From the Office of the Speaker 29 June 2012

“Your Parliament – Your Voice”

From the Office of the Speaker

“Connecting Cultures” – Norfolk Island celebrates the Isle of Man’s National Day – Tynwald Day

Readers will recall that Speaker Robin Adams MLA travelled to the Isle of Man in 2011 as their guest to attend the Isle of Man’s National Day - Tynwald Day.  Tynwald Day and Anniversary (Bounty) Day now hold special meaning for both the Isle of Man and Norfolk Island with the signing of a Cultural Agreement to formalise the two Island’s historical links.  In the Agreement our respective parliaments have agreed to promote closer links in developing cultural activity and to recognise the established link between us on each of our respective National Days.

Tynwald acknowledged Anniversary (Bounty) Day in the Isle of Man

On the 8^th of June 2012 the Isle of Man acknowledged Norfolk Island’s Anniversary (Bounty) Day and in a letter to the Speaker

President of Tynwald, the Hon Clare Christian, MLC, said of the occasion: “June 8^th provides a rare opportunity to bring together in spirit two members of the Commonwealth which, although separated geographically by many thousands of miles, share a commitment to preserving their respective unique heritage and maintaining their cultural links.” (President Christian’s letter was read into Hansard at the sitting of our Legislative Assembly on 6 June). The Norfolk Island flag flew on June 8^th at the Isle of Man TT Grandstand, preparations for which attracted support from TT superstar John McGuinness and Department of Economic Development political member for tourism Mr Geoff Corkish MBE MHK (pictured left).

…and Norfolk Island will acknowledge Tynwald Day which falls on 5 July each year …

with music from the Isle of Man being played on VL2NI throughout the week of 2 – 5 July 2012; the Isle of Man flag will fly proudly at Old Military Barracks alongside the Norfolk Island and Australian flags on the Isle of Mans National Day and it is hoped that a phone link up with President Christian in the Isle of Man can be achieved and aired on VL2NI.

Each year Tynwald Court (their Parliament) participates at the Tynwald Day Ceremony. After a religious service in the Royal Chapel, the members of Tynwald proceed to Tynwald Hill, one of the ancient open air sites of Tynwald.  Following the proceedings on Tynwald Hill, the members of Tynwald return to the Royal Chapel where a formal sitting of Tynwald takes place.  Two aspects of the Tynwald Day Ceremony are of particular contemporary parliamentary significance. First, by statute, each Act of Tynwald must be promulgated on Tynwald Hill within eighteen months of enactment or it ceases to have effect.  Secondly, any person may approach Tynwald Hill on Tynwald Day and present a Petition for Redress of Grievance.

To read the Notice Paper, Programme, Minutes of Proceedings and legislation tabled in the House go to www.info.gov.nf. Issued from the Office of the Speaker on 29 June 2012 and posted on the blog site http://yourparliamentyourvoice.blogspot.com