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July 2015 Chief Minister leads delegation to China

delegation of private sector representatives, led A by Chief Minister MHK, visited China for a week of presentations and meetings designed to build on existing good relationships with political and business leaders in the world’s second largest economy. The Chief Minister explained: ‘We held a series of positive and productive discussions to strengthen our relations as part of the broader strategy to raise the Island’s international profile and generate new business opportunities.’ The delegation promoted the as a reputable international centre that is an ideal platform for Chinese business expanding into the United Kingdom and Europe through an TIME LORD: Roger intensive programme of political and Smith with the GREAT business meetings in Beijing, Tianjin, Britain watch Shanghai and Wuxi. The Chief Minister said: ‘It takes time to develop relationships in China and personal contact is important, so delegations like this are necessary if we Great honour for Island watchmaker are to bring more Chinese business to the Isle of Man. We already have good economic ties through our shipping and Renowned Isle of Man-based included special creations from McLaren manufacturing sectors, but there are watchmaker Roger Smith recently and Mulberry, as well as photographer many other areas where the Isle of Man attended the GREAT Festival of Creativity David Bailey’s portraits of the Queen. can work with China, such as providing a in Shanghai. Roger met senior delegates from gateway into Europe for Chinese The event, which was opened by China, while Nicholas demonstrated exporters.’ HRH The Duke of Cambridge, some of the hand-finishing techniques Mr Bell added: ‘Economic growth has represented the first official Royal visit to involved in making Roger W Smith to be a top priority for the Island to China since 1986. watches. sustain job opportunities, living standards Roger was joined by one of his Roger said: ‘It was a great honour to and funding for public services. The master craftsmen, Nicholas Wolfe, and be part of such a high profile and potential economic benefits of building displayed two iconic pieces — the GREAT exciting exhibition of British innovation business links with China are significant, Britain and Open Dial watches. alongside some of Britain’s most famous which is why we are investing so much The GREAT Britain watch formed part brands, from the BBC, to Jaguar Land time and effort in our programme of of the GREAT Creations exhibition, which Rover and even Paddington Bear!’ visits.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS JULY 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 13/07/2015 12:13 Page 2

Exciting plans Working with our for Douglas Promenade global partners redevelopment Highlighting the importance of international engagement

The has economic development, relations with the announced exciting plans for the he Isle of Man’s UK and EU, and international relations redevelopment of Douglas Promenade constitutional position and objectives. in the Island’s capital. T approach to developing Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK said: ‘The The proposals feature modern international relationships are Isle of Man’s continued success will design concepts and an innovative new explained in a new document depend on it maintaining its autonomy, layout aimed at balancing the needs of published by the Cabinet Office. political stability and pragmatism, whilst road users and pedestrians. The ‘International Relations remaining dynamic and responsive. To As well as reconstructing the Framework’ sets out the context for the achieve this will require a continued focus highway, the scheme seeks to Government’s ongoing programme of on our promotion and engagement with strengthen the connection between the international engagement and its work to international partners.’ Promenade and town centre to create a promote and protect the Island’s interests. The Isle of Man Government sense of place that attracts people, The document includes information on International Relations Framework investment and spending. the Isle of Man’s status as a British Crown Document is available online at The refurbishment is also intended Dependency, its constitutional evolution, http://tinyurl.com/oboacdx to act as a catalyst for the future regeneration of Douglas and to reflect the Island’s status as an international business centre, a tourist destination and a desirable place to live. Infrastructure Minister Support for relief efforts in Nepal MHK said: ‘This is a once-in-a- The Isle of Man International Development the Pahar Trust and other charities and we generation opportunity to deliver a Committee donated £100,000 to support are pleased to offer continued support.’ scheme that is exciting, inspiring and

the UK Disaster Emergency Committee’s supports economic growth. The plans Chief Executive of the UK Disaster Appeal following the devastating represent a more progressive and Emergency Committee, Saleh Saeed OBE earthquake in Nepal. inclusive approach to street design.’ said: ‘We are grateful for the generous The 7.8 magnitude earthquake left support of the Isle of Man International

The project team has sought to survivors in desperate need of medical Development Committee. adopt a bold approach in order to help, food, water and shelter. develop a world-class gateway to the ‘This donation will go a long way to Isle of Man in line with the vision of the Member of Treasury, Phil Braidwood bringing relief and comfort to people Douglas Masterplan. said: ‘The Isle of Man has a close whose lives have been devastated by the“ relationship with Nepal through funding to earthquake.’ Visit by Princess Royal

HRH the Princess Royal visited the Isle This donation will go a long way to bringing of Man on July 21, touring aerospace relief and comfort to people whose lives have engineers Triumph Actuation Systems, been devastated by the earthquake and attending a Service of Thanksgiving at Peel Cathedral. — Saleh Saeed OBE, UK Disaster Emergency Committee in fact “ The Isle of Man is situated in the middle of the Irish Sea The Isle of Man is a self-governing British Crown at the centre of the British Isles. It is 33 miles (53km) Dependency with its own government and laws, made long and 13 miles (22km) wide at its broadest point, in Tynwald, which was founded more than 1,000 years with a resident population of 84,497. ago and is the world’s oldest continuous parliament. The Island has a distinct cultural and political identity. It is the policy of the Isle of Man Government to be It is not, and never has been, a part of the United both economically competitive and internationally Kingdom. Nor is it part of the European Union, with which responsible in supporting the interests of its people. it has a special and limited relationship allowing for free More information about the Isle of Man trade in agricultural and manufactured products. Government can be found at www.gov.im INTERNATIONAL FOCUS JULY 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 13/07/2015 12:13 Page 3

Island students support school in Cambodia

oung people from the Isle of Man are continuing to Y support children in Cambodia by teaching English and sharing cultural experiences. This year’s party comprised Island students aged between 16 and 19 who made the 12,000 mile round trip to work at a free school in Phnom Penh. Administered by the Manx charity Friends of the Cambodian Children’s Refuge Centre (CRC), the school has up to 150 pupils in four classes. experience, fun and laughter reinforced members of the visiting group who also The Island students engaged the ethos behind the educational had an opportunity to take in the sights, enthusiastically with their hosts. expeditions. sounds and tastes of Cambodia, along with The exchange of knowledge, It was a life-changing experience for its rich and sometimes troubled history. Manx student honoured by leading science body Katie wins prestigious American College of Sports Medicine Award

student from the Isle of America chapter on the body, which is for the Isle of Man in this important field.’ Man has been honoured by dedicated to scientific research in the field Former Ramsey Grammar School A the world’s biggest sports of exercise and sports medicine. student Katie first went to the University of medicine and science research Katie – who is studying for a PhD at Idaho in 2010 after winning the Ella body. the University of Idaho – has been Olesen Scholarship, awarded annually to a awarded the ACSM Northwest Service female graduate who has been supported Katie Taylor, from Ramsey, has been a Award in recognition of her service and through her studies by the Department of student representative on the American leadership to the chapter. Education and Children. College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) for two Katie said: ‘It has been a joy to serve She said: ‘I am forever grateful for the years. She represents the North West of students and it’s a pleasure to fly the flag opportunities provided by the Isle of Man.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS JULY 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 13/07/2015 12:13 Page 4

Building our relationships with the UK and Europe Government delegation visits London and Brussels for high-level discussions

hief Minister Allan Bell MHK position in relation to the EU. possibly against the wishes of their people. and Treasury Minister Eddie Meetings were also held with the The Isle of Man is facing a similar prospect C Teare MHK visited London European representatives of the Devolved in terms of its own relationship with and Brussels for talks with Administrations (Scotland, Wales and Europe. We cannot control the outcome – that is for the UK as a Member of the EU politicians and officials as part of Northern Ireland), as well as with the Chief Minister and Deputy Chief Minister of to determine – but we are seeking to the Isle of Man Government’s Gibraltar. understand and address the implications policy of engagement with the UK The Chief Minister explained: ‘The Isle for the Island.’ and Europe. of Man is not part of the UK or EU, and so The Chief Minister concluded: ‘It is They met representatives of the it is not included in the UK referendum on very important we stay on top of this Conservative Party to discuss the priorities EU membership. However, the Isle of issue, and I am happy that we are of the new UK Government, including the Man’s relationship with the EU is through continuing to build relationships which proposed renegotiation of the UK’s the UK and is set out in Protocol 3 to the mean that we can keep a close eye on membership of the EU. UK’s Act of Accession to the EU. matters which may affect the Island. There was also discussion of the ‘What is emerging is that although the ‘What is important for the Isle of Man forthcoming UK referendum on EU Devolved Administrations and Gibraltar economy is that we continue to attract membership which gave the Chief Minister may wish to remain in the EU, a potential investment and that we maintain business the opportunity to explain the Isle of Man’s UK-wide ‘no’ vote could see them all leave, confidence.’

Isle of Man school Further growth in leisure visitors scoops top honour at eco awards

A school in the Isle of Man secured the top honour at Keep Britain Tidy’s Diamond Jubilee Awards Ceremony. The highlight of the celebrations, the prestigious award celebrates outstanding individuals, groups or organisations in pursuit of Keep Britain Tidy’s vision. As well as scooping the main accolade, Queen Elizabeth II High School also collected the Eco-Schools Eco-Committee of the Year Award during the ceremony. Phil Barton, Chief Executive of Keep The number of leisure visitors to the £108 million in 2014. Britain Tidy, said: ‘It is a fantastic Isle of Man in 2014 increased by 13% Minister for Economic Development achievement that the school’s eco- over the previous year. MHK said: ‘This is the committee has undertaken so many The 2014 Isle of Man Passenger sixth year of continuous growth in projects that they have developed Survey also revealed that on average leisure visitors, which is great news for themselves, while helping to make the visitors spent £388 per visit, with an both our visitor economy and our whole school community more aware of estimated total expenditure of around overall economy.’ environmental issues.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS JULY 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 13/07/2015 12:13 Page 5

Young people honoured at NAMA awards

Young people have been honoured for their exceptional contributions to Manx culture, language and the community. The North American Manx Association (NAMA) presents awards each year to under 25-year-olds nominated for their creativity, language skills and community involvement. The tradition dates back to 1979, the YOUNG TALENT: Award-winners with Leslie Hanson, President of the World millennium of Tynwald, when NAMA Manx Association, and Anne Minay, lifetime honorary member of NAMA established the awards. The award winners received specially Hon. , President of since they first presented these awards minted silver medallions from Anne Tynwald, said: ‘NAMA must be delighted 35 years ago and our thanks must go to Minay, lifetime honorary member of that they have played a part in this them for continuing to support and NAMA. flourishing of interest in our heritage encourage our young people in this way.’

Fastest growing aircraft Further support register in the world A total of 150 delegates from around the world attended the fifth annual Isle of Man Aviation Conference at the end of June. for small nations The Island has established itself as a leading international centre for aviation business, specialising in the registration Project promotes growth of small state economies and management of private and corporate jets. It has the fastest growing and most successful offshore aircraft register in the he Isle of Man’s positive Secretariat, the Small States Network for world and has developed a reputation for contribution to the global Economic Development and Oxford high quality customer service. T community is being University. Funding is provided through the Director of Civil Aviation Simon demonstrated through its International Development Committee of Williams said: ‘We recently registered our the Council of Ministers. continued support for an 800th aircraft since the Isle of Man registry The programme involves some of the was launched in May 2007. It is the initiative that helps the small world’s leading practitioners and dedicated team at the registry working in nations of the world. professors who use real-life case studies to close cooperation with our excellent The Island welcomed 24 participants demonstrate how small countries can industry partners that have achieved this from as far afield as the Caribbean, Africa, tackle common challenges. unprecedented success.’ Pacific and Indian Ocean in July for the Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK, who was start of the seventh annual Small instrumental in the launch of the SCFMP in Countries Financial Management 2009, said: ‘The programme provides Tristan da Cunha support Programme (SCFMP). small developing countries with something The highly acclaimed executive that was not previously available to them – The Isle of Man Government is continuing education programme promotes the targeted support in financial management to demonstrate its commitment towards growth and prosperity of small state that is of real value in helping to guide international development by economies by helping to build their their future economic growth. strengthening its relationship with Tristan expertise in government financial ‘In a constantly changing world, this da Cunha. administration. example of friendship and mutual support The Cabinet Office has once again The SCFMP is supported by the Isle of between some of the smaller nations is an organised work placements for key Man Government in partnership with the encouraging reminder of what can be workers from one of Britain’s smallest World Bank, the Commonwealth achieved when countries work together.’ Overseas Territories. INTERNATIONAL FOCUS JULY 2015:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 13/07/2015 12:13 Page 6

D-Day veteran Hector Duff lit a Beacon marks 70th anniversary beacon at St John’s as part of of Victory in Europe the Isle of Man’s commemoration of the 70th anniversary of VE Day. It was one of a chain of more than 100 beacons lit simultaneously across Britain in memory of the day in 1945 when nearly six years of war in Europe finally came to an end. The beacon lighting was preceded by a tribute to old comrades and those who stayed behind to safeguard the home front. Mr Duff, who is 95, took part in the Normandy campaign which led up to the Allied victory in Europe. He is the holder of the Military Medal, the British Empire Medal, the French Legion d’honneur, and the Tynwald Honour Medal for his contribution to Manx life. Isle of Man represented at wartime commemorations Ministers attend events at Cenotaph, Westminster Abbey and Dunkirk

he Isle of Man Government Highness the Duke of Edinburgh and His Dynamo in World War Two. has been represented at a Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge. The mass evacuation of 340,000 Allied T number of important Around 700 guests attended, including servicemen from the French coast in May wartime commemorations in representatives of the nations involved in 1940 involved eight vessels from the Isle recent months. the Gallipoli Campaign, veterans’ of Man Steam Packet ferry company which organisations, faith groups and the between them rescued about 25,000 Policy and Reform Minister John descendants of participants. troops while under fire from Nazi forces. Shimmin MHK attended the National Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK Three of the Manx ships were lost in Commemoration of the Centenary of the represented the Isle of Man at the space of less than 24 hours – the Gallipoli Campaign and Anzac Day in Westminster Abbey for a service marking Mona’s Queen, Fenella and King Orry. The London. the 70th anniversary of Victory in Europe anchor of the Mona’s Queen was The service, at the Cenotaph on Day, while Treasury Minister recovered from the sea off Dunkirk in 2010 Whitehall, took place in the presence of MHK attended commemorations in Dunkirk and now forms the centrepiece of a Her Majesty the Queen, His Royal marking the 75th anniversary of Operation memorial at Kallow Point, Port St Mary.

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