Isle of Man Government News

Financial Sanctions: Russia

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:28:31 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the amendment of 299 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 27 May 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

299 entries have been amended and are still subject to an asset freeze.

Further details can be found in the Annex to this News Release.

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

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 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.

Financial Sanctions: Belarus

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:25:27 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the amendment of 6 entries to the Belarus sanctions regime.

The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/600) 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 reasonably suspected of involvement in conduct enabling or facilitating the disappearances of four people or the failure to investigate properly or institute criminal proceedings against the persons responsible for those disappearances; the commission of serious human rights violations in Belarus; the repression of civil society or democratic opposition in Belarus; or other actions, policies or activities which undermine democracy or the rule of law in Belarus. The Republic of Belarus (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Republic of Belarus Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [S.D. 2020/0479].

On 27 May 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

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

BANK DABRABYT JOINT STOCK COMPANY (Group ID: 14979)
CJSC BELBIZNESLIZING (Group ID: 14980)
INDUSTRIAL-COMMERCIAL PRIVATE UNITARY ENTERPRISE MINOTOR-SERVICE (Group ID: 14981)
JSC TRANSAVIAEXPORT AIRLINES (Group ID: 14982)
LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY BELINVEST-ENGINEERING (Group ID: 14983)
OJSC KB RADAR-MANAGING COMPANY HOLDING RADAR SYSTEM (Group ID: 14984)

Further details can be found in the Annex to this News Release.

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

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 details of the sanctions regime related to Belarus 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: Cyber

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:33:25 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the amendment of 9 entries under the Cyber Sanctions Regime.

The Cyber (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (S.I. 2020/597) 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 conducting or directing cyber activity that undermines, or is intended to undermine, the integrity, prosperity or security of the United Kingdom or a country other than the United Kingdom; international organisations; and non-governmental organisations whose purposes relate to the governance of international sport or the Internet. The Cyber (Sanctions) (EU Exit) Regulations 2020 (SI 2020/597) have effect in the Isle of Man by the Cyber Sanctions (Application) Regulations 2020 [SD 2020/0451].

On 27 May 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

9 entries have been amended and are still subject to an asset freeze.

Further information can be found in the annex to this Notice.

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

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

Evri/Hermes Scam Alert

Tue, 31 May 2022 10:40:06 GMT

SCAM ALERT: The Isle of Man Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance has received reports of the below scam circulating. The message claims to be from Evri (formerly Hermes) and requests payment details. DO NOT click the link or enter any information. This is a smishing attempt in order to acquire sensitive payment information.

For more information on phishing/smishing visit the Office of Cyber Security and Information Assurance website

Evri scam message

Bespoke brooch sent to mark Her Majesty The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee

Tue, 31 May 2022 17:23:49 GMT

A bespoke brooch in the shape of the Isle of Man has been sent to Her Majesty The Queen in celebration of her Platinum Jubilee.

The brooch, made on the Island by Element Isle, is accompanied by a letter of congratulations from Chief Minister Hon Alfred Cannan MHK on behalf of the Government.

Chief Minister Alfred Cannan MHK said:

‘It is an honour to be able to send the Island’s well-wishes and this token of our respect to Her Majesty The Queen, Lord of Mann, on the occasion of her Platinum Jubilee. The brooch, handcrafted here on the Island, is a unique piece of jewellery that is unmistakably Manx. I hope it rekindles fond memories of Her Majesty's visits to our Island nation throughout her long reign.'

The ‘Infinity Isle of Man’ brooch design outlines the Island with four gems (Blue Topaz, Citrine, Amethyst and Emerald) representing the towns of Ramsey, Peel, Castletown and the city of Douglas. The colours of the stones were selected to represent Manx tartan.

As part of the celebrations to mark The Queen’s seventy year reign, local schoolchildren are being presented with a special Platinum Jubilee medal from the Isle of Man Government. A number of community groups and organisations are planning to join in the festivities through celebratory events across the summer. The lighting of jubilee beacons are also taking place over the specially extended holiday weekend.

Opening of first primary school cycle shelter

Fri, 27 May 2022 15:01:39 GMT

Laxey School is the first of the Island’s primary schools to install a covered cycle shelter, providing pupils and staff with a dedicated bicycle storage area.

The shelter provides a dedicated space for 10 bicycles to be stored during the school day – where they can be left safely and will be protected from the weather.

The installation of this shelter is a continuation of the scheme previously rolled out at secondary schools to support pupils and staff who cycle to school, and has been requested by a number of primary schools on the Island.

At Laxey School the Pupil Council worked with the Active Travel Liaison Officer to carry out an extensive travel and road safety survey, which showed that nearly 40% of pupils would like to be able to cycle to school.

Head Teacher of Laxey School, Mr Max Kelly, Said:

‘The results of the Pupil Council survey show there’s a huge interest from our pupils in using active travel to get to school. We hope the dedicated cycle shelter will encourage cycling to school – by providing reassurance to parents and pupils that there are safe and secure facilities at the school.’

He continued

‘It would be great to see families having conversations about active travel options – especially during the summer months, and planning together safe routes to school with their children; they may also consider teaming up with other families to share out supervision of active travel journeys.’

Breeshey Harkin, Active Travel Liaison Officer said:

‘We are delighted to be supporting and facilitating active travel choices for pupils on the Island. Pupils regularly cite the fresh air, connection with nature and ability to travel with their friends as their key motivations for choosing active travel, and they are very aware of the beneficial impact on their health and our shared environment.’

Active travel projects have been running at schools throughout this year to motivate pupils and families to think about how they travel. The benefits of active travel are wide-ranging, from improving physical and mental health, to ensuring young people arrive feeling relaxed, alert and ready for the school day. Reducing car journeys also has a positive impact on air quality and congestion around schools, and saves money on fuel costs.

There is also a focus on road safety, ensuring that cycle training is available to all primary schools on the Island through the Road Safety team.

Road Safety Ops Manager, Mrs Berni Hall, said:

‘We are delighted to offer cycle training to all primary schools on the Island. Every pupil that takes part thoroughly enjoys the course and the freedom they then have once they have completed cycle training. The team feel it is important for children to learn this life skill to help with health and wellbeing as they grow into young adults. With Active Travel being promoted more on the Island we feel that the cycling training offered is a stepping stone towards children making the right choices for travelling in the future.’

Information and guidance for the use of the shelter will be provided to parents and guardians of pupils at Laxey School in the coming days.

Three Road Safety reports published

Fri, 27 May 2022 15:37:12 GMT

The Road Safety Partnership has published its 2021 action plan progress update, alongside the Chair’s report and the first Annual Review of Collision and Casualty Statistics.

This first review of collision and casualties shows that in 2020 there was a reduction in the number of fatalities, serious injuries, slight injuries and non-motorised injuries. This follows a decline in the number of road traffic collisions recorded by Isle of Man Constabulary in the two previous years (2018-19 and 2019-20).

The action plan details the work undertaken by the cross-government group to improve their focus areas of road safety – safe speeds, safe roads, safe vehicles and safe people. This includes schemes such as the ‘Drive safe live long’ presentation for Year 11 students, training for the Road Safety Team to fit and check car seats and the introduction of cycle training for adults and older children.

The Road Safety Partnership was formed in 2017 to review the Island’s existing road safety policies and schemes, and to take action to make our Island roads safer, contributing to the vision set out in the Road Safety Strategy 2019-2029 to reduce fatal or life-changing collisions.

Members of the Partnership include officers from Home Affairs, Infrastructure, Fire and Rescue, Manx Care, Police and Public Health – creating a cross-government group with experience and expertise in all aspects of road safety from the physical highways, to healthcare and emergency response. The work of the group includes legislation, safety standards, education, enforcement and the design of our roads.

Minister for Justice and Home Affairs, Jane Poole-Wilson MHK, said:

‘I welcome the publishing of this report from the Partnership, there has been a lot work over the past couple of years to improve safety on our roads for drivers, leisure users and pedestrians alike.

‘It is encouraging that this annual report shows that overall the three year average fell in relation to serious and slight injuries – however we are aware that this has been exaggerated by the restrictions and cancellations during the coronavirus pandemic. I am pleased to see a focus on delivery around safer vehicles for 2022 and look forward to seeing what is achieved by the group in the coming years.’

Minister for Infrastructure, Tim Crookall MHK, said:

‘The action plan for the strategy is progressing well, with 92% of the short term actions being completed or in progress. It is great see the partnership working that has taken place and the excellent schemes that have already been delivered including the pilot ‘safer routes to school’ scheme, improved HGV regulations and the introduction of additional signage and lining improvements on our roads.’

The three reports are available to view online on the Road Safety Strategy page.

Statement: Dr Henrietta Ewart

Fri, 27 May 2022 21:06:09 GMT

Director of Public Health Dr Henrietta Ewart has left her role with the Isle of Man Government and intends to retire.

Dr Ewart took up the post in December 2016 after serving as Interim Director of Public Health for a period of 18 months.

Interim Chief Secretary Caldric Randall said: ‘The role of Director of Public Health is hugely important to our community, and will be advertised in due course. I’d like to thank Dr Ewart for her commitment and expertise during her time in post and wish her well for the future.’

Wildlife experts inspect Douglas pontoon for invasive species

Thu, 26 May 2022 11:18:24 GMT

A group of wildlife experts has carried out a rare dive in Douglas harbour to examine a floating pontoon for potentially costly and damaging invasive non-native species (INNS).

It was organised as part of INNS Week, which raises awareness of the dangers invasive species pose to biodiversity by outcompeting native wildlife, damaging infrastructure and in some cases, spreading disease.

The bustling harbour is considered a high risk location and worthy of monitoring for marine INNS, as boats can carry and spread unwanted sea creatures without knowing.

The team of six divers, representing the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (DEFA), Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT), IOM Seasearch, and Discover Diving was especially on the hunt for an INNS of sea squirt, which had been previously recorded around the pontoon.

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK, DEFA’s Political Member for Environment, who took part in the dive, said:

‘Invasive sea squirts may sound harmless, but they can be very costly to get rid of if they take hold. In recent years, carpet sea squirt affected Holyhead Marina and cost the Welsh government hundreds of thousands of pounds to eradicate, so it is worth looking at.’

‘On our dive we found the underneath of the pontoon to be encrusted with sponges, nice native sea squirts and mussels and most importantly no invasive species of concern.’

Squirts feed by filtering water, so the movement of the pontoon on the tide, provides a perfect environment for them to thrive and support an abundance of marine species.

Leigh Morris, Manx Wildlife Trust CEO, said:

‘It was good news that the carpet sea squirts and orange tipped sea squirts we feared we might find were not present, and it was fantastic to see such a diverse range of marine biodiversity, which is an indicator of a healthy and thriving ecosystem.’

The divers did discover one INNS called Sargassum Muticum (Wireweed/Japanese seaweed) in the sand below the pontoon, which is listed on Schedule 8 of the Wildlife Act, but it did not appear to be having a negative impact.

Diving is not generally permitted in Douglas harbour due to the busy and potentially dangerous environment, but the Department of Infrastructure’s Marine Operations Centre made a special exception to facilitate the important dive and ensure the team were safe.

Vaccine walk-in clinics for TT

Tue, 04 Oct 2022 15:57:10 GMT

The Covid-19 vaccine hub will be providing walk-in clinics during the TT period.

From Monday 30 May to 09 June 2022, the Covid-19 vaccination team (based at Chester Street Hub) will be providing walk-in vaccine clinics for those who are due to have a dose.

The schedule is as follows:

Date	Day	Time	Age Group
30/05/2022	Monday	11am-3pm	5-11's
31/05/2022	Tuesday	11am-3pm	Over 18’s
01/06/2022	Wednesday	11am-3pm	12-17’s
06/06/2022	Monday	11am-3pm	Over 18’s
07/06/2022	Tuesday	11am-3pm	Over 18’s
08/06/2022	Wednesday	11am-3pm	12-17’s
09/06/2022	Thursday	11am-3pm	5-11’s

Any Isle of Man resident who has not yet completed their course of vaccines can attend as long as their next dose is due. Those who have not yet had a dose but would like to use the walk-in clinics for their first one are asked to register online first.

The team will not be able to vaccinate visitors who are not registered with a GP. Visitors can register as a temporary resident with any GP Practice, and the team can vaccinate if the individual has done so.

In addition, we would like to update you on the TT opening times for the Covid-19 swabbing centre at the Crookall Centre, Kensington Road, Douglas:

Open	Monday - Saturday	8am – 11pm
Closed	Bank Holidays	2 June3 June10 June

The only tests currently available are for either Pre-Assessment or for those who require a PCR test for travel; this can be a resident or a visitor. Anyone with an NHS number can book online.

Visitors without an NHS number who require a PCR test should contact 111 to book in for a swab.

Three-coin set celebrates return of Isle of Man TT

Thu, 26 May 2022 10:40:19 GMT

A three-coin presentation pack has been released by the Isle of Man Government to celebrate the return of the TT Races in 2022.

The set includes two £2 coins – one depicting the TT Grandstand while the second shows a TT marshal at the start/finish line in front of the Grandstand, waving the chequered flag as a rider crosses the line.

The third coin is a crown and depicts the TT logo over an outline of the Mountain Course on a chequered background surrounded by a laurel wreath.

The collectible pack also features the dates of this year’s racing, plus a short history of the event and its comeback following a two-year break due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Bill Henderson MLC, Member of the Treasury with responsibility for currency and coins, said:

‘The 2022 TT Races set has been launched to mark the return of our Island’s iconic event, and to welcome back visitors from around the world. The team have produced an eye-catching set and I thank them for their hard work.’

The coins have been produced by the Isle of Man Government’s currency partners Tower Mint and will be placed in general circulation.

Presentation packs are being stocked by a range of local suppliers.

Manx Care launches healthcare signposting campaign

Thu, 26 May 2022 14:22:54 GMT

A campaign to signpost visitors and Isle of Man residents to the most appropriate Manx Care setting to meet their needs is been launched by the health and statutory social care provider in time for the TT fortnight.

Manx Care is encouraging residents and visitors alike to make an informed choice about where they seek healthcare support from on the Island, and choose the option that is most appropriate for their clinical needs. For example, does someone need to attend the Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital, or would another setting be better suited to treat their condition, for example the Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit at Ramsey Cottage Hospital?

The campaign launches today (Thursday 26 May), with signposting webpages having been developed in multiple languages helping people to decide which setting they should attend based on their symptoms. These can be accessed from the Signposting web site.

Manx Care’s CEO, Teresa Cope, commented:

“Our signposting campaign is aimed at local residents, but for the next fortnight is targeted particularly at visitors who are here for the TT. We want to make sure that everyone who requires our services goes to the most appropriate place to receive them, and raise awareness of the broad range of healthcare options that are available to them on the Island. Many of the people who might ordinarily attend the Emergency Department at Noble’s Hospital could be treated quickly at the Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit at Ramsey, and in some cases could receive advice from a Community Pharmacy too. Community Pharmacists may be able to offer treatment under the Minor Ailments scheme, for example. We want to make sure people are seen as quickly as possible, and at the same time alleviate pressure on our Emergency Department which we know is particularly busy across the TT period.

“I’d encourage everyone – visitors and Manx residents – to take a look at our signposting information so they’re prepared in case of illness or injury.”

Manx Care has also engaged with a number of local businesses, including hotels, pubs and campsites, who will be displaying posters featuring a QR code in their premises, which will allowing people to quickly access the signposting pages online.

Whilst the information will remain relevant for residents following the TT fortnight, visitors will find useful information including how to register as a temporary resident at a GP practice should they need treatment during their time on the Island. In addition, there will be information about X-Ray availability at the Minor Injuries and Illnesses Unit at Ramsey, which will be offered daily across the TT period.

Manx Care will also be posting signposting information regularly on its social media channels throughout the fortnight.

Free TV licences for over 75s extended for 2023

Thu, 26 May 2022 15:03:10 GMT

The Isle of Man Government will continue to meet the cost of TV licences for residents aged over 75 who don’t receive income support until the end of 2023.

This decision has been reached in light of rising energy bills and increased pressure on household budgets.

A review of universal provision is currently under way, with the intention of exploring options around the introduction of additional eligibility criteria when the present arrangement expires on 31 December 2022.

Today’s announcement means any changes will now come into effect after 31 December 2023.

Treasury Minister Dr Alex Allinson MHK said:

‘The current arrangement is being extended for a further 12 months, and I hope this announcement will reduce any concern among our community at a time of rising living costs.

‘The review into how provision may look in the future will continue with a view to any changes now being implemented from 1 January 2024.’

The BBC has funded licences for pensioners who qualify for income support since 1 January 2021. This position is not under review.

Plan to develop a thriving scallop fishery for future generations

Thu, 26 May 2022 15:32:08 GMT

A plan that will see fishermen, producers and marine scientists co-manage the Isle of Man’s multi-million pound king scallop fishery will be a first for the British Isles.

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s Long-Term Management Plan (LTMP) aims to deliver a thriving fishery, which is both sustainable and prosperous.

It sets a series of long-term goals, which take into account the environmental and economic (Bioeconomic) impacts and will build on current rules, such as catch limits.

In the short-term, it will address critical challenges facing the fishery through a capacity reduction programme, the termination of legacy access rights for high powered ‘offshore’ vessels and increased research into a number of key areas in partnership with industry.

Other objectives will see the department explore the feasibility of low-impact harvesting methods, such as diver-caught scallops, and ways to reduce the fleet’s carbon emissions.

Manx King and Queen Scallops both received improved sustainability ratings in the Marine Conservation Society’s Good Fish Guide last month and it is hoped the new plan will set the course for further improvements.

The Scallop Management Board (SMB), which represents the industry, called for the new strategic approach and has been instrumental in its development alongside DEFA and marine scientists from Bangor University, who undertake annual Manx scallop surveys.

Dr David Beard of the SMB, said:

‘The key to any sustainable and successful fishery is to take into account the scallop population, the fishing impact on the marine environment and the socio-economic aspects of the fishing community that depends on it. This can only be achieved by matching the fishing effort to the available resource, which this strategic long-term management plan can help to deliver. It is essential.’

The prized molluscs are one of the key catches in the Island’s fishing industry which, prior to the pandemic, supported around 300 jobs and was worth about £20m a year.

However, in recent years the industry has been faced with export challenges and difficult market conditions caused by Brexit and the pandemic.

Dr Michelle Haywood MHK, Political Member with responsibility for Fisheries in the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, said:

‘This is a great example of collaboration, which aims to ensure the long-term environmental, economic, and social sustainability of the fishery and ensure generations to come will enjoy this delicious Manx dish.’

The plan has been unveiled after it received strong support during a consultation and work has already started on a number of measures ahead of the new season in November.

Island to follow latest advice on autumn COVID-19 booster

Thu, 26 May 2022 16:39:54 GMT

The Isle of Man’s COVID vaccination programme confirms it will offer an autumn COVID-19 booster to those most vulnerable as well as frontline health and care workers following the latest interim advice from the UK’s Joint Commission on Vaccination and Immunisation.

As in autumn 2021, the primary objective of the 2022 autumn booster programme will be to increase population immunity and protection against severe COVID-19 disease, specifically hospitalisation and death, over the winter period.

The extra booster should be offered to:

All residents in an older adults care home
Frontline health and care workers
All adults aged 65+
All those aged 16 to 64 years who are in a clinical risk group

Minister for Health and Social Care Lawrie Hooper MHK said:

‘The Island will follow the interim advice and offer a further COVID booster vaccine to those who are most susceptible to the virus to offer them increased protection over the winter season. I have asked the vaccination team to start planning the rollout including the potential offer of a flu vaccine alongside the booster.

‘Those of the public who are eligible to receive a spring booster are encouraged to still come forward for the jab to ensure they are protected over the summer. Manx Care are sending out invite letters to those who become eligible at least six months after their initial booster. Anyone who thinks they may have missed their spring booster appointment is asked to ring 111.’

Further information on the rollout will be provided closer to the time.

Health and social care inspections start following successful pilot programme

Wed, 25 May 2022 15:05:59 GMT

The Care Quality Commission (CQC) has begun inspecting Manx Care’s health and social care services, following successful pilots with volunteer care homes, dentists and GPs.

Adult social care providers such as care homes and home care agencies are currently being inspected until August. Dental and GP inspections will take place during July and August.

There will be a pilot inspection of the urgent and emergency care department at Noble’s Hospital in June, with a view to starting acute hospital-based inspections in October 2022. This phase will include mental health, community healthcare and prison healthcare provision, as well as the services provided by Hospice Isle of Man.

Minister for Health and Social Care, Lawrie Hooper MHK, said;

‘After many months of planning it is very exciting to finally have CQC staff on the island inspecting our health and social care services. Meticulous planning and communication have ensured that everything has gone smoothly so far and we look forward to working alongside our colleagues from the CQC and Manx Care throughout the rest of the year. This is a fantastic opportunity to implement real improvements to the health and social care services that we all rely on.’

Service users should not be impacted by these inspections, and will have the opportunity to provide feedback to the DHSC and CQC should they wish to. Posters will be displayed at each service on their inspection day.

To find out more information about the programme, please take a look at the External Quality Regulation website.

Monkeypox cases in UK prompts message to public

Tue, 24 May 2022 16:15:15 GMT

A rising number of monkeypox cases in the UK is prompting a warning to people in the Isle of Man.

While no cases have been reported on the Island, and the risk remains low to the general public, people are being asked to be aware of the symptoms.

Advice from Public Health Isle of Man is to be alert to any unusual rashes or lesions on any part of their body, especially their genitalia. The advice is to contact the Isle of Man Genito Urinary Medicine (GUM) sexual health clinic if they have concerns.

Those who may be at higher risk include anyone who changes sexual partners regularly, or has close contact with individuals that they don't know. It’s important to stress that this is not an illness that affects one community more than any other and it’s not a sexually transmitted disease– it is spread by close contact.

Monkeypox is a viral infection usually associated with travel to West Africa, spread by very close contact with someone with monkeypox. It is usually a mild ‘self-limiting’ illness – meaning it most cases it resolves itself without treatment, with most people recovering within a few weeks.. The main symptoms are:

Unusual rashes or lesions on the body such as the face or genital area
Fever
Muscle aches
Chills and exhaustion
Headaches
Swollen lymph nodes

If you think you have monkeypox symptoms – however mild, please:

Contact your GP or call a sexual health clinic immediately. Your call will be treated sensitively and confidentially.
Avoid close personal or sexual contact with others until you know that this is not monkeypox.

Glenn Blacker, Head of Health Protection at Public Health Isle of Man said: ‘We are monitoring the situation closely. Up to now there have been over fifty cases of monkeypox detected in the UK, and we are not aware of cases on the Isle of Man to date. Investigations are underway in the UK to establish links between cases. Although the risk to the Isle of Man public is currently low, monkeypox is known to spread through close contact, so we are urging people who think they may have symptoms to contact their GP and the sexual health clinic.’

You can contact the sexual health clinic by calling +44 1624 650710.

More information, including links to outbreak surveillance, can be found on Public Health’s Health Protection webpage.

Dick Welsh MBE appointed to Northern Lighthouse Board

Tue, 24 May 2022 12:22:34 GMT

Government House has today announced that Dick Welsh MBE, has been appointed as the Isle of Man’s Commissioner on the Northern Lighthouse Board.

Mr Welsh, who received an MBE in the January 2020 Honours List for outstanding services to the maritime community on the Isle of Man, will serve for a three year term, from 1 June 2022 to 31 May 2025, following nomination for his appointment by His Excellency Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer.

Commenting on his appointment with NLB, Dick Welsh said:

‘I am incredibly fortunate to be appointed as Commissioner, Isle of Man for the Northern Lighthouse Board. I am really looking forward to getting involved and becoming a valuable member of the Board.’

Mr Welsh succeeds Captain Mike Brew who retires from the post at the end of May, after representing the Isle of Man as a Commissioner for nine years.

The Northern Lighthouse Board is the General Lighthouse Authority for the Isle of Man and Scotland and is responsible for the superintendence and management of all lights, buoys and beacons within those waters. The organisation has provided this vital safety service for mariners since 1786.

Financial Sanctions: Russia

Tue, 24 May 2022 16:27:06 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the amendment of 63 entries to the Russian sanctions regime.

On 24 May 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

63 entries have been amended and are still subject to an asset freeze.

Further details can be found in the Annex to this News Release.

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

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, and suspend the provision of any financial services. 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 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.

Financial Sanctions: Iran (Nuclear)

Tue, 24 May 2022 16:29:49 GMT

This news release is issued to publicise the correction of 1 entry under the Iran (Nuclear) Sanctions Regime.

The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 (S.I. 2019/461) 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 the proliferation or development of nuclear weapons in, or for use in, Iran. The Iran (Sanctions) (Nuclear) (EU Exit) Regulations 2019 have effect in the Isle of Man by the Iran Sanctions (Nuclear) (Application) Regulations 2020 [S.D. 2020/0477].

On 24 May 2022 the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office updated the UK Sanctions List. This list provides details of those designated under sanctions legislation.

The following entry has been corrected and is still subject to an asset freeze:

Parvis FATAH (Group ID: 11233)

Further details can be found in the Annex to this News Release.

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 Iran can be found on the relevant UN Sanctions Committee webpage: https://www.un.org/securitycouncil

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, the designated individual. If so, you must freeze such accounts or other funds and, unless licensed by the Treasury, not deal with those funds or economic resources, and suspend the provision of any financial services. 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 details of the sanctions regime related to Iran (Nuclear) and links to other financial sanctions regimes may be found on the Customs and Excise pages of the Isle of Man Government website.