The Isle of Man continued from 12 August 2011

Our pictures show the formal signing of the Cultural Agreement at the Tynwald Banquet by the President of Tynwald, the Hon Noel Cringle OBE MLC and myself. This was Mr President’s last Tynwald Day as he did not seek re-election on 12 July 2011. The Hon. Clare Christian MLC was elected to this prestigious position on 12 July and it was a pleasure for me to be able to extend personal congratulations to her on the Assembly’s behalf in London at the Centenary Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (the CPA). President Christian (pictured below) was in London to attend a meeting of the CPA Working Party to review the organisation and activities of the CPA. I know readers will smile with me that the newly elected President of Tynwald shares the same surname as Fletcher Christian of HMS Bounty to whom we owe thanks for Norfolk Island today being the place we call home!

Whilst space does not allow me to speak at length about the actual formal proceedings at Tynwald Hill on Tynwald Day there is one ancient tradition which you might find interesting – the invitation from His Excellency the Lieutenant Governor from the Hill inviting any persons wishing to present a Petition for Redress to come forward. There were nine petitioners who “seized this ancient right to present their grievances” during the proceedings. The petitioners came forward and presented their petitions one at a time to the Clerk of Tynwald at the foot of Tynwald Hill. The Clerk then conveyed the Petitions for Redress to His Excellency, who having been handed the Petitions, said:

“I shall refer these Petitions to the Standing Orders Committee of Tynwald who will report thereon at their earliest convenience”.

After the Petitioners withdrew to the north of the Hill, a fanfare was sounded and the troops were called to attention. The proceedings on Tynwald Hill were then concluded with the singing of the Manx National Anthem followed by the processions from the Hill back to the Royal Chapel of St. John’s for the Captioning of the Acts just promulgated. All in all a day for me steeped in ancient history which will remain with me as a precious memory to recall and share. (Our picture shows President Cringle in ceremonial robes at Tynwald Hill)

Next week we move to London and the Centenary Conference of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association….

Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 19 August 2011.