Isle of Man Government News

Isle of Man and Switzerland sign Joint Declaration

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:29 GMT

The Isle of Man has signed a joint declaration with Switzerland addressing the introduction, on a reciprocal basis, of the automatic exchange of financial account information in tax matters.

The declaration was signed in London last week by His Excellency Mr Dominik Furgler, the Swiss Ambassador to the UK, and Hon. Eddie Teare MHK, the Isle of Man's Treasury Minister.

Under the declaration, data collection based on the OECD Common Reporting Standard (the global standard for automatic information exchange) will commence in 2017, with the first exchange of information taking place in 2018. Jersey and Guernsey have also signed identical declarations with Switzerland.

Minister Teare said: 'In 2013 the Isle of Man was the first country to sign a Tax Information Exchange Agreement with Switzerland and I am pleased to further strengthen our relationship by the signing of this declaration.'

The Minister added that the signing demonstrated the Island's continuing commitment to meet current international standards in tax transparency and effective exchange of information.

The text of the declaration can be viewed on the FATCA and Common Reporting Standard page of the Isle of Man Treasury Income Tax Division's website:
/categories/tax-vat-and-your-money/income-tax-and-national-insurance/international-agreements/fatca-and-common-reporting-standard/

Freedom of Information Act comes into force

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:15:40 GMT

The Island’s Freedom of Information (FOI) Act comes into effect on Monday (February 1, 2016) in a phased implementation starting with the Cabinet Office and the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.

Guidance to the public on how to make FOI requests to the two Departments will be available on a dedicated web page which will also go live on Monday.

Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said:

‘The first of February 2016 will see a significant enhancement of democracy in the Isle of Man. For the first time residents will be able to exercise a legal right to be given information held by public authorities.

‘The implementation of the FOI Act delivers on this administration’s pledge to strengthen the operation of open government, building on the measures that are already in place to support transparency and accountability.’

To manage the impact on public resources, the Act does not apply retrospectively beyond the start of the current administration in October 2011, can only be used by Isle of Man residents, and its introduction is being phased.

After being piloted with the Cabinet Office and DEFA, the regime will be extended in stages over the next two years to other Departments and all public authorities, including local authorities, so that the Act is due to be fully in force by January 2018.

In the meantime the public can still obtain information from all areas of Government under the non-statutory Code of Practice on Access to Government Information, which has been in place since 1996 and will be retained alongside the FOI regime to cover requests that fall outside its scope.

The Act enshrines in law the right of Island residents to gain access to information held by public authorities, as named in the legislation.

As is the case with FOI regimes elsewhere, there are a range of exemptions to protect legitimate confidentiality, for example to prevent harm to businesses. There are two types of exemptions, ‘absolute’ and ‘qualified’, the latter being subject to a public interest test.

The operation of the Act will be overseen by the independent Information Commissioner who is also responsible for regulating the Data Protection Act, the Unsolicited Communications Regulations and from 1 February the Code of Practice on Access to Government Information.

The Freedom of Information Act received Royal Assent in June 2015 having been passed by the branches of Tynwald following public consultation.

Minister welcomes public debate on border identity checks

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:28 GMT

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK has welcomed the public debate generated by the Department’s consultation on the principle of introducing border identity checks for people travelling to and from the Isle of Man by sea.

More than 700 written and online responses have been submitted since the consultation was launched in December.

Identity checks at sea ports are being considered as a way of enhancing the safety of the Isle of Man and its residents. The Department believes that a requirement for people to verify their identity before travelling by sea would help to combat crime.

The deadline for responses is Friday 12 February 2016 and people can provide feedback via the online survey or in writing to dhaconsultation@gov.im or Karl Cubbon, Legislation and Policy Officer, Chief Executive’s Office, Department of Home Affairs Headquarters, Tromode Road, Douglas, IM2 5PA. The consultation document is available to view on the Government website.

Minister Watterson said: ‘The consultation is intended to stimulate an open discussion on this important issue. We want to know if border identity checks are seen as an acceptable means of protecting our Island from criminal activity when balanced against any potential inconvenience to the travelling public.’

He added: ‘I’d like to thank those who have already contributed their views and encourage others to have their say before the consultation closes on 12 February. The Department will assess all the feedback before considering its next step.’

Pace of change continues at Home Affairs

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:28 GMT

The Department of Home Affairs will drive forward further significant changes during 2016 aimed at keeping the Island safe and helping Government to meet its budget targets.

The relocation of staff and services is set to continue over the next 12 months, enabling the Department to make substantial savings through the downsizing of its estate.

A number of new and replacement facilities will also reach fruition in the next financial year as part of a programme of capital investment focused on protecting the local community.

Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Department was active on many fronts during 2015 and that pace of change will be maintained in the year ahead. The further relocation of functions will allow us to vacate more buildings, rented office space and storage units. This planned streamlining is helping us to reduce costs while protecting frontline emergency services. It will also generate substantial capital receipts for the Government.’

He added: ‘The Department is investing in its infrastructure to provide added resilience in terms of public safety. Despite poor weather, good progress is being achieved on the live fire training facility and the resettlement and rehabilitation centre, while work is scheduled to start later this year on a combined fire and ambulance station at Ronaldsway Industrial Estate. 2016 will be another important year for Home Affairs and it is exciting to see key elements of our long-term strategy coming together.’

The Department relocated its corporate headquarters to the former Drill Hall in Tromode towards the end of last year. Other staff and services also made the transition, with more set to follow on a phased basis over the next six months.

The lower Douglas police station will be vacated in the spring and officers transferred to Constabulary headquarters, while work is progressing with a view to the police moving out of Castletown police station and into the Civic Centre.

Part of the Tromode House resettlement and rehabilitation centre is being converted into a new administrative base for Probation staff, which will allow the Department to make savings by relocating from Prospect House in central Douglas. In addition to the combined fire and ambulance station on the Ronaldsway Industrial Estate, plans are being progressed to relocate Port Erin firefighters out of their antiquated premises to the current ambulance station at the Four Roads.’

Minister Watterson said: ‘The Department is using this period of change to introduce new ways of working. We are committed to running ourselves as efficiently as possible and providing best-value, effective services for the people of the Isle of Man. The Department has achieved £10.6million of savings (27.6%) since its budget peaked in 2007-08, while maintaining standards of excellence. I’d like to thank all the Department’s employees for their contributions towards this success.’

Chief Executive Mark Kelly supported the Minister’s view, adding: ‘As well as rationalising our estate, it is vital that the Department makes the best use of available technology in the development of our services. For this reason, we are working closely with the Cabinet Office in the roll out of Government’s Digital Strategy in the criminal justice arena.’

Police continuing to disrupt supply of drugs

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:28 GMT

The Isle of Man Constabulary is continuing to disrupt the supply of illegal drugs in the local community, with a number of notable seizures being made over the past three months.

Heroin, cocaine and cannabis with a combined value of more than £215,000 have been removed from the Island’s streets since the middle of November following a series of raids by the police’s Proactive Team.

The Manx force is working closely with Merseyside Police and other key partners to try to prevent illicit substances entering the Island from the United Kingdom. There were 15 arrests at the Island’s ports for drug-related matters during 2015, with substantial amounts of cash being recovered.

Tip-offs received from members of the public are also providing vital intelligence to support the Constabulary’s efforts to combat importation and supply.

The Chief Constable has said that stopping the ‘evil trade in Class A drugs’ remains one of his main priorities. In addition to making large, one-off seizures, officers adopt a range of other tactics to dismantle supply networks, such as using financial investigation powers and making early arrests for possession.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘The Isle of Man takes a robust stance against drug crime and those involved in trafficking can expect lengthy prison sentences. The police have made some significant seizures and several arrests in recent months and are continuing to work proactively to safeguard the quality of life the Isle of Man is rightly proud of.’

He added: ‘There were six drug-related deaths in the Isle of Man in 2015, which highlights the devastating impact that drugs can have on a community. People can play a part in keeping their neighbourhoods safe by passing on information that assists our intelligence gathering process. A strong sense of community responsibility will make it harder for drug dealers to avoid detection.’

As well as seeking deterrent prison sentences for serious drug crime, the Department is developing alternative methods of dealing with offenders at the lower end of the scale – those caught in possession of a small amount of drugs for their own use, who have no relevant previous convictions. Home Affairs is working with the Departments of Health and Social Care and Education and Children as part of a joined up Government approach to the issue.

Minister Watterson commented: ‘The success of our drugs education programmes shows that addressing underlying issues and behaviour can often be the best way to prevent reoffending. The police have the ability to register people on the drug arrest referral scheme without them having to enter the detention and custody processes. This allows officers to deal with minor offences in a more pragmatic way. I think there is a growing acceptance that in certain cases treatment rather than punishment will have the greatest overall benefit for our community.’

Prisoners produce recorded news round-up for Manx Blind Welfare Society

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:28 GMT

The Isle of Man Prison is working in conjunction with a local charity to support people affected by serious sight loss.

Prisoners are volunteering as newsreaders to help produce a recorded news service on behalf of the Manx Blind Welfare Society. A weekly round-up is compiled from local newspapers and distributed free of charge to approximately 120 registered blind or partially sighted people in the Island.

A group of 10 prisoners successfully completed their first news update earlier this month. They teamed up with Ian Cooil and Derek Bridson from the Manx Blind Welfare Society to learn how to prepare news items and how to use digital recording equipment.

The charity has expressed its satisfaction with the quality of finished product and the Prison will now be included on the list of individuals and organisations who volunteer on a rota basis to provide the service.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said: ‘It is always encouraging to see prisoners making a positive contribution to the local community. The individuals involved have taken great pride in the planning and delivery of this project and have acquired some useful skills along the way.’

He added: ‘As well as helping local charities and vulnerable people, there are other benefits to providing meaningful jobs for our prisoners. It plays an important role in maintaining discipline in prison and contributes towards the overall rehabilitation of offenders. This in turn supports our commitment to combating crime and reducing the associated social and economic costs.’

Jobs for prisoners in the kitchens, laundry and gardens are supplemented wherever practical by suitable work provided in association with charities and businesses. In recent times prisoners have created reusable shopping bags, split and bagged logs, and assembled pre-cut wooden fence panels and trellising.

The project with the Manx Blind Welfare Society was first suggested by Prison Officer Phil Penketh. The idea was explored and after their initial training sessions the prisoners set about recording their first weekly news round-up.

The job involves much planning and preparation to organise the newspapers into numbered articles and to share out the news reading duties. Prisoners then operate the digital recorders, introducing themselves by their first names before reading a selected article and describing any accompanying images.

The digital recordings must be completed and delivered in time to meet a specific deadline.

Debbie Thomson, Volunteer Coordinator at the Manx Blind Welfare Society, said: ‘We are delighted that our involvement with the Isle of Man Prison on this project has proven so successful. The prisoners have done a commendable job and we’ve had no hesitation in asking them to work with us again in the future. The Society looks after the interests of more than 600 people with serious sight loss and many rely on our free service to keep up to date with the local news.’

Breast Screening Service moves to Noble’s Hospital

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:28 GMT

The Island’s Breast Screening Service is moving from the Community Health Centre on Westmoreland Road to Noble’s Hospital, with clinics commencing at the hospital on Monday 1 February 2016.

The move to the new purpose-built facility is part of a joint-initiative by the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group and the Department of Health and Social Care to create a dedicated Breast Unit for the Island. It means that screening, diagnosis, consultations and treatment can take place in a single location, joining-up care and making it more efficient all whilst utilising brand new state-of-the-art facilities.

The new Breast Unit is located in the west wing of Noble’s Hospital on the ground floor. Appointment letters have been updated to advise attendees of the service’s new location.

One in eight women will develop breast cancer at some time in their life. Women aged between 50 and 70 are invited for a mammogram every two years, which uses x-rays to examine the breast to try and detect cancer at its early stages when treatment can be most effective. Women aged 71 and over can self-refer.

The contact telephone number for the Breast Screening Service remains unchanged, +44 1624 685339.

Bill aims to enhance safety and reduce bureaucracy

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:28 GMT

The Department of Infrastructure is proposing to modernise aspects of the Isle of Man’s road transport laws as part of its efforts to enhance public safety and reduce bureaucracy.

A consultation has been launched today (Friday 29 January) to invite feedback on the Road Transport Legislation (Amendment) Bill 2016.

The Bill is intended to update existing legislation, to streamline administration processes and to clarify requirements regarding the safe operation of commercial goods vehicles. It sets out revised provisions to deal with a range of issues, including vehicle duty and exemptions, registration plates and trade plates, and the powers to seize forged licences. The proposed changes would make it easier to remove unlicensed vehicles from public roads, as well as simplify the registration of private hire vehicles.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said: ‘The Department is currently progressing several strands of legislation with the common goal of improving road safety and cutting red tape for business, for the public and for Government.’

John Houghton MHK, Member of the Department of Infrastructure with responsibility for Highway Services, added: ‘The Bill will provide for the better regulation of vehicles and drivers and ensure the haulage industry and the public are safer as a result. I would encourage people to let us know their views by responding to the consultation.’

The consultation document is available to view on the Government website at /consultations.gov and submissions can be emailed to doiconsultation@gov.im or posted to Chris Hannon, Department of Infrastructure, Sea Terminal Buildings, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 2RF.

The deadline for responses is Friday 4 March.

Terrorism and Other Crime (Financial Restrictions) Act 2014 – Revocation of Final Designation

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:30 GMT

On 26 January 2016, the final designation of the person below was revoked by HM Treasury.

Consequently, he is not a designated person for the purpose of the Terrorism and Other Crime (Financial Restrictions) Act 2014, and is therefore no longer subject to financial sanctions in the Isle of Man.

The Terrorism and Other Crime (Financial Restrictions) Act 2014 implements the terrorist asset-freezing requirements of the UN Security Council Resolution 1373 (2001) and Council Regulation (EU) No 2580/2001 in the Island.

Further more information contact Customs and Excise

REVOCATION OF FINAL DESIGNATION UNDER THE TERRORISM AND OTHER CRIME (FINANCIAL RESTRICTIONS) ACT 2014

Individual

HUSSAIN, Nabeel

DOB: 10 March 1984

Address:

London, United Kingdom, E17
London, United Kingdom (previous address), SE6
London, United Kingdom (previous address), E4
Ilford, Essex, United Kingdom (previous address), IG1

Other Information: UK/IOM listing only. Male.

Praise for outgoing head of Special Constabulary

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:30 GMT

Tributes have been paid to the outgoing head of the Isle of Man Special Constabulary who has retired after a distinguished career spanning four decades.

A presentation was held at Police Headquarters to honour John Higginbotham who rose through the ranks to become Commandant of the volunteer section of the Isle of Man Constabulary.

John, a senior manager with the Isle of Man Post Office, joined the Special Constabulary in September 1981, working in Douglas. He was promoted in January 1987 to section officer, equivalent to the rank of sergeant in the full-time police force, and in January 1994 to divisional officer, similar to inspector, in Peel.

John became Commandant in May 2001 following the retirement of Lieutenant Colonel Roy Leeder. During his 34-year service with the Special Constabulary, John has been commended on several occasions for his skill, hard work and courage.

Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson MHK said:

‘The primary focus of the Department is to maintain public safety and to look after vulnerable people in their time of need. Members of the Special Constabulary devote a great deal of their own time to serving the local community, working alongside regular officers to provide added resilience. The commitment and dedication shown by John Higginbotham, and indeed all the volunteers involved in the organisation, is testament to the great community spirit in the Isle of Man.’

Chief Constable Gary Roberts added:

‘John Higginbotham has served the Constabulary and the community in an exemplary fashion for more than 34 years. He led the Special Constabulary with distinction for well over a decade and he was instrumental in helping to integrate the Special Constabulary into the wider organisation. His level-headed common sense made him a particularly good Special Constable and a practical and pragmatic Commandant. I am really grateful to him for all that he has done.’

Mr Higginbotham will be succeeded by Dean Johnson, a commercial airline pilot, who will have the title of Chief Officer, Isle of Man Special Constabulary.

Implementation work for Disability Discrimination Act begins with public consultation

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:30 GMT

A public consultation has launched today seeking comment on two documents related to the implementation of the Disability Discrimination Act 2006.

The aim of the legislation is to prevent discrimination against people with a disability in how goods, facilities and services are provided and the disposal or management of premises. It also places a duty for reasonable adjustments to be made in the way services are provided if it is impossible or unreasonably difficult for a disabled person to make use of a service.

The Act is being implemented in four phases over the next four years with the first phase commencing on 15 December 2016. This approach has been taken to provide time for service providers to make any reasonable adjustments to comply with the Act.

The first document, ‘Guidance on matters to be taken into account in determining questions relating to the definition of disability’ details what is meant by a disability for the purposes of the Act. Only those persons who are disabled within the meaning of the Act will be protected. In most cases there is unlikely to be any doubt whether a person has or has had a disability, but the Guidance should prove helpful in cases where the matter is not particularly clear.

The second document, ‘Code of Practice – Rights of Access, Goods, Facilities, Services and Premises’ gives practical guidance to help providers and property owners comply with the Act by preventing discrimination against disabled persons in accessing services and premises, and encouraging good practice. The document also explains what is meant by the duty to make ‘reasonable adjustments’ to a service or access to premises.

The consultation will run until Friday 4 March 2016. A copy of the consultation documentation can be downloaded here or copies can be requested by email on DDA2006.DHSC@gov.im or by telephone on 695794.

Financial Sanctions: Iran (Nuclear Proliferation)

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:30 GMT

This news release is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed by the Council of the European Union against Iran.

Following the publication of Council Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2016/74 (“the Amending Regulation”) in the Official Journal of the European Union, Annex IX to Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012 has been amended with effect from 23 January 2016.

The Amending Regulation reflects the decision made on 17 January 2016 by the United Nations Sanctions Committee to remove two entities from the UN Iran list.

DELISTINGS

Entities

BANK SEPAH

Other Information: UN Ref E.47.A.8. Provides support for the AIO and subordinates, including SHIG and SBIG.

Group ID: 9042

BANK SEPAH INTERNATIONAL

Other Information: UN Ref E.47.A.8.

Group ID: 9043

The two entities are no longer subject to an asset freeze and have been removed from the Consolidated List.

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

Terrorism and Other Crime (Financial Restrictions) Act 2014 – Andrey Kostantinovich Lugovoy and Dmitri Vadimovich Kovtun

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:31 GMT

At 12 noon on 22 January 2016 the Andrey Lugovoy and Dmitri Kovtun Freezing Order 2016 [SI 2016 No. 67] (“the UK Order”) came into force. This Order contained two new designations made under section 4 of the Anti-Terrorism, Crime and Security Act 2001.

The designations concerned –

ANDREY KOSTANTINOVICH LUGOVOY and

DMITRI VADIMOVICH KOVTUN

and imposed freezing orders on these individuals.

The UK Order was made following the publication of the Report into the death of Alexander Litvinenko by the Litvinenko Inquiry chaired by Sir Robert Owen on 21 January 2016. This Report found that the individuals deliberately poisoned Mr Litvinenko in November 2006.

Under the terms of section 24(1) of the Terrorism and Other Crime (Financial Restrictions) Act 2014 (“the 2014 Act”), where HM Treasury in the UK enacts a measure that is the equivalent of a freezing order made under Division 2 of Part 2 of the 2014 Act, then that measure has effect in the Isle of Man as if it were a freezing order made under the 2014 Act.

Therefore the Treasury requires institutions and businesses in the Island to check whether they hold any funds belonging to the individuals, freeze any such funds, and refrain from dealing in such funds or making them available to any person (unless permitted to do so under a licence granted by the Treasury).

Anyone finding any funds belonging to the individuals must report their findings to the Customs and Excise Division, together with any additional information that would facilitate compliance with the requirements of the 2014 Act. Any person with any information concerning any frozen assets must provide the Division with any information that it may request.

Further details of the designated individuals are contained in the Annex to this news release.

Part 4 of the 2014 Act contains details of how any person affected by a designation may apply to the High Court to have the decision of the designation set aside.

Further more information contact Customs and Excise

Rugby star will boost young sporting potential

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:32 GMT

Former British Lions and Scotland international rugby player Tony Stanger returns to the Island next month to talk about the athlete and parent relationship in sport.

He will deliver a free workshop, Maximising Talent, at 10am on Saturday 20 February at the Keyll Darree Lecture Theatre at Noble’s Hospital.

Tony will explore how parents can help young athletes fulfil their sporting potential and whether some things they do could hold them back.

Trevor Christian, Sports Coaching Coordinator with Isle of Man Sport, said:

‘Last July, Tony launched our series of lectures for coaches, athletes, parents and sports administrators, organised as part of our new Sports Coaching Development Programme.

‘His latest workshop, our third, will help parents and athletes understand how they can work together to achieve success.

‘We are fortunate to have Tony returning to share his vast experience, both as an athlete and as the former head of talent at the Scottish Institute of Sport.

‘This practical session will help athletes understand the key factors that drive success and will show parents how to develop easy to use habits to effectively support the development of young athletes.’

Trevor added:

‘Sports coaches are encouraged to attend the workshop, which will offer ideas on how to improve communication between parents, athletes and coaches to give athletes the best chance to succeed but, more importantly, enjoy a lifelong love of sport.

‘This workshop highlights the importance placed on the role of the coach in the delivery of quality sports training, as set out in the Isle of Man Government’s 10-year Strategy for Sport.’

Places at the workshop are available on a first come, first served basis. To book, email trevor.christian@gov.im or contact him on +44 1624 688590.

Financial Sanctions: Al-Qaida

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:34 GMT

This news release is issued in respect of the restrictive measures directed against certain persons and entities associated with the Al-Qaida network.

Annex I to Council Regulation (EC) No 881/2002 has been amended with effect from 19 January 2016, following the publication of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) No 2016/47.

AMENDMENTS

Deleted information appears in square brackets [ ]. Additional information appears in italics.

Individuals

AHMAD, Najmuddin, Faraj

DOB:

07/07/1956
17/06/1963

POB: Olaqloo Sharbajer, Al-Sulaymaniyah Governorate, Iraq

a.k.a.:

FARRAJ, Fateh, Najm, Eddine
NAJMUDDIN, Faraj, Ahmad

Nationality: Iraqi

National Identification no: Ration Card No. 0075258

Address: Heimdalsgate 36-V, 0578, Oslo, Norway.

Other Information: UN Ref QI.A.226.06. Also referred to as Mullah Krekar. Mother’s name: Masouma Abd al-Rahman. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice.

Listed on: 08/12/2006 Last updated: 19/01/2016

Group ID: 8970

ALI AL-BADRI AL-SAMARRAI, Ibrahim, Awwad, Ibrahim

Title: Dr

DOB: --/--/1971

POB:

Samarra, Iraq
Iraq

a.k.a.:

AL-BADRI, AL-SAMARRAI, Ibrahim, ‘Awad, Ibrahim
AL-BAGHDADI, Abu Bakr
‘ALI AL-BADRI AL-SAMARRAI, Ibrahim, ‘Awwad, Ibrahim
AL-QURAISHI, Abu Bakr, al-Baghdadi, al-Husayni
AL-SAMARRAI’I, Ibrahim, ‘Awad, Ibrahim
AL-SAMARRA’I, Ibrahim, Awwad, Ibrahim

Nationality: Iraqi

National Identification no: Ration card no. 0134852

Address:

Syria
Iraq

Other Information: UN Ref QI.A.299.11. Also referred to as Abu Du’a, Abu Duaa’ and Dr Ibrahim. Currently based in Iraq and Syria. Wife’s name: Saja Hamid al-Dulaimi, second Wife’s name: Asma Fawzi Mohammed al-Kubaissi. Description: Height: 1.65m Weight: 85kg. Black Hair and eyes. White skin. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice.

Listed on: 17/10/2011 Last updated: 19/01/2016

Group ID: 12157

CHATAEV, Akhmed, Rajapovich

DOB: 14/07/1980

POB: Vedeno Village, Vedenskiy District, Republic of Chechnya, Russia

a.k.a.:

MAYER, David
SENE, Elmir
SHISHANI, Akhmad

Nationality: Russian

National Identification no: National identification No.: 9600133195 (Russian national passport number)

Address:

Iraq, possible alternative location
Syrian Arab Republic, located in as at August 2015

Other Information: Physical description: eye colour: brown; hair colour: black; build: solid; distinguishing marks: oval face, beard, missing a right hand and left leg; speaks Russian, Chechen and possibly German and Arabic. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice. Also referred to as: Odnorukiy.

Listed on: 09/10/2015 Last updated: 19/01/2016

The above entries are still subject to an asset freeze.

DELETION

Individual

ABD AL-HAFIZ, Abd, Al Wahab

DOB:

07/09/1967
30/10/1968

POB:

Algiers, Algeria
El Harrach, Algeria

a.k.a.:

ABDEL HAFID, Abdewahab
ABDELHAFID, Abdel, Wahab
ABDELHAFID, Abdelwahab
ABDELHAFID, Adelouahab
ABDELHAFIO, Abedel, Wahad
DI ROMA, Rabah
FERDJANI, Mouloud

Nationality: Algerian

Passport Details: No. 3525282 (Algerian passport. Issued under name Abdelouahab ABDELHAFID)

Other Information: UN Ref QI.A.157.04. Also referred to as Mourad and Said. Photo available for inclusion in the INTERPOL-UN Security Council Special Notice.

Listed on: 19/03/2004 Last updated: 28/08/2015

Group ID: 8018

This entry has been removed from the Consolidated List and is no longer subject to an asset freeze.

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 individuals. 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 also report their findings to the Sanctions Officer at the Customs and Excise Division of the Treasury.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Al-Qaida 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.

Kingside Services Ltd - Cancellation of registration under the Moneylenders Act 1991

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:36 GMT

Notice is hereby given that the registration of Kingside Services Ltd under the Moneylenders Act 1991 has been cancelled at the request of the company with immediate effect.

European Union Sanctions

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:36 GMT

Following the issue of the news release of 18 January regarding the lifting of some of the sanctions measures in force in respect of Iran, the Treasury wishes to make the following additional advice available.

The implementation of the amendments made by the European Union (Iran Sanctions) (Proliferation) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2015 means that as certain financial sanctions measures have been removed –

34 individuals and 298 entities are no longer subject to an asset freeze or a prohibition on making economic resources available to them;
the restrictions on financial transfers to and from non-listed Iranian entities have been removed, and there is therefore no requirement to submit prior notification, or obtain prior authorisation, for such transfers. As a consequence, the Supplement to Sanctions Notice 24 has been withdrawn;
banking activities (such as the establishment of new correspondent banking relationships with Iranian banks, and the opening of branches, subsidiaries or representative offices of Iranian banks) are permitted;
the provision of insurance and reinsurance services to non-listed Iranian entities is permitted;
the supply of specialised financial messaging services (such as SWIFT) is permitted for non-listed Iranian financial institutions;
transactions in public or public-guaranteed bonds with Iranian non-listed entities are permitted.

In addition, certain non-financial sanctions measures have been lifted allowing –

the import, purchase, swap and transport of crude oil and petroleum products from Iran;
the export by Island persons of oil, gas and petrochemical equipment or technology, and the provision of related technical assistance (including training to any Iranian person) inside or outside Iran, or for use in Iran;
investment in Iranian oil, gas and petrochemicals sectors;
the sale, supply, transfer or export of naval equipment and technology for shipbuilding, maintenance or refit to Iran or any Iranian person engaged in the sector;
design construction, or participation in the design and construction, of sea cargo vessels and oil tankers for Iran or Iranian persons;
the provision of sea vessels, designed or used for the transport or storage of oil or petrochemical products, to Iranian persons, entities or bodies;
the provision of flagging and classification services for sea vessels;
cargo flights operated by Iranian operators or originating in Iran access to EU airports;
cargo to and from Iran of previously prohibited items being no longer subject to inspection, seizure and disposal by customs authorities in the EU;
the sale, supply, purchase, transfer or export of gold, other precious metals and diamonds to or from or for the Government of Iran, its public bodies, corporations and agencies, or the Central Bank of Iran;
the provision of brokering, finance and security services;
the delivery of newly-printed or minted banknotes and coinage for the Central Bank of Iran.

As notified in the news release of 18 January, certain goods, whilst no longer prohibited from sale, supply, transfer or export to Iran or any Iranian entity or body, or for use in Iran, remain subject to the requirement for an export licence. These include –

certain nuclear-related goods and technology listed in Annex I to Council Regulation (EU) No 267/2012;
nuclear-related goods and technology listed in Annex II of that Regulation;
certain graphite and raw and semi-finished metals;
Enterprise Resource Planning software, including updates;
the provision of technical assistance, brokering services or financial assistance related to any of the above.

These specific controls are in addition to the normal export and trade control licensing requirements – see Notice 279 MAN and Notice 279T MAN. In particular, goods and technology that could contribute to the development of nuclear weapon delivery systems or other WMD, or items on the EU Common Military List, remain subject to tight controls.

More information may be found in an information note on EU sanctions to be lifted under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCOA) which has been published by the European Commission.

There has been no change to those sanctions imposed in respect of Iran on human rights grounds, and therefore these remain in force. These include the listing of certain individuals and entities, as well as restrictions on the supply of certain equipment and technology that could be used for internal repression or the monitoring or interceptions of telecommunications.

Whilst US secondary legislation imposing nuclear-related sanctions has also been suspended, some US-imposed sanctions remain in force, with additional measures put in place and affecting 11 individuals and entities connected to Iran’s ballistic missile programme with effect from 17 January. Guidance on the effect of the lifting of US sanctions under the JCPOA may be found on the website of the Office of Foreign Assets Control. You should note that, as a general rule, US persons and companies remain prohibited from engaging in transactions with Iran or the Iranian government and Iranian financial institutions.

You should check the amended Consolidated List of Iranian individuals and entities for those that remain subject to financial sanctions.

Sanctions Notice 24 has been amended to reflect the changes detailed above.

For more information contact Customs and Excise

European Union Sanctions –Iran – Partial lifting of sanctions

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:37 GMT

On 16 January 2016, the Council of the European Union announced that it had noted that the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Association (IAEA) had presented a report to the IAEA Board of Governors and to the United Nations Security Council confirming that Iran had taken the measures specified in paragraphs 15.1 to 15.11 of Annex V to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA).

16 January 2016 is therefore “Implementation Day”, being the day on which sanctions imposed on Iran by the EU in connection with its nuclear programme would be lifted, amended or suspended in accordance with the JCPOA.

As a result, on that date the European Union (Iran Sanctions) (Proliferation) (Amendment) (No. 3) Order 2015 [SD 2015/0372] came fully into operation, giving effect to Council Regulation (EU) No 2015/1861 in the Island and making the appropriate changes to sanctions imposed under Island law.

Information on the effect of the changes to the sanctions regime is available from the Foreign and Commonwealth Office at https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/doing-business-with-iran

Note that some prohibitions and restrictions will remain in place, such as on the export to Iran, or import from Iran, of goods and technology on the EU Common Military List and related services, technical and financial, and that normal export and trade control licensing requirements will exist, and licences will continue to be required for the export to, or import from, Iran of dual-use items and other controlled goods including those related to nuclear programmes and use.

Some persons, entities and organisations will remain subject to sanctions, including an asset freeze and a prohibition on making funds available to them. However, the general requirements for obtaining prior authorisation, or providing prior notification, for the transfer of funds to and from Iran and Iranian persons no longer apply.

You should also note that not all US sanctions have been lifted (and, in fact, additional measures were imposed on 17 January 2016 in retaliation for a recent ballistic missile test), in particular those imposed for reasons of human rights violations and alleged support of terrorism.

Further guidance on the effect of the lifting of certain US sanctions may be found at – https://www.treasury.gov/resource-center/sanctions/Programs/Documents/implement_guide_JCPOA.pdf

The JCPOA provides for the re-imposition of some or all sanctions (under the so-called “snap back”) in the event of any significant non-performance of commitments made by Iran.

The detailed guidance on Iran sanctions on the Customs and Excise webpages will be updated in due course.

For more information contact Customs and Excise

New Family Support Service to launch in February

Fri, 29 Jul 2022 12:38:54 GMT

A new service designed to provide early and targeted support for children with additional needs, and their families, will formally launch in February 2016 following a successful pilot programme.

The new service is part of the Isle of Man Government’s Strategy for Children and Young People 2015 – 2020 which was approved by Tynwald last year and supports one of Government’s three core objectives: to project the vulnerable. The strategy was developed following an inspection of the Island’s services for children and young people by Scotland’s Care Inspectorate in 2013.

A key aim of the strategy is to develop and strengthen early help and support to assist parents – with their consent – to raise their children in a way that allows them to achieve their full potential. This new service supports the delivery of that objective.

Following a competitive tender exercise, the new Family Support Service will be operated by UK charity Family Action which will register as a charity in the Isle of Man. Family Action has wide experience of delivering services to vulnerable children and families in the UK, operating more than 45 similar services for local authorities in England.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Howard Quayle MHK, said:

'The launch of this new service is a very positive development and furthers Government’s agenda to protect vulnerable children. We want all of our young people to thrive and have the best opportunities in life.

'Sometimes families need help and support along the way, particularly where a child has additional needs. It is vital that this assistance is given as early as possible to prevent issues becoming more problematic, which can destabilise families and prevent children from flourishing.

'This additional help will be available through locally based coordinators who will work closely with families, schools and health services to provide children and their families with the help and joined-up support they need.'

The Island’s Supervised Contact Centre – which ensures that looked-after children are kept safe during contact with family members assessed as posing a risk to them – also forms part of the new Family Support Service and was included in the competitive tender. As a result the service will also be operated by Family Action from February 2016, which will take over the service from The Children’s Centre.

Plans to replace bridge in Laxey destroyed by floods

Tue, 22 May 2018 13:21:38 GMT

The Department of Infrastructure has this week submitted plans to replace the bridge in Laxey that was destroyed during the recent flooding.

Subject to planning approval, the Department aims to have the new single-span structure open to traffic in time for this year’s TT Races.

The Old Laxey Bridge was irreparably damaged in December when flash flooding resulted in part of the structure collapsing into the river. The remainder of the bridge was demolished and a temporary pedestrian footbridge erected while plans were drawn up for a permanent replacement.

The proposed new bridge will reduce the likelihood of any future flood damage by allowing the river to flow unimpeded out to sea. The bridge will also include a footway and the intention is to give pedestrians greater priority and to reduce the number of vehicles that use Old Laxey as a short-cut through the village.

The Department sought the views of Garff MHK Steve Rodan, Laxey Village Commissioners, Laxey Regeneration Committee, Manx National Heritage and the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust and invited them to comment on four possible options for the replacement bridge. Sketches of the different proposals were published in a community newsletter and householders were also encouraged to voice their opinions during a public presentation.

While a number of people expressed a preference for option 1b from an aesthetic viewpoint – a simple design with stone cladding to create the appearance of a single arch – the overwhelming desire was for a bridge that would be better equipped to survive future flooding.

This led the Department to consider the three options for a ‘flat’ bridge, which provides a significant improvement on the original three-span structure and on the arched replacement option in terms of the volume of water that can be handled.

Option 1a, a plain design, and option 3, based on the concept of the Laxey Wheel, did not find favour with the public. There was support for option 2, which takes inspiration from the ‘pepper pot’ lighthouses at the harbour. This design will handle almost three times the volume of water of the original Old Laxey Bridge in any future flooding event.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK said:

‘The Department has sought the views of the public, businesses and elected representatives and is trying to balance a range of key factors. It is clear that the impact of the recent flooding was so devastating to residents and businesses that flood prevention has to be our primary consideration. The majority of people who spoke to our officers wanted us to make swift progress with the opening of a new bridge that would not be so vulnerable to future flood damage. It’s important to have the replacement bridge in place as soon as possible because part of lower Laxey risks being cut off if there are any problems with Old Laxey Hill.’

He added:

‘The Department has decided to submit its application based on option 2, but with changes to some of the materials and finishes in line with comments from local people. There seems little point in trying construct a “pretend” old bridge, so we are proposing a good, contemporary, architect-designed option that recognises the importance of Old Laxey and its conservation area status. Our aim is to build a bridge that is, in time, as well loved as the old one was.’

As part of the proposals, the Department will take the opportunity to improve the road junctions between Glen Road, Minorca Hill and Breeze Hill and to enhance sections of the retaining wall near the bridge.