INTERNATIONAL FOCUS SUMMER 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/08/2016 14:17 Page 1

AUGUST 2016 Island well placed for post-Brexit journey

he will draw on the strength of its Funding provided by the Isle of Man has T external relationships supported a campaign to eradicate a to protect its position in the form of preventable blindness in one of Funding helps wake of the referendum vote the world’s poorest countries. for the United Kingdom to The lives of thousands of people have thousands of leave the European Union. been transformed thanks to a partnership between the International Development The outcome means the Isle of Committee of the Council of Ministers Man will have to seek a replacement (IDC) and UK-based charity Sightsavers. families in for its Protocol 3 relationship with the Financial assistance from EU, which allows free trade in the IDC has funded vital manufactured goods and agricultural surgeries, medical Guinea Bissau products. supplies, improved Chief Minister CBE sanitation and a commented: ‘The Brexit vote is the programme of The bacterial infection is start of a journey into the unknown community education spread by flies or via contact for both the UK and the Isle of Man. to tackle blinding with an infected person’s ‘Fortunately the Island is well trachoma in Guinea hands or clothing. Years of prepared for this journey and our Bissau, West repeated infection scar the inside of reputation and relationships Africa. the eyelid so severely that it turns externally are stronger than ever inward and the lashes rub on the before. We have built up a network eyeball, scratching it and damaging the of contacts in London and Brussels, cornea. in Scotland, Ireland and Wales, and Trachoma affects mainly with our fellow Crown Dependencies women and children in of Jersey and Guernsey. hot, dry and dusty ‘We will need to draw on the areas where strength of these relationships and there is poor work hard to maintain them, while sanitation and remaining relentlessly vigilant in the a lack of water. defence of our Island’s national The £278,000 interests.’ grant aid The Chief Minister added: provided over three ‘Much will depend on what new years by the IDC has economic arrangement the UK funded more than can negotiate with the EU, and 4,700 surgeries, scaled how the Isle of Man as a Crown up the mass Dependency can fit into that distribution of antibiotic framework. drugs and led to an ‘We will have to stay very close improvement in the to the negotiations to ensure that availability of safe the Island’s needs are known and drinking water. protected.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS SUMMER 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/08/2016 14:17 Page 2

Political leaders discuss EU referendum outcome

Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE recently between the sovereign governments, ‘The Extraordinary BIC Summit joined leaders from around the British Isles devolved administrations and crown provided an opportunity for member to discuss the outcome of the referendum dependencies during this period of administrations to take stock and to on the UK’s membership of the EU. uncertainty. discuss our common priorities.’ The Extraordinary Summit of the Mr Bell said: ‘It is vital for the Isle of The Chief Minister took his place at the British-Irish Council (BIC) was held in Man to stay as close as possible to Summit alongside delegations headed by Cardiff to consider key issues in the wake developments following the vote for the First Minister Carwyn Jones (Wales), of the Brexit vote, including the economy UK to leave the EU. We are in uncharted Taoiseach Enda Kenny (Ireland), Secretary and trade, Common Travel Area and future waters and the Island must draw on the of State for Wales Alun Cairns, and relations with Europe. strength of its external relationships to Secretary of State for Northern Ireland The meeting reflected on the potential protect its position as the implications of James Brokenshire (UK), First Minister implications for each member Brexit become clearer. Arlene Foster and deputy First Minister administration, as well as the impact on ‘Events have been unfolding rapidly Martin McGuinness (Northern Ireland), the Council as a whole. Leaders also and we have witnessed dramatic changes First Minister Nicola Sturgeon (Scotland), reiterated their commitment to the BIC as to Britain’s political and economic Chief Minister Ian Gorst (Jersey) and Chief a way of maintaining strong relationships landscape. Minister Gavin St Pier (Guernsey).

he has T signed a MOU strengthens Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Zhongguancun Boya Multimedia Creative and Innovation relations with China Park (ZBMCIP). In 1988 ZBMCIP became the first high-tech industrial Agreement paves way for cooperation with China’s ‘Silicon Valley’ development zone authorised by the Chinese State Council. respective regions and provide Today it occupies 95 hectares wider commercial opportunities and, along with neighbouring to engage.’ sister parks, is known as the Under the terms of the ‘Silicon Valley’ of China. agreement, ZBMCIP will Economic Development promote the Isle of Man in Minister said: their region as a base for ‘This is another important step companies seeking to expand forward in solidifying our into the West, as well as assist relationship with China and its any Isle of Man companies regions. ZBMCIP has more looking for joint ventures or to than 1,000 high-tech establish themselves in China. companies in internet, mobile In return, the Isle of Man communication, e-pay, Government will help animation and games. companies from Zhongguancun ‘The MOU gives us the wishing to locate to the Island opportunity to work together and take advantage of our IMPORTANT STEP: Economic Development Minister for the long term to introduce advanced e-business and ICT Laurence Skelly signs the agreement with Director of the our businesses in our communications infrastructure. ZBMCIP Ms Zhang Wenning in fact The Isle of Man is situated in the 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 , 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 SUMMER 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/08/2016 14:17 Page 3

Chief Minister announces retirement from politics

hief Minister Allan Bell CBE He added: ‘The Island is now strongly has announced his placed to face the challenges of the future. C retirement from politics. I have always been a passionate believer in developing the economy because so Mr Bell has been a member of the Isle much else depends upon it. We are now in of Man’s parliament for 32 years and his the fourth decade of continuous economic extensive Ministerial experience has growth, a remarkable achievement for any included responsibility for Tourism and country but even more so when it has

Leisure, Industry, Home Affairs, Treasury been maintained through the fiscal and and Economic Development. financial constraints of recent years.’ He has served as Chief Minister for the Alongside its economic success, said Mr last five years and will remain in that

Bell, the Island had gained an enhanced position until his successor is elected by reputation around the world for its Tynwald this October. engagement and leadership on Mr Bell commented: ‘It has been a international regulatory issues. Its privilege to serve the people of the Isle of relationships with other governments “ Man, and to have played a part in the across the world are more positive and Island’s economic and social achievements constructive than ever before. over the past three decades. ‘But we are entering a new chapter in the Island’s story and it seems the right time to hand over to the next generation We are now in our fourth decade of continuous of national politicians. Working through the economic growth, which is a remarkable implications of Brexit, in particular, will be a long journey that is best started by achievement during such challenging times. politicians who are at an earlier stage in — Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE their career.’ “ Success for Manx Isle of Man welcomes drive companies at top towards global standards eGaming awards A number of Isle of Man e-Gaming companies were winners at the Chief Minister Allan Bell joined political needs to sign up. We need action, not fine prestigious awards ceremony hosted by leaders from around the world at the anti- words. eGaming Review Magazine (EGR). corruption summit hosted by the UK ‘In our commitment to be at the , the political member Government. forefront of the drive against corruption with responsibility for e-Gaming in the Mr Bell expressed his expectation that and money laundering, we are showing Department of Economic Development all nations, including the largest that international business centres like the said: ‘This is reward for the hard work economies, would support the drive Isle of Man are part of the solution to such and success of our e-Gaming sector. towards achieving greater international global challenges, not part of the problem. The awards recognise the achievements cooperation and adopting global standards ‘As a hub for international business and of some of the biggest names in e- in the fight against corruption. finance, we want to see effective Gaming and it’s fantastic to see the Isle The Isle of Man this year became the measures in place to protect the health of of Man so well represented. first British Crown Dependency to commit the global economy against the contagion ‘The e-Gaming sector continues to to an initiative on automatic exchange of of corruption and other financial crime. grow on the Isle of Man, with four new company beneficial ownership information: ‘We are determined to protect the licences approved this year and more in a move spearheaded by the UK, Germany, reputation and integrity of our own the pipeline. Our dedication to Italy, France and Spain. economy by making sure that the Isle of encouraging a supportive and business- The Chief Minister explained: ‘If we are Man is not a place where criminals can find friendly environment is paramount in ever to defeat corruption, every nation a welcome.’ the continued growth of the industry.’ INTERNATIONAL FOCUS SUMMER 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/08/2016 14:17 Page 4

ISLEXPO helps to Island hosts UNESCO visit promote £50m enterprise scheme

More than 1,000 delegates attended ISLEXPO 2016 hosted by the Isle of Man Government. The event was opened by Sir Chris Hoy MBE (pictured) and the Island’s Economic Development Minister Laurence Skelly who said: ‘ISLEXPO 2016 was a fantastic event and a real first for the Isle of Man. It was the perfect platform to promote further awareness of our £50million Enterprise Development Scheme.’ The free one- day conference included interactive digital workshops with Google, talks from Dale Murray CBE, The UK committee of UNESCO’s Man and committee’s biannual meeting in June. Alex Hunter the Biosphere Programme were taken on a , Minister for and Jim tour of Legislative Buildings by then Environment, Food and Agriculture, hosted Mellon and Clare Christian OBE a dinner in the guests’ honour and they panel (pictured above right) during a visit to the enjoyed a tour of the Island. discussions Isle of Man. The Island is the only entire jurisdiction with After the Isle of Man was admitted to to belong to the World Network. Admission industry the World Network of Biosphere Reserves recognises it is a ‘special place for people experts. in the spring, it was chosen to host the UK and nature’. Same-sex marriage law a ‘truly historic moment’

New legislation also allows opposite sex couples to enter into civil partnerships

new law allowing same-sex register office or approved premises, or in Mr Bell commented: ‘Recognition of marriage in the Isle of Man religious premises (except those of the marriage for same-sex couples in Manx A came into effect in July Church of England) subject to the law is a truly historic moment, showing following the announcement of agreement of the religious organisation in just how far the Island has travelled over question. the past 30 years. Royal Assent to the legislation. The legislation also makes the Isle of ‘It sends out a clear message that the Final implementation of the Marriage Man the first place in the British Isles to Isle of Man today is a modern, open and and Civil Partnership Amendment Act was allow opposite sex couples to enter into inclusive society where equal rights are welcomed by Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE civil partnerships as an alternative to respected. I believe that the values of who described the move as an ‘historic marriage. Civil partnerships have been fairness and tolerance reflected in this moment’ for the Island. available to same sex couples in the Isle of legislation are shared by the overwhelming The Act enables same-sex couples to Man since 2011. majority of our population.’ marry either in a civil ceremony, in a INTERNATIONAL FOCUS SUMMER 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/08/2016 14:17 Page 5

Island celebrates Crime at lowest record wins in food level since 1970 industry ‘Oscars’ Isle of Man food and drink producers have won a record number of Great Taste Awards – the ‘Oscars’ of the food industry. Isle of Man remains one of safest places in British Isles The Guild of Fine Food, which runs the awards, announced that 26 Isle of Man he number of crimes from the previous year, while confidence in products had won awards. Last year, 10 products earned the accolade and in 2014, recorded in the Isle of Man the Isle of Man Constabulary remains high, four were recognised. has fallen below 2,000 for with the results of an independently T Billed as the world’s largest and most the first time in more than 45 verified survey revealing a public satisfaction rating of 89%. trusted, the awards are sponsored by such years. Home Affairs Minister prestigious names as AGA, Harrods and End-of-year statistics released by the has welcomed confirmation of further Selfridges&Co. Isle of Man Constabulary show the overall evidence to support the Isle of Man’s Leading food critics, chefs, level of crime decreased by 14% during reputation as the safest place to live in the restaurateurs, cooks, producers and food 2015-16, compared with the previous year. British Isles. He also praised the writers put entries to rigorous taste tests. A total of 1,968 crimes were recorded effectiveness of the Isle of Man This year, more than 10,000 products for the 12 months from 1 April 2015 to 31 Constabulary in continuing to combat were submitted in 35 categories, only 35 March 2016, representing a 10% drop crime against a backdrop of budget per cent winning an award. against the average for the past three constraint and evolving demand. Richard Ronan, Minister for years and a substantial decrease since the He said: ‘Driving down recorded crime Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: year 2000 when more than 6,000 crimes to a level last witnessed in 1970 is a ‘The Isle of Man’s success in these awards were reported. remarkable achievement and strengthens firmly puts us on the map in terms of The 2015-16 statistics also highlight an the view that the Island is a safe place to gaining an ever wider reputation for its overall detection rate of 49.6%, up by 6% live, work and visit.’ high quality food and drink.’

Gibbons arrive as Young people honoured at part of prestigious NAMA awards breeding programme Young people have been A pair of silvery gibbons has arrived at the honoured for their Curraghs Wildlife Park, which has been commitment to Manx chosen to participate in a prestigious culture, language and international breeding programme. community at the annual Nakula, an 11-year-old male, moved North American Manx from Perth Zoo in Australia to Howletts Awards. Wild Animal Park in Kent a year ago. The awards date back He was recently paired up with to 1979, when the North Slamet, a nine-year-old old female who American Manx Association was born at Howletts. (NAMA) established them The gibbons are settling in to their to mark the millennium of new enclosure, which has been two years Tynwald, the Island’s par - in the preparation and incorporates an liament. Kelly McCarthy, island and a rope bridge. past President of NAMA, The wild silvery gibbon lives visited her native Island to exclusively on the Indonesian island of present winners with spe - Java but the population of 2,000 adults of cially minted medallions. breeding age is threatened by habitat ‘These awards, and the destruction and the illegal pet trade. reciprocal award the Isle of The International Union for the Man Government makes to Conservation of Nature lists it as an American child of Manx ‘endangered’. descent, are close to our hearts in NAMA,’ Kelly said. INTERNATIONAL FOCUS SUMMER 2016:IN FOCUS AUTUMN 2010 08/08/2016 14:17 Page 6

Island represented at Somme commemorations

The Isle of Man was represented at two the British and French armies engaged the the commemoration in France.’ national events to mark the centenary of Germans in a brutal battle of attrition that The names of Manxmen taken from the Battle of the Somme. lasted almost five months and resulted in various rolls of honour indicate that 120 Chief Minister Allan Bell CBE MHK was the loss of more than one million men on were killed during the 141 days of the a guest at the commemoration that took all sides. Battle of the Somme. place at the Commonwealth War Graves The Chief Minister said: ‘The Battle of Minister Quayle added: ‘The Isle of Commission Thiepval Memorial in France. the Somme is synonymous with the great Man played an important role in World War MHK, Minister for sacrifice made during World War One. One, supplying troops and vessels and Health and Social Care, attended the There is no doubt that without the men running special camps for the internment National Commemoration of the Battle of who fell in this terrible conflict a century of enemy aliens. Many Manxmen died the Somme at Manchester Cathedral. ago, our lives today would be very alongside their comrades on the The Battle of the Somme, fought in different. It is important to remember each battlefields in Northern France and the Northern France, was one of the bloodiest individual and I was able to pay my national commemorations provided an of World War One. Starting on 1 July 1916, respects on behalf of the Isle of Man at opportunity to reflect on their deeds.’

Manx student who gained a doctorate in the USA says A she owes a debt of Katie grateful for gratitude to the Isle of Man Government. Katie Taylor, from Ramsey, has gained a PhD in Education with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology at the University of USA opportunity Idaho after four years’ study. She first attended the university when the Department of Education and Children Student gains doctorate at University of Idaho (DEC) awarded her its annual Ella Olesen scholarship for 2010/11. Since her doctorate studies started, she has sat as a student representative on the world’s largest sports medicine and exercise science organisation, the American College of Sports Medicine, helping organise conferences and the ‘knowledge bowl’ contest. Last year, while in San Diego for a conference, she visited the Ramsey-built ship Star of India. A surprise attendee at Katie’s graduation was John Gill, former Head of Legal and Administrative Services with the DEC, who administered the Ella Olesen scholarship. Katie has secured a role north of Idaho as Assistant Professor of Exercise Science at Eastern Washington University. ‘Attending the scholarship interview in December 2009 with DEC Minister Anne Craine and John Gill, I never dreamt this is GRADUATION DAY: Dr Katie Taylor (second left) with fellow former Ella where it would lead me,’ Katie said. ‘I owe Olesen scholar and current Masters student Lorrae Fox, John Gill (left) and a lot to the Isle of Man Government.’ Tom Trail, who, with wife Jo-Ann, greets Manx scholars on arrival in Idaho

Isle of Man Government Government Office Bucks Road, Douglas, Is published by: Isle of Man, IM1 3PN Corporate Communications Telephone: +44 (0)1624 685284 Cabinet Office Email: [email protected]