The police say they’re working hard to solve the series of burglaries that has plagued the island over the last fortnight.

This evening Inspector Derek Flint issued a statement about the issue.

He said: ‘We continue to receive a high level of calls from the public.

‘Yesterday we created 155 incident logs, which is about four times as many as we would expect for this time of year. We have created 65 events so far today.

‘It really is a great indication of the level of vigilance the public is maintaining.

‘We’d like to reassure everyone, and reiterate that while this is an out of the ordinary spate of offences, the chances of becoming a victim of burglary are still very small here on the island.

‘Keeping up with those basic precautions, and ringing us about anything out of the ordinary are key. 999 should be used for those things which are happening there and then, and 631212 for the more routine issues. We apologise to anyone that has struggled to get through to us, but call volumes have been very high. Please keep trying.’

He added: ‘Over the weekend, we will be focussing our operational efforts on patrols and detection. The next major media update will be on Monday morning. We will however, release other information during the weekend dependent on operational needs.’

Related stories:

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/burglary-in-kirk-michael-takes-total-to-37-1-7067270|There have been 37 break-ins in the last two weeks}

{http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/updated-report-another-burglary-and-another-attempted-break-in-1-7064566|Police will give the public advice on security at an event tomorrow}

More than a thousand young people will start training this weekend for the 2015 edition of the Manx Youth Games.

Taking place on Saturday, May 16, the Manx Sport and Recreation-run event will see pupils from primary and secondary schools across the island contest 11 sports while representing their regions.

Taking in athletics, badminton, basketball, cricket, crown green bowls, football, hockey, netball, swimming, table tennis and tag rugby, the games are the biggest muti-sport event in the island for children and young people.

The event was officially launched on Monday by Minister for Education and Children Tim Crookall, and training sessions will begin around the island on Saturday.

Mr Crookall said: ‘The Games are a fantastic event and without doubt one of the highlights of the Manx sporting calendar.

‘It is such a great sight to see more than 1,000 colourfully dressed children parade in to the NSC for the opening before they disperse to different venues to participate in sports.’

He continued: ‘The recently launched Strategy for Sport 2014-2024 aims to increase levels of physical activity among the young for the long-term good of their health and, ultimately, the benefit of the economy.

‘The Manx Youth Games is a great vehicle to help this happen. Weekly training sessions offer accessible opportunities in all regions of the island, then after the Games, hopefully children stay involved by pursuing sport as a hobby or joining a club.’

Staff from the Sports Development Unit are visiting schools to show them a video of last year’s event and distribute information about how to get involved.

The weekly training sessions, each run by qualified coaches, will run until May.

The event has been supported by HSBC Isle of Man since 2002. Speaking at Monday’s launch event at the Sport Institute at the NSC, senior manager Kevin Cartledge said: ‘HSBC is delighted to continue its involvement with this wonderful event. The commitment and dedication of all the sports co-ordinators, coaches and volunteers who are involved in making this such a worthwhile initiative is outstanding.

‘It is a privilege for HSBC to support The Manx Youth Games and help with the community development on the island.’

For more information visit www.gov.im/manxyouthgames

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture will be co-ordinating its popular series of marketing workshops designed for anyone involved in food and drink on the Isleof Man.

The workshops are being offered as part of government’s commitment to growing theeconomy as outlined in Agenda for Change and in support of the Department’s new food business development strategy ‘Food Matters’.

workshops

The series of workshops will start on Thursday, February 26 and continue on each Thursday in March 2015 at 7pm at the Department’s Headquarters, Thie Slieau Whallian,Foxdale Road, St John’s.

Richard Ronan MHK, Minister for Environment, Food and Agriculture, said: ‘We would welcome representatives from all areas of the food and drink industry, including farmers,retailers, artisans and restaurants, to take up this workshop opportunity to gain a better understanding of marketing in the industry.

‘Growing a sustainable, competitive andprofitable industry will form a vital cornerstone of our future expanding and diversified economy.’

To book a place and obtain details of the course, register with Audrey Fowler by email audrey.fowler@gov.im or call 685856 by January 29 – places are limited.

Theseries consists of five workshops at a cost of £25 per person, per workshop.

The course will be led by Heather Blackley, a director at the CIM (Chartered Institute ofMarketing) accredited study centre.

Heather will share a wealth of experience with delegates including marketing planning, identifying customers, meeting business needs and marketing communications including news releases.

critical

Marketing is a critical part of running a business and this course will help delegates to understand and enhance marketing decisions as well as providing them with a range of tools and techniques to apply to their own situation and improve their profitability.

Delegates on previous courses have rated it highly and commented on its value indeveloping their enterprises.

Janette Qualtrough, Ballakarran Meats said: ‘I attended the marketing workshopheld by the Department in 2014.

‘We had just launched the boxed meat sector of our business.

‘We knew what we wanted to do but not all the processes along the way.

‘Heather really helped me to make a plan and consider other areas. I found the wholecourse invaluable.

‘The information, materials and skills that I gathered are something that I still rely on. It came at the right time for the business.

‘I would certainly highlyrecommend this course to anyone considering starting a new business or those who have just started.’

The Department of Education and Children’s outdoor education centre is expanding what it offers to the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme after taking on a former DofE recipient.

Ardwhallan, at West Baldwin, is offering a comprehensive range of activities for young people working towards bronze, silver and gold awards.

The package has been put together by Lucy Connors, who first visited Ardwhallan when working towards her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. She progressed to become a part-time volunteer assistant instructor on a year-long training scheme and then a full-time volunteer trainee instructor before gaining employment at the centre as Outdoor Education Worker.

Her role includes working with schools and youth groups and expanding what Ardwhallan offers after-school and weekend clubs, with a large focus being on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award.

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is available to people aged 14 to 25 and it encourages them to try new, challenging activities as well as giving credit for existing interests.

The ‘volunteering’, ‘physical’ and ‘skill’ sections encourage young people to get out into the community, helping others or taking part in positive activities.

DofE is a recognised addition to young people’s work skills and is welcomed by educationalists and employers.

Many participants carry on with the activities they started in DofE, some taking those skills into the workplace.

More than 800 young people are working towards the award locally.

Lucy said: ‘Having taken part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award myself and gained a lot, both in self-confidence and in leadership skills, I am keen to offer that experience to other young people.’

‘Our programme will enable young people to complete the physical, skill, volunteering and expedition sections of the award at bronze and silver level with the addition of expeditions and residential stays at gold level.’

There are also a number of after-school courses at Ardwhallan, which can be accessed individually and can be used to complete sections of the award.

For information on the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, contact Alison Gawne on 686051.

Shipping industry expert Dick Clague will talk about the pros and cons of the Steam Packet’s user agreement at a meeting next week.

The Positive Action Group is hosting the talk at the Manx Legion Club , Market Hill, Douglas, on Monday (January 26) at 7.30pm.

Dick Clague spent many years working with the shipping industry. He is the author of the book ‘Heysham Port - A Century of Manx and Irish Services’ and was a founder member of TravelWatch IOM. He currently is its specialist in maritime passenger matters.

The current User Agreement is in place until 2020 with the government and the Steam Packet having an option to extend until 2026.

The Department of Infrastructure is considering long term options for the continuance of strategic sea services and is seeking expressions of interest from operators who can provide passenger roll on/roll off freight ferry services.

In his illustrated talk Mr Clague will suggest some of the changes needed to serve the current and future needs of the island.

In addition Mr Clague will outline the rights from which ferry passengers benefit under the terms of EU Regulation 1177/2010.

A public meeting to discuss the proposed redevelopment of the civic centre in Castletown will be held by the town’s commissioners at 7pm on Tuesday, February 3, in the civic centre.

Details of the proposals will be given and there will be the chance to ask questions.

The police station will move to the centre, where an extension will also be built. The hall will be unaffected.

Isle of Man’s senior badminton team travelled to the north-east at the weekend to continue their promotion push against Durham seconds.

The team started well on Saturday, winning all four of the singles matches.

Adam Colley showed why he is considered as one of the island’s leading junior male prospects, winning comfortably in two sets against an experienced opponent.

Baillie Watterson and Jess Li also recorded easy victories, while Laura Beggs stepped up and won her singles match in a tight three-ended contest.

The doubles pairs continued their good form shown this season, winning seven out of the eight matches available.

The men’s combinations of Neil Harding/Jonny Callow and Matt Nicholson/Baillie Watterson triumphed against some youthful opposition.

Jess Li andLaura Beggs showed their class by winning two comfortable matches. Equally, Nicola Wilkinson and Abi Li fought hard, winning one match and losing a tight three-setter to take the score to 11-1.

As with previous matches, the island’s mixed pairs combinations were too strong for the opposition, with Harding /Beggs and Callow/Jess Li completing the rout to secure a 13-2 scoreline.

Nicholson/Alex Bell fell marginally short of making the scoreline more emphatic.

Sunday started in similar fashion, with Jess Li, Beggs and Watterson all recording comfortable victories.

Colley, playing a different opponent to Saturday, was pushed all the way, coming back from 19/20 in the second to win in three close sets at the end of a match that lasted a little over one hour to take the score to 4-0.

As on Saturday, the doubles pairs once again showed their class when taking the scoreline to 11-1 after their matches. Harding and Callow, displaying sharper skills and faster game play, were able to score victories against a tougher first-ranked Durham pair and an inexperienced second pair.

Watterson and Nicholson were also able to score two out of two victories, both players scrambling to win every point on offer.

Jess Li and Laura Beggs carried over their good form from the Saturday, easilly dispatching their oponents to win both games, while Abi Li/Wilkinson were unlucky to once again miss out on beating their higher-ranked opponents, but securing victory in one out of two matches.

The mixed pairs of Harding/Beggs, Callow/Jess Li and Watterson/Bell were all able to record victories, taking the final scoreline to 14-1 and securing all six points on offer from the weekend.

The team still sit top of their current league and, with the top two sides promoted to the revised Badminton England County League for next year, the island hope their final weekend in March against Shropshire will confirm their promotion.

Thanks go to Isle of Man Badminton Association for their continued support of the senior county squad.

JOHNNY CALLOW

A clash of dates between Douglas carnival and Peel’s Viking Longboat Races has left event organisers all at sea.

Douglas council set the carnival date first but the longboat races date is a floating one, dictated by the tides, and was set for the same day: July 18.

Councillor Bill Malarkey said the whole matter would be a ‘disaster’ if the dates were allowed to clash. ‘All the people we need to take part will be in Peel because that is a big event. It could prove to be a complete wash-out if we stay with the same date,’ he said.

Council leader David Christian added: ‘The problem is the boat race has been chopping and changing its date and I think they chose their date after us. But we have already been promoting this date so I think we have to take our chance.’

He said it would also be imperative to make a big impact with the event this year by ensuring the promenade was cleared of cars to allow the procession an easy passage and ensure spectators had a good view. ‘In years gone by the promenade used to be cleared the night before so we need to work with the Department of Infrastructure to get the promenade clear,’ he said.

Councillor John Faragher, who is vice chairman of the council’s regeneration committee, which has responsiblity for the carnival, revived last year after many years’ absence, said he had misgivings about changing the date.

‘The date has been set and even if we move it it’s always going to clash with something, whether it’s the Tin Baths championship or the Viking Longboat Races. But the boat racing is more of a boozy afternoon whereas the carnival is more family-orientated.’

After some discussion, it was confirmed the carnival date would remain as July 19 and in the event of bad weather the parade will be rescheduled for the following day, Sunday, July 19. The council is also hoping to attract corporate sponsorship for the event.

Planning notices could be set to return to the Courier.

Chris Thomas, MHK with responsibility for planning, said: ‘I want to reintroduce newspapers adverts but I want to reduce the cost. We are in the process of negotiating how we pay for it.’

The Department of Infrastructure announced in October it was pulling planning notices from the Courier, saying it would save part of the £38,000 spent preparing, designing and publishing them. But critics said the move would restrict access to the planning process.

Mr Thomas suggested the notices didn’t need to contain so much information and could be limited to application number, address and brief description. He said it had been proposed that applicants be charged £50 to pay for the cost of notices but he was now looking at a more modest increase in fees.

Planning notice move is ‘discriminatory’

Review to take place into publishing planning notices

Advertise planning applications in paper, say Peel commissioners

A £25 charge for residential parking permits won’t be introduced as one government Minister admitted it was a ‘dead in the water policy almost from the word go’.

The U-turn was announced by Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne MHK as Tynwald debated a motion tabled by Douglas East MHK Brenda Cannell calling for the proposed charge to be abandoned.

Mr Gawne said that because the court had approved increases in vehicle duty his department didn’t need to introduced a fee for parking permits to make up the income.

‘We are not going to introduce permit charges, certainly in my time,’ he said, adding the door should not be closed for Tynwald to discuss the pros and cons of such a measure in future.

Douglas West MHK Chris Robertshaw, Minister for Policy and Reform, said he was reluctant to stand up to oppose a fellow cabinet colleague.

But he said: ‘It’s just ridiculous. It simply doesn’t work. If the concept is ever accepted, residents will end up paying for a service they actually don’t get. It’s a simple and as brutal as that.’

Mrs Cannell described the proposed charge as ‘unfair’. She said it had appeared as a ‘bolt from the blue’ with no consultation with Douglas MHKs.

‘The situation in Douglas East is chronic. You can’t guarantee a space outside the house, in the road, you can’t even guarantee a space within the zone area. So what are they going to be charged for?’ she said.

Conceding Douglas members hadn’t been consulted, Mr Gawne said: ‘Almost from the word go this was a dead in the water policy.’

The Minister said his department had tried to put together a credible programme of cuts at short notice as part of its bid to raise £500,000 in the current financial year.

He accepted there were a lot of issues to deal with surrounding parking before any such could be introduced.

The court heard that there are 3,808 parking permits currently issued, of which 3,491 are in Douglas.

Key figures in Manx history are not receiving the memorials they deserve, according to the Manx branch of the Celtic League.

At the recent Illiam Dhone commemoration in Castletown, the League’s information officer Bernard Moffatt called for Dhone to be recognised with a suitable memorial and for his execution site at Hango Hill to be improved.

The League have now called for the creation of a group that can help preserve the memory of other historical figures such as cultural activist Sophia Morrison, who was instrumental in the revival of Manx culture in the early 20th century, or Bishop Hiddesley, who oversaw the Manx translation of the New Testament that was published in its complete form in 1773.

Mr Moffatt said: ‘Whilst Illiam Dhone is one of the most significant historical figures in national life, he is by no means the only one.

‘Some years ago, in conjunction with Mec Vannin, ceremonies were organised at several sites around the island where prominent national figures are buried.’

‘At forthcoming meetings of both Mec Vannin and the Celtic League Manx branch I will be urging both organisations to take the initiative in founding a non-governmental organisation to undertake such a role.

Mr Moffatt said that they would like to continue the work of the late Freddie Cowle of Ramsey, who organised brief services of rememberance for several figures from history and produced commemorative pamphlets.

He added: ‘There is a need for an independent national organisation to ensure those who strove to secure Manx political and cultural identity are remembered and their resting places are properly maintained.’

• The League also criticised the appointment of two military liason officers to help organise the Tynwald Day celebrations, a story which featured in last week’s Isle of Man Courier.

Referring to recent government policies, Mr Moffatt said: ‘Forget the taxes, the charges, the privatisations, the endless political duplicity - at least the “military pantomime” on Tynwald Day will be secure.’

The organisers of the 2015 Manx Litfest are now putting together this year’s event.

Last year’s festival saw visiting and Isle of Man-based authors, poets and illustrators deliver shows, talks, workshops, school visits, panel discussions and signings across five days in late September.

Festival director John Quirk said: ‘We were thrilled with how last year’s festival went, both in terms of audience numbers and the feedback we received, from the public, schools and, importantly, the authors and poets themselves.

‘We continue to refine the festival year-on-year, and the feeling within the Litfest team is that last year was the best so far; there certainly seemed to be an even greater buzz about it, something that was particularly noticeable on social media. It was pleasing to be able to put on a good show as we celebrated Island of Culture 2014.

‘We’ve held our first planning meetings for this year and are in the process of approaching those authors, poets and storytellers who are on our long list, and we should be able to start announcing names soon.

‘But we wanted to let literature lovers know the dates for September 2015 so they can get them in their diaries early. We’ll be staging National Story Day again around Manx schools, and we’re talking through ideas for our family day, which will have to go some to top the Roald Dahl day in Laxey last year. And there will be another day of events for writers, following the success of our first full-length writers’ day at King William’s College.’

Visiting names for Litfest 2014 included Mark Billingham, Samantha Shannon, Mark Grist, Philip Reeve, Sarah McIntyre, and Neil Spring.

John added: ‘There are so many other people and organisations who assisted with last year’s festival, including Isle of Man-based authors, poets and illustrators - Ruth Blindell, Elizabeth Brooks, Madeleine Conway, Jo Davies, Jennifer Kewley Drauskau, Rakie Keig, Usha Kishore, David Leesley, Michele McGrath, Thomas Moffatt, and Keith Salmon and Pat Skillicorn.

‘It’s a real community festival. We had great support from Isle of Man Poetry Society, Bridge Carter, Janet Lees and Hazel Teare, who are the team behind “The Manx Bard”, musician Matt Creer, Christy DeHaven, designers Moira Daines and Tony Garland, the venues who offered their facilities to us - including King William’s College, Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for Laxey Glen Gardens, Manx National Heritage and the House of Manannan, Jabberwocky, the Family Library and Mobile Library, and the Henry Bloom Noble Library, along with Waterstone’s and Lexicon bookstores, who gave us promotional support and venues for signings.

‘Then we have the committee members who give up a significant amount of their free time to help plan and stage the event, and the team of volunteers who support us in the build-up to, and during, the festival. It just goes to show what a great team effort Manx Litfest is, and I’d like to sincerely thank everyone involved for their support.’

This year’s event will run from Wednesday, September 23, to Sunday, September 27.

Manx Litfest’s financial supporters included Isle of Man Arts Council and Culture Vannin, and our corporate sponsors Isle of Man Bank, Sure, Pokerstars, IQE, Knox House Trust, ManSat, Lingua Franca, Ambitions, Xela, Isle of Man Steam Packet Company, Marsh, Tower Insurance, Assist Consultancy, Mrs Q event planning, Steve Babb Photography, Isle of Man Advertising & PR and partner bookseller, Bridge Bookshop in Port Erin.

Housing Matters’ project manager is leaving the charity but says the organisation is in good shape.

Joanna Chapman, who joined Housing Matters in 2008 and is returning to the UK, said: ‘I’ll be sorry to leave but I am doing so safe in the knowledge that Housing Matters in 2015 is in a stronger position to continue its work than was previously the case, largely thanks to grant funding for one year we received from the Department of Heath and Social Care towards the end of 2014. Without it, our future was uncertain.

‘As an entirely self-funding charity it’s the best thing that could have happened and so encouraging to have such positive recognition from government of the vital support Housing Matters is offering 16- to 21-year-olds and vulnerable adults.’

From its early days as a winter night shelter Housing Matters has evolved into an organisation that helps to prevent, reduce and manage homelessness, through education, advice and mediation. The charity has established links with professional agencies, tenants and landlords’ organisations to help deliver services to those affected by or at risk of homelessness.

The charity is also a referral agency for the Isle of Man food bank.

‘Our name, “Housing Matters”, says it all really,’ said Joanna. ‘We believe people matter and that housing is a basic need.

‘As well as supporting the homeless we’re also working to change attitudes through community outreach and peer education programmes. Importantly, as a pioneer for change, Housing Matters is giving the homeless a voice and helping shape policy, to which government has been extremely receptive.

‘It’s all too easy to say homelessness is self-inflicted, but that’s hardly ever the case. Homelessness can strike anyone at any time, through redundancy, a relationship breakdown, or ill health, for example. Homelessness happens when people find themselves in situations they just can’t get out of.

‘It can be really tough for people when they feel they have to cope alone. Housing Matters’ role isn’t just about problem-solving; it’s about helping people to see a way forward, assessing the situation and setting those at risk on the right pathway before things escalate.

‘We’re working to restore self-worth to the homeless, so they feel valued and empowered to make the right choices.

‘Housing Matters has really moved on in the last few years thanks to our small but dedicated team and the positive links we’ve forged with government, as well as with voluntary and professional agencies. Underpinning that is a now clearly defined role and structure, supported by robust procedures and protocols, so we’re able to help the most vulnerable get their lives back on track.

‘That was always my vision and it’s a vision that’s now being realised, so I am leaving confident Housing Matters’ immediate future is secure and that it’s well placed to carry on giving the homeless a fair chance in life.’

Housing Matters director Bill Mummery said: ‘Jo will be sadly missed. Her drive and determination combined with great sensitivity have helped transform Housing Matters and broaden its reach, so that it is now helping to turn people’s lives around through a collaborative approach with other agencies.

‘Vulnerable homeless young people and adults often have complex needs; they don’t just want a roof over their head. Simply providing accommodation is not enough. Housing Matters recognises that people in crisis need access to a whole range of support mechanisms if they are to return to independent living and clearly the Department of Heath and Social Care shares that view, having provided us with grant funding for which we are most grateful.

‘Alone, no single charity, volunteer or government agency can prevent homelessness. Working together, however, can make a lasting impact. Jo has contributed enormously to that impact and we offer her our sincere thanks and good wishes for the future.’

A Peel commissioner is among those takng part in this year’s TT Marathon swim at the Western Swimming Pool.

Ian Davison, will swim 2,416 lengths of the Peel pool, the equivalent of the length of the 37.73-mile TT course, to raise funds for three island charities.

The event started on January 19 and swimmers have until April 12 to complete the distance.

It costs £15 to enter the event, which goes to the RNLI.

So far there have been 19 individual and 12 team entries. There is no last date for entry so people can still apply, though they will have more of a challenge with less time to complete the 2,416 lengths in.

The three charities Ian will be swimming for are the Peel branch of the RNLI, specifically to raise funds for a beach safety awareness campaign for children to learn safety in the water, the Specialist Care Baby Unit at Noble’s Hospital, and the local branch of the Salvation Army.

Ian said: ‘I am not the thinnest or fittest person on the island. As the Isle of Man government’s campaign to get adults and children fitter is under way at this moment to tackle obesity, my wife decided I need to lose weight and become healthier so she brought home the application form and then bet me £100 that I wouldn’t do the challenge.

‘A bet is a bet so I am now looking for anyone who wishes to sponsor me – any amount would be fantastic.

‘Fellow commissioner Christine Moughtin has also put down the challenge and offered £100 if I complete the swim.’

For anyone who wishes to sponsor Ian there is an application in Davison’s ice cream parlour on Peel promenade, or they can contact him on 496121.

To find out how to take part or for more information call the Western Swimming Pool on 842525.

An MHK raised concerns in Tynwald about mobile phone masts being installed without the required planning consent.

David Quirk (Onchan) made his comments after BlueWave Communications Limited submitted a retrospective bid (15/00013/TEL) for a telegraph pole to accommodate two transmitter dishes and two associated service boxes on land at King Edward Bay Golf and Country Club, in Groudle Road, Onchan.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne explained that for certain telecommunications aerials and masts there is a requirement to submit a planning application while others are subject to the provisions of a permitted development order.

‘Whether or not a specific mast or aerial requires planning approval will be dependent upon its design and location. If members have particular concerns about specific locations or which planning requirements apply, they should contact my officers,’ said Mr Gawne.

Mr Quirk suggested that those responsible for installing masts should look at the government’s policy documents, avoiding the need to make retrospective applications.

The Minister said he totally agreed. He said: ‘People from time to time do push the boundaries of what is acceptable.

‘The department has taken action in certain cases where they are brought to our attention.’

Mr Quirk asked whether it was the applicant or the public purse that would have paid for the planning notice in the newspaper for the Groudle Road transmitter.

The Minister said the public purse had paid for the advert but his department was looking at whether the applicant should pay.

Written submissions can be made about BlueWave’s application to the Department of Planning and Building Control by February 6.

Permitted development orders can allow mobile phone masts of up to 15 metres height to be installed without going through the planning process.

An activist group has described the island’s minimum age of criminal responsibility as a ‘missed opportunity’.

The Isle of Man branch of the Celtic League raised concerns to Home Affairs Minister Juan Watterson that children as young as 10 can face criminal prosecution under the Children and Young Persons Act 2001.

The League urged the department to raise the minimum age to reflect the recommendations of the United Nations’ Committee on the Rights of the Child, which encourages countries to set a minimum age of criminal responsibility (MACR) of at least 14.

Admitting that he had ‘some sympathy’ with their argument in his response, Mr Watterson outlined the steps taken by the Youth Justice Team to avoid the Courts and ‘ensure that these young people are treated fairly and appropriately when they come into contact with the Criminal Justice System’.

Celtic League information officer Bernard Moffatt thanked the Minister for his detailed reply but expressed disappointment that the existing MACR is considered necessary.

He said: ‘Given the positive focus that interventionist policies appear to have, it seems unfortunate that the Department (and Government) believe that the back-stop of the criminal justice system is needed – remember we are talking of children who can be as young as 10 years of age.’

Mr Moffatt added: ‘In recent years the Isle of Man has taken a leading position in these islands in reflecting youth maturity. It introduced a lower voting age in a step which was subsequently mirrored, albeit at this stage only for the referendum, in Scotland.

‘Surely, if the island can reflect the changing norms of youth maturity it can also reflect in the criminal justice system an accurate age of youth immaturity?

But he conceded that such a change might be unpopular. He said: ‘Of course the lowering of the voting age was a populist and in many ways uncontroversial issue. By contrast the decision by the DHA and government to seek to increase the MACR would be less popular politically. However because issues are not popular politically it does not mean they are not right.’

There is a potential for a legal challenge to be made over the awarding of children’s services contracts, the acting Attorney General told Tynwald.

John Quinn was quizzed in the court by Lib Van MHK Peter Karran (Onchan) over whether the awarding of the contracts by the Department of Health and Social Care to St Christopher’s was lawful and procedurally correct.

Mr Quinn said he had to be cautious not to prejudice any possible legal challenge, which could be made by way of a doleance claim.

He said that to date there was no such challenge but ‘one must assume one might come’.

Mr Quinn added: ‘I believe with all the attendant publicity concerning this case I can fairly say that I am categorising this case with potential. It is a case with potential where a claim might be made and in those circumstances I ought not to say any more.’

The Acting Attorney General said in general terms he considered the government procurement procedures to be robust. He said he had not seen or heard anything to suggest the tendering process in this case should be re-run.

A row continues over the awarding of three children’s services contracts to St Christopher’s Isle of Man. A fourth tender lot has been withdrawn following concerns about an alleged conflict of interest concerning a member of the interviewing panel.

An appeal over the three awarded contracts was rejected by a Treasury officer. Mr Quinn said the one problem lot had not automatically tainted the other three lots.

St Christopher’s won the contract for all residential services, as well as retaining its contract for leaving care services and winning a new contract for therapeutic services for looked-after children.

The Children’s Centre, which had bid for all four contracts, has been asked to continue to provide family support services on an interim basis for six months.

It says its bid for the five-year residential services contract had been close to £100,000 a year cheaper than St Christopher’s.

David Cretney (Douglas South) asked when the tender lot for family support services was withdrawn: before, during or after the interview.

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare replied that it was withdrawn after the interview stage. He said he had been advised there had been no declaration of interest by the panel member concerned and the matter was now being formally investigated by the DHSC and so it would not be appropriate to comment.

Mr Karran asked how it was that, despite all the procedures and regulation, it took one of the organisations outside government to highlight the problem. ‘Does this not show that once again that this Court is being led up the garden path?’ he said.

Mr Teare insisted that it was Treasury that brought the matter to the DHSC’s attention. He suggested this ‘proves the system works’.

He said that the interviews had taken place on October 14 to 15 and on October 23, the Treasury’s head of procurement was made aware of a potential conflict of interest.

Mr Karran suggested that on October 23, Children’s Centre trustees, chairman and chief executive had met Treasury’s Clive McGreal and it was they who had brought the matter to his attention.

Mr Teare said he was not aware of that meeting, adding: ‘I have no knowledge of that.’

The Isle of Man women’s tennis team recently travelled to Liverpool to compete in the annual Winter County Cup.

The competition involves the team of six facing three other counties over three days, with each player playing one singles and one doubles match each day.

On day one it was the battle of the islands as the Isle of Man took on the Channel Islands. Hannah Snidal got the team off to a positive start after winning a gruelling match against Guernsey’s Katie Guoyette 7-5, 6-4.

It was Nicola Skillicorn’s debut performance for the Isle of Man in the Winter County Cup and, after a slow start, she gained confidence in the second set putting pressure on the opponents’ No6 but eventually missed out 6-0, 6-3.

In the second round of singles matches Laura Feely took a confident win 6-0, 6-1 while Karen Faragher had a challenging three-set match against Channel Islanders’ No. 2, Natasha Forrest. Faragher saved match points in the third set and went on to win 6-4 6-7(6) 7-6(7).

This meant the islands were tied going into the doubles. Katie Harris and Hannah Snidal teamed up to take on the Channel Islands’ number three pair. After narrowly losing the first set 4-6, the duo went on to win the second set 7-5. This meant a crucial champion’s tie-break decider, first to 10 points. The Isle of Man pair managed to hold their nerve and take a 10-8 victory.

Unfortunately the Manx side’s No2 pair Elena Snidal and Nicola Skillicorn could not match this performance, losing their tie. However, the Isle of Man’s No1 pair, Karen Faragher and Laura Feely, kept their cool winning their match 6-3, 6-2 and giving the Isle of Man a 5-4 victory.

Day two saw the Isle of Man face Cumbria and from past experience the team knew it was going to be a close tie.

This time Katie Harris took control, winning her match 6-4, 6-1. In a match that mirrored the previous day, Karen Faragher lost the first set of her match 4-6 but bounced back in the second set, taking it 6-4. Unfortunately Faragher could not close out the final set on this occasion, losing it 6-4.

The island’s No1 player Laura Feely stepped up and played some inspiring tennis to keep the team’s hopes of a victory alive, winning 6-3, 6-1. This meant the Isle of Man needed to win all three doubles matches to take the victory.

Faragher and Feely went on to win their doubles 6-2, 7-5 while Harris and Hannah Snidal went from strength to strength winning 6-3, 6-2. However, the win was not to be as Elena Snidal and Nicola Skillicorn could not get the better of their opponents. Final score: Isle of Man 4, Cumbria 5.

On the final day the Isle of Man faced Shropshire, the eventual winners of the group. In the singles, Feely had her toughest match of the weekend as she lost the first set 6-2 but remained focused and adapted her game to expose her opponent’s weaknesses.

This saw Feely take the next two sets 7-5, 6-4. She then teamed up with Faragher in the doubles to take the team’s only other win of the day in straight sets 6-2, 6-3.

Women’s captain Elena Snidal commented: ‘I am very pleased with the team’s overall performance and attitude and I would like to give a special mention to Laura Feely for winning all six of her matches over the weekend, no mean feat.

‘Off-island competitions such as this offer invaluable experience for the island’s players, which is especially important leading up to the XVI NatWest Island Games in Jersey.

‘The team is currently focussing on training and fundraising as much as possible and hope to surpass the success that we had in Bermuda and we appreciate all the support that we have been given so far.’

Tynwald approved inflation-busting increases in car tax - despite concerns about the drip, drip effect of piecemeal charges on island residents.

The changes to vehicle excise duty will result in an overall increase in revenue of 10 per cent on cars and 4 per cent on motorcycles, generating an additional £800,000 in revenue.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne insisted he did not want to bring in the extra charges but had no choice given the budget constraints his department had been put under by Treasury.

But Douglas North MHK Bill Henderson, a member for Treasury, said: ‘People are absolutely hacked off to the back teeth with what’s going on at the moment - charge, charge, charge. We can’t just keep doing this.’

Alex Downie MLC said he had some sympathy for the Minister’s unenviable position but citing the law of diminished returns, he suggested the move would merely be taking £800,000 of spending out of the local economy.

Speaker Steve Rodan said charges, fees or low level taxes were once again being introduced on a drip, drip basis in a way that ‘absolutely infuriates the public’.

Michael Coleman MLC pointed out that motorists with lower engine sizes were seeing a higher percentage increase in car tax. ‘The logic for this is just flawed,’ he said.

The changes will see duty for motor vehicles under 1000cc increase from £47 to £51, those between 1001cc and 1200cc rise from £86 to £105, and those between 1200cc and 1800cc increasing from £152 to £163. Vehicles with engine size between 1800cc and 2500cc will see duty go up from £214 to £230. Car tax for those over 5000cc goes up from £426 to £492.

Mr Gawne said: ‘Of course we would all like to vote against this - who on earth would want to bring forward such an unpopular measure?’

He said his department was asked to find an extra £2m in income and to make £4m of cuts.

The Minister pointed out that with the falling price of fuel, motorists like himself were paying £5 a week less for petrol. Tynwald approved the Vehicle Duty Order by 22 votes to eight.

Competitors are being encouraged to sign up now for this year’s Tough Mann Adventure Challenge.

The event began in 2013 and has attracted hundreds of competitors from on and off-island to take on the demanding 10km assault course race which includes 25 obstacles.

The 2015 event is on Saturday, August 1, at Ballamoar Farm, Ballaugh.

A maximum field of 750 will take to the start line this year, and you can sign-up now at www.toughmann.com

Our photo shows Elissa Morris on her way to winning the women’s race last year.

Manx Telecom has a three-year deal as headline sponsor, starting with the 2015 event.