We Continue to Foster Our Ties with the Isle of Man

We continue to foster our ties with the Isle of Man who are linked with us by history through the Mutiny on the Bounty and with whom, in 2011, we renewed that link through a Cultural Agreement signed in the Isle of Man on Tynwald Day – the 5th of July. This week we feature their -

“Diverse Economy

The Isle of Man has arguably the most diversified economic base in the world for areas of similar size”

• “The Island’s long established financial services sector is itself well diversified with professional services in accounting, banking, fiduciary, insurance, legal and investment"
• “The Isle of Man’s Ship Register is supported by international companies offering specialist maritime services in both ship and yacht management, finance, maritime insurance, maritime law and company formation"
• “The Isle of Man Aircraft Registry, established for the worldwide registration of high-quality private and corporate aircraft, has a supportive team of professional staff and the neutral nationality prefix ‘M’
• “The Island is one of the busiest areas of film production in the British Isles, having co-produced and co-financed over 85 film, television drama and animation projects since 1995"
• “A leading country for the location of companies involved in the space industry, the Island was chosen by the International Space University (ISU) as the location for their first ever international institute – the International Institute of Space Commerce"
• “High-tech manufacturers produce essential components for use in submarines, jet aircraft, space shuttles, laser surgery equipment, gas and oil rigs and electric kettles"
• “The Island is home to a diversity of niche, quality food producers and manufacturers. Apart from fish and shellfish, we also have cheeses, beers and meat products which consistently win international awards.” 

From the Office of the Speaker on 30 September 2011 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com

Linking Hands Across the World

This week we share with you another extract from the June 2009 Isle of Man Guide produced by the Isle of Man Government.

Political and Historical Background

“Established in 979AD, the Isle of Man’s parliament, Tynwald, is the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Today, we enjoy a special a relationship with the UK and Europe founded on common interests and cooperation

“Status: Self-governing British Crown Dependency with its own government and laws. The Island is not part of the United Kingdom and has no representation in the British Parliament. The British Crown is ultimately responsible for the Island’s external relations. The Isle of Man is not part of the European Union, but it has a limited relationship with the Union under Protocol 3 to the United Kingdom’s Act of Accession in 1972. This allows for the free trade of agricultural and manufactured products across the EU. The Isle of Man is part of the European Common Customs Area.

“Head of State: Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. “Lord of Mann”, represented on the Island by the Lieutenant Governor.

“Parliament: Tynwald, founded over 1,000 years ago. It is recognized as the oldest continuous parliament in the world. Our picture shows the buildings of Tynwald today.

 History: the Island was ruled by Norse, Scots and English Kings in the Middle Ages, and by sovereign Lords of Mann from 1406 until 1765, when it was acquired by the British Crown.

“Government: Its ministerial system of government is led by the Chief Minister who is elected by Tynwald from its Members. The Ministers of the nine government departments join the Chief Minister to form the Council of Ministers.”.

From the Office of the Speaker on 24 September 2011

Fostering ties between the Isle of Man and Norfolk Isle who are linked by history through the Mutiny on the Bounty and who, in 2011, renewed that link through a Cultural Agreement signed in the Isle of Man on Tynwald Day – the 5th of July.

Linking Hands Across the World

The Isle of Man and Norfolk Isle are linked by history through the Mutiny on the Bounty and in 2011 renewed that link through a Cultural Agreement signed in the Isle of Man on Tynwald Day – the 5^th of July. Learning about each other’s Island, along with our similarities and our differences strengthens the link we have forged. This weekly column is established initially for that purpose. The key facts published here and in the coming weeks are taken from the June 2009 Isle of Man Guide produced by the Isle of Man Government. Our photo on the right is the Hon Tony Brown MHK Chief Minister Isle of Man Government. Chief Minister Brown is not seeking re-election in the current elections.

“The Isle of Man has a distinct cultural and political identity.  It is a land of possibility where people and business can reach their full potential.  Government policy is to be both economically competitive and internationally responsible in supporting the interests of its people.

“Location:  In the Irish Sea at the heart of the British Isles; Size: 33 miles long by 13 miles wide (221 sq.miles); Population: 80,000 (2006); Capital: Douglas)

In the words of Chief Minister Hon Tony Brown MHK in 2009–

“The Isle of Man is a small, self-reliant country that believes in working hard and playing by the rules.  The Island’s independent spirit, enterprise and innovation have made it a successful centre for quality international business.  A thriving, diverse economy provides jobs for our people and revenue for our public services – the foundations for a high quality of life. We are also a democratic, responsible country with a reputation for supporting international action against financial crime and tax evasion. We are keen to play a positive role in the global economy”

“Giving you Freedom to Flourish”

The Isle of Man is a land of possibility where people and business can reach their full potential

·   “People value their quality of life: our beautiful countryside, its suitability for family life and safe environment are cited among the best things about the Island.

·   “Loyal competitors and fans flock to the Isle of Man each year for the famous Tourist Trophy (TT) races – the oldest motorcycle event in the world; and in 2099, the Island hosted the world’s first competitive event for low-emission motorcycles.

·   “The Island was among the first countries to give women the vote in 1881 (we will have to tell them Pitcairn beat them to it!)

·   “The Isle of Man was also the first country in Western Europe to allow 16 and 17 year olds to vote in national elections. (Norfolk’s Youth Assembly was interested to hear this!)

·    “In 2011, our excellent sporting facilities will host the Commonwealth Youth Games (The Commonwealth Youth Games were hosted by the Isle of Man 7 – 13 September. Regrettably Norfolk was unable to field any competitors this time in the eligible age range – for full write up on the Games go to

http://cyg2011.com/index.php/news/rockin_party_closes_2011_isle_of_man_commonwealth_youth_games/).”

From the Office of the Speaker on 16 September 2011

Fostering the 2011 Cultural Agreement between the Isle of Man and Norfolk Isle

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 7 & 14 September 2011

The Legislative Assembly met on Wednesday 7 September 2011 at 10 am and suspended at 4.33 pm until 10 am on 14 September 2011.

Answers were provided both to questions without notice and on notice with Mr King giving notice of his intention to move at the next sitting that the answers to Questions on Notice Number 252 and Number 258 be noted

The following papers were tabled:
1) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Sentencing Regulations 2011
2) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Public Service Board Report 2010-2011
3) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Virement of Funds 6 Jul – 3 August 2011
4) Chief Minister, Mr Buffett – Financial Indicators - July 2011
5) Minister for Community Services, Mr Sheridan - Traffic (Amendment No 2 ) Regulations 2011
6) Minister for Community Services, Mr Sheridan – BVDV Eradication Program Final Report
7) Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development – Inbound passenger statistics July 2011
8) Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development – Media releases
9) Minister for Tourism, Industry and Development – 04/05 Budget Adjustment: Airport Fire Service; motion moved and debate adjourned on the question – That the paper be noted

In statements the Chief Minister reported on the suspension of two Public Service officers and the circulation of an email in the community. He also paid tribute to the volunteers who assisted with

Minister Sheridan provided a final report on the BVDV Eradication Program

The Speaker reported –
Message No. 17 from the Administrator under section 21 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 16 August 2011 he declared his assent to the Employment (Amendment) Act 2011 (Act No 9 of 2011) and the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau (Amendment) Act 2011 (Act No 10 of 2011)

Message No. 18 from the Administrator under section 21 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 16 August 2011 he referred the Social Services (Amendment) Act 2011 for instructions of the Commonwealth Minister

Message No. 19 from the Administrator under section 24 of the Norfolk Island Act 1979 advising that on 1 September 2011 Her Excellency the Governor-General, acting n the advice of the Federal Executive Council declared her assent to clauses 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the Healthcare (Amendment) Bill 2010 and withheld her assent to the remainder of the Bill

Outcomes for matters on the Notice Paper which were debated are as follows:
1) The following Members were appointed to the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau – David Bell, Duncan Harvey Evans and Morgan Borry Evans for 18 months and Michael Perkins, Glen Albert Buffett and Alexis Louise Tavener for two years
 

2) A motion to increase the healthcare levy to $162.50 effective 1 December 2011 was debated and adjourned

3) A motion to take note of a direction tabled by Minister Nobbs under the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Act 1980 was debated and agreed

4) A motion to take note of “An Alternative Roadmap”

5) Minister Sheridan introduced the Employment (Amendment No. 2) Bill 2011; the Bill clarifies the minimum wage and related matters; debate was adjourned

6) Minister Nobbs introduced the Electricity Supply (Amendment) Bill 2011; debate was adjourned. Explanatory Memorandum tabled

7) Minister Sheridan introduced the Healthcare (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011; the Bill seeks to amend the Healthcare Act 1989 for the purposes of removing payment for respite care and limiting reimbursements for overseas medical services to the amounts payable under the Commonwealth scheme and for related purposes. Explanatory memorandum tabled

8) Minister Sheridan introduced the Healthcare (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011 which seeks to amend the Healthcare Act 1989 for the purposes of removing payment for respite care and limiting reimbursements for overseas medical services to the amounts payable under the Commonwealth scheme and for related purposes. Explanatory Memorandum tabled

9) The Customs (Amendment No. 3) Bill 2011 was agreed to

The sitting was suspended at 4.33 pm and resumed at 10.05 am on 14 September with the following outcomes:
1) Pursuant to Message No. 20 from the Administrator the Appropriation Bill 2011-2012 was introduced by the Chief Minister, debated and passed through all stages by leave. The Performance Budget Narratives were tabled by the Chief Minister.

2) Alistair John Unicomb was appointed to be a delegate member of the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Advisory Board for the appointed member Duncan Harvey Evans and to act as the member if that member is absent or unable to discharge official duties, during the term that the member is appointed to the Norfolk Island Government Tourist Bureau Advisory Board.

The House adjourned until 5 October 2011 at 10 am

To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 5 August 2011

Sitting of the Legislative Assembly on 7 September 2011

The Legislative met on Wednesday 7 September 2011 at 10am. At the conclusion of consideration by the House of the substantive matters on the programme, the sitting was suspended at 4.33pm until 10am on 14 September 2011 or alternatively "at the Speaker's bidding". A full report on the matters dealt with at the sittings on 7 and 14 September 2011 will be reported on in next week's Your Parliament Your Voice.
To read the Notice Paper, Programme and Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 9 September 2011.