tocq (Guernsey).
As well as contributing to the Summit’s main agenda, the Chief Minister and Policy and Reform Minister Chris Robertshaw MHK took the opportunity to hold discussions with their political counterparts, including the Scottish Government’s new First Minister Nicola Sturgeon MSP.
Mr Bell 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 issues at the highest level. It was a pleasure for me to welcome First Minister Nicola Sturgeon to the BIC family and to gain a personal insight into her plans for the future of Scotland. The Summit enables us to strengthen relationships at political and officer level and helps to promote a deeper understanding of the Isle of Man’s position on a number of important issues.’
Minister Robertshaw added:
‘The Isle of Man is leading the BIC’s work group on digital inclusion, so it was fitting that we became the first nation to host a BIC e-summit. Our work in this area is aimed at making more Government services available online, eliminating bureaucracy and reducing the social isolation felt by certain sections within our communities. The use of digital technology continues to make a vital contribution to our national priorities of growing the economy, rebalancing the budget and protecting vulnerable people.’
The official communiqué from the 23rd BIC Summit can be found here http://tinyurl.com/qeez7nx
