Manx Newscast

A newlywed couple living in Australia, who wanted to showcase the beauty of the Isle of Man to their guests, say they were 'very overpromised and extremely disappointed' by a restaurant in the south of the Island.

Experts from across the maritime sector will be gathering on the Island this week.The Isle of Man is set to host a major Maritime Conference at the Comis Hotel on Thursday (16 July). It will consider key themes such as digital innovation, seafarer skills, superyachts and business development. Lee Clarke is Managing Director of Isle of Man Maritime:

Project Director, Dennis Curphey's been speaking to Simon Richardson about exciting progress on the Queen's Pier project.

Lewis Foster heads down to Strand Street to find out more about the health of print media.

Last month regulatory approval was received and the formal acquisition of Manx Telecom by CVC DIF and Jersey Telecom was completed.At the time, Gary Lamb, Manx Telecom Chief Executive, said it would enable the company to 'move forward with confidence'.So, how exactly? And what benefits will this bring to customers on the Isle of Man?In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaking to Mr Lamb.

Speaking with Marine Conservation Officer Lara Howe from the Manx Wildlife Trust about the abundance of moon jellyfish visiting Manx waters.

A man whose son died after contracting meningitis B is urging anyone eligible to take up the offer of a vaccine.It was announced this week that students going across to UK universities this autumn will be eligible for a new immunisation programme starting next month.It reflects the UK's scheme which follows a severe outbreak in Kent.Brett Martin's son Lucas died in 2023 when he was just 21.He's been giving his reaction to this week's announcement to Christy DeHaven.

Ørsted is reiterating its commitment to bring some of the power generated to the Isle of Man, if the project gets approval.It's estimating that, as a result, properties on the Island could see reductions in electricity bills of around 10% to 15%, and £2 billion of revenue in taxation and rent could be generated by the Manx government.But how exactly has the company worked that out?Mooir Vannin Project Director, Jamie Baldwin, has been telling Amy Griffiths:

Just weeks after confirming he would stand again, Tim Glover has announced he will not seek re-election in September.The Arbory, Castletown and Malew MHK says his decision has been driven by personal circumstances and the need to put his wife's health first.He's been talking to Beth Espey.

A taxi driver from the UK says he doesn't know if he will return to the Isle of Man following an incident involving his 12-year-old son during the TT.Glen Campbell was riding on the Mountain Road with his son Charlie when another rider allegedly clipped them sending them sliding on the road.

An opponent of Assisted Dying is threatening legal action against the Manx government if it implements its legislation.Earlier this week, Tynwald voted in favour of amendments to the Bill after the UK Ministry of Justice asked for more clarity of safeguarding protections before it could recommend it for Royal Assent.But now, a campaigner says it would still breach the European Convention on Human Rights and plans to start legal proceedings if it's enacted.Dr Graham McAll is from the Manx Duty of Care group and spoke to Amy Griffiths:

A campaign group calling for better provision for students with dyslexia and other learning differences says the approval of a committee's recommendations into the matter is a 'remarkable achievement'.They ask the education department to create things like 'a clear definition' of dyslexia and also provide more specialist training for the Island's teachers.This week, despite the Council of Ministers putting forward a raft of amendments, Tynwald members approved all twelve recommendations as originally written, albeit the wording of one was slightly tweaked.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Peter Washington of the Dyslexia Advocacy Group IOM gives his reaction.

The chair of a Tynwald select committee looking into support for students with dyslexia says newly-approved recommendations are a 'game changer'.The committee, formed following a Tynwald Petition for Redress, put forward its final report after 18 months of evidence gathering.It recommended that the education department created of 'a clear definition' of dyslexia and provided more specialist training for the Island's teachers, amongst other things.In this edition of Newscast, Phil Gawne speaks to Onchan MHK Rob Callister who is the chair of the Tynwald Select Committee on Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, and Dysgraphia.The DESC will be expected to report back on a number of progress points by December this year.Rob Callister is seeking re-election in September alongside fellow candidates Julie Edge, Gabriella Corkish, Dr Rachel Glover and Oliver Lockwood.

A group calling for restrictions on social media for under-16s will meet with Tynwald members next week.Yesterday (15 June) the UK announced a which will restrict young peoples' access to apps including TikTok and Snapchat from next year.You can find out more HERE.The Island’s education minister says there are 'discussions to be had' but there's no indication yet if the Isle of Man will follow suit.John Bolton is a member of the 'Delay Smartphones - IOM' group and aligns with the Smartphone Free Childhood campaign in the UK.

Today (16 June) our Island's politicians will gather for the penultimate sitting of Tynwald before this year's General Election.Amongst the topics set to be discussed at the June sitting of the court is that of homelessness.It follows a consultation designed to help develop legislation to prevent and address the problem on the Isle of Man.It's hoped a draft bill can be brought to the Island's parliament by March 2027.Siobhán Fletcher has been speaking to MLC Kirstie Morphet and Cabinet Office Minister David Ashford.

A former MHK has accused the chief minister of publicly belittling and demeaning the Manx parliament during the debate over the Assisted Dying Bill.Quintin Gill, who represented Rushen between 2001 and 2011, has sent an open letter to Alfred Cannan, claiming the Ayre & Michael MHK's behaviour has been inappropriate and unworthy of any chief minister.You can read more about his concerns HERE.In this episode of the Manx Newscast, Mr Gill tells Sian Cowper why he decided to write this letter:

A news agent in Port St Mary is calling on the Steam Packet Company to consider using the MV Arrow or Ben my Chree for freight services instead of the Manxman. Technical issues on the ferry resulted in papers arriving late on the Island yesterday.

The response by the Council of Ministers to a report into the Island's dyslexia provision is 'disappointing', according to a campaign group.Of the twelve recommendations put forward by a Tynwald Select Committee, ministers accepted just two as they are written, amended nine, and rejected one.In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Dyslexia Advocacy Group IOM members Julia Bell, Peter Washington and Chrissie Watson.

'We want to provide a facility for almost anybody'.That's the message from two women who are hoping to keep Ballafesson Church Hall open for the local, and wider, community. Maureen Dadd and Pat Harper, from Friends of Ballafesson Community, have one year to make the hall viable otherwise it will be sold on the open market. Mrs Dadd and Mrs Harper say the group is looking to start a programme of events and is open to ideas from local groups.They add the chapel is closed and has issued a 'cease to meet' - but the hall is still in use.Currently the Friends of Ballafesson Community has organised coffee mornings and jumble sales - but is hoping to expand into hotpot nights, soup lunches and concerts with Manx bands.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Maureen and Pat:

Government is being called on to offer ‘clear and meaningful protections’ for migrants who moved to the Isle of Man under the published five-year route to settlement.It comes after the UK Government looked at increasing the time a worker has to live there before starting the naturalisation process and subsequent concerns the Island may follow suit.

The families of dementia patients currently being cared for in the north of the Island are urging Manx Care to ‘think seriously’ about the impact of moving them.It follows concerns there may be plans in place to relocate residents from the Elderly Mental Infirm unit at the Reayrt Skyal residential care home in Ramsey.Manx Care and the Department of Health and Social Care has been contacted for a comment.

Volunteers with the Street Angels group say there's a positive atmosphere around the TT fortnight, and it should stay that way.Sue and Joe Sheehy travelled from Italy to help out the organisation, which helps members of the public on nights out if they get into difficulty.

Greg Lambert, says race organisers, teams and manufacturers need to look after the sidecar class to ensure its future.It follows news that the class has been removed from the Southern 100 Road Races ahead of next month's racing event.

A fundraiser for paralysed sidecar racer Maria Costello MBE has exceeded all expectations and has left her 'overwhelmed'.That's from her team who have told Manx Radio it evidences the sense of community in the biking world.Maria, and her passenger Shaun Parker, were involved in what’s been described as a ‘horrific accident’ at Brandish during TT qualifying on 26 May.Siobhán Fletcher went to the paddock this week to catch up with Maria's sportbike mechanic Dale Extance.He gave us the latest update on her condition, and said she's been overwhelmed by the support she's seen from far and wide.

Efforts are underway to raise £200,000 for a TT rider who’s been left paralysed following a crash in qualifying.Sidecar racer Maria Costello is currently on the High Dependency Unit at The Walton Centre in Liverpool after breaking her back during the incident on Tuesday, 26 May.Her team, Maria Costello Racing, say she will now need to adapt ‘almost all aspects of her life’.They’re calling on motorsport fans to help support her recovery.News Editor Tessa Hawley has been speaking to her manager Alan Gardner:

Tonight (2 June), renowned AC/DC tribute band DC/AC will take to the stage for the final time.The band are calling it a day after 22-years playing to crowds on the Isle of Man due to issues with ill health.The show is set to feature all manner of special effects.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Brian Diehl, the a pyrotechnics expert tasked with putting it together.

There will be no more Sidecar action at this year's Isle of Man TT Races.Organisers confirmed the decision to suspend the class this week (28 May), describing it as a 'precautionary measure' taken following an incident involving a Sidecar team during the third qualifying session.Siobhán Fletcher went to the paddock after the news broke to get the reaction from competitors.

In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster pops in to Manx National Heritage's new visitor welcome hub in Castletown and speaks to Chief Executive Connie Lovel.

The health minister says her department was reluctant to cut services in order to come in on budget during the last financial year.The DHSC is seeking an additional £20.8m by way of a supplementary vote in next month's sitting of Tynwald.In this edition of Newscast, Phil Gawne speaks to Health Minister Claire Christian.

A candidate standing in the Garff Commissioners by-election says he would use his professional experience to support Garff Commissioners if elected. Richard Taylor, a retiree from the finance sector, believes the main issue facing residents is the Mooir Vannin offshore windfarm which he is opposed to as, as well as a lack of community spaces.Residents in the Lonan Ward will be able to vote from 8am until 8pm on Thursday 21 May at the Laxey Working Men's Institute or Baldrine Methodist Church Hall.The other candidates standing are James Curtis and James HewisonMr Taylor added that he would like to give back to the community. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

The owners of a local business have told Manx Radio they are 'really proud' of all the work that went into the most talked about event of the weekend.On Saturday, boxing champion Tyson Fury's 16-year-old daughter Venezuela and her now-husband Noah Price got married in St John's Church.Over the past two days there've been countless articles in the UK press featuring photos from the celebration, which included a wide array of Manx businesses.Lewis Foster has been speaking to Bianca Gray and Gemma Middleton from The Event Stylists IOM, and helped pull the whole day together.

Reintroducing 'paper services' and improving the bins are two issues that need to be addressed in Garff, according to a candidate in the upcoming commissioner's by-election. James Hewison, a volunteer for the Not For Isle of Man Windfarm group, says the main issue for residents in Lonan are the sewage treatment works and the lack of services.Residents will be able to vote from 8am until 8pm on Thursday 21 May at the Laxey Working Men's Institute or Baldrine Methodist Church Hall.The other candidates standing in the Garff Commissioners Lonan Ward by-election are James Curtis and Richard Taylor. Mr Hewison adds that he is opposed to the offshore windfarm proposals, and would try to encourage people to become more politically minded. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

A candidate standing for the upcoming election in Garff's Lonan Ward says he wants to help the area become more 'efficient' and support the day-to-day running of the parish. James Curtis, a small business owner, also hopes to use his previous experience as a commissioner to assist with the local authority's work. Residents in Lonan will be able to vote from 8am until 8pm on Thursday 21 May, at either the Laxey Working Men's Institute or Baldrine Methodist Church HallThe other candidates standing are James Hewison and Richard Taylor.Mr Curtis says that he is opposed the Mooir Vannin Offshore Windfarm proposals and would have a 'sensible and prudent' approach if elected. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him.

When an American wartime spy manual was declassified nearly 20 years ago, few could have predicted it would spark questions about modern government, bureaucracy and decision-making.Manx Radio’s Christian Jones and John Moss explore the remarkable parallels between the OSS ‘Simple Sabotage Field Manual’ of 1944 and the realities of modern organisational life.From committees and consultation to risk-aversion and delay, the programme examines whether systems designed to protect the public can sometimes unintentionally slow progress instead.Featuring insights from former ministers and political figures including David Cretney and Phil Gawne, the documentary asks the question: where is the line between necessary scrutiny and systemic paralysis?

A group of volunteers are visiting from Italy to lend a helping hand this TT.They'll be joining the ranks of the Street Angels, who keep watch over the Island's key nightlife spots and make sure revellers are enjoying themselves safely.Born on the Isle of Man, Sue Sheehy, along with her family and friends, will be here from 25 May - and they're on the lookout for suitable accommodation.With upwards of 40,000 visitors expected, Sue explains what she and the Street Angels do.

The chair of the board of Manx Care has been praising the health body's outgoing CEO Teresa Cope.It was announced this week that Ms Cope will leave her role this summer, ahead of taking up new opportunities in the Autumn.In this edition of Newscast, Manx Care's chair, Wendy Reid, says it was Teresa's personal decision to step down, and she hasn't been pushed out of the role.And she's not been placed on gardening leave either...

Thomase Cleator is a young farmer who single-handedly runs Ballakeenan Farm in Jurby.Amy Griffiths has been chatting to him about some of the many challenges he's been facing, including coastal erosion, food security and mental health.

The chair of Garff Commissioners is calling on government to look for efficiencies instead of 'selling Garff down the river'.It comes after the public session in the latest round of hearings into proposals for an 87-turbine windfarm off the Island's coast.Richard Henthorn believes, if it made savings, government would be able to save more money than the windfarm would make.He and fellow commissioner Jamie Smith as well as campaigner Georgina O'Sullivan from NOT4IOM spoke to Phil Gawne after the hearing:

The family of a boy who had to travel to Alder Hey by boat because Manx Care refused to provide an air ambulance say the way he was treated was 'inhumane'.Fifteen-year-old Jamie seriously injured his hand last week and experienced a number of issues while trying to get the right care.Speaking to Manx Radio, his brother Gary says he's suffered life-changing injuries because of the amount of time it took to get him to the children's hospital in Liverpool.Manx Care and Alder Hey have been approached for comment:

A teenage mental health champion has raised nearly £300 for the Manx Wildlife Trust (MWT) with a fascinating talk about how his snakes and other ‘weird’ pets have helped him deal with long-term mental health struggles.Seventeen-year-old Jessie Quirk entertained a full house at Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin with his talk, 'The Secret Lives of Weird Pets: Snakes, Autism and Me'.He brought along his western hognose and corn snakes, leaf insects, mantises and a giant African millipede to meet the audience and was joined by Allan Campbell from Zoo2YouIOM.Siobhán caught up with Jessie after the talk to find out how the audience reacted to his wide collection of pets, and to hear more about his upcoming talk at the first ever Eastbourne Invertebrate Convention on Saturday 23 May!

The chair of Arbory and Rushen Commissioners says the lack of information about the Cair Vie windfarm is 'disappointing'. Kirrie Jenkins believes there's been no updates on Manx Utilities Earystane project since March last year and residents have been left in a 'void'.The local authority has written to Tynwald members asking them to 'scrutinise' Manx Utilities proposals before formal processes 'limit' their ability to engage.Mrs Jenkins says the board has been told an application for the project is 'imminent'. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

The former infrastructure minister says there was a 'massive' amount of misinformation about what would've been clause five of the Local Government Amendment Bill. Michelle Haywood, who was in charge at the time the clause was added to the bill, believes the ongoing debates around the clause were distracting from more important updates. The clause could've seen functions imposed onto local authorities without any financial support from the government. Dr Haywood says she doesn't see the clause being brought back anytime soon. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

Today marks the end of Autism Acceptance Month, which takes place in April each year.A loaded calendar of events has now come to a close, but some initiatives, such as businesses implementing 'quiet hours', will continue.Pete Corkhill is a Safeguarding Practitioner for Health and sits on the Autism Spectrum Condition Strategy Steering Group.He's been telling Siobhán Fletcher more.

The Department of Health and Social Care has outlined plans to introduce services that would allow for diagnosis and better support for neurodivergent people on the Island.Currently there is no assessment route for ADHD or autism for adults not diagnosed in childhood.So, what happens if you're told you need a diagnosis?In this edition of Newscast, Douglas resident Mitzi Danielson-Kaslik tells Lewis Foster what led her to being diagnosed at 21, and the financial toll it's taken so far.

A mother whose campaign led to the UK government changing its laws on medicinal cannabis in 2018 is calling on governments across the British Isles to pilot allowing regulated recreational cannabis schemes.Charlotte Caldwell's son Billy became the first patient in the UK to receive a medicinal cannabis prescription.His case led to a change in law in the UK after customs officials confiscated a cannabis-based medication, resulting in him suffering a life-threatening seizure.She's been visiting the Isle of Man this week as part of the TRACD campaign, with a view to setting up a pilot scheme here that she hopes would allow government to gather data, stop the illicit sale of cannabis and reduce harm.She told Manx Radio about TRACD, but first explained more about Billy's story:

The chair of Castletown Commissioners says he is 'appalled' at the decision to sell the old police station.Tony Brown believes that the current government has no policies in place to protect heritage assets and that it's 'neglecting' these properties across the Island.The decision to sell the Bailie Scott building was agreed during Tynwald's April sitting with only three MHKs voting against the move.Mr Brown says Manx National Heritage has been having 'consistent battles' with Treasury for funding allocated towards maintenance.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:

The CEO of Manx charity Motiv8 has been speaking out about the 'hidden harm' caused to children and young people by a parents' substance misuse.The charity's Family Service marks its ten year anniversary this month, having supported hundreds of adults and children in that time.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Motiv8 CEO Thea Ozenturk.

An MHK believes making it legal to buy and use cannabis recreationally on the Isle of Man would reduce the harm caused by the drug.Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson will ask Tynwald, at its May sitting, to set up a citizens’ jury to examine timelines and policies for a future regulated environment that would allow the sale of cannabis for recreational use.Currently, some patients qualify for medicinal cannabis, but the drug remains a classified substance and is illegal to possess for other purposes.Dr Allinson told Manx Radio why he believes it will reduce harm, and how the citizens' just would work:

A 15-year-old has started a petition calling for more funding for the Isle of Man Music Service.River Kelly-Brown believes there should be an increase to allow all the Island’s children equal access to music and the Manx Youth Orchestra.Uploading her petition to the internet last week, it's has now been signed by more than 300 people.Alongside her mum, River has been speaking to Lewis Foster.

A new silent book club is offering people with busy lives a dedicated reading hour in 'peace and quiet'.This evening (April 23), Douglas City Library is hosting the event from 6:45pm until 8pm to give residents 'uninterrupted' time to read their own book with refreshments.Readers are able to bring a book in any format including audiobooks, e-readers, paperbacks, manga or comics.It’s been arranged to coincide with World Book Night’s 'Reading Hour' project, and the library's official membership of the international Silent Book Club.The club will then continue as a 'regular reading retreat' for users on the last Wednesday of every month from 6.30pm–8pm.Deputy Librarian Sophie Goodwin and City Librarian Jan Macartney have been speaking to Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper.