An island free of All just a little bit of Can you worry in historical history repeating afford a child abuse cases? ...perhaps! voice? Page 3 Page 7 Page 5

EARROO / ISSUE 53 | JERREY SOUREE / JULY 2015 THE FREE MANX NEWSPAPER BY MEC VANNIN It pays to The gender be a man wage gap in Mann! Page 6

www.mecvannin.im Y Clou Shoh / This Edition

Failt erriu gys Yn Pabyr Seyr, y pabyr ram sleih kindagh rish yn obbyr noo cour cooney lesh yn obbyr ain. -naight lieh-vleeanagh ta er ny chur jeant echey er son Transceltic, Dy beagh eh mie lhiu feddyn magh magh ec Mec Vannin. Ta kuse dy Alastair Kneale. ny smoo mychione Mec Vannin chaghlaaghyn ayn y clou shoh, as ta Cooinnee-shiu dy chur eisht ny jean leaystey dy chur treisht ain dy ghowee shiu soylley shilley er yn duillagyn Facebook as çhaghteraght dooin! jeh lhaih eh! Ta naight as reddyn ayn Twitter ain cour freayll shiu hene Peddyr Mac Niallan liorish Bernard Moffat - she heose rish y naight as daltyn elley Fembleyder Eaghtyran jeh Mec Vannin eh - as ain. Ta shin dy kinjagh cur failt roish liorish screeudeyr ta dy mie er fys da red erbee noa ta sleih laccal dy yan- Post-l: [email protected] Welcome to Yn Pabyr Seyr, the bian- people for his work with Transceltic, like to find out more about Mec nual newspaper released by Mec Alastair Kneale. Vannin then don’t hesitate to send Vannin. There are few changes in Remember to visit our Face- us a message! this edition, and we hope that you book and Twitter pages to keep up- Peter Crellin enjoy reading it! There are news to-date with our news and other Editor items and articles in by Bernard activities. We always welcome any- Moffatt - President of Mec Vannin - thing new that people want to do to Email: [email protected] and by a writer well known to many help with our work. If you would Red Beg Cultoor / A Litte Bit of Culture Manninee Dobberan Harrish Seaghyn Mannin Veen Arrane Tradishoonagh

Yn chied ree ayn va Mannanan Beg Mac y Leirr, As shiuish fir crauee, ny chaghteryn shee, Cha row eh laccal keesh, agh mayl beg ass y cheer, O gow jee kiarall, bee ny boghtyn laccal bee; Cha mooar eh dooin jough, chamoo gless dy feeyn, Coyrlee jee, coyrlee jee, coyrlee jee dy braew, Agh bart leaghyr glass shen ooilley dagh blein. Dy chur chaghter da'n ree, O coyrlee chur jee daue.

Trog erriu, trog erriu, O Vanninee chree, Aaraa Trog erriu, trog erriu, nagh caill shin nyn mree, Trog erriu, trog erriu, O Vanninee dooie, O eirinee, eirinee, eirinee boght, As yiow shin veih'n ree yn cairys ta cooie. Er-lhiam bee shin laccal chammah bee as yn jough. Lheid yn anchairys shoh dy bragh cha row rieau, V'ad beaghey myr shoh, gyn kiarall ny imnea, Yn bodjal lurg shoh bee nyn dhalloo goit veue. As Mannanan reill harroo ayns shee lesh y kay, Gynsagh daue cairys, cha row echey Ghoo Yee, Aaraa Jig skielley da Mannin, eisht va'n ree ain Creestee. Agh mannagh jean Sostyn cur keesh er y feeyn, Aaraa Yiumayd slaynt gys y ree as slaynt y ven-rein, Ny noidyn dewil castit as shin hene ec shee, Tra harrish Sostyn va Ree Yamys reill, Neemayd giu as ve gennal, lesh slaynt ec nyn gree. Ny Kiare-as-feed ayns charraneyn hie gys Lunnin ny whaail. Lhig dauesyn t'ayn nish agh myr shoh jannoo reesht, Aaraa As nee ad hauail Mannin veen woish y keesh. Vermayd moylley da Sostyn, as moylley d'an ree; Aaraa Ayns giu gys nyn slaynt, cha n'aasemayd dy bragh skee, As tra nee ny noidyn oc chaglym dy chiu, Ren troo, farg, as goanlys, cur mow Illiam Dhone, Nyn v'uill neemayd dheartey dy hauail ad voue. Ta bodjal feer dhoo, getlagh nish er y tonn; Ver eh boand er nyn dhieyn, nyn dhalloo as nhee, Trog erriu, trog erriu, lesh dunnallys cree, My hig keeshyn da Mannin, nee ad brishey nyn shee. Trog erriu, trog erriu, na bee shiu cha dree, Trog erriu, trog erriu, O Vanninee chree, Aaraa As foddee dy beemayd foast gennal ayns shee.

2 Naight / News The : An Oasis Of Child Care Enlightenment? Bernard Moffatt,

One of the truly tragic episodes of recently it was revealed that Gor- after it had gone out of fashion else- the history of the British Isles over donstoun Public School, where the where. the last 60 plus years is the extent of future English King had been edu- In 1952, for example, a ten physical and sexual abuse suffered cated, had allegations swirling year old was given three strokes of by children in homes and institu- around it. the birch for stealing a school tions. As this maelstrom of revela- satchel, the same year another thir- Stories first circulated in Ire- tions unfolded one place uniquely teen year old was given three land embroiling the Roman Catholic seemed to ‘buck the trend’: the Isle strokes for stealing £1. In 1957 the Church and then spread to the UK of Man. theft of a bottle of milk could get and beyond. However, any percep- The Isle of Man, it appeared, you two strokes of the birch while tion that this phenomenon of sys- was immune from this ‘latter day five years later two individuals were tematic child sexual and physical curse’ of allegation and revelation – given corporal punishment for run- abuse was confined to the Catholic ‘nothing to see here, move along!’ ning away from the Douglas Chil- Church swiftly dissipated as homes But hold on: the Isle of Man dren’s Home. I wonder what they and institutions across the British historically hasn’t been noted for it were running from? Isles all threw up new horror stories. charity or benevolence towards chil- It is important to recall today Eventually even institutions dren. that the Isle of Man in its ignorance such as the BBC and the UK Health After all this was a place that tends to believe that the birch and Service were involved and most caned and birched children long cane were only given for serious

3 violent crime. It is more reassuring regulatory regimes in all the jurisdic- confidential facility for adults who to our historical senses than the tions cited above were found to may have been abused as children, truth that it was invariably given for have been wanting 30-40 years ago to allow them to report this abuse, is offences of petty larceny. It’s also and therefore it would be prudent unnecessary. significant that the type of person for authorities here to double-check So are the six (still mysteri- doling out these sentences was also that the systems that the Isle of Man ous and little explained) cases that the type of worthy charged with had in place shared no such defi- the Methodist Church picked up the ensuring the Children’s Home and ciencies. full picture or the tip of the iceberg? the Remand Home were well run. An initial step that govern- There had been rumours for Oh, I forgot to mention the Remand ment could take is to place promi- years about abuse in institutions Home! Well that’s because the Is- nent notices with the Island media here in the mid 1950s, but as with land didn’t really have one, they just assuring that anyone with concerns all small communities it is always kept the children in rooms above can discuss issues confidentially. difficult for those who may have the old police station and Court It was almost three months suffered to come forward. It is now House in Athol Street. Strangely, before Mr. Brown responded also better understood that abusers some children ran away from there (August 2008) and then he emphati- chose their victims carefully so in this period also. Yes they were cally rebutted the League’s sugges- those most vulnerable and least able birched. tion saying: to speak out would be targeted. Be- Well, let’s leave the open I have sought the advice of cause of their treatment and the institutionalized child abuse of the Department of Health and Social damage caused in later life these are birching and caning and get back to Security on the concerns that you people least likely to put their trust that which was hidden. raised on behalf of the Celtic in ‘the authorities’. Eventually, two months ago, League. The Department is of the I mean, let’s put this in per- the Isle of Man was touched, albeit opinion that the procedures pres- spective: at that time, the 1950s, the briefly, by the controversy over hid- ently in place in the Isle of Man in Police (the body to which anyone den child abuse when it was re- this regard are appropriate and ade- abused at the time would have to vealed that there were a number of quate in that the referrals of adults put their trust in today) were hap- abuse allegations involving the Is- who may have been abused years pily dispensing the sentences of land in a report released by the ago when they were children are birching dished out by the courts. I Methodist Church. currently dealt with by the staff mean they were abusers them- Coincidentally, six years be- within the Public Prosecution Unit selves, albeit State sanctioned. fore that in May 2008 the Celtic of the police force. This Unit has the The main Children’s Home League had written to former Chief training, knowledge and experience here in the 1940-60 period was the Minister Tony Brown suggesting necessary to deal with highly sensi- austere Children’s Home on Glen- that in light of the UK and Irish alle- tive and complex information. The crutchery Road. Parents, it’s said, gations - not to mention concerns members of the Unit work very used to chasten their children with about children’s homes in the Chan- closely on a daily basis with social tales that they would be sent there if nel Islands - a retrospective audit of workers and their managers and they misbehaved. Perhaps it was a child care on the Isle of Man was joint investigations would be under- well run, model institution (those needed. The League said: taken if a complaint was received. If two birch victims I mentioned above Given the revelations in adja- members of the Unit were of the certainly didn’t think so) and as al- cent jurisdictions and now in the opinion that an individual required most most other similar establish- Channel Islands has the Isle of Man more support than they were able to ments throughout the British Isles government taken any steps to fa- offer, they would be pro-active in had their scandals it uniquely stood cilitate a confidential conduit of seeking appropriate support. out as an oasis of child care enlight- communication for children who As you will appreciate it is enment. were in care in the Isle of Man, par- extremely important that any possi- Are we as a community right ticularly in the distant past (i.e. ble criminal investigation is not to believed that this was a haven thirty, forty or even fifty years ago) compromised by information being isolated from sexual and physical so that they can air any concerns or disclosed or evidence being con- abuse of children when it was ram- reservations that they have about taminated. For these reasons the pant in every other urban and rural their treatment. Department would be concerned community in the British Isles? Or I am sure you will agree that that the setting up of a permanent are we deluding ourselves! 4

The Price of a Voice: How Much to Have a Say? Town and village communities are building work in your neighbour- it will be necessary to go through what makes the Isle of Man what it hood that threatens to undermine official channels of appeal. No wor- is. That frequently marketed idea of that important place of yours. This is ries there then, an appeal - if not an island with rolling hills undis- not something so far-fetched that it slightly burdened with bureaucracy turbed by development blots exists will stretch the imagination: land is - should be a fairly straightforward because people have always spoken being developed and redeveloped process... up to protect the places that have all the time on the island. Most peo- Perhaps, but perhaps not: it importance to them. An important ple who have lived their entire lives all depends on what you mean by place to you could be anywhere: on the island will undoubtedly be "straightforward". Getting the neces- maybe it's on your street or in your able to tell you about some child- sary forms in may be easy enough, wider neighbour, maybe it's some- hood place that no longer exists. In but what is the price of having your where you visit and use frequently, fact, if certain land developers had voice heard? Well, to be exact, the or maybe it's that place you like to their way, the island would likely price is £150, a cost which falls un- go to for relief from sights and become one big office block with der the 2013 Development Proce- sounds of everyday obligation. It built in accommodation. dure Order, which in turn invokes could be a place that holds child- Naturally, upon thinking the Fees and Duties Act 1989. To hood memories for you or a place about the possibility of something complicate matters a little further, that will form the basis of the putting the things you cherish at risk each person wishing to have their memories of your own children, or it you will form an objection. You will voice heard in the appeals process could simply be a place you expect then want to make your objection must register their objection prior to to remain safe for everyday living. known, and you would expect to one individual filing the appropriate We all know our important places find ears willing to listen. You can form with their £150. If, for instance, well and will do what we can to look talk to friends, family, neighbours, you and your neighbours happen to after them. and elected politicians all too ready agree with one another and wish to Now, imagine for a moment to say they are listening, but to really file an appeal - working under the that you have received notice of protect what is important you know notion that there is strength in num-

5 Artwork by Stewart Bennett bers and that your government emanate is one of privileged com- collective clout fades with each per- should surely listen to popular opin- plaint. That is, you can appeal as son who cannot afford the appeal ion - you will need to make sure that long as you can afford to appeal, process. Put another way, the es- you are both organised and in pos- time and finance wise. Where does sence of a democratic collective session of disposable income . this put low income households in voice is lost, unless that voice pays That is the situation some terms of having a say in their to be un-muted. residents of Peel are currently fac- neighbourhoods and places they Mec Vannin would like to ing. Planning permission that was consider important? If people are think that we live in a country where previously refused due to ground down financially, do they then have money does not buy you influence stability concerns (landslides having to sit there and take it while the at any level, but whether that is the been known to occur) in an area places that give them some respite reality is questionable. If the £150 known as the Broughs has since from their troubles are bulldozed charge (plus layers of bureaucracy) been granted to Jones Services Ltd, a and rebuilt? Do they have to go un- levied on appellants is needed for refuse collection company. Before heard when they spot a potentially some absolutely unavoidable ad- going any further it is worth point- dangerous plan? Is it only those ministrative reasons then those rea- ing out that the exact details of the wealthy enough to have £150 of sons should be made absolutely planning permission and residents' disposable income that get to have a transparent otherwise the charge objections in Peel are not the subject say? Extending beyond individual has the appearance of a deterrent. of this article: this article could be households it stands to reason that Additionally, there should be some about any planning permission ap- in order for groups comprised of low explicit means of advice and support peal initiated anywhere on the is- income individuals to have a collec- available to those people who may land. The point of interest here is the tive say things could be equally as not have the money to cover the cost: £150 and whopping layer of difficult. If each individual has to price of having their voices heard. bureaucracy for anyone wishing to spend time organising their objec- Ultimately, money should not talk have their appeal heard. tions and deciding how to split the when it comes to protecting the The message that seems to cost, then the possibility of using things most important to us.

The Gender Wage Gap: Still Here, Still Unacceptable Peddyr Mac Niallan The Isle of Man derives its English dispel the accusations. complications you introduce do not name from an interpretation of its During 2004 it was reported take away the simplicity of the mat- Gaelic form, Mannin. Whilst the that women earned on average ter: men and women should be paid island's name has been the butt of £120 less per week than men. Now the same! many jokes about rife sexism over ten years into the future and follow- Supposed complications are the years, the national statistics on ing promises to tackle the gap it further removed when you consider weekly earnings do very little to seems that a "whopping" £29 has that little difference existed in the been dealt with, leaving women number hours worked by men and earning £91 less per week overall women in the sample used in 2014: than men in 2014, with women on average a difference of only four earning over less than £110 on aver- more hours worked by men per age in manual work and £165 less in week was noted (all employees sur- non-manual work. veyed were considered full-time). When the wage gap report Despite this, the statistics show a was released during 2004 the then greater break from equality the fur- Trade and Industry Minister, Alex ther up the pay boundaries you go. Downie, pointed out that wage gaps For example, women do mar- are not "just an Isle of Man concern" ginally better than men for wages up and that they exist "throughout the to £350 per week, after which men world" having "many complex fac- start to pull ahead. At £700 per tors involved." Indeed, you can com- week 78% of women are earning plicate matters if you like, but any below that amount compared to 6

67% of men. Only 5% of women Electricity, Gas, and Water was the have and continue to lose out to earn £1,000 or more per week com- worst offending sector with women men in the Isle of Man. pared to 15% of men earning more earning on average £346 less per Since little difference was than that amount. Equally, the top week than men (NB. the sample size indicated in the hourly rates paid to 10% of men surveyed earned more for manual work was much smaller men and women, the problem than £1,114, where the same figure for women - 44 women compared would appear to stem from a bias in for the top 10% of women was to 188 men). The statistics show the number of senior, higher paid £865. little difference between private and roles occupied by women, although Knowing a that a gap exists, public sectors, although overall the to the author's knowledge no direct can we say anything about where it public sector had a bigger wage gap data currently exist to support this exists? Thankfully, the available data of £22 per week in favour of men. claim. Whatever the reason, the Isle does provide a breakdown by broad Given our autonomy here in of Man remains the butt of a self- sectors, and with the island's Fi- Mannin and the lack of significant made joke on gender inequality, nance, Insurance, and Business (FIB) difference between the hourly rate although the punch line is far from sector comprising 22% of its work- of pay and hours worked between funny. force it is worthwhile looking at the surveyed individuals the wage gap figures for that sector. Women cannot rightly be attributed to global Figures taken from the Earnings working in the FIB sector earned on factors or complications of work Survey 2014 available at average £177 less per week than variation. What would be more of www.gov.im. their male counterparts. However, an accurate claim is that women Never Take The Manx For Granted: Lessons From The 1918 General Strike Alastair Kneale As the present programme of auster- The strikers went on to win their In 1917 efforts were made to ity and privatisation continues on demands, however, this important organise a union for general work- the Isle of Man, it often seems that event in the Island’s history was ers in the Isle of Man. There was those in power think that they have never taught when I was at school, considerable support for this against an absolute right to ride roughshod which was symptomatic of the ab- a background of cost of living rises over the gains in living standards sence of Manx history from the of 78% since 1914 and no defined that have won over school curriculum and particularly maximum working week. The first many years. This arrogant belief anything relating to organised la- branch of the union was formed in needs to be challenged. Because the bour. The same remains the case Douglas. One of the first actions of improvements in the life of Manx today. the newly formed union secured a people over many years was not given to them from some benevo- lent government, but by the strong and determined action of the people themselves. The achievements gained out of the struggle by those who went before us should never be given up lightly or taken for granted. When we celebrate Day this year we should remember the events of 1918. Because in 1918 the Isle of Man was rocked by a General Strike that pre-dated the British General Strike by eight years. It resulted in the annual Tynwald Day ceremony being postponed. Foxdale Miners 7 fixed working week of 56 hours. until Friday June 28th 1918. The purchase of food. It seems clear that This early success of the Douglas Governor in his annual financial the strike committee was in a strong Workers Union led to the formation statement to Tynwald announced position. of other branches in Ramsey, Castle- the termination of the subsidy at the The Government had been town, Rushen, Laxey and Peel. The end of the month. taken by surprise by the strength of rail workers throughout the Island The Isle of Man Workers Un- the action and was put into a posi- achieved notable success in gaining ion made it clear that unless the tion of making requests to the strike wage increases. These early suc- nine penny loaf remained a general committee. A request that came to cesses brought other sections of strike would be called. There fol- the committee was for permission workers into Union membership. lowed Island wide meetings to enlist for the members of Tynwald to be This increase in Union activity to- public support and demands for the allowed to travel to the annual Tyn- ward the end of the First World War passing of an Income Tax Bill. With wald ceremony. However, the Gov- formed part of the background to the cessation of the flour subsidy ernor fearing the possibility of dem- the 1918 General Strike. notice was given by the bakers that onstrations at the ceremony post- The events which lead up to from July 1st 1918 the price of the poned it and Tynwald did not take the strike had their basis in the cam- loaf should be increased to one shil- place on July 5th 1918. On the sec- paign for direct taxation and a Manx ling. The Governor then decreed ond day of the strike the Governor reform movement had been cam- that the price should be fixed at ten asked to see the Strike Committee paigning for the imposition of an and half pence. This was not accept- and he offered a ten and a half income tax on the Island. The origi- able to the Union. This set in motion pence loaf but this was refused. The nal campaign had been fought in a series of events leading to the Governor then called a meeting of order to secure old age pen- Manx General Strike. A meeting was the Legislative Council. Following sions. Set against the calls for re- held attended by the various unions this a notice was posted outside of form was the then Governor Lord where the campaign strategy was all Government buildings: Raglan, who had been Governor drawn up. A strike committee was "Arrangements have been since 1902. It was his opposition to set up with representatives of the made for the immediate restoration reform that made him unpopular National Union of Seamen, Typo- of the ninepenny loaf. The Lieuten- with ordinary Manx people. At the graphical Association, Shop Assis- ant Governor trusts that business Tynwald ceremony in 1916 he had tants Union and the Workers Union. will be resumed as early as possible been confronted by a demonstra- A thousand strong meeting and that no person shall be victim- tion. The demonstrators held plac- was held outside of the Government ised for participating in the strike." ards and greeted the governor with Office in Douglas to announce the The Strike Committee called shouts that he resign, implement old strike with word being sent to other a meeting of some 2,000 people and age pensions and direct taxation. At parts of the Island. The strike com- the workers were thanked and one point he was struck by a grass menced on July 3rd 1918 and re- asked to return to work. It was the sod thrown from the crowd. sulted in a stoppage of work success of the 1918 strike which led This campaign for a pension throughout the Island. The strike to the imposition of an income tax was temporarily diverted into a fight was undertaken with some skill and to initially pay for a bread subsidy to get the Manx Government to a high degree of organisation. The that later resulted in the introduc- grant Manx bakers a flour subsidy daily boat from to the Isle tion of pensions on the Island. similar to that given to English bak- of Man was allowed to sail on the So the present Manx govern- ers to enable a reduction in the price understanding that a return passage ment would be wise to look at the of bread from one shilling to would not be allowed. The cargo events of history. Although the ninepence. These calls for parity workers in Douglas ceased work, strike itself was a unique event in with United Kingdom bread prices the schools closed and tram and rail the Isle of Man it shows what can were ignored. This resulted in pro- services were halted, shops, offices happen when people are pushed to test meetings being held throughout and factories were shut. Fishing breaking point. It is also reminds us the Island and led to Tynwald meet- boats were allowed to land their all that we should never throw away ing to discuss the matter. This re- catch but sold the fish at a price the hard won gains in living stan- sulted in a six month subsidy from fixed by the strike committee to the dards achieved by those brave November 26th 1917 to keep bread people. The strike committee also Manx people that have gone before prices at 9 pence a loaf. The agreed allowed shops in poorer quarters to us. subsidy was to last seven months open between 7am-9am for the 8

Governors and the Military: You Know the Manx Never Really Liked Them! Bernard Moffat With Mec Vannin’s opposition to the being held which appears in Samuel Nobody living in the Isle of British Military and the Lt .Governor Norris’s book ‘Manx Memories and Man could fail to be impressed by it’s difficult to remember now which Movements’ shows how inclusive the exposure of the limited powers resolution from this years’ AGM the ceremony was in those days, of the and of Tyn- provoked the greatest controversy. unlike the neatly choreographed wald which has taken place even in Manx people it seems love charade which is held these days. very recent weeks, in the appoint- the Governor and the military espe- People turned out in force to ment, without any consultation with cially if ‘some’ politicians and ele- protest at the Governor. They dis- us, of the principal officer who ad- ments of the media are to be be- played large notices outlining their ministers and is in charge of practi- lieved. Well, it wasn’t always so. grievance, and booed and jeered as cally the whole government of the Island - under the Governor - (...) Next year will see the anni- the procession made its way to the versary of the 1916 Easter Rising Hill. At one point a sod thrown from Without tending to use any when British Troops were deployed the crowd struck the Governor. strong or violent language, it is obvi- on the streets of Dublin to put down Anyway the only ‘sod’ at this ous that the House has been ignored an armed insurrection. year’s event is likely to be the Gover- (...). We have an object lesson of the nor himself! fact that we are controlled from out- Coincidentally next year will side the Island. The Lt-Governor is also see the anniversary of armed By World War 2 it seems atti- sent here; he is not appointed by us, troops being deployed at Tynwald to tudes by the Manx towards the he is not responsible to us (there confront (or more likely intimidate) United Kingdom had not improved follows a full list of the posts held by crowds that were due to protest much. the Lt. Governor). In these high over the behaviour of the Lt. Gover- In a discussion on the issue posts in the government of the Isle nor. of self determination at a sitting of of Man, I think it is obvious today Norris records: the House of Keys in January 1944, that "no Manxman need apply"- not a most vitriolic and strikingly nation- because they are not capable of do- Another difference was par- ing the work (...), but because they ticularly noticeable. In place of a alist attack on the British Govern- ment was launched by the Speaker are Manx, and in the opinion of guard of honour from the Isle of those who make the appointments a Man Volunteers – now on active of the Keys, J. D. Qualtrough, its significance in understanding the Manxman is not a suitable person to service abroad – a hundred British be responsible for the Government soldier , part of the National Guard deep seated resentment to Colonial rule over the Island warrants its re- of the Island. We are, in other words, on duty at Knockaloe Aliens Camp, treated as a conquered country (...). I lined the Governors approach , with production below. rifles and service ammunition! You will not see this men- tioned in any records these days and there has since been an attempt to ‘gerrymander’ history by suggesting the armed guard story is fiction. However,Norris’s book pub- lished in 1938 was based on his writings made at the time of the event in 1916 so I know whose ver- sion I would believe. The GREAT NATIONAL PRO- TEST MEETING was held at Tynwald Hill on July 5th 1916 - a picture of the event taken as the ceremony is The British Army recruiting on Douglas Promenade, 2015 9 personally am unable to see such a and policy of the conquering coun- were engaged, or had family in- tremendous lot of difference be- try. That roughly, is the the constitu- volved with war service or war tween the theory of government as tion of the Isle of Man (...). work. That Qualtrough felt moved applied by Germany to the con- (Record of the House of Keys to make the attack shows his cour- quered countries - Norway, Den- - Hansard - 4/1/44) age. That it was apparently received mark, Holland, Belgium, France. In without visible dissent shows the these countries the men who have Qualtrough’s attack was re- undercurrent of Nationalist resent- the supreme power are appointed markable not just for the vitriolic ment. by Germany. I understand that in nature of its content, assigning to the United Kingdom all the attrib- It is a shame that those in some of them at least, Germany has government and the media like to not interfered with their parliamen- utes of an occupying power, but also for the timing. At this stage of the paint such a rosy picture of Manx tary institutions. Their parliaments attitudes to Governors and the mili- are allowed to meet; they are al- War the Isle of Man was an armed camp, with training installations for tary; the reality is so much more lowed to talk, allowed to pass reso- interesting! lutions; they may go on, so long as all three services and vast numbers they do not clash with the opinion of personnel. Many Manx people Red Beg Cultoor / A Little Bit of Culture Thom Gordon as ny Mooinjer Veggey Shenn Skeeal Manninagh liorish Edward Faragher (Ned Beg Hom Ruy) Keayrt dy row, shen yn aght kiart dy as dooyrt eshyn, ‘Ta mee soaral doo- gholl toshiaght lesh skeeal, va dooin- inney’, myr shen, dirree ad ooilley ney enmyssit Thom Gordon cheet voish y voayrd dy ronsagh yn thie, as thie voish Purt ny Hinshey gys e v’ad ronsagh mygeayrt y mysh yn chummal ayns Skeeylley Chreest. doagh agh cha dooar ad Thom. Haink yn oie er tra v’eh er Hoie ad sheese reesht gys mullagh ny sleityn, as cha voddagh nyn shibber, agh dooyrt fer y chione eh jannoo magh yn raad, as hass eh lheeah reesht dy row eh soaral doo- dy yeeaghyn mygeayrt y mysh, as inney as v’eh shickyr dy row eh ayns hug eh my ner soilshey soilshean er y thie. Myr shen, ghow ad toshiaght gerrey da as ren eh lesh yn soilshey. dy ronsagh reesht agh cha row doo- Ayns traa gerrid, haink eh gys inney erbee ry gheddyn. thie mooar, as va’n soilshey cheet Eisht, dooyrt fer jeu, ‘Lhig voish ooilley ny uinnagyn, as myr dooin chyndaa yn doagh’, as va haink eh gys yn dorrys, haink dooin- Thom er-creau agglagh dy beagh eh ney ny whaiyl, as vrie eh jeh Thom goit, as tra ren ad gleashagh yn do- dy gholl marish gys yn eeastagh er yn agh, ren eh geamagh lesh ard- oyr dy row sheshaght feer wooar choraa, cheet gys shibber marish yn oie shen. aash son dy row eh tooillit. ‘Shee Yee orrym, ta mee goit’. Myr shen, hie Thom marish Myr shen, haink ad gys yn Ayns meekey-sooilley va’n thie as yn sheese gys yn traie, as ren ad tayrn thie, as dooyrt yn dooinney dy beagh cheshaght ersooyl, as v’eh tammylt baatey gys yn ushtey, as ren Thom eh ny share da fuirriaght fud ny hoie. mie er e ghreeym, as, cur-my-ner, goaill ny maidjeryn-raue as gymmyrt Va doagh feer vooar ec keeill- v’eh ayns Lhag ny Killey, ny lhie er voish yn thalloo. chiollee, er y ching, as va towl beg thammag dy cheynnagh as va’n Ghow yn dooinney toshiaght ayns y lhiattee eck, as hug eh Thom cheayn feer faggys da. dy eeastagh, coyrt magh daa chione fo yn doagh, agh v’eh jeeaghyn Shen y fa, v’eh caillt ayns yn rimlagh, as v’eh goaill eeastyn cha trooid yn towl. yindys as ghow eh toshiaght dy tappee as oddagh eh, gys va lane Ayns traa gerrid, va’n thie er screebey e chione, gys smooinnee eh murlhin goit echey. ny lhieeney lesh Goaldee, chammah er-hene dy row eh er ve marish ny Eisht dooyrt eh rish Thom dy deiney-seyrey as mraane-seyrey ferrishyn. row eeast dy liooar ayn son shibber ayns nyn goamraghyn aalin, as chel- Eisht haink eh seose ass yn da’n cheshaght va ry heet, as ren leeragh hoie ad ooilley sheese gys Lhag as hooar eh thie gys e ven as Thom gymmyrt gys y thalloo reesht shibbyr, as va Thom cur my ner ad hooar ee caart dy yough da, eisht hie as dooyrt yn dooinney rish Thom dy trooid yn towl va ayns y doagh. eh gys e lhiabbee as va ooilley jar- bare lesh cheet thie marish dy ghoaill Va fer ayn lesh kione lheeah, roodit echey laa ny vairagh. 10

Mec Vannin Annual General Meeting 2015 Mec Vannin held a well attended ment that is, from the very top, ob- ral tidal harbour and acknowledge AGM in Peel this year on Monday sessed with style over substance. that the “marina” development has 11th May 2015, bringing to the fore been both an economic and envi- a number of issues considered im- b) This AGM: ronmental disaster. portant in the Island's current politi- cal and social climate. A total of 12 Calls upon the current Chief d) This AGM: resolutions were presented and Minister, Alan Bell, to: passed at the meeting, covering a Be specific about the extraor- Against the background of an range of matters including the de- dinary allegations regarding his per- exodus of internet orientated busi- velopment of Douglas Promenade, ceived failure of the Planning Com- nesses to low/no VAT jurisdictions, Chief Minister Alan Bell, Peel Har- mittee to pass projects he personally calls upon Treasury Minister Teare bour silt, VAT and e-Gaming, Gov- favours; to acknowledge and address the ernment House (currently the resi- State for the record if he be- abject failure of reliance upon VAT dence of the Lt. Governor), the title lieves that the Planning Committee over income tax and implement a of the Lt. Governor, Manx language has acted against planning guide- strategy, as a matter of utmost ur- and the Island's police, TV licences, lines or ultra vires in these specific gency, to sever the Customs and stealth taxes, the Legislative Council, circumstances; Excise agreement and re-institute marine territories, and UK military Unreservedly retract his alle- income tax on a fair and equitable links. gations if unable to support his alle- basis for both businesses and indi- The passed resolutions were gations with the specifics called for viduals. as follows: in 1 and 2. e) This AGM: a) This AGM: c) This AGM: Calls for the building known Unreservedly condemns and In light of the ongoing inabil- as Government House to be re- rejects current proposals to rede- ity of the Department of Infrastruc- named and used as the Official resi- velop Douglas Promenade as both: ture to deal effectively with toxic silt dence for the 1.A profligate waste of time from Peel Harbour, a problem which during their period of Office. and money; will only continue, calls upon the The present incumbent, 2.Symptomatic of a govern- Department to revert Peel to a natu- whilst the link with the Crown re-

11 mains, to be rehoused at the ex- renamed "The Manx Police Service". to "slim" the currently bloated politi- pense of the Crown in premises that Suggests the title "Chief Con- cal structure down to a unicameral they choose to acquire for him/her. stable", which also personifies links system of 24 elected members only to the United Kingdom, is changed (with no positions allotted to Crown f) This AGM: to "Commissioner of Police for the appointees or religious leaders). Isle of Man". Believes periodic suggestions Calls on the Isle of Man Gov- that the "Legislative Council" should ernment to raise with the British h) This AGM: be "reformed" are simply a farce to Crown the appropriateness of using deflect attention from the current the title "Lt. Governor" in the Isle of Recalling that the circum- top-heavy and undemocratic struc- Man, and indeed the title of Gover- stances of the historical extension of ture of Tynwald. nor or Lt. Governor in all non- the Broadcasting Licence was not independent, self-governing territo- lawfully undertaken by Tynwald k) This AGM: ries under Crown jurisdiction. urges the Isle of Man to revoke Suggests that, given the broadcast licence agreements with Urges the current Manx gov- United Kingdom's commitment to the UK and to pay reparations to ernment to confront the United United Nation's Declaration on de- Manx citizens who have had this Kingdom over its long standing colonisation, the use of the title unjust levy imposed on them. abuse of the Isle of Man and its peo- "Governor" or "Lt. Governor" in any ple in relation to respecting our non independent territory under i) This AGM: rights under the United Nations Crown jurisdiction is abhorrent, Convention on the Law of the Sea offensive, and demeaning to people Registers its concern about (UNCLOS) regarding seabed and in those "dependent territories". the increasing propensity of the territorial limits. Mec Vannin believes the title Manx Government to level stealth Calls for the government to "Crown Representative" should be taxes and withdraw benefits for the invoke the United Nations Conven- used. least well-off in society such as pen- tion on the Law of the Sea sioners and those on fixed or mod- (UNCLOS) to achieve a median ter- g) This AGM: erate to low incomes. ritorial and seabed limit with all Believes this government, neighbouring jurisdictions. Welcomes the moves made whose members and those who by most Government departments advise them are - due to the level of l) This AGM: to project "a semblance of commit- income and benefits they receive - ment" to the Manx language by the increasingly out of touch with the Calls upon all Manx national- use of bi-lingual signage on Govern- plight of working people. ist bodies to oppose moves to for- ment vehicles and stationery. mally re-establish links with the Registers its concern that the j) This AGM: United Kingdom military; Isle of Man Constabulary has made Urges the establishment of a very little effort to mirror the steps Believes the current two body with the same aims and objec- taken by other departments and chamber Tynwald with its unelected tives of the Anti-Military Alliance persists in a projection of itself and therefore unaccountable upper (established in the 1970s) to oppose which makes it appear like a "quasi- chamber is unfit for purpose. such moves. English County police force". Calls for a referendum to Suggests that the Force is support the introduction of reforms

www.mecvannin.im 12 Smooinaghtyn / Thoughts Debate, Mental Health, War, and Army Recruitment Following recent media attention on cal debate with insults that serve brance serves to remind us of the Mec Vannin after the release of our only to propagate negative stereo- horrors of war, to remind us that AGM resolutions and our explicit types and stigmatise mental health people sacrificed their lives, that stance on British Army recruitment difficulties. The use of the term families lost the ones they love, and in the Isle of Man we would like to "loony" to engage in political debate that many suffered in the brutality make our position absolutely clear. is, we believe, unacceptable. This of war. To equate an army recruit- First, we would like to ad- term has been used by right-wing ment drive that directly and un- dress the tone of debate levied in tabloid newspapers to describe left- ashamedly promotes war as "fun" the form of insults. Debate that is wing politics, crudely playing mainly with a spirit of respect and remem- devoid of meaningful content and on the alliteration between the two brance that reminds us of the pain based solely on name calling is not words. To see this word used in and brutality of war is sickening. constructive and is an insult to the Manx political discourse is sadden- Further, to promote weaponry and intelligence of most people. At Mec ing and offensive to an immeasur- to knowingly disguise the reality of Vannin we consider it our duty to able number of people. army life next to our war memorial initiate and promote constructive The stigma attached to men- on Douglas Promenade is perverse. debate on matters of national inter- tal health difficulties by the use of We at Mec Vannin see it as est. This is the essence of national- this term is directly linked to discus- our duty to protect the Manx peo- ism: a belief in safeguarding the sions of war when it is considered ple: that is you and your children. rights and interests of all people that many veterans require treat- We oppose the dishonest, mislead- within and committed to our nation. ment for post-traumatic stress disor- ing, and carefully calculated strate- Some - indeed many - people der and other related mental health gies of the British Army in recruiting within our small nation have, are, or issues. There exists an unsettling Manx citizens. We respect the warn- will face issues concerning their irony in the remarks of those who ings of First World War and Second mental well-being. Such issues may claim to respect war veterans yet at World War veterans who taught us require counselling and/or other the same time stigmatise mental that war is not an amusement. We forms of therapy. As a community it health problems. To these people, respect the veterans who return to is our duty to look after those peo- those who sacrificed their mental the Isle of Man to this day and tell us ple as we would expect them to look well-being to protect freedom are to still of the trauma they face daily after us or members of our own be classed as nothing more than from having been in active service. families. This requires compassion "loonies". We at Mec Vannin find We fundamentally oppose the glori- and a commitment to ensuring that this to be a deplorable attitude. fication of war, the stigmatisation of a positive discourse about mental Lastly, we turn to army re- mental-ill health, and the reduction health exists within society, free cruitment. To suggest that modern of national debate to inane name from stigma and stereotypes. day army recruitment is in some calling. Unfortunately, there are way related to war remembrance is those who choose to engage politi- somewhat misguided. Remem- Stealth Taxes and Benefits With the Johnston Press - that's the fits. As the name suggests, the Gov- - despite often being projected as UK based multimedia organisation ernment uses stealth taxes to gain money going to scroungers hidden that owns IOM Today and all of the money from people without actually behind curtains, emerging only to Island's mainstream newspapers, having to declare an increase in in- buy alcohol and cigarettes from including the ironically named Inde- come tax. The now infamous "toilet their local post-office-cum- pendent - giving distorted coverage tax" was a prime example of this. convenience store - cover a wide of just two of our 12 AGM resolu- Stealth taxes allow the Government range of social support given to peo- tions we would like to elaborate on to say that income tax, and so tax ple in need of the help of their com- some of the other resolutions that overall, has remained at the same munity. were not considered newsworthy. low rate for working people, a state- Mec Vannin wished to regis- One such resolution was ment that is true if subjected to only ter our concern regarding the in- focussed on stealth taxes and bene- a minimal level of scrutiny. Benefits creased propensity of the Manx 13

Government to use stealth taxes and raghtee". This proverb in particular whelming majority of voices whilst benefit cuts to extract and withhold is important as it reflects a sense of favouring a lobbying few, an explicit money from pensioners and people common ground, that is "when one rejection of public requests and sug- on lower incomes. If you managed poor man helps another" he identi- gestions, a projected image that you to attend any of the Big Debate ses- fies their shared plight and good are in office by virtue of your own sions held last year you will likely things come from their working to- greatness rather than by virtue of have noticed that Eddie Teare's gether. Contrast that tradition with the promises you made and the peo- rhetoric focussed on blaming vul- the official line of the Government ple you swore to protect. Inflated nerable people, portraying them as today, a line of reasoning adopted salaries and unnecessary perks serve burdens to the economy. Any sug- from English Tories and ultimately only to attract, create, and cultivate gestion that big business or wealthy spread by a pervasive American those who care more for themselves folk should help fill the VAT caldera, culture of narcissistic satisfaction: and their high-status friends than left following eruptions of incompe- look after your own interests and they do the needs of the public. The tence and inconsideration in West- those of your wealthy friends and system in its present form encour- minster, was batted away with the conveniently sweep the suffering of ages politicians to shift their lifestyle convenient but flimsy retort that the poor under the mat. and perspective to one that does not "wealth and big business enrich the It is often argued internation- and can never have common Island". That may be true for a hand- ally that many politicians, privately ground with working people. ful of people, but the increasing educated and carefully moulded, are Going forward, Mec Vannin number of individuals finding them- out of touch with the majority of envisages a form Manx politics selves falling on hard times would society. Whilst domestically this where politicians are rewarded by a likely disagree with the claim. problem is not as prevalent, we pro- sense of achievement from having The ethos of the Manx was pose that, in a similar vein, the pre- made positive contributions to the always one of charity. Traditionally, sent and its Island's communities, contributions the Manx people went to great advisors are out of touch with the that stem from personal motivation lengths to understand the needs of plight of Manx working people and to do good, not a system that pro- others and to provide for the less that the problem stems from the vides financial incentives for merely well-off. There exists today any level of income and benefits they holding a title. We see an Isle of Man number of relics to evidence this, receive. As a politician, when your that encourages perspective taking, including old buildings built to goal becomes status, power, and imagination, education, compas- house the Jinnies (homeless wan- wealth, you lose sight of the reason sion, equality, charity, social enter- derers who provided seasonal la- for your public position. Arrogance prise, technological advancement, bour) and proverbs like "Tra ta un and a deaf ear are symptomatic of ecological sustainability, progressive dooinney boght cooney lesh dooin- this: the refusal to accept criticism, reformation, and ultimately, political ney boght elley, ta Jee hene ga- the refusal to listen to an over- humility. Crosh-ockle ‘sy Ghaelg Harrish (4) Ny reddyn ta slieh jannoo (n., 6) (5) Goaill veih my cheilley (n., 7) (9) Dy chaglaa yn daah jeh red ennagh dy holk (v., 11) (10) Dy haghyrt ayns... (n., 4) (11) Caslys ny linneeaght (n., 6) (12) Dy chur cleaysh rish (v., 9)

Sheese (1) Yn red ny strimmey (n., 10) (2) Ouryssagh gyn oyr erbee (adj., 14) (3) Dy ve barrantagh (adj., 9) (6) Lesh schlei dooie cour red ennagh (adj., 9) (7) So-akin (adj., 7) (8) Cha nel eh mooar (adj., 3) * See Mec Vannin on Facebook for answers 14

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