Manx Newscast

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.

This week the UK government confirmed it was 'unable to recommend' the Island's Assisted Dying Bill for Royal Assent.The Ministry of Justice raised a number of concerns, seeking clarity to make sure the legislation complies with the European Convention on Human Rights.But what has the reaction been to the news?Amy Griffiths has been finding out.Some of the interviews contain descriptions which some listeners may find distressing.

The chair of Peel Commissioners has confirmed that a 'formal employment matter' is being conducted and a member of staff is being investigated. Ray Harmer read out a statement at last night's commissioners meeting which asked residents to respect the confidentiality of the process. He also confirmed that the fees for the solicitors would be released after the course of events had taken place.Meanwhile, Katryna Baptist, who posted the initial video alleging poor governance, says she 'can't just quit' and will carry on in the position to deliver a mandate. This is despite telling the board she felt 'unsafe' at meetings and her request for the infrastructure minister to sit in the private meeting to ensure 'fairness' being rejected by the board.However, Ms Baptist said she felt 'encouraged' by the number of people who went along in support of her. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them both.

The Douglas North MHKs say they are still awaiting a response from Douglas Council with information about the Ballanard Road playing field six weeks after sending a letter. David Ashford and John Wannenburgh have asked the council for timelines and schedules regarding the replanting of trees and whether there are still plans to turn the site into a building compound to support the refurbishment of houses in the Willaston estate. The council recently felled 39 trees in the area and started a replanting scheme - but the MHKs say a lack of communication with residents about the situation is causing 'angst'. Mr Ashford says there are concerns about 'reinstatement works' from recent tree felling which includes large rocks, glass and rubbish found in the topsoil. He and Mr Wannenburgh believe the playing field is vital to the community and is one of very few available green spaces in the area. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them both.

The Road Transport Licensing Committee (RTLC) is urging people to make a complaint if they think they've been overcharged for a taxi journey.It's after a post on social media claimed a 'small minority' of drivers aren't using meters when they should be.Amy Griffiths has been speaking to secretary Noel Capewell and chair Graham Curphey:

The health minister insists her department is 'taking charge' of capacity issues at Noble's Hospital.An independent rapid review has been commissioned by the DHSC after serious concerns were raised by the Medical Staff Committee.Last month the group of 75 senior doctors and consultants claimed there was a 'critical shortfall in inpatient bed capacity' at the site.Claire Christian has been speaking to Amy Griffiths:

The politician behind the Island's Assisted Dying Bill admits he's disappointed by the UK's decision not to recommend the legislation for Royal Assent.The UK's Ministry of Justice has raised concerns that the Bill may not comply with the European Convention on Human Rights.Safeguards against coercion, monitoring of assisted deaths and ensuring capacity were among the points raised.Ramsey MHK Alex Allinson has confirmed work is underway to draft amendments that would address them:

A mum on the Isle of Man has been speaking out about the symptoms her five-year-old son displayed before he was diagnosed with a rare form of brain tumour.In 2024, five-year-old Hector started began waking in the night with headaches and, during the day, his food began to taste strange.Having been air-ambulanced from the Isle of Man to Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, he later underwent a six-week course of proton beam therapy at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust.In this edition of Newscast, Hector's mum, Rebekah Dalrymple, explains to Lewis Foster what the last 18 months have been like for them as a family - and why she will run the Manchester Marathon this weekend (19 April) in support of The Christie.

A longstanding resident and volunteer of Arbory has been appointed as the new captain of the parish. Claire Whiteway was selected by the Lieutenant Governor Sir John Lorimer to replace Raymond Gawne who had been in the position for nearly thirty years.Traditionally, the captain was responsible for maintaining order within the parish but the role today is 'largely ceremonial'.Mrs Whiteway says she is 'honoured' and 'very proud' to be taking on the position. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

The Grand National returns this weekend (11 April) and as part of this year's event the Isle of Man Post Office will be paying tribute to one of our former residents, Trevor Hemmings.The British billionaire businessman, who died in 2021, was a stalwart of the horse racing world.As the jockeys and the crowds return to Aintree, the Isle of Man Post Office is issuing a collection of stamps featuring Mr Hemmings and some of his famous horses and in support of the Injured Jockeys Fund.In this edition of Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks with Maxine Cannon, General Manager of Stamps and Coins.

The outgoing clerk of Arbory and Rushen Commissioners says there is lots of 'really good' and 'innovative' work being carried out across local authorities. Phil Gawne, who's leaving the post after 10 years of service, believes there's been an increase in the amount of bureaucracy attached to the position from when he first started. Mr Gawne has officially finished, however he will stay on for a couple of months during a transition position to support the incoming clerk. He says in some instances the government could learn from local authorities. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him:

Some parents on the Isle of Man believe a recent ruling in the US regarding smartphone apps should be a wake up call to the government here.The recent trial in California found that Meta, which owns Instagram, Facebook and WhatsApp, and Google, owner of YouTube, intentionally designed social media platforms to be addictive.In response to recent questions, Government said it had no plans to ban social media for under-16s but will 'continue to monitor international debate on the issue'.Campaigners John Bolton and Jessica Cross see the recent verdict as a watershed moment, and want the Isle of Man to take notice.

The president of Tynwald has announced he'll retire from politics later this year.Laurence Skelly has confirmed he won't be seeking re-election when his term in office expires in July.He's been in the post since 2021, having previously served as a Member of the House of Keys for 10 years, including seven years as a minister.He says it's been a great privilege to serve the people of Rushen and the Isle of Man, and that he intends to remain active in Island life following his retirement.The election of the next President of Tynwald will take place on 21 July for a term of office extending to 2031.

The directors of Mannin Music say there's a 'general feeling' in Peel that things don't happen in the town and why that is, is 'unclear'.Business owners Laura and David Rowles say concerns about the proposed beach stage hadn't been raised by Peel Commissioners until this Wednesday (25 March), when the clerk called to pass on comments from the board.The pair suggested the idea to Commissioner Katryna Baptist and the shop is partnering with the local authority for the trial of the stage as well as helping organise acts.They added that meetings with Ms Baptist and Commissioner Stuart Hardingham have been 'positive'.Mr and Mrs Rowles also say the licence application for the stage is due on 2 April but are yet to receive a letter confirming they can act on the behalf of the local authority to get the necessary permissions. Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to them.

The chief minister says there's 'no guarantee there'll be any support' from government amid the ongoing fuel crisis.The cost of petrol, diesel and home heating oil has shot up as a result of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.Alfred Cannan confirmed government is following a number of key principles, including weekly meetings, establishing an industry monitoring body and protecting the supply of fuel to the Island.However, speaking on Manx Radio, he wouldn't commit to providing any help to people struggling with the increases:

A new consultation is inviting residents, property owners, and stakeholders to share their views on how voluntary land registration can be encouraged and made more accessible.The Land Registry, within the Central Registry, is reviewing how residents can be further incentivised do so in an attempt to increase the uptake of registration.The consultation follows a Tynwald approved recommendation from the Tynwald Constitutional and Legal Affairs and Justice Committee’s First Report on Adverse Possession and Land Registration.Registrar General Ed Clague says they are open to all suggestions:

Hospice Isle of Man has confirmed a number of redundancies and service changes amidst what it describes as 'increasingly unsustainable' financial difficulties.In this edition of Newscast, we speak to Hospice CEO Fiona Hatton about the 'tough decision' the charity has faced.

A new form, which has been trialled successfully on the frailty unit at Noble's Hospital, will soon be getting rolled out further.It has been created by Sonia Blake - Manx Care's Day Centre Services Manager - for use across all clinical settings, particularly those that are 'time poor', like hospital wards.The document is the brainchild of her experience when her mum was in hospital with the later stages of Alzheimer's, and her desire for staff to know what made her mum feel safe when she couldn't be there.It focusses on five things that matter most to the person, to help put them at ease, as Sonia told Siobhán Fletcher.

Alongside their training, the latest recruits to join the Isle of Man Constabulary are organising a charity quiz night in the south of the Island this Friday (27 March) to raise money for Isle Stand Up To Suicide.To find out more about the event, Ben spoke to Student Police Constables Saul Law and Luke Sweetman.

The brand new Integrated Sight Support & Resource Hub was officially opened this morning (20 March) at Noble’s Hospital by Dr Janet Gray MBE.It’s in the former MacMillan Room in the foyer, and encompasses everything someone dealing with sight loss may need, and will also support their families. Siobhán sat down with Manx Care's Eye Care Liaison Officer, Lesley Hankinson, and Chief Executive of Sight Matters, Cathryn Bradley, to find out more.

A mum on the Island has organised a gig with a difference this weekend as local bands will take to the stage to raise money for a cause close to her heart.Known to many here as a competitive skateboarder, and from her work with Gal Skate, Ali Mellor lost her daughter, Belle, nearly 14 years ago after she was stillborn at 36 weeks.Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Ali to find out more about the gig this weekend and why the charity, SANDS, means so much to her.

Tributes are being paid to a campaigner described as an 'integral part of' several of the Island's cancer charities following his death.Chris Barr was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006, making him one of only a few hundred men given the diagnosis each year.A lawyer, he readily gave many free legal advice, and helped patients come to terms with their illness, even throughout his own battle with the disease.Siobhán Fletcher sat down with Derek Peters and Carole Male from Mannin Cancers and Chris' husband, John Artil, to hear more about the 'quiet man who did so much for this Island'.

The risk of a meningitis outbreak on the Isle of Man is 'very low indeed'.That's the message from the Island's Director of Public Health and Chief Medical Officer, Matt Tyrer.It comes following the death of two young people in the UK following an outbreak largely centred around the University of Kent in Canterbury.But with questions around vaccinations prevalent in most news coverage - what is the advice to parents here who may be worried?Siobhán Fletcher asked Dr Tyrer.

Parents on the Isle of Man are being encouraged to make sure their children have received all available meningitis vaccinations.It follows an outbreak in the UK in which two young people have died, and several others are in hospital.Beth Espey spoke to Brett Martin, whose 21-year-old son Lucas died from the disease in 2023.He says his heart goes out to the families affected and is urging parents to do everything they can to ensure young people are as protected as possible:

Doctors on the Isle of Man have claimed a ‘critical shortfall’ in inpatient bed capacity at Noble’s Hospital is posing a direct risk to people’s lives.The Medical Staff Committee is calling for ‘immediate government intervention’ to support the simultaneous demands of emergency admissions and planned surgery.It claims that Manx Care has reduced the number of beds by 46 percent – something the health body disputes.Chief Executive Teresa Cope told Manx Radio it’s been an ‘incredibly difficult’ winter and says efforts to configure wards have come at the ‘worst possible time’:

The Salvation Army says it's assisting clients with a combined total of £2.2m debt. It's an increase of a million pounds from last year; this week marks Debt Awareness Week and year-on-year the charity says it has seen more people seeking assistance on how to manage their money better.

A local mobile catering van says it's 'disappointed' not to be visiting Castletown due to a dispute with the local authority.Filbey's says it offered the commissioners 42 dates for the year, and after a number of emails the local authority returned with six that they could operate on.The board says it was 'happy' for Filbey’s to have their mobile unit in Market Square, but the decision was 'made solely' by the business.Co-Owner Jess Reeder-Katsipis [PRON: KAT-SIPIS] says they have 'no malice' towards the local authority and would love to go back to Castletown.Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Jess, along with Scott and Adele Filbey:

Endometriosis affects around one in ten women - but for many, getting help can be a long and difficult journey.Chloë Love, 31, has been living with severe symptoms for nearly two decades.In this extended interview with Manx Radio’s Christian Jones, she speaks about chronic pain, spending her life savings on private surgery, and why she feels her concerns have not been fully heard.

A teenage 'mental health champion' is set to give a talk later this month about how his snakes and other 'unusual pets' have had a positive effect on his wellbeing.Seventeen-year-old Jessie Quirk has ADHD, autism and severe social anxiety, alongside other mental health issues.On 24 March he will give a talk at the Erin Arts Centre in Port Erin explaining how his four snakes have been a force for good in his life.

It's only in relatively recent times that a career in catering has earned the respect it deserves in the UK. That's helped in no short part by the popularity of cookery programmes on TV and much greater awareness of healthy eating and interest in international cuisines.George Harris is a talented young chef from the Isle of Man who trained initially at UCM and is now making waves in a Michelin starred restaurant in the Lake District.Simon Richardson spoke to George and asked him what had inspired him to seek a career in the kitchen...

The chief minister says it's important Isle of Man residents understand the future potential economic impacts as the conflict in the Middle East continues into its 11th day. This afternoon, Alfred Cannan will meet with senior ministers and officials to assess the potential inflationary pressures including increases in energy prices, as well as the potential impact on the economy more generally. Speaking on Manx Radio Breakfast this morning, he says future fuel prices are expected to increase significantly and there are also other shortages which may have an impact.

Later this year, you're invited to take part in a world record for the largest Pilates class ever.The low-impact exercise was created by Joseph Pilates at Knockaloe Internment Camp right here on the Isle of Man.And in July, Ramsey Crookall, in collaboration with 34Moves and Visit Isle of Man, is aiming to break the current world record of 3,486 participants.We speak to Ramsey Crookall CEO Joanna Crookall, Ruby Griffiths, Founder of 34Moves, and CEO of Visit Isle of Man, Deborah Heather.

Douglas Council says its new social housing development in Willaston is 'everything' it wants to achieve in one building. The local authority has spent £11 million on the new apartment block which has 48 flats and will take roughly 88 people of its waiting list. Leader Devon Watson says the development will also make the housing stock more 'efficient' by helping people downsize.Our Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to him and the Chair of the Housing Committee Peter Washington.

Manx charity Victim Support has received 85 referrals since the start of the year.January is typically the busiest month for the service, which helps people affected by crime on the Isle of Man.An increase in referrals if often, in part, due to increased publicity of the charity - and towards the end of 2025 there was a campaign to raise awareness about coercive control, financial abuse and elder abuse.CEO Lorna Trevethan says they are looking ahead to similar, targeted campaigns throughout this year.

International data protection authorities - including those in the Isle of Man, Guernsey and Jersey - have raised concerns about AI-generated deepfakes.They warn that non-consensual intimate imagery can cause serious emotional harm and damage reputations.Organisations developing AI tools are being urged to prevent misuse, protect personal data and act quickly when harmful content is reported.Information Commissioner Alexandra Delaney-Bhattacharya sat down with Manx Radio's Christian Jones to discuss.

We are now entering the fourth day of strike action by the Island's bus drivers as an ongoing row over pay and conditions shows little sign of letting up.For those relying on public transport there is a limited bus service running, while the Department of Infrastructure has worked to reopen the Manx Electric Railway for anyone who is able to commute by tram.DOI Minister Tim Crookall joined the Manx Radio Breakfast team to discuss the strike action and address his decision on the Ramsey sea wall

The leader of Douglas Council believes government needs to be investing the same amount into social housing as it does 'luxury apartments'.Devon Watson has welcomed its plan to put £8.5 million pounds every year for five years into the housing deficiency fund,but says it needs to be 'accelerated'. Local authorities who have social housing development plans use money from rents to pay for the projects and any remaining costs are covered by the deficiency fund. Councillor Watson says the increased funding is a 'step in the right direction'.