Isle of Man Government News

Governor’s Commendation

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:30:35 GMT

Government House is pleased to announce that His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor has awarded a Governor’s Commendation to Mr Tony Howell for his long and dedicated service to popular music on the Isle of Man.

Tony, who is widely known on the island as ‘Flash’, has been a key figure on the Island’s music scene for over sixty years, and has played in numerous groups including The Cheetahs, Black Mass, Whiskey Mac and the Hunters.

A self-taught guitarist, Tony started playing in the Globe Public House in Strand Street, Douglas in 1963. Over the years, he has been in support acts at the Villa Marina and the Palace Lido, supporting musicians such as Manfred Man, Rolling Stones and Duane Eddy, whilst working full-time in Howell and Robinson, the family firm of sign-writers.

Tony ‘Flash’ Howell is well known locally, and continues to play with The Hunters at The Royal British Legion, The Sidings in Castletown and at local events such as Castletown Carnival. He has unstintingly brought a lot of enjoyment to a great number of people, and his recognition is richly deserved.

His Excellency will present the award to Mr Howell in the New Year.

His Majesty The King’s New Year Honours List 2023

Sat, 31 Dec 2022 22:30:01 GMT

Government House is pleased to announce that His Majesty The King has recognised four people in the Isle of Man in the 2023 New Year Honours List.

Mrs Susan Moore MBE

Mrs Sue Moore has just retired from an exceptional career in education, during which she has been Head Teacher of Queen Elizabeth II High School, in Peel, Isle of Man for 24 years. She has navigated the school through both good and challenging times, with a clear vision of putting the students first, and by creating a structured career path for both teachers and support staff.

Her motivation to guide the school and keep young people engaged was most evident during the challenges of the global pandemic. She has championed the value and causes of the arts and creative endeavours and her passion for the environment has had a marked and positive impact on the School. Her tenure ended with a string of ‘Best GCSE results on Island’, a testimony to how she organised and led her staff, as well as how she inspired her pupils and encouraged them to achieve their academic potential.

She leaves the entire Manx education service in a much better place. The King has made Mrs Moore an MBE in the New Year Honours List 2023 for exceptional Services to and Leadership in Education on the Isle of Man.

Mrs Adrienne Burnett MBE

Mrs Adrienne Burnett has recently retired as Head Teacher of Ballakermeen High School, after a lifelong career in education. Mrs Burnett’s innovative ‘School Improvement Plan’ led to the development of the school’s prestigious Sixth Form Centre. For the past five years, the school’s Sixth Form has achieved the leading grades across the Island and seven Oxbridge acceptances over a two year period, a record for any Manx school.

Mrs Burnett led the design and build of the ‘Studio Theatre’, which has helped develop an outstanding Performing Arts department and with her work through the Arts Council, she has supported many superb actors and singers over the past twenty years.

Mrs Burnett remains a passionate member of the teaching profession. She cares deeply about her students, teaching staff and support staff. She has put the Isle of Man and her school above her own family life and has worked exceptionally hard in support of her colleagues and the children of the Island. Her leadership, commitment and dedication have been exceptional. The King has made Mrs Adrienne Burnett an MBE in the New Year Honours List for 2023 for outstanding Services to Education, Arts and Culture.

Mr Andrew Scarffe BEM

The King has awarded the British Empire Medal to Andrew Scarffe in the New Year Honours List 2023 for outstanding service to the Preservation of Laxey and Lonan Heritage and the Isle of Man’s Railways. As Technical Support Officer for the Department of Infrastructure, Mr Scarffe’s enthusiasm, commitment and dedication have enabled his team to restore a number of historic electric trams and trailers from the Island’s renowned heritage tram fleet.

Mr Scarffe is a successful historical author who has written a number of works to commemorate and celebrate various aspects of the Island’s history. He instigated and co-ordinated celebratory events as a member of the Laxey and Lonan Heritage Trust, and conducted a successful fundraising campaign for the restoration of the Great Laxey Mine Railway, and he remains an active volunteer and Treasurer for the Mine Railway.

Mr Scarffe also leads guided walks throughout Laxey and Lonan for the Trust, other interest groups and the Department of Infrastructure. He regularly gives informative and authoritative talks to the many clubs, visitors and special interest groups that visit the Island. No one has put as much personal effort into preserving the rich heritage of the Isle of Man’s electric railways as Mr Scarffe and he is considered the premier authority on the history and heritage of Laxey village and its surrounding district.

Miss Carey Chung MVO

Miss Chung has given 18 years of exceptional and loyal service to the Crown and the last five Lieutenant Governors of the Isle of Man, His Majesty’s personal representative on the Island. In her role as the Manager of Government House, Miss Chung has been responsible for overseeing the House staff and running all events that take place in the House and gardens, including multiple annual receptions and investitures.

This year, more than 3,500 guests have been hosted at Government House, including representatives from more than 70 countries. Miss Chung has been involved in over 12 Royal visits to the Isle of Man during the last 18 years, most recently that of HRH The Princess Royal in 2021.

She is very well known in the local community and highly respected by many people across the Island. She works tirelessly and selflessly, devoting much of her free time and holidays to ensuring that the needs of the Lieutenant Governor and his family are met and that the condition and standards of Government House are maintained. She is exceptionally dedicated and loyal, totally trustworthy and reliable. In short, Miss Chung is an extraordinary public servant, who, for over 18 years, has faithfully served the Crown and the last five Lieutenant Governors of the Isle of Man. For her exceptional service, the King has appointed Miss Chung a Member of the Royal Victorian Order.

Financial Sanctions: Haiti

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 11:06:07 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the addition of 1 entry to the Haiti sanctions regime.

The Haiti (Sanctions) Regulations 2022 (S.I. 2022/1281) were made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) and provide for the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons, entities or bodies responsible for, complicit in or engaged in acts which threaten the peace, security or stability of Haiti. The Haiti (Sanctions) Regulations 2022 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Haiti (Sanctions) (Isle of Man) Order 2022 (S.I. 2022/1340).

On 28 December 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

Addition

The following entry has been added to the consolidated list and is now subject to an asset freeze:

Jimmy CHERIZIER (Group ID: 15704)
Low quality a.k.a: BARBEQUE Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref):HAI0001 (UN Ref):HTi.001 Jimmy Cherizier (AKA 'Barbeque') has engaged in acts that threaten the peace, security, and stability of Haiti and has planned, directed, or committed acts that constitute serious human rights abuses. Jimmy Cherizier is one of Haiti’s most influential gang leaders and leads an alliance of Haitian gangs known as the 'G9 Family and Allies.' Listed on: 28/12/2022 UK Sanctions List Date Designated: 28/12/2022 Last Updated: 28/12/2022 Group ID: 15704.

What you must do

Financial institutions and other persons are required to check whether you maintain any accounts or otherwise hold funds or economic resources for, or provide financial services to, designated individuals. If so, you must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, not deal with those funds or economic resources, make those funds or economic resources available to a designated person, or make those funds or economic resources available for the benefit of a designated person. You must also report your findings to the FIU.

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Where a relevant institution has already reported details of accounts, other funds or economic resources held frozen for the designated person, you are not required to report these details again.

Further Information

Consequently the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the Consolidated List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

Further details on the UN measures in respect of Haiti can be found on the relevant UN Sanctions Committee webpage.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Haiti and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Financial Sanctions: Russia

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 11:04:35 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the amendment of 2 entries to the Russian sanctions regime.

The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/855) were made under the Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Act 2018 (the Sanctions Act) and provide for the freezing of funds and economic resources of certain persons, entities or bodies involved in destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine, or obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia. The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Russia Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [S.D. 2020/0504].

On 28 December 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

Amendment

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

The following entries have been amended and are still subject to an asset freeze:

OJE PARVAZ MADO NAFAR COMPANY (Group ID: 15703)
Name (non-Latin script): نفر مادو پرواز اوج شرکت
a.k.a: Mado Company Address: Qom, No. 1106, 11 Hemmat Corner, Hemmat Square, Hemmat [Bouelvard] Boulevard, Shokuhieh Industrial Town, Qom, Qom Province, Iran, 3718116354. Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref):RUS1697 (UK Statement of Reasons):Oje Parvaz Mado Nafar Company 'Mado Company' is an involved person under the Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 in that it has provided or made available for use by the Russian military components and engines for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that could contribute to destabilising Ukraine or undermining or threatening the territorial integrity, sovereignty or independence of Ukraine. Listed on: 13/12/2022 UK Sanctions List Date Designated: 13/12/2022 Last Updated: [13/12/2022] 28/12/2022 Group ID: 15703.
Said Mikhailovich GUTSERIEV (Group ID: 15418)
Name (non-Latin script): ГУЦЕРИЕВ, Саид Михайлович
DOB: 18/04/1988. POB: Grozny, Russia Nationality: (1) Russia (2) United Kingdom Address: London, United Kingdom. Other Information: (UK Sanctions List Ref):RUS1479 (UK Statement of Reasons):Said GUTSERIEV is and has been involved in obtaining a benefit from or supporting the Government of Russia by working as a director (whether executive or non-executive), or equivalent, and owning or controlling directly or indirectly (within the meaning of regulation 7), of PJSC SFI, an entity carrying on business in the Russian financial services sector, a sector of strategic significance to the Government of Russia. (Gender): Male Listed on: 29/06/2022 UK Sanctions List Date Designated: 29/06/2022 Last Updated: [16/12/2022] 28/12/2022 Group ID: 15418.

What you must do

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Where a relevant institution has already reported details of accounts, other funds or economic resources held frozen for the designated person, you are not required to report these details again.

Further Information

Consequently the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the Consolidated List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Russia and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Overnight camping withdrawn at Ayres National Nature Reserve

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 12:28:02 GMT

Motorhomes and campervans will no longer be permitted to camp overnight at the Ayres National Nature Reserve (ANNR) as a permanent measure.

The ANNR forms part of a wider Area of Special Scientific Interest (ASSI), established in 1996 and since extended, and is owned by the Department of the Environment, Food and Agriculture and Manx National Heritage.

Use of the area in recent years by motorhomes and campervans has led to the turf on the dune grassland suffering increasing amounts of damage. A number of vans became stuck during 2022 despite length restrictions being introduced for overnight stay permits.

Late night incidents involving camp fires and vehicles being driven at high speed have also led to police attendance.

In order to protect the site’s status as an ASSI, the Department has chosen to focus on the area’s natural assets and on the quiet enjoyment of the area by the wider community.

Vehicles will still be able to access the Recreation Area, but permits to allow overnight camping have been permanently withdrawn.

Environment, Food and Agriculture Minister Clare Barber MHK said:

‘The decision to close camping at the Ayres permanently is regrettable but necessary to preserve the integrity of the area and its unique characteristics.

‘A number of options were explored with regard to how motorhomes and camper vans may continue to be accommodated overnight. However, the investment required was disproportionate to the number of users recorded in the past year.

‘As well as significant changes to the road infrastructure and creating additional passing places, this cost included the need for patrols due to incidents of anti-social behaviour.’

Anyone who was planning to camp overnight at the ANNR next year is encouraged to consider alternatives, most of which can be found on the Visit camping and glamping webpage.

Choosing the right healthcare option for you

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:03:32 GMT

Members of the public who require healthcare support are being asked to only use the Emergency Department (A&E) at Noble’s Hospital if they need to, and instead choose one of the other options available to them across the Island.

Noble’s Hospital is currently operating at OPEL 4 status, meaning the facility is operating under extreme pressure. A clearly defined plan has been activated to manage this and ensure patient safety is maintained at all times. Part of that plan includes asking members of the public to ‘choose well’ when it comes to them seeking heath and care support, and choosing to attend the healthcare setting which is most appropriate for their clinical needs.

Anyone who requires urgent or emergency treatment at the Emergency Department will receive this, and should continue to seek treatment there as needed. They will be treated in order of clinical priority.

The Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit (MIU) at Ramsey District and Cottage Hospital is able to offer an X-Ray service between 9am and 5pm this week (Wednesday 28, Thursday 29 and Friday 30 December), and members of the public should attend the MIU if they require an X-Ray or suspect they have an injury which will require an X-Ray. The MIU is able to treat a complex range of conditions including dislocations or breaks, sprains, minor head injuries where there has been no loss of consciousness, minor illnesses such as urine or water infections, ear, eye and throat infections, abdominal pain, abscesses and boils, muscular pain, headaches, rashes, cuts, burns, scalds and emergency contraception. The facility is open from 8am to 8pm every day.

Other options available to members of the public across this week and at the weekend are:

The Manx Emergency Doctor Service (MEDS) - a GP service which operates out of hours when the Island’s GP surgeries are closed (01624 650355)
Community Pharmacies' rota is available online
The Community Dental Service for patients who have a dental emergency but don’t have their own dentist (01624 642785)
Self-care (self-treatment at home)

Manx Care’s signposting brochure contains the full range of options available to members of the public, and is available in multiple languages.

Mark Cox, General Manager for Medicine, Urgent Care and the Ambulance Service, commented:

'Noble’s is operating at OPEL 4 status as a result of the number of individuals who require admission to hospital for further treatment, however there is very limited capacity within our hospitals to accommodate them. The OPEL framework is used daily across the UK NHS to describe the operating pressures on a hospital, and is a recognised framework for managing patient flow and demand across acute healthcare settings. I hope this will reassure members of the public that this position is being closely managed to ensure patient safety is maintained.

'If anyone requires urgent or emergency care, they should attend Noble’s Hospital and they will receive treatment - I would like to reassure members of the public of that. However, if you can be seen at another facility, please choose well and attend the facility which is most appropriate for your condition. We are offering an X-Ray service at the MIU in Ramsey on the 28, 29 and 30 December which will hopefully take some of the pressure off the Emergency Department at Noble’s.

'I’d like to take this opportunity to thank members of the public for their support across this busy period. We will be there for you if you need us.'

Protection Zone put in place following confirmed cases of bird flu

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 10:27:07 GMT

A 3km protection zone, and 10km surveillance zone, have been put in place in the West of the Island, following confirmed cases of H5N1 avian influenza in farm birds.

The Chief Government Veterinary Officer has declared the ‘Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Protection Zone’ and ‘Surveillance Zone’ around the infected premises under the powers provided by the Avian Influenza and Influenza of Avian Origin in Mammals order 2022.

The declaration of these zones imposes legal obligations on keepers within the area outlined. This is standard procedure when a case is confirmed in poultry or captive birds, to prevent the spread of the disease.

A map of the zones, covering the Patrick area, is available online.

Within these zones there are a range of restrictions on the movement and housing of poultry or kept birds, as well as the removal of materials such as feed, bedding or waste associated with keeping and housing the birds. If your premises fall within the Zones the detailed restrictions to follow are in the official declaration.

Further information, the zone map and the full declaration are all available on the dedicated bird flu page, there is also more information on the UK Government bird flu webpages – including measures to help protect kept or farmed birds.

Chief Government Veterinary Officer, Amy Beckett, said:

‘We are advising everyone who has birds on the Isle of Man to house them where possible and practice good biosecurity. Information for keepers or farmers within the protection or surveillance zones is available online.’

She continued:

‘I’d like to reassure the public that the risk to general human health remains low, and that well cooked eggs and poultry are still safe to eat.’

For further information or support contact agriculture@gov.im or call +44 1624 685844.

Midweek support for hospitality businesses with the return of the LoveIOM 25% credit back incentive

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 10:15:30 GMT

The LoveIOM Gift Card incentive, ‘Why Not Weekdays?’ has been re-launched for 2023, offering consumers 25% credit back when using their LoveIOM Gift Card to pay at over 60 participating hospitality venues from Monday to Thursday, from January to March 2023.

Following industry feedback the Department for Enterprise are pleased to announce an earlier launch date of 2 January for the ‘Why not Weekdays?’ incentive (initially announced to begin in late January). Last year’s weekday incentive saw a nearly 100% increase in daily spending taking place Monday-Thursday when compared to Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays prior to the launch of the incentive, demonstrating the value of such initiatives that target footfall and spend increase over quieter trading periods.

By paying with a LoveIOM Gift Card, consumers will receive 25% credit back on their purchases from participating venues Monday - Thursday, up to a maximum of £50 per day. The credit back is automatically applied to the same LoveIOM Gift Card used to make the purchase the following day and this 25% credit can be used at over 60 pubs, bars, cafes, restaurants and hotels across the Island that are signed-up to the scheme.

Lawrie Hooper MHK, Minister for Enterprise, commented:

‘This festive season we have seen a great sense of community from our Island’s residents in response to our message of supporting local businesses. Over 1,000 Gift Cards have been purchased in the past few weeks and I would like to thank all residents and corporate businesses for their ongoing support in keeping gifting spend within our Island this winter.

‘This incentive is designed to reward spend during weekdays, the key time highlighted by industry as quiet, especially during the winter months. At the same time it is also hoped that it will help residents’ money go further.’

The LoveIOM Gift Card ‘Why Not Weekdays?’ incentive is part of targeted measures announced by the Department for Enterprise supported by the Economic Strategy Board and Treasury, to support local businesses and help stimulate economic activity, generate footfall and bring communities together across the Island’s towns and villages this winter.

Andy Saunders, owner of The Original Quids Inn, a LoveIOM merchant, commented:

‘We signed up for the Love IOM Gift Card scheme because it offers a real bonus for our customers, and is very easy to coordinate within the business. We saw a positive impact on our footfall throughout the previous "Why Not Weekdays" incentive and we are already seeing increased usage of the card with the current promotion. We expect to see an even larger uptick once the "Why Not Weekdays?" incentive of 25% credit back goes live on Monday 2nd of January, 2023.’

Hospitality and Accommodation businesses not yet part of the scheme can sign-up online in a few simple steps; visit loveiom.com/merchants for details.

General Surgery activity underway as part of Restoration and Recovery Programme

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 10:44:44 GMT

The first phase of General Surgery activity has taken place as part of Manx Care’s programme of work to reduce waiting lists.

26 patients have had hernia surgeries since 5 December, with laparoscopic (keyhole) procedures beginning in the New Year.

57 patients with complex cataracts have had their surgery under general anaesthetic or sedation, and 75 patients requiring topical anaesthesia have had their cataract procedures since the beginning of December.

Manx Care’s ‘Restoration and Recovery of Elective Activity programme’ is a phased approach to tackling lengthy waiting lists across a number of clinical specialisms. Phase Two of the programme is underway, covering Ophthalmology, Orthopaedics and Surgical Specialties, following confirmation of £18.3 million of Tynwald funding in October.

Teresa Cope, Manx Care’s CEO, commented:

'I’m really pleased to see the completion of complex cataract and hernia activity in December, meaning patients are home and recovering in good time to enjoy Christmas. The feedback we have had from patients is exceptional, with the results of some of the cataract procedures in particular transforming peoples’ lives by restoring their sight. Phase Two of the Restoration and Recovery programme is progressing as planned, and the Manx Care - Synaptik blended team will continue their work early in 2023 after a short break over the festive period.'

Public asked for their views on new vaping legislation

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 13:47:11 GMT

The public are invited to submit their views on a draft bill that will regulate the sale or supply of vaping devices and products.

The consultation is now open and asks for feedback on the proposed ‘Vapour Products Bill’, which has four main aims:

To prohibit the sale or supply of vaping products and vaping devices to persons under 18 years of age
To place controls on how vaping products and devices may be displayed at the point of sale
To provide for regulatory standards for vaping products
To allow for the enforcement of this new legislation by officers from the Office of Fair Trading, with support from the Isle of Man Constabulary and Isle of Man Customs and Excise

UK evidence shows that vaping in young people is growing, with 15.8% of 11–17-year-olds having tried vaping in 2022, a significant increase compared to 3.8% in 2013. While there is no specific data for the Isle of Man, the assumption is that vaping in young people in the Island is also on the rise.

There has been an increase reported locally of issues in schools and instances of petty theft from shops, which suggest a rise in the use of vaping products among young people in the Island. There are also public health concerns as to the potential long-term health risks of vaping for our young people.

This new legislation has been proposed to reduce underage use of vaping devices and products to protect the health and wellbeing of young people, while mitigating against related issues, such as retail theft of such products. It will also bring Isle of Man consumer safety standards in line with those of the UK, to the benefit of adults who use vaping products.

Minister for the Cabinet Office, Kate Lord-Brennan MHK said:

‘Given the evidence and the growing concern over vaping among young people, it is important to act quickly to get these controls in place. We are pleased to have the full support of retailers and colleagues in the IOM Constabulary, Department of Education, Sport and Culture, Office of Fair Trading and the Department of Health and Social Care.

She added:

‘The consultation aims to gather views from the public on the regulatory controls proposed by the Bill. I urge everyone to express their opinions as these will be taken into consideration when making possible amendments to the Bill, ahead of its implementation. We will aim to gather these views by the end of January 2023, when we will consider any amendments before introducing the Bill into the House of Keys by the planned date of Easter 2023.’

The consultation is now live on the Consultation hub. Paper copies are also available by calling +44 1624 642639. Please leave your name and address at the end of the voicemail and the team will post it out to you.

It will be open for four weeks from Friday 23 December 2022 until Sunday 29 January 2023.

Joint statement: Crown Dependencies on access to registers of beneficial ownership of companies

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 12:43:37 GMT

In 2019, the Crown Dependencies (Guernsey, the Isle of Man and Jersey) (‘we’) made a public commitment concerning Registers of beneficial ownership of companies (the “public commitment”).

We have a longstanding, and independently assessed, track record of meeting international standards. We are proud of our global leadership in tax cooperation, combatting money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism and in providing appropriate and effective transparency.

The recent judgment of the Court of Justice of the European Union impacts considerations in the Crown Dependencies around implementing the public commitment in line with consideration of factors around data protection and human rights.

We have all committed to provide access to obliged entities for the purpose of conducting customer due diligence by the end of 2022 and have therefore consulted on the position and produced policy positions.

However, in light of this CJEU judgment, implementation of this legislation will be delayed for a short period to enable consideration of its impact and obtain specialist legal advice; this is expected to be completed in early 2023. Subject to that advice, our intention is to adopt legislation in our respective jurisdictions as soon as possible after this time.

In respect of extending access beyond obliged entities, we intend to obtain expert legal advice on all relevant issues and, in due course, intend to review the public commitment in line with that advice and any recent development of international best practice.”

Community to benefit from free telephone lines

Fri, 23 Dec 2022 12:46:32 GMT

More than 25 public sector telephone numbers relating to health, housing and finance are now free to call.

The change is the latest initiative funded by the Isle of Man Government in response to the rising cost of living, and is available to Island residents using local telecoms providers.

The list of phone numbers that will be free to call include all GP’s across the Island, the Social Security hotline, the Winter Help Advice Line, and more.

People wishing to contact one of the included services can do so using the usual number with no added charge.

A full list of the numbers that are now free to call can be viewed online.

Cabinet Office Minister, Kate Lord-Brennan MHK said:

‘This announcement of essential numbers being made free to call is another part of Government’s support package to help ease the impact of rising costs of living. Those who rely on calling for advice or support, particularly those who are vulnerable, on lower incomes or are elderly, can now do so without the added worry of being charged.

‘It is important to note that none of the numbers have been changed, you can still call the usual number for the service.’

Government has announced this as further support to help residents with the rising costs of living, particularly for those who are more vulnerable, on lower incomes or are elderly and rely on phones to communicate. This initiative also implements a recommendation made by the Tynwald Select Committee on Poverty in July 2021.

'Did Not Attend' rates for November 2022

Thu, 29 Dec 2022 09:21:59 GMT

Missed appointment slots, often referred to as 'Did Not Attends' (DNAs) continue to affect GP surgeries across the Island – the DNA rates for November 2022 were as follows:

Practice	November
Kensington	137
Palatine	130
Snaefell	98
Hailwood	135
Promenade	N/A
Finch Hill	118
Ramsey	336
Laxey/Onchan	135
Castletown	59
Southern	91
Ballasalla	60
Peel	120
Total	1419

This total of missed appointments was equivalent to more than two full-time GPs’ worth of time in a month.

If you cannot attend your appointment, please cancel it so that it can be offered to someone else. Information on how to cancel an appointment is on the Manx Care website, or you can see the best way to contact each practice below. Manx Care will be publishing GP practices’ DNA data each month going forward.

Practice	Method of cancellation
Finch Hill	Patient Access or email: FinchHill.GP@gov.im
Palatine	Patient Access, email: palatine@gov.im, or telephone: +44 1624 623931
Hailwood	Patient Access or telephone: +44 1624 686949
Ballasalla	Patient Access, email: ballasallamedicalcentre@gov.im, or telephone: +44 1624 823243
Peel	Patient access, text: +44 7624 468468, email: peeldoctors@gov.im, or telephone: +44 1624 686968
Southern	Patient Access or telephone: +44 1624686979
Kensington	Patient Access or email: kensington@gov.im
Castletown	Patient Access or email: cmc@gov.im
Snaefell	Patient Access or email: admin.snaefell@gov.im
Laxey / Onchan	Patient Access, email: laxey&villagewalk@gov.im, or telephone - Laxey: +44 1624 861350 and Village Walk: +44 1624 656020
Ramsey	Patient Access or email: rgp.general@gov.im

Labour market report: November 2022

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 14:57:23 GMT

The latest labour market report, compiled and published by the Statistics Isle of Man team at the Cabinet Office, shows the number of people registered unemployed was 277 for November 2022.

The figure decreased by 13 persons from the previous month (October 2022), and has decreased by 16 persons compared to the same month last year (November 2021).

The unemployment rate for November 2022 is 0.6%, remaining the same as the previous month.

Read a summary and download the full report

Labour markets figures are among the range of information available to view on the Isle of Man Government’s Economic Dashboard at gov.im/economic-dashboard

Sanctions Guidance: Russia

Wed, 21 Dec 2022 15:49:26 GMT

The Treasury advises that the Russia Sanctions guidance has been amended following changes to the statutory documents relating to Russia financial and trade sanctions.

The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (of UK Parliament) (the 'Russia Regulations') were applied to the Island, and currently have effect in the Island, by the Russia Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0504]. The Russia Regulations were amended in the United Kingdom in response to Russian actions in Ukraine. The Isle of Man has adopted these measures to ensure that sanctions against Russia in the Island are aligned with the United Kingdom.

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Russia and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

Consolidate Legislation: Russia

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 10:17:45 GMT

The Treasury advises that the Russia Sanctions consolidated legislation has been amended following changes to the statutory documents relating to Russia trade sanctions. These changes come into effect on 16 December 2022.

The Russia (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (of UK Parliament) (the 'Russia Regulations') were applied to the Island, and currently have effect in the Island, by the Russia Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0504]. The Russia Regulations have been amended in the United Kingdom in response to Russian actions in Ukraine. The Isle of Man is adopting these measures to ensure that sanctions against Russia in the Island are aligned with the United Kingdom.

The amendments provide for:

A prohibition on providing services related to trusts or similar arrangements to, or for the benefit, of persons designated for the purposes of this measure; and on providing new services related to trusts or similar arrangements to, or for the benefit of, persons connected with Russia
Amendments to existing restrictions on dealing with securities or money market instruments and loans and credit arrangements to persons connected with Russia to close loopholes
An expansion of the current prohibitions on the export, supply and delivery, and making available of additional products (as well as related technical assistance, financial services and funds, and brokering services), to the critical-industry goods, critical-industry technology schedule, defence and security goods and defence and security technology schedule
A prohibition on the direct and indirect provision of auditing services to a person connected with Russia. The measure is designed to hamper Russian businesses’ ability to operate efficiently in commercial and financial markets
A prohibition on the direct and indirect provision of advertising services to a person connected with Russia. This measure will impact the ability of Russian business to sell its goods and services
A prohibition on the direct and indirect provision of architectural and engineering services to a person connected with Russia. These are two separate sanctions measures, which are being imposed in tandem given these services are often used together in project lifecycles. These measures will disrupt Russia’s high-end engineering, scientific and other technical economic functions
A prohibition on the direct or indirect provision of information technology consultancy and design services to a person connected with Russia. This measure will erode the capability of information technology systems to support the Russian economy

Limited exceptions and licensing grounds will be in place with these measures. These may include, for example, a licence to facilitate winding-down operations and exceptions for statutory obligations or diplomatic activities. The exceptions and licensing grounds are set out in full in the legislation. If you need to apply for a sanctions licence, you can find more information and how to apply on the Customs and Excise webpage.

Failure to comply with financial and trade sanctions legislation or to attempting to circumvent its provisions is a criminal offence.

Further details of the sanctions regime related to Russia and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.

‘Still Treasured, Always Remembered’ service organised by Midwives at Noble’s

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 13:00:34 GMT

A service for parents who have lost a child through stillbirth or miscarriage is to be held at St. Thomas’ Church in Douglas later this month.

Midwives at Noble’s Hospital organise the STAR (Still Treasured, Always Remembered) service each year to support bereaved families. This year’s service will take place on Thursday 29 December at 2pm, and will give families some space after the hustle and bustle of Christmas to remember their little ones through music, poems, readings and reflection.

The service will be open for any member of the public to attend, and the ‘Forget Me Not’ and ‘A Little Piece of Hope’ bereavement charities will also be in attendance. The service will be non-denominational in order to be as inclusive as possible.

Manx Care’s Lead Midwife for Bereavement, Dianne Rubery, commented:

'It’s important that we continue to show support and solidarity to parents and family members of babies who are born sleeping. In recent times particularly, when people may be feeling more isolated, it’s vital that anyone who’s experienced the loss of a baby is able to talk about the struggles they may be experiencing.’

The COVID-19 Vaccination Team will be celebrating their second anniversary

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 15:33:25 GMT

The COVID-19 Vaccination Team will be celebrating their second anniversary on 4 January 2023.

Since the Team first began administering the Island’s COVID vaccination programme members have collectively delivered over 235,000 vaccines. This is an incredible achievement for the team and in protecting our Island from the threat posed by the COVID-19 virus.

Manx Care’s CEO, Teresa Cope commented:

‘The Vaccination Team members have worked extremely hard since the start of the pandemic to ensure that as many people as possible have had their vaccines and booster doses. Delivering 235,000 vaccines is a remarkable achievement for such a small, but significant team within Manx Care. I want to thank the Vaccination Team for their tremendous effort – and of course the thousands of people who have come forward for the vaccine.’

Suzanne Graham, Head of COVID Response wants to remind people of this important message:

‘It’s never too late to get any dose of the vaccine, you can come forward at any time. Having your vaccine can reduce the risk of developing COVID-19, make symptoms milder, and help build up immunity against the virus so that we can fight off infection.’

The Vaccination Team is continuing to offer first, second and Autumn doses of the vaccine to anyone eligible in the run up to Christmas.

On Monday 19 and Tuesday 20 December the Vaccination Team is holding walk in sessions at The Chester Street Hub between 9:30am to 4pm.

On Wednesday 21 and Thursday 22 December the Vaccination Team will be holding a walk in session at Noble’s Hospital, Strang. This session will be held on Ward 12 between 10am to 3pm. The Vaccination Team will be unable to administer vaccines on individual wards. Instead people should go to Ward 12 themselves to receive their booster dose.

Anyone who is eligible for a booster is welcome to attend any of the walk in sessions, including Manx Care colleagues, patients and visitors to the hospital.

Appointments are not available for the walk in sessions.

You are eligible for this vaccine if you are:

Over 50 (you must be over age 18 to receive this vaccine)
Pregnant
At high risk due to a health condition
Immunosuppressed
A frontline health and social care worker
A carer
Over 18 requiring a booster dose

The Vaccination Team will be resuming the walk-in sessions on Wednesday 4, Thursday 5 and Friday 6 January 2023. The sessions will be at The Chester Street Vaccination Hub and will open at 10am and close at 2pm.

150 years of education for all

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:01:51 GMT

A commemorative booklet has been produced to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the 1872 Isle of Man Act for Public Elementary Education, which expanded education opportunities on the Island.

The 1872 Act was a landmark piece of legislation for the Island, shaping the schooling framework and making education available to everyone.

The 150th anniversary has been celebrated throughout the year with various talks and papers, including a research newspaper developed by the Department of Education, Sport and Culture.

It will also be marked with a commemorative booklet, which was launched on 16 December. The booklet replicates one produced by the then Department of Education in 1972 and includes a small paragraph from each Island school about their history and setting.

Prior to the Act there was a 'patchwork of provision' across the island, education was not compulsory and the raising of a local rate for education was not enforced.

In the late 1600s, Bishop Barrow established schools in the Island’s seventeen parishes and four towns. In the early 1800s the parish schools were supplemented by a number of ‘National’ schools opened under the auspices of the National Society for Promoting the Education of the Poor in the Principles of the Established Church throughout England and Wales.

Several of today’s primary schools grew out of the ‘National Schools.’ Other schools were provided privately, or by other religious bodies. By the 1860s, around 50% of children of school age were enrolled in and attending schools.

Julie Edge MHK Minister for Education said:

'We are in a very different place today, than the last time these commemorative exercises in 1972 took place, with many changes within education over the past 50 years. We have seen our schools become ever more embedded within our communities, with their facilities used by numerous sectors of those communities. We work hard to ensure learners are confident in their identities, languages and cultures; including the Manx language; national heritage and culture of the Isle of Man and the commemoration of this anniversary shows just how far education has progressed in the IOM'.

Professor Angela Little said:

‘The 1872 Act was extremely important for the Island’s children. It expanded education opportunities for all, and laid down a framework for future developments, including the abolition of pupil fees, the raising of the school leaving age, and more and better trained teachers. It is great to see the interest shown by the Department of Education Sport and Culture, Advisory teacher for the Manx Curriculum Jo Callister, all teachers and schools, as well as by Culture Vannin and various Heritage Trusts, in marking the 150th anniversary of this important Act’.

All the commemorative education resources are available to view on the Culture Vannin website.

Ticket scheme to help families in need enjoy pantomime magic

Mon, 19 Dec 2022 18:07:17 GMT

The ‘Tin Man’s Tickets’ initiative will give 275 tickets for this year’s Christmas pantomime to Island families and children in need.

‘Tin Man’s Tickets’ aim to enable families and children who have had Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) or experienced financial or personal difficulties to enjoy the festive pantomime experience.

Families and Children who receive tickets will be able to watch The Wizard of Oz, by Shone Productions, at the Gaiety Theatre this December.

The initiative has been developed between VillaGaiety and the Isle of Man Arts Development Team who partnered with a local charity, the Children’s Centre, to pilot the scheme.

The Children’s Centre will distribute the 275 ‘Tin Man’s Tickets’ to children and families they have identified as most in need.

All tickets are free to the eligible families, with the cost covered by Isle of Man Arts Council.

A variety of ticketing options and dates will be offered to suit different family structures, including family group tickets as well as single adult or child tickets. The Children’s Centre staff will also be providing some families with support and assistance to attend.

The Children's Centre were chosen as pilot partner in this scheme because of their work with a wide variety of children in the community with Adverse Childhood Experiences. It is hoped that additional partners will be identified for future years as the initiative expands.

This subsidy scheme has been funded by the Isle of Man Arts Council, and is the first step in providing a broader subsidised ticket scheme as outlined in the National Development Strategy for Culture and the Arts. As part of this broader scheme the VillaGaiety will be working to identify physical, social and financial barriers to attendance, and what can be done to ensure everyone has the opportunity to attend and enjoy the arts.

Mrs Marlene Maska MLC, Chair of the Isle of Man Arts Council said:

‘I am delighted that this partnership is providing access to shows for children or families who may otherwise miss out due to personal or financial circumstances. Ticket subsidy is an ambition within the National Development Strategy for Culture and Arts to broaden access and inclusivity in the arts within our community, and it is intended that this first partnership for Christmas 2022 will be the first step to regularly subsidise tickets at our wonderful venues.’

Joff Whitten, Head of the Children’s Centre, said:

‘We are so excited for our families to be given this opportunity. Christmas can hopefully be a time for joy and celebration and sharing, these tickets will give the families we work with a little boost at a time when sadly so many are struggling. We can’t thank the VillaGaiety and IOM Arts Development teams enough for affording us the opportunity to trial this initiative. I know it will be really appreciated by those who attend.’