The island’s GPs will all gather for an afternoon education session on Tuesday, July 1.

These are held every three months and doctors say they have proved to be ‘extremely valuable’.

GP practices across the island will remain open during the afternoon for the public to see practice nurses, make appointments or drop-in repeat prescription requests.

GPs will not however be available for routine appointments.

Emergency appointments and any emergency visits across the whole island will be provided by locum GPs based at practices in Douglas, the south and Peel. Anyone who needs to see a doctor urgently on the afternoon of July 1 should ring their GP practice as normal.

Dr Alex Allinson, chair of the GP sub-committee of the Isle of Man Medical Society, said: ‘The sessions are proving extremely valuable, allowing all of the Island’s GPs to get together in a single forum to discuss the latest developments in medicine, share best practice and to examine what we can do to enhance care for patients in the Isle of Man.

‘We are very appreciative of the public’s support for these education sessions and whilst routine GP appointments will be suspended for the afternoon, emergency access to a GP will be available across the Island. We would suggest people try and plan ahead if they need repeat prescriptions or routine medical advice around this date.’

Mec Vannin, the Manx nationalist party, has wished the campaign for an independent Scotland success ahead of the historic vote.

Scotland’s population is to vote on September 18 on whether the country should leave the United Kingdom.

The Mec Vannin annual meeting, held last week, ‘prompted lively discussion on a range of important national issues’ according to a spokesman, including the Scottish issue.

Around 20 people turned up.

The party’s president, Bernard Moffatt, himself a founder member, gave his personal and timely retrospective, in consideration of Mec Vannin’s recent anniversary to mark its half century.

A party spokesman said he suggested the organisation had formed as part of a ‘natural desire for self determination’.

The spokesman paraphrased Mr Moffatt’s words.

‘From those early days, it consistently responded to detrimental policies of successive Manx governments which have now proved to be a disaster.

‘Throughout these 50 years the continuous mantra has been that the Isle of Man must diversify its economic base and not rely so heavily on a narrowly-based, easy money economy that can disappear overnight.

‘The best investment of any nation should be in its people. Dead-end policies have led us to a dead end. As the economic crisis we face bites deeper we will be paying a heavier price.

‘Mec Vannin takes no joy in being proved right.’

It resolved to begin the next 50 years continuing to campaign for policies that were ‘in the best interests of the Isle of Man and its people’.

Officers elected unanimously: Chair Mark Kermode (spokesperson), vice chair Roy Kennaugh, treasurer Paul Kelly and secretary Cristl Jerry.

Pupils who are thinking about going to university will be able to get expert advice this week.

The 28th Isle of Man Higher Education Conference will take place on Thursday and Friday at Ballakermeen High School in Douglas.

The school first ran the event in the late 1980s so would-be students had better information when they were making their university choices.

Similar events take place throughout the UK from March onwards, enabling young people who are considering the next stage of their education to ask specific questions of university representatives.

Each year, the school invites universities and other institutions of higher education to the island to meet Manx students and their parents and carers.

The number of institutions represented has increased over the years. Nearly 80 organisations will attend this year, including several for the first time.

These are Leeds Trinity University, Askam Bryan College, Blackpool and Fylde University College Centre, the British and Irish Modern Music Institute, the University of Essex, the University of Law and Laureate Universities, a group of private, international universities.

Ballakermeen headteacher Adrienne Burnett said; ‘Our event has grown in strength enormously over recent years and we are delighted that we can again offer our young people the chance to access key university staff who work at the cutting edge of the application process.

‘This year the conference will again be well-attended, partly as a result of contacts we have established with the colleges and universities.

‘The main reason, however, is word of mouth, as delegates pass on the benefits of coming to the Isle of Man conference to their colleagues. It is not just local hospitality that attracts them; they see the island’s students as excellent candidates for admission.

‘They are always impressed by how articulate they are, the pertinent nature of their questions and how they have already carried out a substantial amount of focused research into their future options.

‘We are delighted that, in the face of cuts to universities’ budgets, so many delegates have decided to attend our event again this year.’

She added that as well as advice from individual institutions, the conference offered general advice about the application process during the introductory talks.

Other bodies attending include the Student Awards Section from the Department for Education and Children and Isle of Man Employment Services.

Also attending will be Study Options, a firm endorsed by the Department of Education for organising gap-year experiences in Australia and New Zealand.

Mrs Burnett said: ‘I would consider the conference to be a “one-stop-shop” to meet all the needs of an aspiring Higher Education student and one not to be missed.’

The conference opens on Thursday (June 19) at 7pm in the Studio Theatre at Ballakermeen with presentations by Jane Murphy from the University of Huddersfield and Andrea Bourne from the University of York.

They will address parents and students about the application process for higher education. They will also comment on the different types of institutions and the variety and types of courses on offer.

From 7.30pm parents and students will be able to talk individually to the representatives from each university and higher education institution in the school’s sports hall, to get advice and information.

Ian Kay, head of sixth form at Ballakermeen, said: ‘In the face of ever more demanding entry requirements and competition for places on courses, research prior to completing the UCAS {Universities and Colleges Admissions Service] application has never been so important.

‘This really is the key to completing a successful application and, in the light of the current economic situation, our young people are becoming increasingly aware of the associated costs of going to university and are eager to make the most informed decisions possible.

‘This is the prime opportunity for parents and students to find out about courses, entry requirements and the style of the different institutions of higher education.

‘As well as having the opportunity to talk to the representatives from over 70 universities, there will also be the chance to find out about courses available in higher education on the Isle of Man.

‘Representatives from the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education, which offers an ever increasing number of undergraduate degree programmes, will be available to speak to students at the event.

‘Additionally, there will also be a stand representing the Isle of Man Government nurse training programme at Keyll Darree, which has been offering a nursing degree programme on island for the last six years.’

The Thursday night session is open to students from Year 10 (aged 14 and 15) upwards and their parents.

During the day on Friday, all of the post-16 students from the island’s schools will be attending, as will students from the Isle of Man College.

Members of the public interested in applying to university as mature students, or recent A-level students who chose not to attend university after their examinations, are all welcome to attend either session.

The organisers say the event will also be extremely useful for Year 11 (aged 15 and 16) students.

It will enable them to gain some idea of the requirements of the courses for which they will be applying in just over one year’s time. This will be helpful in making their final choice of post-16 course, as many courses have specific A-level requirements.

The Friday sessions take place from 9.15am to noon and 1.15pm to 2.45pm.

The Department of Education and Children has met with regional swimming pool boards to discuss ways to cut costs to the taxpayer, but pools will not be closed.

As the Examiner previously reported, the government currently subsidises the pools – in Ramsey, Peel and Castletown – to the tune of almost £1.5m a year and says this is ‘no longer sustainable’.

Arrangements for the National Sports Centre in Douglas are separate.

After a meeting with the regional pool boards, a spokesperson for the DEC said: ‘In a positive first meeting, initial discussions took place on a range of issues such as exploring shared maintenance, joint purchasing of materials and exploring harmonisation of staff contracts across all the regional pools.

‘There were also discussions, which centred on the importance of these pools for health and wellbeing and the island’s early intervention strategy, designed to keep both the young and the more elderly healthy.

‘This draft strategy, along with a separate presentation on the costs incurred by each pool, will now be sent to each of the relevant pool boards for discussion.

‘The department has also offered to attend the next pool board meetings to discuss initial thoughts and ideas, plus answer any questions based upon the two presentations sent.’

Western Swimming Pool Board administrator Melanie Jansen said: ‘The meeting with the DEC was open, honest and positive in outlook.

‘We were reassured that the government does not intend to close any of the pools and that staff should not be fearful about losing their jobs.

‘Our board is committed to working closely with the DEC, the NSC and the other regional pools to explore the options and ideas for further cost savings and additional income streams.

‘Swimming pools operate with significant fixed costs and in order to continue to provide an affordable service to the public, the DEC sponsors the operation of the island’s pools. We are aware of the current financial situation the government is facing with the VAT shortfall.

‘We understand that we have a part to play in trying to reduce the cost to government of the provision of pools and for several months now we have been undertaking an ongoing cost reduction and revenue generation exercise at our pool.

‘We would like to encourage the public to make use of the island’s pools.

‘The summer is quieter but there are swimming lessons, courses and many activities still on offer. Considering the population size of the Isle of Man, we are extremely fortunate to have such excellent facilities in place, please support them.’

Adrian Cowin, chairman of the Southern Swimming Pool, said: ‘The meeting was a very useful briefing session which helped allay some of the worries we initially had. It was a useful and open meeting.

‘For example, without giving too much away, sharing resources is one thing we looked at. At the moment things like chemicals are ordered individually by each pool, by simply bulk ordering for all the pools together we can achieve a discount. Relatively small steps like that can make quite useful savings.’

Northern Pool Board representative Norman Morrey said: ‘It was quite a positive meeting. They said they weren’t in the process of closing the pools which was good news. There was nothing controversial really, talks about more co-operation. Some of the £1.5m mentioned relates to loans, some things which are beyond our control.’

In line with their predicted plans for expansions, Expol Limited, a local company of corporate risk consultants and forensic investigators recently welcomed a further addition to their team.

Recently retired police sergeant, Dave Wood, now heads up ExpolCheck, the pre-employment screening division of Expol.

Mr Wood, a career detective, spent 23 years in all plain clothes departments, the majority of which were as a highly successful Drug Squad officer.

He received numerous commendations from the courts and Chief Constables for his expertise and investigation into serious and complex crimes.

Prior to his time with the Isle of Man constabulary, Mr Wood served with the Royal Marines.

Rob Kinrade, director of Expol welcomed Mr Wood to the company.

Mr Kinrade said: ‘When I learnt of Dave’s planned retirement it was clear we had to act swiftly to snap him up before somebody else did!

‘Our expansion plans were focussed around our pre-employment screening division, ExpolCheck, and we needed a manager for that to ensure the premium quality, personalised service which we desired was achieved.

‘Having worked with Dave for many years in the police as detectives then he was always going to be an obvious choice to employ.

‘He is a genuine all rounder, with a forensic eye for detail and excellent with clients.

‘His appointment is a major step forwards for us as we seek to improve our service to existing clients and reach out to new ones’

Mr Wood said: ‘I always planned to retire at the end of 2013 but having been in organisations such as the Royal Marines and then the police it was quite a daunting experience having to step out of a secure environment into the private sector.

‘The offer of heading the pre-employment screening division of Expol was one I never was going to refuse and I hope to make a serious contribution to the company going forwards.

‘Since I started, our client base has increased and with it the flow of new applications for screening enquiries. I would like to think that our work load reflects the apparent improving employment situation on island’.

Expol was incorporated in 2005 by David Bell upon his retirement from the police as a detective chief inspector. Mr Bell recalled his previous connection with Mr Wood in the police. ‘Dave has an enviable CV and unrivalled investigative experience as a detective. He has always had the willingness and ability to succeed and to integrate well with all parties.

‘He was respected by his peers and supervisors alike. These attributes are transferrable to private sector employment and his skill set one which can only enrich what we are trying to achieve at Expol’

ExpolCheck was created as a subsidiary to Expol in 2008 with the aim of providing a service to employers wishing to carry out a full background screening enquiry into a prospective employee.

Mr Bell added: ‘Our screening report is compiled with the full consent of the applicant.

‘We have made full use of the advice of the data protection supervisor in designing our product and now our services are so much in demand that we have employed Dave Wood to oversee the operation and quality assure the work of our researcher and analyst.

‘We feel the personalised service we offer exceeds the mere production of a computer print out or basic CRB check. We have a strategic network of partners, eager to contribute to our vision, who we can call upon to assist when we need them.

‘They offer a local input and are able to add so much more to the enquiry. ExpolCheck is evolving rapidly with testimonials from clients all stating that they find our product detailed, timely and true value for money’

To know more about about pre-employment screening or any of Expol’s services email enquiries@expol.co.uk or by telephoning 611190.

www.expol.co.uk

Think before you click!

That’s the message from the chief executive of the island’s Chamber of Commerce as she urged shoppers to buy local rather than making purchases online.

Jane Dellar was responding to the results of a survey of consumers in the three Crown Dependencies which found each of us now spend £7,000 a year on average on online shopping.

Ms Dellar said she was sceptical about that £7,000 figure.

She said: ‘I think there is some fundamental information missing from the survey to draw any valid conclusions.

‘The headline grabbing £7,000 doesn’t give any indication as to where the money is being spent or who is the provider of the online goods or services.

‘Buying online could be from an island business, not necessarily an off-island one.

‘Businesses based here travel globally to get new business so their travel costs are likely to be purchased online but the new business they obtain isn’t taken into account as the plus side of that internet purchase.’

Ms Dellar said that feedback from Chamber members who bring goods over to the island suggested there has not been any significant rise in the amount of freight from online purchases being delivered to the island – indicating the rise is likely to be in services rather than goods.

She said: ‘Many of our sectors benefit from online purchases such as our visitor economy – the island is open to many more potential visitors by online advertising and booking. Also our ICT sector who sell their services globally for cloud services and e-gaming etc.

‘Whether purchasing in person or online, from an on or off-island business, that purchase decision can only be down to the individual.

‘The most important thing is that individual makes that decision being fully aware of the consequences of that purchase to the island’s economy and job prospects.

‘Buying local produce from local business provides jobs and a sustainable economy. Purchasing non-local produce from off-island businesses means fewer jobs and leaves us with a non-sustainable economy. The message has to be “think before you click”.’

The survey of online shopping trends in the Isle of Man, Jersey and Guernsey was carried out by Island Analysis.

A sample of 1,692 Channel Island and Manx residents took part in the survey, equally divided between the three islands.

Among the key findings was that similar online shopping trends were recorded in each of the three islands, with the average annual online household spend of just over £7,000 in all three.

The overall value of online purchase expenditure, including travel bookings, in 2013 was estimated to be £216m in the Isle of Man, £258m in Jersey and £158m in Guernsey.

Two out of three respondents in each of the islands indicated that their expenditure level of online shopping had ‘increased’ or ‘increased a lot’ in 2013 over 2012.

‘Convenience’, ‘price’, and ‘product range and choice’ continue to be the dominant reasons for shopping online.

Just over one in three respondents indicated they ‘frequently’ or ‘very frequently’ visited a local shop to view a product but then buy it online.

As far as the barriers to buying online were concerned, ‘companies not delivering to the island’ was the most important reason stated in all three islands.

A working group has been set up to investigate concerns over a potential property blight.

iomtoday reported in March that banks have become unwilling to lend on certain prefabricated concrete panel bungalows built in the 1970s.

There are some 400 to 440 such ‘Cambar-Mantis’ properties in the island.

The three Rushen MHKs last week wrote to residents on one of the estates with these homes – Friary Park in Ballabeg – promising to deal with the issue as a matter of urgency.

They wrote: ‘As your MHKs we realise this will have caused a great deal of distress over the value of your property and want to achieve certainty.’

A working group has been set up, chaired by Castletown MHK Richard Ronan – a builder by trade – and comprising chartered surveyors and professionals from the Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Treasury.

It is expect to report back in the next couple of months.

Rushen MHK Juan Watterson said: ‘We have asked staff at the Department of Infrastructure, Treasury and Housing to look at the veracity of the claims and counter claims.

‘We wrote to all residents of Friary Park to assure them this is being investigated as a matter of urgency as it has the potential to dramatically impact on house prices.

‘However, we have learned that the Isle of Man Bank has accepted it is business as usual so this bodes well, but we need to get all of the loose ends tied up to prevent a recurrence of this sort of concern in future.’

Mr Ronan said he would have no hesitation in buying one of the Cambar homes himself, insisting they were built to a very high standard.

He said: I’ve worked on these houses many times in the past and I can assure you they are excellent homes. I’m confident any issues the remaining lenders have will be resolved. It’s very important that we resolve this issue.

‘These are people’s lives we are talking about. They bought these houses with a surveyor’s report in good faith. If I chose to downsize I would buy one.’

Stuart Chivers, head of mortgages for Isle of Man Bank, said: ‘RBS International, which incorporates both Isle of Man Bank and NatWest, continues to lend at the standard loan to value levels on the properties referred to.

‘As with all property this is subject to application and a suitable valuation report on each individual property which will reflect the specific nature, market value and quality of each property. The bank continues to support the local community with an obligation to lend responsibly.’

Ramsey’s RNLI lifeboat, the RNLB Ann and James Ritchie, was launched to go to the assistance of a broken-down fishing vessel at 7.20pm on Monday.

Ramsey lifeboat and her volunteer crew launched at the request of Liverpool Coastguard to go to the assistance of a six-metre Kirkcaldy-registered day fishing boat.

The fishing boat was on passage from Peel to Kippford.

The broken down and drifting vessel was reported to be about five miles north of the Point of Ayre. Both of the fishing boat’s crew were unhurt.

Kirkcudbright inshore lifeboat was also launched and a search was co-ordinated by Liverpool Coastguard.

The stricken vessel was eventually found 8.5 miles north-north-west of the Point of Ayre, where Ramsey lifeboat rendezvoused on scene with Kirkcudbright lifeboat.

Initially Kirkcudbright lifeboat took the fishing vessel in tow towards Kirkcudbright.

At this point it became apparent that the long distance and tidal conditions would drastically compromise the inshore lifeboat’s fuel consumption. It was decided that Ramsey’s all weather lifeboat with its greater endurance capability should take the tow to Little Ross Island in the entrance to Kirkcudbright inlet.

At Little Ross Ramsey lifeboat passed the tow back to the inshore lifeboat to safely complete the passage into Kirkcudbright.

Ramsey lifeboat was released at 11.30pm and began her two-hour passage back to Ramsey. She was re-housed, refuelled and made ready for service once again by the early hours of Tuesday and her volunteer crew stood down.

The photograph was taken from Ramsey lifeboat by station mechanic, Ali Clague, and shows Ramsey all-weather lifeboat preparing to take the tow from Kirkcudbright inshore lifeboat.

Law firm Cains has expanded its corporate department capacity with the appointment of Adam Clark as a trainee advocate.

Adam, 26, graduated from the University of Aberdeen with honours and completed his post graduate Diploma in Professional Legal Practice at Robert Gordon University where he passed with Merit.

While at Robert Gordon University he represented Scotland in the International Negotiation Competition, hosted in Orange County, California. He was also awarded a student contribution and involvement award.

‘I’m thrilled to be working with a law firm as well respected as Cains and look forward to a successful legal career in the Isle of Man,’ said Adam.

Cains director Richard Vanderplank said: ‘It is a pleasure to welcome Adam as a trainee.

People who receive benefits in the Isle of Man have been warned about a delay.

The Treasury has experienced a one-day delay in issuing its benefit cheques.

As a result of problems with the printing of cheques on Tuesday, Social Security benefit cheques that were due to be delivered today (Wednesday) will be delivered in the post tomorrow (Thursday).

Affected claimants who wish to receive their cheque today may collect it from the division’s general counter on the ground floor of Markwell House, on the corner of Market Street and Well Road Hill in Douglas, between 10.30am and 2pm, but must have photographic identification with them.

All cheques not collected by 2pm today will be posted and customers should receive them tomorrow.

A government spokesman said: ‘Social Security would like to apologise for any inconvenience this may cause. If you have any questions contact 685094.’

Hopes of building a dedicated unit for breast cancer treatment have been boosted with a commitment of £30,000 from the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust.

The Manx Breast Cancer Support Group is aiming to raise £1.5million to create a breast unit at Noble’s Hospital.

The facility, which will sit in a courtyard between the private patients’ wing and Ward 2, will provide diagnostic and treatment facilities as well as dedicated rooms in which a cancer diagnosis can be delivered in complete privacy and treatment options discussed.

The cash from the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust was described as a ‘significant step’ by Manx Breast Cancer Support Group chairman Julie Stokes.

She added: ‘We are very grateful for the generous support of the Trust, which enables plans for the unit to take another step forward.

‘Through the generosity of the trust and others, we have so far raised in excess of £300,000. With this kind of support, our target will become a reality in the very near future.’

Mrs Stokes added: ‘In 2013, just under 100 patients were diagnosed with breast cancer and around 3,000 breast cancer patients visit outpatient clinics every year. Providing this unit will relieve pressure on those clinics, as well as ensuring breast cancer patients are given enhanced diagnostic and treatment facilities.

‘In addition to accessing the latest and best treatments, the unit will allow many more patients to be treated on the island, without the delays and upset that travelling away can cause.’

Members of the Manx Breast Cancer Support Group who have experienced breast cancer diagnosis and treatment will be available at the new unit to talk to newly-diagnosed patients.

The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust was established in 1888 by renowned island benefactor Henry Bloom Noble with the ambition of improving the quality of healthcare in the island.

Today, the trust funds equipment, training, research, education and health promotion to help improve the standard of healthcare in the Isle of Man and the quality of life for sick, infirm and disabled people in hospital, care-settings or their own homes.

Trust chairman Larry Keenan said: ‘The trust is delighted to make this commitment of £30,000 to the appeal.

‘The central aim of the trust is to assist with the enhancement and improvement of healthcare in the Isle of Man, and this unit meets that ambition very well.

‘The aim is to provide state-of-the-art diagnostic and treatment facilities to patients in the Isle of Man in a specifically-designed environment which will offer an improved experience to patients and staff.

‘It will also minimise the number of patients travelling off-island for treatment, as well as reducing the numbers attending oncology outpatient clinics inside Noble’s Hospital.’

The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust relies on donations and bequests from the public. To support the trust visit the website www.hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im, email info@hbnhealthcaretrust.org.im or call 616108.

About the Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust

The Henry Bloom Noble Healthcare Trust is one of the Isle of Man’s longest-established charities. The trust was originally established in 1888 by the island’s greatest benefactor, Henry Bloom Noble, in memory of his wife, Rebecca, with the first trustees being the Lord Bishop and the Clerk of the Rolls. The charity signed a deed gifting a parcel of land in Douglas for the purpose of building a new hospital, which Noble facilitated the construction of, and which is now home to the Manx Museum.

In 1909, following Henry Bloom Noble’s death, the trust became a statutory body and the provisions of the Trust were widened to allow it to support both public and private healthcare organisations and initiatives in the island. Thanks to the generosity of donors and benefactors, the trust continues the quest to help provide high-quality healthcare services in the Isle of Man.

Aims and Objectives

The purpose of the trust is to support the provision of high quality healthcare in the Isle of Man, which is largely based around Noble’s Hospital in Braddan, which opened in 2003, with financial aid given by the Trust.

With the help of donations and bequests, the Trust aims to:

• Provide new equipment to enable the latest surgical techniques to be available in the Island, which our NHS is otherwise unable to fund

• Relieve patients convalescing at hospitals or at home by funding equipment or providing financial assistance in the acquisition of healthcare aids or technology that may not be otherwise available to them

• Provide assistance with nursing care to sick, disabled, handicapped or infirm individuals in their own home

• Fund research into the prevention and elimination of disease, including the promotion of best practice

• Offer financial assistance for the education and training of healthcare workers

• Support the endeavours of local charitable organisations and initiatives

• Provide help for the sick and the infirm in such ways as the trustees think fit.

The end of a biology A-level examination on Friday was ruined for Castle Rushen High School students as music from Disney films being played at a party in the nearby swimming pool flooded the examination hall.

The disruption to students’ concentration levels has prompted a flurry of complaints to the school from parents.

One parent said: ‘The exam was hijacked by a Disney princess party going on outside.

‘There was only one invigilator in the exam, who I think was unable to contact the examinations officer or any other member of staff so out of an hour and a half exam there was half an hour of full volume Disney.

‘As you can imagine, the exam is completely stuffed for the kids and a lot of uni places out of the window.’

She added: ‘Hardly anybody finished, they were stuffing things in their ears to muffle the sound. The invigilator was desperately trying to get hold of somebody. What would happen if somebody had collapsed?

‘It just seems dangerous [to have one invigilator] if someone collapsed, would all the results be null and void? What do they do? It just shows what can happen when you try and save a few pounds (by having one invigilator). It is no exaggeration to say their whole future could be affected by this. Everyone is hopping mad.’

Another parent said her daughter had not finished her paper.

She said: ‘It is worrying. She completely lost concentration.

‘She thinks it (the music) cost her a significant chunk of marks. She has to get very high grades in order to get to university, if this knocks her from an A to a B, she will not get in. Potentially this has life changing consequences.’

A spokesman from the Department of Education and Children said: ‘There was an unforeseeable disturbance to an A-level biology examination on Friday afternoon.

‘This came in the form of loud music emanating from the Southern Swimming Pool.

‘The invigilator in the examination hurriedly closed the exam hall windows and contacted the school’s examinations officer, who immediately visited the swimming pool premises to ensure the music was turned down. The time lapse was 12 minutes.

‘The examination board was immediately contacted on the basis that candidates were disturbed by this.

‘Twenty-five students were sitting an exam that represents 20 per cent of their A2 mark in the subject. The school is assured by the examination board that this will be taken into account when the papers are marked.

‘The pool was hosting a primary school “fun swimming” session and was unaware an exam was in progress in the school gymnasium, the closest Castle Rushen building to the pool. As soon as it was alerted, it ensured the music was turned down to a level where it would not continue to disrupt the exam. The pool very much regrets the disruption to students.

The school and pool management will liaise in future over exam dates to ensure there is no repeat of this incident.’

The government is considering a number of measures to raise more money from the public.

It’s a part of the Department of Infrastructure’s attempt to make ends meet after slashes in its income.

Among the ideas under consideration are:

Charging for school bus services

Raising the age of entitlement for free bus passes in line with the state retirement age

Charging Tynwald members and government employees for parking spaces

Charging residents for on-street parking permits

Charging for parking in central Douglas

The department says a reduction in staff and services, the introduction of new charges and the generation of additional commercial income are all being progressed in response to the huge budgetary challenge.

Infrastructure Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘The department is responsible for achieving half of government’s overall revenue savings target of £10 million for 2014-15.

‘It is a major undertaking that requires a bold and innovative response.’

The government is consulting the public before any charges are introduced.

The consultation document can be found {http://www.gov.im/ConsultationDetail.gov?id=443|here}

The closing date for submissions is July 31.

For full details see tomorrow’s Manx Independent.

Legislative reforms that could pave the way for the creation of credit unions in the island are planned.

But Treasury Minister Eddie Teare told the House of Keys it would be of low priority – as Treasury has many other more important issues on the go at the moment.

His comments have prompted the chairman of the Manx Credit Union working party David Talbot to call for the reforms to be given higher priority, pointing out that the sooner the legislation is updated, the sooner a credit union can be introduced.

Mr Talbot said: ‘We are currently hampered in moving forward by the lack of updated legislation.

‘Credit unions offer a real alternative to people who may otherwise consider payday loans, or credit card and catalogue debt. They also encourage the savings habit and keep money in the local economy.’

In the Keys, Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) accused Ministers of adopting a ‘dog in the manger approach’.

He said: ‘It gives the impression once again you are all right for the high net worth individuals, but here you have a thing that could be of great value to a section of the community where they are not being pushed to payday loans and moneylenders.’

Mr Teare denied this was the case. He said the Council of Ministers had agreed in January that a Bill to amend the Credit Unions Act 1993 would be added to the legislative programme, but this would be of lower priority with drafting fitting in with the legislative timetable already set.

Mr Teare said CoMin had also requested the Financial Supervision Commission liaise with the Department of Economic Development and Treasury and to conduct a public consultation on the draft Bill once it is produced.

‘Despite the lower priority, the FSC has started to review the existing legislation to see how it can be adapted and has met with a group of supporters of the idea of a Manx credit union,’ Mr Teare told the Keys.

He said he felt this was a ‘practical response’ given the considerable workload that Treasury and government face at the moment.

And he added: ‘There are many issues to be decided. Not least amongst those is the Depositors’ Compensation Scheme, because the scheme as drafted would certainly not cover a credit union.’

Mr Teare listed some of the other issues currently being dealt with by Treasury including a review of the Social Security system, finalising the VAT sharing agreements and UK and EU banking reform.

This weekend (June 21 and 22) is the Manx Model Boat Club’s major competition of the year, Mannanan 2014.

This is an open competition so not restricted to Manx club members, but open to other clubs throughout the British Isles, and individuals provided they have completed the required entry forms in advance.

The event starts on Saturday at Onchan Park with the steering competition and tug-towing competition.

The action moves to Silverdale on Sunday, June 22, with the On-the-Water competition, scale judging and fun competitions. Times are the same for both days, 10am till about 4pm.

There is a Mannanan dinner on the evening of Monday, June 23, at Port St Mary Golf Pavilion, with the prize presentations.

The event this year has attracted six UK-based modelers who are bringing an interesting selection of models with them, a couple of regulars and some new to the island.

At both locations there will be an opportunity to see the boats up close and admire the detail and also observe their use out on the water.

Organisers promise that with several competitions based over the two days there will be lots going on. The ‘Best in Show’ is by secret ballot among the competitors on the day, and is announced at the presentation meal.

After the serious competition there will be a ‘fun competition’ on Sunday at Silverdale.

It is a frantic scramble of model boats attempting to retrieve plastic floats back to their skippers.

This free for all can result in capsize, sinking and even small fires on board, much to the delight of the watching crowd.

For entry details and further information ring John Williams on 823156 or email vector@manx.net and the club’s website at www.manxmodelboatclub.org

Marown Commissioners are appealing against a planning decision stopping a convenience store being built opposite Marown Parish Church.

The reason given by the planning committee for the rejection was there was not sufficient demand for a shop in the parish.

Residents are now being asked to support the appeal by emailing the commissioners before June 30.

John and Sue Kirkpatrick of Ballawilleykilley have agreed to provide the land and build and operate the shop at no expense to Marown ratepayers.

Vice chairman of the commissioners Alison Lynch said: ‘Myself and my fellow commissioners fully support this application by the private developer, which will be at no expense to the ratepayer.

‘In recent years Marown has expanded considerably from a residential point of view.

‘A lot of people have been verbally supportive but we really need them to put their support in writing.’

In their latest newsletter the commissioners say: ‘Last month, the planning application was turned down. There has been some opposition to the proposal, mainly from nearby residents.

‘We understand their concerns and will do everything possible to reduce the impact of the shop on them.

‘The planning report supported the chosen site and praised the commissioners for taking the initiative to secure a shop for the parish.

‘It seems that, although planning permission is often only given on the condition that local services are provided, the planners want an indication that the community wants a shop.

‘If we had a local shop, it would be easier to buy everyday items, journey times would be reduced, people would be encouraged to walk and the shop would be a good community meeting place. Every community of over a thousand people should have a local shop.’

Since the closure of Crosby Post Office in 2010 the commissioners say that they have received many comments about the lack of a shop in the parish.

Residents on the western side of Crosby face a five-mile return journey to visit the shop in Union Mills.

To support the appeal, write to Marown Commissioners at Hall Caine Pavilion, Old Church Road, Crosby, or email clerk@marown.im

A ‘planning charter’ has been launched by the government.

It is designed to set out a ‘series of expectations’ on how the planning service deals with applications and highlights the responsibilities of the Department of Infrastructure and potential applications or agents in the process.

It outlines how an emerging development proposal is dealt with, from the pre-application discussions through to the submission and determination of a planning application.

A government spokesman said: ‘It aims to strike the right balance between encouraging economic growth and protecting the environment and quality of life for island residents.’

The Department of Infrastructure has been working in partnership for two years with representatives from the construction industry on the charter.

Infrastructure Minister Laurence Skelly MHK said: ‘Through its planning service, the Department of Infrastructure plays an important role in helping to deliver the national priority of securing future economic growth. We are responsible for providing the foundations to support a strong, stable and productive economy that attracts investment and provides jobs for our people. A streamlined and collaborative planning application system is key to promoting economic growth, while ensuring that development takes into account environmental and social considerations.’

He added: ‘The view that the planning system somehow hinders development is a total myth.

‘In fact, the vast majority of planning applications over the past 10 years have been approved. The new planning charter will enhance the process for all parties and is another excellent example of government working closely with the private sector.’

Stan Yellop, chairman of the Construction Industry Forum, said: ‘The planning charter recognises that the successful delivery of development requires a commitment to partnership working and effective communication between government, developers and the community. This agreement is a positive step and the construction industry looks forward to contributing to the future prosperity of the island through well-designed, high-quality and sustainable development.’

The planning charter can be viewed on the government website {http://www.gov.im/categories/planning-and-building-control/planning-building-control-library/publications-and-guides/|here}.

How to uphold ethical values in a competitive environment is high on everyone’s agendas at the moment and the main talking point at the ICSA’s inaugural Isle of Man Corporate Governance Conference at the Mount Murray Hotel and Country Club on July 15.

ICSA stands for the Institute of Chartered Secretaries and Administrators

Investors, regulators and the public are increasingly focussed on the ways in which organisations are run and the ways in which they behave. Consequently, the value to organisations of being able to demonstrate high ethical standards and high standards of corporate governance has never been greater.

Chaired by David Venus FCIS, president of ICSA, the conference considers what good corporate governance looks like in practice, the relationship between governance and business success, and what this means for businesses in the Isle of Man. Delegates representing some of the Isle of Man’s most high profile businesses will be shown the potential consequences of organisations getting governance wrong.

The opening address will be provided by John Shimmin MHK, Minister for Economic Development.

Philippa Foster Back CBE OBE, director at the Institute of Business Ethics, speaking on the topic of ‘Doing business ethically’, will explore some of the practical ways in which businesses can embed their values.

Anna Bateson, founder of business consultancy Cutting Through the Grey, shares insights on how to develop boards to deliver good governance, and Sharon Constancon ACIS, managing director, Genius Methods will provide an inside view on governance in the boardroom.

The conference will also examine the role of the board in the fight against cybercrime as Matthew Parker, senior manager of Business Risk Services at Grant Thornton discusses how businesses in the Isle of Man can reduce their exposure to one of the fastest-growing criminal activities in the world.

A roundtable discussion between Phillip Dearden, of Equiom Solutions Ltd, Paul de Weerd ACIS of the Financial Supervision Commission and Sinead O’Connor, head of regulatory and compliance services at Dougherty Quinn will consider whether or not the Isle of Man is top of the class when it comes to governance.

ICSA chief executive Simon Osborne, who will be talking about the value of good governance, said: ‘Ethics are increasingly high on the agenda and rightly so.

‘Reputation is one of the most powerful drivers of business success and ethics and reputation are intrinsically linked.

‘If companies can embed good ethical values throughout their organisations, starting in the boardroom, and demonstrate that their business model genuinely embraces good ethical practices alongside good governance practices then the potential benefits are enormous. Good governance builds trust and trust is key to all business success.’

Gillian Prestwich, chairman, ICSA Isle of Man said: ‘We’re very pleased to host the Isle of Man’s first ICSA conference and are sure Chartered Secretaries and colleagues will find the event an invaluable source of relevant input across a range of important topics.’

A government minister has defended a decision to recruit for two new high-profile posts.

As {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/manx-government-advertises-two-new-posts-1-6671515|we reported last week} a new director of tourism for the island is to be appointed – just three years after the post was scrapped.

The last director, Rod Nipper, had been just two years in the job when he was ousted in a reorganisation that halved the dedicated tourism division.

Now the Department of Economic Development is advertising for a ‘director of tourism and the visitor economy’, a three-year contract which offers a competitive salary and relocation package for any successful off-island candidate.

The same department is also recruiting a marketing director, again on a three-year non civil service contract, to promote the island on the global stage.

DED’s vacancies are being advertised against a backdrop of a freeze in the government salary’s budget – and at time when other departments are having to make cuts, including the police.

Economic Development Minister John Shimmin MHK said: ‘It is important the public appreciates this additional investment is not at the expense of other public services. The additional funding is coming from my department’s efforts.

‘Our registries have been very successful in attracting international shipping and aircraft, which meant we generated over £1.8m in additional income last year above our budgets. This additional money is now being invested through the Marketing Initiatives Fund to fund the additional resources needed to support economic growth.

‘When people ask me why is DED recruiting people when other departments are making cuts, the answer is simple: it is because the best way to fund public services tomorrow is to drive economic growth today.’

He insisted that additional resources would not have been committed unless it was in the taxpayers’ interests - and a strong business case had been developed that for every additional £1 spent, at least £3 would be generated for the taxpayer.

Asked if it was a mistake the scrap the post of tourism director in April 2011, chief executive officer of DED Chris Corlett replied: ‘It was the right thing to do at the time.

‘The world moves on, nothing is set in stone.

‘We want government to be as lean as possible and get the right balance of front line staff, managers and technical specialists. The tourism sector make a vital contribution to the economy. A director of tourism would be a key role and really can make a difference.’

He said such posts are rare and difficult to market – which was why the salary is negotiable. ‘We want the best individual and the best value for money,’ he said, adding both posts being advertised are contract not civil service roles.

Asked by iomtoday.co.im if the DED were empire building, he replied: ‘Absolutely not.’

The approval of the Sea Breezes plan has ‘disappointed’ Port Erin Commissioner Phil Crellin he said last week, June 10.

The plan (13/00459/A) is for approval in principle to turn the former marine laboratory in Port Erin into a ‘Marine Interpretation Centre’ with retail, cafe, dive centre, office and hotel. This is despite the independent inspector Alan Langton’s recommendation the plan be refused because of the visual impact of car parking on the headland site.

The local authority raised concerns about the amount of car parking there.

Mr Crellin said: ‘I was disappointed when CoMin turned down the inspector’s recommendation regarding car parking. All we are going to have there is a car park with unkempt, thorny shrubs with litter in them, it’s a backward step. The car parking is a step too far, it’s totally unsympathetic.’

Chairman Ged Power said he hopes whoever runs the site will ensure there is no litter or abandoned vehicles left in the car park and that the ‘character’ of the area is retained.