A HARD-HITTING presentation aimed at promoting car and driving safety was delivered to students at St Ninian’s High School, Douglas last week.

The Drive Safe Live Long programme is delivered annually across the island’s schools to year 11 students (ages 15-16), when they are beginning to learn to drive.

Representatives from the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service, the constabulary, and Ambulance and Paramedic Service joined forces to deliver the presentation – along with Sandra Dimelow. She was asked to share her experience of the devastating impact a fatal car accident can have, after her daughter Aalish Patterson, aged 17, died in a crash in May 2005.

She said: ‘Sixteen-year-olds think they are totally invincible and that nothing will happen to them.

‘It’s essential we get the message across that it could happen.’

The programme was launched seven years ago to reduce the high number of road deaths among young drivers in the Isle of Man.’

Mrs Dimelow said: ‘It’s quite harsh, but at the end of the day they are young adults. If they are old enough to be out in a car, then they are old enough to know what might happen.’

Students were shown graphic pictures of injuries sustained by young motorists in crashes.

They watched a short film involving a young woman whose car was hit by a drunk driver.

And they took part in awareness tests which show how drivers can fail to spot other road users, particularly cyclists and motorcyclists.

Representatives from the emergency services also talked to the students about how hard it is for them to carry out their work at a crash scene, and delivering the news to families of fatal crash victims that they haven’t survived.

At the end of the presentation, they were taken outside to see the car that had been involved in a fatal crash.

Mrs Dimelow said: ‘It looks like it has been dropped out of an airplane.’

Inspector Derek Flint said since the programme’s launch there had been fewer fatal crashes involving young drivers on the island’s roads.

‘I’ve been doing this for six years now. At that time we were annually going to one collision a year, if not two or three, involving young drivers in their cars with friends where they were losing lives. We are not going to the same number now.’

Zurich has sponsored wristbands – designed to look like black tyres – to be given to each student that sees the presentation. It is hoped it will remind them what they learned.

Monday, December 3, 2012

Aries (March 21 - April 20)

Bringing magic and romance to your love life has never been easier. Could it be that your imagination has gone into overdrive? At times feeling compelled to change things and at others not wanting to change at all, it can be a confusing week. Emotions run very high at the weekend. If you look carefully, though, there is no real reason for this. Stay calm and sleep on any decisions.

Taurus (April 21 - May 21)

Why are so many people demanding your attention? Could it be that you have taken a long time to make some decisions? As the holiday season approaches, the mood changes. Others are distracted, which give you time to sort your head out. Taking control is quite a relief at the end of the day. Really aim to make a fresh start in the New Year. It is overdue.

Gemini (May 22 - June 21)

Who will be rocking your boat at work this week? Being prepared, you may be able to dodge some awkward moments. If you are not ready to make a move on a certain subject, then delay. It is hard to be clear-headed with so much going on but it will save you time and money in the end. Is a loved one trying to get through to you? Take the time to really listen and respond honestly.

Cancer (June 22 - July 23)

We are all watching the spending this week. Planning ahead, however, can save you a bundle. Personally walking around the shops could turn out better than online ordering, especially if items are delayed. Be flexible when offered invitations. Could you really not change that arrangement? Out and about is where love is found, not sitting at the computer or in front of the TV!

Leo (July 24 - August 23)

Being in a sentimental mood, links to the past seem to be pulling you in. That is not unusual with the sentimental lion. However, be careful what you wish for. A positive response may be something that you are not prepared for. When shopping, avoiding that extra-expensive item should be applauded, especially by your bank manager! Those who are in a relationship need to guard against temptation.

Virgo (August 24 - September 23)

Bright as a button, it seems that the festive season is already upon you! If you find that a partner is less enthusiastic, give them time, not a nudge. Remember that we are not all bright sparks yearning for a party. Getting decorations up and invitations accepted or given shows the right intention. It may still be a quiet weekend but make the most of it.

Libra (September 24 - October 23)

Putting your warmth and homely spirit to good use inspires others. Unusual approaches to home decoration make others laugh and join in the festive spirit. This is one of your favourite times of the year, and who can blame you? Love may not be burning a hole in your heart but the time has to be just right for you. Nothing second best is good enough, is it?

Scorpio (October 24 - November 22)

There are many strings to your bow and this week you may wish for a simpler life. So many people seem to want your attention. At times you feel like hiding under the duvet! However, be sure that all of your efforts will be appreciated. Remember that when you do things yourself, they are usually more to your satisfaction. Why wait for others when you can make this a holiday time to remember?

Sagittarius (November 23 - December 21)

Small people seem to be making big demands. A sense of humour is better than moaning, which you no doubt will have reason to do. Still, a light-hearted approach is best for everyone. Before splashing the cash, give yourself time to seek out bargains. This is probably better being done alone, without distractions. Small is beautiful and can still be put in a bigger box!

Capricorn (December 22 - January 20)A lovely and surprising link to the past makes you smile. Look carefully to see what you can do to make someone’s life better. Sometimes it needs only words. Practical approaches to some gifts please older relatives, but be tactful. Gift vouchers inside a book are good for any age group. Your partner may feel a little taken for granted. Is it time for a romantic gesture?

Aquarius (January 21 - February 19)

Some silly suggestions this week need to be taken in a light-hearted manner. People are tending to go on flights of fancy at this time of the year. Make it clear where your loyalties lie. If you can do this without upsetting others, well done you! Step back when you don’t want to be involved in a situation. I am sure that you have more important things to do.

Pisces (February 20 - March 20)

Things get very interesting when you receive an unexpected offer. It is great that you can always see the funny side of life, isn’t it, Pisces? Don’t apologise for something that is not your fault. As you are feeling in the holiday spirit early, plan a surprise for your partner or children. Ask for help if you need some expert advice at the weekend. Others may have a different viewpoint.

MARK Emery, a trainee advocate with offshore legal, fiduciary and administration services firm, Appleby, has been awarded the George Johnson Law Prize 2012.

The award was established in 1943 in memory of George Sayle Johnson, former President of the Isle of Man Law Society, with the object of encouraging the study of law.

Sean Dowling, managing partner of Appleby Isle of Man said: ‘I would like to congratulate Mark on his achievement.

‘The George Johnson Law Prize has a long and distinguished history and it is a great honour to win it. It takes a large amount of dedication outside of work hours and Mark should be proud of his success.’

The adjudicators including the First and Second Deemsters, the High Bailiff, and the Vicar-General, reached the unanimous conclusion that Mark’s essay entitled ‘What effect does legal precedent from other jurisdictions have on the courts in the Isle of Man?’ should be awarded the prize.

Deemster Doyle said: ‘Mark Emery has shown an in-depth knowledge of legal precedents in the Isle of Man, the Channel Islands and England and Wales. He has studied the relevant law in detail and has displayed well reasoned argument. His essay was a real pleasure to read.’

Further information on Mark’s essay can be found at www.applebyglobal.com

THE government is considering introducing MoT-style tests for cars.

The Department of Infrastructure says the primary objective for the tests would be to reduce the risk of road traffic incidents.

Currently there are 70,000 vehicles on the island’s roads.

Of these, 2,000 are commercial vehicles such as buses, taxis and HGVs, which are already required to undertake an annual test. The remaining vehicles are mostly used on a private basis and are only tested if they are more than three years old when they are first registered on the island and then only the once.

The department says that older vehicles are more likely to be involved in accidents.

In the island the department examines vehicles that have been involved in fatal road traffic incidents. It says 10 per cent of them appear to have a mechanical cause or a mechanical factor contributing to the incident.

At present the department works with the police on roadside checks. Bald tyres, faulty lights and other obvious issues are often found, however such vehicles may have underlying defects with their brakes or steering which are not readily observable or tested during roadside checks.

The department is seeking the public’s views about introducing testing.

A vehicle that has been properly maintained should have no difficulty in passing a roadworthiness test, it says.

The MoT (Ministry of Transport) test was introduced in the UK in 1960. As time went on more and more things were included in the test. The fee for a car or light van there is £54.85. For a motorcycle it’s £29.65.

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The bells will soon be ringing out for Christmas and Usborne, Children’s Publisher of the Year 2012, have a stack of books that will chime with the youngest readers.

The independent publisher’s range of books for babies and toddlers continues to expand and the Usborne Reading Programme now comprises over 300 titles for children learning to read and growing in confidence in their reading.

Here are some of the beautiful books guaranteed to keep the youngest family members entertained this Christmas:

Age 18 months plus:

The Twelve Days of Christmas by Lesley Sims and Violeta Dabija

This magical picture book filled with festive sights and sounds from the classic song, The Twelve Days of Christmas, will be music to the ears of little ones who want to join in the fun. Superbly illustrated with beautifully detailed and decorative scenes that children will love to pore over, the book has a press-button panel, featuring 14 sounds and incorporating the familiar tune and lively sound effects. A sturdy and appealing book that is perfect not just for this Christmas, but for Christmas future as well.

(Usborne, hardback, £12.99)

Age 2 plus:

That’s Not My Sticker Book... Christmas by Fiona Watt and Rachel Wells

Keep little hands busy this Christmas with a colourful sticker book that has been specially designed for the smallest, clumsiest fingers! There’s hours of fun for pre-schoolers who can peel off over 80 stickers (with only a minimum amount of help!) and complete the festive scenes. There’s a snowman who needs his hat, nose and scarf, a Christmas tree waiting to be dressed with baubles, a stocking all ready to be coloured and a reindeer waiting for some antlers as Santa gets ready for his busy night. The large, simple stickers are specially designed for little hands and fingers, and help to develop key motor skills. They can also complete the simple sentence ‘That’s my...’ at the bottom of each page to help them learn their first letters. Time to get stuck in...

(Usborne, paperback, £4.99)

Age 6 plus:

Christmas Carols Sticker Book by Jane Chisholm and Marie-Eve Tremblay

And for school age children who love sticker books too, here’s one that’s a real cut above! As well as the fun of matching the stickers with the pictures, youngsters are able to explore the wonderful world of art with fantastic paintings from the National Gallery in London. Featuring 11 of the most popular carols and their musical accompaniment, this amazingly different book, published in association with the National Gallery, is illustrated with Christmas and the Nativity scenes from famous paintings from the Middle Ages and the Renaissance to Victorian Christmas cards and posters. Children can have fun matching the stickers of the paintings to their labelled frames, as well as learning interesting facts about the painting and the artist. Some of the more difficult or obscure words of the carol come with an easy-to-understand explanation. There’s an art to buying the perfect Christmas present and this is it!

(Usborne, paperback, £6.99)

Age 6 plus:

Illustrated Hans Christian Andersen’s Fairy Tales

Hans Christian Andersen’s classic fairy tales have been delighting children worldwide for nearly 180 years and now this stunning clothbound gift edition provides a book for a new generation to read, enjoy and treasure forever. Enchanting colour illustrations bring to life the timeless stories that have been translated into more than 150 languages and inspired films, plays and ballets. Twelve classic fairy tales are lavishly presented and include the best-loved characters of Thumbelina, The Little Mermaid and The Ugly Duckling, as well as a biography of Hans Christian Andersen, all charmingly illustrated and specially retold for younger readers. An essential addition to any family bookshelf and a wonderful Christmas gift.

(Usborne, hardback, £17.99)

Age 8 plus:

North Child by Edith Pattou

How about something completely different this Christmas ... a timeless, beautiful story that has the power to transport children into another world? North Child is the unforgettable unfolding of one girl’s love and destiny, a modern-day classic and a book to keep forever. Magic, love, loss and betrayal all have a role to play in a spellbinding story based on the Norwegian fairy tale, East of the Sun and West of the Moon. Rose is a North Child, destined to travel far from home and meet a lonely, icy death. Unaware of her fate, she makes a bargain with a mysterious bear and is carried away to a distant castle. When Rose’s actions unleash a terrible curse, she must embark on an epic journey to save the stranger who has stolen her heart. This luxury, padded hardback edition with its ribbon marker is a gift to treasure and hand down to future generations.

(Usborne, hardback, £12.99)

MOTORISTS were baffled when they saw this car stuck between a post and the wall on Selborne Drive, Douglas.

The Ford Fiesta was mostly on the pavement facing uphill on the ‘wrong’ side of the road.

These photographs were taken by Isle of Man Newspapers’ Mike Proudfoot.

PUBLIC health bosses want to see alcohol cost a minimum of 50p per unit in the Isle of Man.

We have more on the story in today’s Isle of Man Examiner.

The front page also has the latest on the row over tuition fees. Sixth formers don’t want it and they’ve organised a petition.

Also inside we meet Celtic Array, the organisation behind the wind farm proposals for the Irish Sea.

We also reveal plans to use the trains if there is a bus strike and reveal that more children would have to stand in buses if bendy buses are brought to the island.

Inside we have a court story about a man who was in court for possessing cannabis worth 53p.

The back page has the story of TT star Michael Dunlop signing for Honda and a report on the St John’s/St Mary’s football clash.

The Examiner is in the shops now

SOCIAL Care Minister Chris Robertshaw has defended the engagement of Atos Healthcare to carry out fitness-to-work checks on incapacity claimants.

Atos has hit the headlines both here and in the UK over criticism about the methods it uses to determine whether an individual is capable of returning to work.

But Mr Robertshaw said he had been ‘extremely impressed’ by the professionalism of the Atos Healthcare doctors who are conducting the face to face assessments for his department as part of a six-month trial that began in July.

He said: ‘We are now three quarters of the way through the pilot exercise.

‘Of those invited to undertake an assessment 31 per cent signed-off incapacity benefit prior to any assessment being undertaken.

‘The outcomes following face to face assessments to date are proportionately very similar to those in the UK, with 54 per cent of those assessed being found capable of doing some form of work and 46 per cent being found incapable of work.

‘Fifty claimants have received a formal decision that they have been found capable of work and not one of them has appealed against that decision.

‘I think that is clear evidence that claimants are generally satisfied with the personal capability assessment process.’

Although no one has appealed, seven claimants have so far asked for a review of the decision. In six of these cases, the original decision was upheld but in one case it was revised and the claimant found incapable of work.

Mr Robertshaw added: ‘Leaving a person on long-term incapacity benefits without examining whether they might be capable of doing some form of work would be wholly irresponsible of this government.

‘It would have adverse consequences both for the person claiming benefit and their families, as well as for the economy of the Isle of Man.’

Tynwald members will get a presentation about the assessments on Wednesday.

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MIKE Hennessy, chief executive of the island’s Chamber of Commerce, has announced he is leaving to take on a new high powered role with financial company Kleinwort Benson.

Father-of-two Mr Hennessy, 47, is departing the job after three busy and ‘dramatic’ years. He said: ‘It has been a fantastic pleasure.’

He added: ‘Clearly it is a sad moment because I’ve loved the Chamber job, no two days have been the same.’

‘It gives you a huge variation of not only people but industry to work with on key issues.

‘That of course has also involved working with the government promoting the island, as well as seeking to defend our position on many fronts.’

Speaking to iomtoday just hours before formally announcing his decision to 300 Chamber members island-wide, Mr Hennessy said: ‘I’ve spent three happy years at chamber doing what I think is one of the best jobs in the island.

‘And I have thoroughly enjoyed working with every sector in the process.

‘Earlier this year I was approached to become non executive chairman of Kleinwort Benson in the Isle of Man and I was happy to do that as my background is in banking.’ He said Kleinwort Benson, a private bank and provider of financial services, based in St George’s Court, Douglas, had decided to grow its operation in the island and ‘as a result of that they have approached me to consider heading the Isle of Man operation.

‘We’re still in discussions to finalise details with the regulatior and I will be moving in the first quarter of 2013.’

Mr Hennessy won’t have far to go as his current office is just round the corner in Capital House on Circular Road.

And he has vowed to do all he can to help his successor. The Chamber job is being advertised shortly. Mr Hennessy said his Chamber role was initially part time when he started as chief executive three years ago. But the demand of the busy job meant he often put in long hours. ‘But I have to say you cannot do it without the help and support of the individual committes of which there are nine and who are captains of industry on a voluntary basis supporting Chamber.’

Asked about his proudest moments, Mr Hennessy, who last year picked up the title of Business Person of the Year in the Isle of Man Newspapers Awards for Excellence, said there have been many. He said: ‘Being able to grasp the breadth of the island’s operations and Isle of Man plc and to be able to run with it in conjunction with sector experts, wide and varied, from financial services to engineering, and to be able to support those people in what they are already doing and seeking to do has been a pleasure.’

He joined HSBC in 1983 in England and worked in a number of jurisdictions. ‘The bank had a tendency to move me every three years and in 2009 I made the fundamental decision that the Isle of Man was a great place to live and bring up a family and just as importantly to do business and therefore I left the bank to stay in the island.’

He said he believes in the work life balance and pointed to his bike in a corner of his office, which he uses to cycle every day from his home in Laxey to work.

His wife Jacqueline, a bank worker and children Holly, nine and James, six, are excited by the move. However ‘my nine year old daughter likes me being chief executive because she sees and hears me quite a lot in the media and seems to enjoy that. But she’s also delighted that this next change involves staying in the island.’

Mr Hennessy said the ‘feedback is that we have raised the profile (of the chamber). And one thing will certainly not happen in 2013, I will not just walk away from Chamber. I have Kleinwort Benson’s blessing to support the transition to a new chief executive.’

He added that the last three years have been ‘dramatic. Take areas such as the VAT and Customs and Excise arrangement, and a change in government but I can assure you that the next 12 months will not only see further change but opportunities for the island.

‘I think by successfully diversifying the economy that gives us a fantastic starting platform and there are opportunities the Chamber is following closely within many of the sectors. But we do need support in areas such as retail and construction.

‘I would say that there is much more work going on behind the scenes and below the radar than actually is dealt with in the public domain and I’d like to thank the Chamber membership.’

He added: ‘I’m sure we are the envy of the Channel Islands in terms of our diversity. Not only are we not overdependent on one sector but we have driven ourselves towards excellence in most of the sectors we operate in.

‘The Chamber’s engineering committee is a shining example of how we have worked with government. not only through the ACE project but moving towards a training academy in the island that will help the future of the sector. All we do in that sector is cutting edge.’

GOVERNOR’S Road in Onchan has now re-opened after a road accident this morning.

Police described the incident as ‘serious’.

The incident happened on the road between Summerhill Road and Blackberry Lane.

It happened at about 8.30am.

A MAN employed by the Water and Sewerage Authority died today in Peel after a wall collapsed on him.

Police inspector Derek Flint said emergency services were called to the incident, behind the Marine Parade area.

‘A wall collapsed and as a result a gentleman has lost his life,’ he said ‘It is a very tragic and sad incident.’

The 4-5ft high stone wall which collapsed runs alongside a public footpath.

It is understood that the man who died was was in his 50s and lived in Peel.

The Water and Sewerage Authority confirmed that one of its workers was killed this morning while excavating to replace a water supply pipe.

The chairman of the authority, John Houghton MHK, the vice chairman, Bill Henderson MHK and the chief executive, Peter Winstanley visited the scene of the accident to view first-hand the site and to offer support to the workforce.

Mr Houghton said: ‘We cannot release the name of the worker at this time until the police have informed the next of kin, however it was a very tragic and unfortunate accident and our thoughts and prayers go out to his family at this time.’

Officers from the Health and Safety Inspectorate are on site carrying out a full investigation into the accident.

This evening’s requisition meeting about the future of sewage in the area, which was to be held in the Corrin Hall in Peel, has been cancelled by the Captain of the Parish, John Kennaugh JP.

Cable and Wireless Communications, the company that runs the Sure telephone service in the island, has been sold.

CWC will sell its operations in the Isle of Man, The Maldives, Channel Islands, the Seychelles, South Atlantic and Diego Garcia to Bahrain Telecommunications Company (known as Batelco) for $680m, as well as creating a partnership with Batelco for CWC’s 55 per cent shareholding in Monaco Telecom. Batelco will have a 25% shareholding in the partnership with CWC maintaining a 75 per cent shareholding.

The sale is subject to the satisfaction of necessary regulatory and other conditions, and is expected to complete by the end of CWC’s current financial year.

Andy Bridson, chief executive of Cable and Wireless Isle of Man, said: ‘We are pleased with today’s announcement that we will be joining the Batelco Group.

‘Batelco is an international telecoms operator respected for delivering value and innovation to its customers.

‘Batelco is committed to the continuing development of our businesses in the Isle of Man and the Channel Islands and we will certainly benefit from its partnerships and relationships retaining a very global dimension to our business. Nonetheless, our focus will remain on delivering the best services to our customers.’

Sheikh Mohamed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Batelco Group chief executive, said: ‘The CWC Isle of Man and Channel Islands region is a well-managed business that we want to invest in so that it continues to build upon its existing strengths. Batelco is in the process of building a telecoms business of global relevance of which the Channel Islands and the Isle of Man will be an important part.

‘We are looking forward to supporting each of the businesses and contributing to the communities they operate in.’

CWC says the sale is part of its plan to reshape its portfolio of businesses to focus on the Central American and Caribbean region as well as increasing its financial flexibility. The businesses included in the transaction serve a combined 752,000 mobile, fixed, broadband and TV customers.

More on this news in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

ENERGY firm Celtic Array insists it is listening to concerns about the impact of wind farm developments on vital island ferry routes.

Public exhibitions about the proposed Rhiannon wind farm were held in Port St Mary on Friday and at the i-Museum in Douglas the following day, with a third taking place today (Monday) at Ramsey town hall.

At a press conference last week, Infrastructure Minister David Cretney and Steam Packet boss Mark Woodward joined forces with the Chamber of Commerce and TravelWatch to voice serious concerns about the cumulative threat a series of proposed renewable energy projects planned in the Irish Sea could have on lifeline services.

Of particular concern are proposals for the North East area which cuts right across the Liverpool and Heysham ferry routes.

Isle of Man Newspapers has urged readers to join a campaign to safeguard these vital sea routes by signing a ‘Don’t cut us off’ petition.

At the public exhibition held at Mount Tabor Methodist church hall, as part of the first formal stage of Celtic Array’s community consultation for the Rhiannon wind farm, head of development for Centrica Renewable Energy, Laura Jeffs said: ‘We recognise and understand the concerns. This helps us to shape the project. This is what this consultation is all about. We appreciate the importance of ferry routes. But it’s not just shipping – there are other things to consider.’

‘We are not taking any decisions lightly. We are assessing a number of different concerns.’

She said there were some misconceptions about Celtic Array’s proposals and there was no final plan for the NE area.

‘Yes, we have an intention to build in the NE zone but we don’t know where, when or how much. We will not bring forward a proposal for the NE area for another one or two years yet. There is more consultation to be done.’

Ms Jeffs said a consent application for Rhiannon wind farm, which will be 34km from the island at its closest, would be submitted to the UK planning inspectorate at the end of next year.

How many turbines it will have will depend on their size - ranging from 146 15MW turbines with maximum height to the tip of the blade of 300m to 440 5MW turbines measuring 180 metres. In contrast, the turbines in the Walney wind farm familiar to many passengers on the Heysham ferry generate 3.5MW and have maximum height to the tip of 150m.

Ms Jeffs accepted they were big machines but fewer larger turbines could have a far smaller visual impact and there would be less impact on marine animals during construction.

She said Celtic Array - a joint venture between Centrica and Dong Energy - had entered an agreement with the Crown Estate over the development of the Irish Sea Zone, with a target to produce a generating capacity of 4.2GW although there is no contractual requirement to do that.

Rhiannon can provide up to 2.2GW.

Ms Jeffs accepted that at the moment it is ‘probably unlikely’ that the third area in the zone, the SW area, will be developed.

That leaves the NE Zone which has the biggest impact on the Isle of Man. But Ms Jeffs said that following consultation with the Steam Packet and others, it could be the NE area will not be developed to generate the remaining 2GW but could have a lesser capacity of 1GW or 500MW – and this could satisfy the Crown Estate if all options had been explored.

She said following talks with Dong Energy a commitment had been made to increase the gap between the Walney wind farm extension and the tip of the NE area from the proposed 3.8 nautical miles to 4.3.

The size of this gap had been one of the major concerns of the Steam Packet.

A 14-YEAR-OLD schoolboy is receiving surgery for head injuries after he was struck by a car while waiting a bus stop.

The boy was at the bus stop on Governor’s Road, Onchan, opposite the junction with Wybourn Drive, at just before 8.20am this morning when the accident happened.

A car heading down Wybourn Drive was involved in a collision with a vehicle travelling along Governor’s Road which then struck the boy at the bus stop.

The cars involved were a black Seat Leon and a silver Honda Jazz.

No one else was injured in the incident.

Inspector Derek Flint said the young boy received head injuries which are not thought to be life-threatening. He is receiving surgery at Noble’s Hospital.

Constable Michael Crompton of the roads policing unit is carrying out a full investigation into the accident.

Police are appealing for witnesses. Anyone with information is asked to contact police headquarters on 631212.

Food waste should be collected for recycling, according to proprietor of The Pavilion in Port St Mary, Claire Cox – and she claims it is ‘criminal’ food and other waste is not recycled as part of standard bin collection.

Claire wrote to the local authority about the issue and asked if the commissioners ‘have any plans to offer a service collecting just food waste or if they would consider offering a full recycling facility whereby all items are separated into categories and disposed of accordingly.’

She added: ‘At the moment everything is collected by the commissioners. It goes into the bins and is taken away. I’m not happy about it, I think it’s criminal in this day and age, that that’s what we are doing.

She said that the Balthane-based recycling company Ask Buck ‘can take everything but food waste’, and the Allotment Society (with land by the Southern CIvic Amenity Site) will take food waste, but she didn’t know how much.

She said: ‘It seems ludicrous when people are trying to recycle but it is not available down south. In Douglas, where I live, there is recycling of glass, plastic and paper. I cannot move forward on recycling until I get rid of food waste.’

Her husband takes bottles and cans from The Pavilion to the recycling bins.

‘Nothing is recycled unless we take it to the tip ourselves,’ she said, adding: ‘I’m not criticising the commissioners, it is a small community we live in, but I do think in this day and age we should be trying to recycle as much as we can. It’s not easy for a business trying to do it yourself.’

Commissioners’ clerk Jason Roberts said: ‘It was discussed (by the local authority) and the consensus was that we would not be [collecting items for recycling] any time soon.

‘The amenity site is fairly close, the recycling banks tend to do reasonably well.’

The island as a whole does well in terms of recycling and figures compare favourable to the UK, according to the Department of Infrastructure’s waste management unit.

A total of 50 per cent of the island’s waste is recycled, 25 per cent (including food waste) goes to the energy from waste (efw) plant, 25 per cent goes to landfill (including bottom ash from the efw plant).

There are ambitious targets to reduce the amount sent to landfill to 5 per cent in 10 years.

The department has no control over local authorities and how they collect waste, but with 24 different authorities operating over 50 refuse collection vehicles, it has proven difficult to reach a consensus.

Kerbside collection of refuse for recycling takes place in Douglas, Braddan and Malew.

TALKS have been held between the Crown Dependencies and HM Treasury about the potential for new arrangements for automatic exchange of tax information with the UK.

If implemented, it could have a significant impact on the island’s trust and corporate services sector.

The extra administrative costs of regulation could prove a real burden, and could lead some firms to downsize, shut up shop or consider relocating to other offshore centres.

Chief Minister Allan Bell confirmed discussions are continuing over the wider implications of the US Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which requires the automatic collection and sharing of tax-related information with the US authorities.

Mr Bell had indicated in his Agenda for Change statement to the October Tynwald that other nations were likely to want similar arrangements.

Discussions were held last week between the Crown Dependencies and HM Treasury about the potential for such an arrangement with the UK.

Mr Bell said: ‘The issue of FATCA and its implications is not a new one. In my Agenda for Change statement I spoke of a move towards automatic exchange of information becoming the new global standard in international tax co-operation.

‘This movement involves the G20, the OECD, and the EU, as well as FATCA in the US, and not surprisingly we have been discussing the implications of all this with the UK and with our fellow Crown Dependencies in the Channel Islands. The meeting of Crown Dependency and UK Treasury officers was part of the ongoing dialogue.’

He added: ‘I repeat now what I said last month - we need to respond to these changes, not simply because it has been our long-standing policy to meet established international standards, but because a failure to do so will damage our economy in the medium to long term.’

The Isle of Man was one of the first countries to introduce automatic exchange of tax information. Information relating to personal bank accounts has been subject to automatic exchange with the EU since July last year.

FATCA, however, will require automatic exchange of information revealing full details of all account holders, including those whose identities might otherwise be hidden by trusts or companies.

Mr Bell said: ‘The Isle of Man has achieved global recognition for its compliance with current international standards of tax co-operation. The island has never had bank secrecy laws and was one of the first countries outside the EU to automatically share bank account information with EU member states.’

Ian Ferguson McDonald and Lynne McDonald sold 18 Keill Pharick Park, Glen Vine, Marown, for £685,000 to Steven Leslie Elkins, 4 Alexander Drive, Glen Vine, Marown.

Bradford Properties Management Co. Ltd. sold 5 Mona Drive, Douglas, for £525,000 to Leslee Jolly of 5 Mona Drive.

John Robert Anthony Quayle and Carla Michelle Quayle sold 4 Spinney Close, Douglas, for £400,000 to The Isle of Man Bank Ltd, Athol Street, Douglas.

Alfred Derek Harper and his wife sold 23 Ballaterson Fields, Ballaugh for £324,000 to Alan Derek Brew, East Loughan, Jurby.

Maurine Rose Clark sold Kololo, Ballacollister Road, South Cape, Laxey, for £295,000 to Nicola Sharpe, 51 Murrays Lake Drive, Santon.

Darren Mills and his wife sold 42 The Meadows, Station Road, Kirk Michael for £254,950 to Terry William Griffiths and his wife, The Raggatt Bungalow, Patrick.

Robert Harrison and Susan Harrison sold 64 Friary Park, Ballabeg, Arbory, for £230,000 to Stuart Douglas Hamer and Pauline Mary Hamer, 40 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin.

Dorothy Thorpe Shaw sold 108 Ballacriy Park, Colby for £225,000 to Robert Harrison and Susan Harrison, 64 Friary Park, Ballabeg, Arbory.

Alexander Llewellyn Taylor sold 19 Birchleigh Close, Onchan, for £216,000 to Jamie Thomas Rout-Moore and Kelly Anne Elizabeth Rout-Moore, 4 Larch Hill, Tromode, Douglas.

Jelanie Ltd, 34 Athol Street, Douglas sold 10 Mountain View, Peel, for £210,000 to Charles Barry Horne, 17 Mountain View, Peel.

Trevor Howard Longman and Ann Geraldine Longman sold 10 Ballacriy Park, Colby, for £200,000 to Robert Stanley Corkish and Elizabeth Mary Corkish, 2 Barna Beg, Port St Mary.

Marcella Ann Rose Hatton sold 31 Bemahague Avenue, Onchan, for £182,500 to Mark Rae Patterson, 1 Birch Hill Crescent, Onchan.

Heather May Hoban sold 61 Friary Park, Ballabeg, Arbory for £173,000 to Carol Louise Kennaugh, 20 Greyfriars Close, Ballabeg, Arbory.

Peta King sold Thie Cronk, Croit-e-Quill Road, Lonan for £170,000 to Benjamin Allan McLean, 1-2 Cains Terrace, Glen Road, Laxey.

Olwen Melling sold 15 Queens Road, Onchan, for £165,000 to Janice Louise Jackson, Saddlestone Cottage, Saddle Road, Douglas.

Stuart Douglas Hamer sold 40 Ballamaddrell, Port Erin for £153,000 to John Martin Kearsley and Sheila Kearsley, 4 Drogadfayle Park, Port Erin.

Dawn Siobhan Edge sold 25 Harcroft Meadows, Douglas for £126,000 to The Department of Social Care, Markwell House, Douglas.

Please note we include details of all house sales unless we have a written request from the police or probation service.

A TEMPORARY halt will be built on the railway line at Castletown so children from the south of the island can take the train to school in the event of a bus drivers’ strike.

This is one of the contingency measures that will be put in place if Bus Vannin drivers voted for strike action.

Some 100 bus drivers who are members of the Unite union are being balloted on whether to strike over increased driving time and the reduction of contractual hours from 42 to 37.

The ballot closes on Wednesday, December 12. A week’s notice has to be given for any industrial action so the earliest day a walk out could take place would be December 21 - the last day of the school term.

Details of contingency plans are not being revealed by the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure for fear of inflaming the situation.

But the Examiner has learned of proposals to build a platform on the railway line close to the start of the Southern 100 course for Castle Rushen High School pupils from Port Erin, Port St Mary, Colby and Ballabeg who will be able to take the train if the strike does go ahead.

A shuttle bus would ferry the students between the temporary railway halt and the school.

Construction of the platform won’t start until the outcome of the ballot is known but a site has been cleared ready for building work to begin.

Director of public transport Ian Longworth confirmed the plan was bring considered. He added: ‘We have no indication what strike action the drivers are going to take. Once we know what strike action is going to be we can say what our response will be. We we will want to minimise the inconvenience to passengers.’

A spokesman for the Department of Education said: ‘While we are continuing to have discussions with the DCCL and other departments over contingencies in the event of industrial action by bus drivers, any release of those plans would be made by the DCCL at the appropriate time.’

Unite’s ballot for industrial action is the latest move in a dispute over changes to their terms and conditions which the union says will cut drivers’ wages by about £3,000 a year.

Notices of termination of their existing contracts were issued to drivers on October 13. Since then, about a third have agreed to new terms and conditions which include an end to paid lunch breaks.

Unite blames the DCCL for the dispute reaching this stage. The union said the basic salary of the drivers is about £24,300, but can be boosted by overtime. DCCL Minister Graham Cregeen says drivers are paid an average of £30,000 to £45,000, including overtime.

PUBLIC health bosses in the Isle of Man are considering the introduction of a 50p a unit minimum price for alcohol in a bid to cut binge drinking.

Confirmation of the move came after the Coalition UK government unveiled plans to impose a minimum price of 45p a unit, claiming the measures will save hundreds of lives every year - and save the taxpayer millions of pounds a year by cutting crime and health problems linked to alcohol abuse.

But public health officials in the island want to go further and impose a 50p a unit minimum.

Dr Paul Emerson, consultant in public health medicine, said: ‘We in public health fully support this proposal and we have the support of our Minister (David Anderson) and the Department of Health on this stance.

‘A 50p price would help save more lives and give more overall benefit than 45p. This would not impinge significantly on moderate drinkers but we believe it would help cut the rates of binge drinking and problem drinkers.’

A 50p a unit minimum has already been proposed in Scotland.

But minimum pricing moves have been condemned by the drinks industry and the British Retail Consortium which claims they will be ‘ineffective’ in tackling alcohol misuse, penalise responsible drinkers and put more pressure on household budgets.

MICKY Swindale, associate director of KPMG in the Isle of Man, has been appointed offshore head of people and change for KPMG, providing leadership to the specialists in that advisory field in all of KPMG’s member firms in offshore jurisdictions.

Micky, who trained with Arthur Anderson in Manchester before joining KPMG in the Isle of Man in 1997, moved from Audit into Advisory Services in 2003 after a period with Zurich Financial Services.

KPMG’s local advisory offering, for which Micky has oversight responsibilities, covers a range of services using a core staff of 15, to which it adds from the wider firm for large projects. Notable specialisms locally include:· l Regulatory and Compliance, led by Sinead O’Connor

l Restructuring, led by Mike Fayle

l Transaction Services and Corporate Finance, led by Russell Kelly

l IT Advisory, led by Archie Watt

l Internal Audit, led by Jenny Trimble

Micky is also responsible for building new markets and relationships for the firm across all its service lines, including its 50-strong Audit team and 18-strong Tax team, led by Greg Jones.

As part of this role, she is instrumental in organising the annual eGaming Summit and was a founder of the eClub, which holds quarterly events at the Courthouse Club.

It is Micky’s particular enthusiasm for people and performance management that has led to this recent appointment.

She is responsible for the operation of KPMG’s online remuneration and benefits survey across a number of jurisdictions and sectors, and has delivered performance management and business development skills training to a number of boards and management teams locally. She regularly works for clients and with KPMG teams in other offshore locations, and has recently completed a key project assisting a Caribbean government to restructure the scope and framework of its service delivery.

David McGarry, managing director at KPMG said: ‘KPMG is a global firm which offers a wide spectrum of services and employs the greatest talents in order to do so.

‘Financial services in particular is one of the areas of economic activity which has become globalised at a rate unequalled by other world industries and as a result it is imperative that we remain ahead of the curve in terms of our ability to monitor and respond to this dynamic environment.

‘It is with this in mind that we have chosen Micky as our new offshore head of people and change because of her unrivalled energy and capacity to enhance our client offerings on trans-jurisdictional scale.

‘Myself and the team here at KPMG would like to congratulate Micky on her appointment and I have every faith in her ability to excel in this crucial position.’