3FM: Isle of Man News

Unemployment continues to rise on Island

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 13:02:44 +0000

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare has commented on the Island's rising unemployment rate.

Despite 2.5% of the economically active population out of work the Island is still creating job opportunities, says the Ayre MHK.

At the end of January unemployment stood at 1100, a net increase of 121 from the previous month.

The Minister also said an increase in that month wasn't unexpected saying 'you'd have to go back many years for the last time the numbers fell in January.'

The job centre have reported a sharp increase in the number of vacancies currently on the market.

School's mark Internet Safety day

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 12:07:05 +0000

School's across the Island are today being encouraged to think seriously about internet safety.

To mark the nationwide awareness raising initiative primary and secondary schools are staging activities connected with e-safety.

The theme is connecting generations and educating each other, with an emphasis on the three c's; content, conduct and contact.

A Department of Education and Children spokesperson said 'the Internet can influence young people in a beneficial or harmful way and schools and families can play a crucial part in managing those risks.'

The day is being marked in 74 countries.

Glenside Care Home to close over next two years

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 11:11:46 +0000

Glenside Care Home in Douglas will close over the next two years in what the Government calls a 'restructuring' of its services.

Minister for Social Care Chris Roberstshaw confirmed this the morning in the House of Keys.

He said it was a culmination of refocusing the department's services,rebalancing its budget and assessing a wider range of care options for elderly people.

Mr Robertshaw said he wanted to see more people receiving home care and maintaining a greater level of independence .

The care home's 64 staff met with their employers this morning to discuss their options, and we'll have more updates on this story over the coming weeks.

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Health Dept hold 16th Infection Prevention and Control conference

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 09:23:16 +0000

Department of Health’s recently held its annual Infection Prevention and Control Conference at Noble’s Hospital.

This was the 16th time the event has been staged and gave healthcare workers and associates the chance to examine the control of both hospital and community infections.

This coincides with the Department’s target of shorter stays in hospital and a greater emphasis on community-centred care.

Health Minister David Anderson said he was delighted to see a capacity attendance and a wide range of leading health professionals contributing to the talks.

The keynote speaker was Professor Mark Wilcox who is the consultant microbiologist and director of pathology at the Leeds Teaching Hospitals.

His talk was centred around the methods of prevention, detection, management and treatment of a range of infections.

Manx students impress in NASA challenge

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:59:48 +0000

Seven Manx high school teams have made it through to the semi-finals of a major competition in America.

The Spirit of Innovation Challenge requires students to submit innovative ideas to help solve real-world problems.

The high school teams have to use a combination of science, engineering and maths skills to design and develop new technology and products.

A total of 81 teams have made it through to the semi-finals.

The director of the global competition said this spoke volumes about the Isle of Man and its young people.

The Manx teams hail from Ballakermeen, QEII and St Ninian’s.

They will now take their idea one step further and vie for one of the top 15 finalist positions, which will qualify them to advance to the Innovation Summit, hosted at NASA in California.

Public directed towards online tax services

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:54:35 +0000

The public are being urged to make use of the tax divisions online services as the month for submitting tax returns draws ever closer.

Online tax service users can receive and submit their tax returns, receive their assessments, get their tax codes, review their balances and pay their tax bills.

Last year 10% of people submitted using the online service, this is a figure the Tax Division are wanting to see increase from April.

People wishing to register should go to www.gov.im/onlineservices and then follow the links to enrol for tax services.

25th Manx funded school built in Nepal

Tue, 07 Feb 2012 07:44:11 +0000

Nepal has formally thanked the government for its long-standing support towards developing educational facilities in the country.

The Chief Minister recently received a commemorative plaque to celebrate the completion of the 25^thManx-funded school project there.

The chairman of the Pahar Trust presented it to Allan Bell on behalf of the director general at the Nepali Department of Education.

Through financial assistance from the Council of Ministers Overseas Aid Committee and donations by Island residents, the Trust has helped to build and equip schools in many remote Nepali villages.

It is hoped that a further three Manx-funded schools will be completed this year.

New resident artist at Northern Lights

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:34:24 +0000

A leading local talent has become the new resident artist at Northern Lights in Ramsey.

Rob Smith's appointment is the latest addition to the project aimed at advertising the Island's most creative minds.

The scheme was established as a community project to showcase the very best in Manx art, music and film-making in return for voluntary work.

It's already received great acclaim since it opened, and earlier Rob told us more about his work and the Northern Lights scheme (see audio).

Rob's paintings will be officially unveiled at a grand exhibition on March 4, which will also include live music, everyone is welcome.

Victim of fatal RTC named

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:18:06 +0000

The motorcyclist who was killed following a road traffic collision last week has now been named.

19 year old Laxey resident, Douglas Aaron Spencer, known as Doug, died following the incident near to the Ballabeg Level Crossing in Baldrine last Wednesday.

The Police have praised the public following their response to the appeal for witnesses.

However they are still asking anyone who saw a black Yamaha bike ridden towards Laxey, or a silver coloured Honda Jazz car driven towards Baldrine, to come forward.

Minister to be asked about Asbestos in schools

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:17:09 +0000

The Minister for Education and Children will tomorrow be asked about his department's policy with regards to asbestos management within Schools.

Ramsey MHK Leonard Singer will ask Minister Karran the question, also seeking to find out how many of the Island's schools have been identified as having traces of asbestos.

If inhaled, asbestos fibres have been known to cause serious health issues to the individual, with it linked to a number of cancers.

The question forms part of a mixed order paper with the sitting getting underway at 10.00am.

Isle of Man to escape arctic blast

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:10:09 +0000

It would appear the Isle of Man will escape the arctic conditions currently bringing much of UK to a stand still.

After a weekend of solid snow across the country the Island remained untouched.

It would seem this will be the case for the next week also, however temperatures will settle to below average.

The Met Office say they are not anticipating wintry showers although there will be ground frost settling in the early hours.

Decoy Bride set for March 9th release

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 08:06:05 +0000

The film Decoy Bride, which shot a number of scenes on the Isle of Man is due for a limited release from March 9th.

The rom-com starring Dr Who actor David Tennant and Kelly Mcdonald will be getting its DVD release just 3 days after it's released in the cinema.

It had its first screening at last years Cannes Film Festival and has already opened in America receiving largely positive reviews.

It's anticipated that the movie will make up for it's limited cinema release with big dvd numbers.

You can view the trailer by clicking here.

Treasury Minister comments on impending budget

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:14:13 +0000

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare has backed the Chief Minister's pre budget statement.

Minister Teare said Allan Bell has laid out the direction of travel for his administration,saying the budget will bring about some of the most significant changes since the introduction of the Ministerial system over 30 years ago.

The target of a 10% reduction in Government's £300m salary bill and reviews of the scope of government were the stand out features of the statement.

The Ayre MHK has said there have been a lot of complex issues that have shaped the formation of the budget and the public must not underestimate the major challenge currently faced by government.

There will now be an anxious wait till the end of the month when the full extent of budget is realised.

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Is Mental Health Service better placed in Dept of Health?

Sun, 05 Feb 2012 18:04:38 +0000

An exercise has been launched to determine which part of Government is the best organisational location for the Island's Mental Health Service.

The MHS has been with the Department of Social Care since 2010's Government restructuring.

There has more recently been discussion about if it would be better placed within the Department of Health.

The review team are welcoming responses from the services customers and carers regarding how the structure could best meet patients' needs.

Views should be submitted to MHSReview@gov.im.

Synthetic pitches to shut at night for maintenance

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:32:36 +0000

Following a routine 5 year annual inspection, problems have been revealed at the Peel and Castletown synthetic pitches.

The inspection flagged up problems with the two pitches floodlights, that could have possible safety implications.

Until such a time where the issues can be resolved, the floodlights cannot be used and accordingly all evening activities have been cancelled.

It is likely the works will take around 3 weeks, with work ongoing to minimise the disruption to sporting programmes as far as possible.

The pitches will however still be usable during the daytime when the floodlights are not required.

What safeguards protect government from cyber crime?

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:20:35 +0000

In Tuesday's House of Keys the Minister for Economic Development, John Shimmin will be asked about what safe guards are in place to protect our economic organisations against the threat of cyber attacks.

The question will come from Liberal Vannin member Zack Hall, he'll be seeking to find out what the Department's strategies are.

Specifically the Onchan MHK is looking to find out about protection for the e-Gaming and Commerce sectors, aswell as the data held by the Isle of Man Government and development operations.

He will be asking the question in Tuesday's sitting.

Whitebridge Hill to close for works

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:18:20 +0000

Whitebridge Hill in Onchan will be closed tomorrow (Sunday) all day as construction work is carried out.

Roads works will be in operation from 6am till 5pm while essential maintenance takes place.

However, both Onchan glens will remain openand workers have ensured any disturbance will be kept to minimum.

Government to block 'vulture funds'

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:17:02 +0000

The Government has outlawed a financial operation used in other countries to exploit the Third-World.

Eddie Teare said Tynwald has moved quickly to ensure vulture funds can not be established in the Isle of Man.

The Act seeks to prevent businesses known as ‘vulture funds’ from buying up the debts of Heavily Indebted Poor Countries (HIPCs) for a fraction of their original price and then using the UK courts to sue for the full value of the debt, plus interest.

The legislation seeks to outlaw a practice that undermines international debt relief efforts.

Minister Teare said although there is currently no evidence of vulture fund activity on the Island it is important the legislation is introduced immediately in an effort to keep it out:

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Minister in talks with Prince Charles

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 13:38:03 +0000

One of the Island’s leading politicians has met with Prince Charles recently to discuss the Isle of Man’s fishing conservation.

Minister for DEFA Phil Gawne travelled to London this morning to attend the launch of the International Sustainability Unit.

This is a charity to help protect the marine environment, preserving fish stocks and promoting biodiversity.

Minister Gawne spoke with the prince and took the opportunity to discuss the Island’s territorial waters.

He said the talks went well and was encouraged by Charles’s desire to sustain good a productive fishing environment.

Police appeal following pub altercation

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:02:37 +0000

Peel Police are investigating a report of assault that took place outside the Creek Pub in the early hours of Sunday 22nd January.

An altercation between two females took place within the outside drinking area just after midnight.

Peel Police are anxious to hear from anybody who may who may have seen the incident taking place.

If you have any information you're urged to contact an officer on 842208.

Child protection moves a step forward

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:26:29 +0000

More attention is to be focused on educating children to what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour from adults.

The developments come against the Sarah's Law backdrop, but differ slightly as the emphasis is on pre emptive measures.

Speaking to 3FM, Juan Watterson outlined a possible legislation he was looking at closely.

He said he along with Minister Robertshaw and Minister Karran they will explore all avenues of the document so they have a fully formed coherent legislation to take before Tynwald.

It is likely too focus on better education of Children to make them aware what is appropriate and inappropriate behaviour from adults.

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We'll have more updates on that over the coming weeks.

Dragons Den looking for local entrepreneurs

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:13:21 +0000

The producers of hit BBC show Dragons Den have put out an appeal to any budding entrepreneurs on the Isle of Man to put themselves forward for the next series.

They're looking for business ideas, inventions or products that carry serious business potential, that are business ready and looking for funding.

The Isle of Man has already had some exposure on the show after the P50 cars, designed and produced originally in Peel received an injection of cash for their revival.

By clicking here you will find all of the relevant information needed to get involved.

Dept Economic Development launch Grand Prix survey

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:10:02 +0000

The public are being urged to take part in an online survey posted by the Department of Economic Development, looking into all aspects of the Manx Grand Prix.

It comes after the department decided to look into all elements of the Festival.

The 20 questions endeavour to find out whether people attend the event, why they attend, how they rate the event, and whether they consider it value for money.

The survey is designed to evaluate the event and spectator experience while visiting the Isle of Man.

It's expected to be complete by April 2012.

You can find the survey by clicking here.

Inquest to open into Fire death

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 07:05:55 +0000

The inquest into the death of a 75 year old Andreas man will open today.

Edward Walter Corlett died following a house fire in the village last week.

He passed away in hospital.

His inquest will be opened and adjourned when it gets underway at 10am this morning.

New head for Murray's Road and Ballaquayle

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 17:11:12 +0000

Murray’s Road and Ballaquayle schools have appointed Linda Green as their new combined headteacher.

This comes after the current head of Murray’s Road, Steve Taylor, announced he will step down from the role at half-term after 15 years.

Mr Taylor has decided to return to classroom teaching at primary level.

The Department of Education and Children has now signalled that it will press on with its aim of combining the schools under a single headteacher.

This will be Mrs Green, who’s been head of Ballaquayle for 14 years.

The department said this would ensure even greater continuity and consistency for the children.

DCCL confirm jobs will go

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 12:03:50 +0000

The DCCL has confirmed it’s to restructure following a review of staffing.

The Department is consulting on a new structure, which will remove a number of management and admin posts.

It says it wants to refocus on its frontline services.

The chief executive Nick Black said the department is currently consulting with staff who could be affected.

It’s unclear exactly how many staff will go but Mr Black said he would partake in personal discussions with them before any public announcement is made.

The Department runs three leisure sites - Curraghs Wildlife Park, the NSC and the Villa Marina and Gaiety Theatre Complex, as well as Bus Vannin and Heritage Railways.

Paddy's fish shop relocates to Robinson's fish division

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 10:44:27 +0000

Much loved local fish shop, Paddy's of Port St Mary is to cease it's operation in an effort to allow the business to grow and develop.

The decision has been reached to merge the business into Robinson's fish division at Ballapaddag.

It still means proprietors Tim Croft and brother Paddy are involved, as are all of the current staff within the Shoprite counters.

The new arrangement will mean that the restaurants and stores can be serviced better and it will allow the business to grow.

Paddy's began trading at it's Port St Mary base in 2006.

Ian Hutchinson leg fracture confirmed by team manager

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:48:58 +0000

It has now been confirmed that TT ace Ian Hutchinson has fractured his leg, casting serious doubt over his inclusion in this years TT.

The 8 times winner twisted his leg awkwardly while preparing for a stunt show at a London Arena.

It will be a bitter blow for the Yorkshire man who battled back to fitness after a near career ending injury, sustained at Silverstone back in 2010.

Since that crash he had to have 16 operations with his leg held in an external cage whilst it healed.

It's reported that the fresh break is separate to the original breaks.

His Swan Yamaha Team Manager, Shaun Muir, has said what needs to be ascertained now is if his leg is considerably weakened following the extensive injuries he sustained at Silverstone back in 2010.

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Braddan Reverend to retire at end of April

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:45:42 +0000

The Vicar of Braddan the Reverend Canon Philip Frear has announced his retirement from the parish at the end of April.

Canon Frear and his wife Jaquy came to the Island to serve in the diocese in 1995.

He was appointed as Chaplain to Noble's Hospital in 1998 and his service was recognised when he was appointed to the seat of the Canon of Maughold in the Cathedral and Chapter in 2004.

Canon Frear says he will continue in his role as Hospital Chaplain but is looking forward to his retirement from parish ministry and spending more time with his family.

Laxey RTC results in fatality

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 07:35:09 +0000

A motorcyclist was killed yesterday following a road traffic collision on the Baldrine to Laxey road.

The collision involved a silver coloured Honda Jazz car and a black coloured Yamaha motorcycle.

At the time of the collision the motorbike had been travelling towards Laxey, with the car headed toward Baldrine.

The rider of the Yamaha sustained fatal injuries as a result, the occupants of the other vehicle were uninjured.

The road was closed for approximately six hours whilst Police conducted enquiries at the scene.

The Police would like to speak to anybody who witnessed the collision or remembers seeing any of the vehicles described immediately before the collision.

Job losses at Manx Radio

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:05:39 +0000

Manx Radio will lose a significant cut of its Government funding, resulting in considerable job losses.

The station has announced it’s already entered into a consultation period with it workers.

The company will reduce it presenting team down from five to one, with the vast majority of programmes to be made on a freelance basis from now on.

In addition, a single news editor post will replace the current online and broadcast editor positions.

There will also be a further reduction in the newsroom staff when a current journalist retires later this year and will not be replaced.

Manx Radio will still receive £850,000 a year from the Government in addition to revenue generated by its commercial efforts.

The Treasury has instructed the company to implement these changes by the end of March.

Former MHK to stand for Murray's Ward

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 10:15:44 +0000

Former Douglas South MHK Bill Malarkey has announced his intention to stand in the newly vacated Murray's Ward seat.

This comes after current councilor Jim Mitchell confirmed he was standing down after 25 years serving the town.

Mr Malarkey lost his parliamentary seat in September’s general election.

He’s already targeted a better deal for Douglas ratepayers and has said he will carry on the fight against out-of-town retail developments.

Positive feedback to Bus timetable changes

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:49:17 +0000

The DCCL Minister has said the new changes to the Island’s bus timetable have been received well by the public.

Tim Crookall was responding to a question by Douglas North’s Bill Henderson who questioned him on the number of complaints and general feedback the department had regarding the changes.

In response, Mr Crookall said they’d had received just 45 letters and emails from the 62,000 passengers each week alone.

However, he did admit that 10 of these regarded a change in the school service but said the first two days of this change were heavily affected by road works.

Sam Barks lands role of Eponine in movie version of Les Mis

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 09:24:40 +0000

Manx star Sam Barks is headed to Hollywood after being unveiled live on stage as landing the role of Eponine in the forthcoming film musical of Les Misérables.

It's a role the Laxey girl has made her own since playing her on the West End in 2010 and again at the show's 25th anniversary concert at the O2 arena last year.

The news was broken by theatre legend and Les Mis producer Cameron Mackintosh, who appeared at the curtain call of last nights performance of Oliver! in Manchester.

Sam, who rose to prominence on BBC show 'I'd Do Anything' will be joining a star studded cast including Hugh Jackman, Russell Crowe and Anne Hathaway.

The movie is slated for a December 7th opening, meaning she is set to have a very busy schedule of filming in the coming months.

Street parties and events encouraged for Diamond Jubilee

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:17:04 +0000

As part of the celebrations to mark the Queen's Diamond Jubilee this year the Island will be enjoying an additional bank holiday.

An extra holiday was added to the calendar on Friday, July 6th, the day after Tynwald Day, to give local residents an opportunity to take part in community events.

The Island will also be hosting a visit from the Prince of Wales as part of a Royal Family tour of Commonwealth countries, a date for the trip is yet to be established.

Any individuals or organisations wishing to stage an event are asked to notify the Secretary to the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Working Group, Ann Craine, on ann.craine@cso.gov.im or by calling 685211.

Former teacher to open McCartney-backed arts school

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 16:22:33 +0000

A former teacher at Ramsey Grammar is set to launch a major new stage school as part of Paul McCartney’s new foundation.

Laura Walkom is opening her new academy after her dance classes were cut from the school’s programme.

She’s already received hundreds of enquiries from prospective students, many of whom she used to teach.

Miss Walkom has now been awarded a stage school franchise from the Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts, which was co-founded by the former Beatle.

The academy will be called LIPA 4:19 and teach dancing, singing and acting.

She’s says she has ambitious plans for the performing arts school and plans to open two more within the next 10 years.

Island teacher selected to be Global Poverty Ambassador

Wed, 25 Jan 2012 07:36:10 +0000

The Head of Sixth Form at St Ninian's High School will today attend the Global Poverty Ambassador launch, in the company of one of the world's most powerful men.

Microsoft man Bill Gates will be hosting the launch at the London School of Economics, he'll be joined by doctor and academic Hans Rosling.

Kristina Crawford was selected as one of sixty Global Poverty Ambassadors from across the British Isles in 2012, resulting in the coveted invited.

Next month Kristina will attend a training weekend which will enable her to deliver the world-class presentation, 1.4 Billion Reasons, which endeavours to explain why an end to extreme poverty is possible.

Speaking about her selection the teacher said, 'I am so excited to have this opportunity, and can hardly believe that I’m going to be meeting Bill Gates.'

Drug helpline issues reminder of its services

Fri, 06 Jan 2012 15:17:09 +0000

The recently published Lancet report into drug patterns worldwide has estimated that one in 20 people are using drugs each year.

The number of drug users between 15 and 64 stands at 200 million, with drug use higher in developed countries.

Speaking to drugs advisory service and helpline, DASH, it's clear that there are still many significant drug-related issues affecting the Isle of Man.

Although it's very difficult to estimate the extent of the problem, Shelley Stanley of DASH has said their service are mainly helping cannabis and cocaine users (see audio).