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International Executive Committee Chair Says CPA ‘Open for Business’

by Stephen Ritch

The Rt.Hon. Sir Alan Haselhurst MP was guest speaker at the Isle of Man Commonwealth Parliamentary Association (CPA) dinner on Tuesday, March 13.

Addressing the audience of present and former CPA members at the Claremont Hotel, Douglas, Sir Alan, chairperson of the CPA international executive committee and Conservative MP for Saffron Walden, reaffirmed that the CPA was open for business and spoke of the importance of redefining the associations status.

Sir Alan explained that central to CPA strategy was the need to bring parliamentarians together, adding The clues in the name. He acknowledged there were special issues affecting small island states, remarking that the CPA enabled the small to mix with the mighty and learn from each other and, as a recent example of the Isle of Mans important contribution to the CPA, cited the valuable contribution made by the President of Tynwald, the Hon Clare Christian MLC, in her capacity as the British Islands and Mediterranean Region (BIMR) CPA working party representative.

Sir Alan said he hoped to expand the scope and reach of seminars and workshops organised by the CPA and stressed the importance of constantly looking at what others [in the Commonwealth] are doing in a move to adopt a more global perspective.

During his 24-hour visit, his first to the Island, Sir Alan spent time at the Legislative Buildings where he was given a tour of Tynwald Court and the Legislative Council chambers conducted by Madam President and of the House of Keys led by the Speaker, the Hon Steve Rodan SHK, during which the Tynwald voice recognition transcription technology was demonstrated. Sir Alan also met with the executive committee of the Isle of Man branch of the CPA and visited Tynwald Hill and the Royal Chapel at St Johns.

CPA Isle of Man branch chairman Mr Juan Watterson MHK said: Sir Alans speech illustrated his deep commitment to strengthening the CPAs global reach, redefining its role for the 21st century and forming lasting alliances. An ardent proponent of strength through unity Sir Alan brings strong leadership and wise counsel to the CPA and we were honoured to welcome him to the Isle of Man.

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we were honoured to welcome him to the Isle of Man."

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International Executive Committee Chair Says CPA ‘Open for Business’

Wurlitzer Takes Its Place Among Manx Attractions: A Theatre Organ “On Your Doorstep”

by Jonathan King

The Isle of Man has many impressive historic and cultural attractions. One of the newest is the Wurlitzer organ at the Villa Marina Arcade, built in 1929 and extensively refurbished in 2009.

Since the refurbishment was completed, increasing use has been made of the Wurlitzer each year. This year once again there will be evening recitals by visiting artists about once a month starting with Len Rawle on 16 May. Free Wednesday lunchtime concerts by Manx resident musicians will take place throughout the summer starting with John Riley on 27 June. In a new departure there will be a Wurlitzer Tea Dance on the afternoon of Sunday 22 April at which the Wurlitzer will be played by Margaret Cubbon.

More information can be found on the Villa Gaiety website and also on Facebook by searching for Friends of the Isle of Man Wurlitzer. This new Facebook group was set up in February and already has a number of members from the theatre organ community in the UK as well as being used by music lovers from around the Isle of Man.

Given the level of use now being made of the Wurlitzer, it is now a real possibility to include the Wurlitzer when planning a visit to the Isle of Man. This possibility is to be promoted by Friends of the Isle of Man Wurlitzer through the On Your Doorstep exhibition at the Villa Marina on 24 March.

Where a group visit, such as a cruise ship or coach tour, does not coincide with an existing Wurlitzer performance, the Friends of the Isle of Man Wurlitzer may be able to help facilitate a range of Wurlitzer experiences from short informal demonstrations to full-scale evening concerts.

The Villa Marina Arcade is part of the Villa Marina complex which a high quality conference venue. The music of the Wurlitzer can give a unique atmosphere to any event. If event organisers need someone to play the Wurlitzer, the Friends may be able to help.

The Friends would be interested to hear from musicians who would like to play the Wurlitzer. Open console" sessions are held each month.

For more information on all of the above please contact Jonathan King on 07624 458117.

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Wurlitzer Takes Its Place Among Manx Attractions: A Theatre Organ “On Your Doorstep”

Top IT Award for Isle of Man Government

by Anna Hemy

The Isle of Man Government has been recognised as offering some of the best information technology in the UK. CIO Magazine publishes its top 100 CIO Chief Information Officer list annually to recognise the IT leaders and company directors that are transforming their organisations through technology leadership. This year it names Information Systems Division (ISD) Director Allan Paterson and Chief Technical Officer Peter Clarke at number 83 in the list. John Shimmin MHK, Minister for the Department of Economic Development, welcomed the news. He said: Harnessing technological advances is essential for business change and key to enabling Isle of Man businesses to remain competitive. ISD plays a key role in Governments modernisation agenda and this recognition from the UK provides a good benchmark of the Isle of Mans performance against organisations many times our size. It also reinforces how we are trying to make technology work better to support the Governments business needs. Andy Williams, Head of Business Systems at ISD, said: It is an honour for ISD to be featured in the top 100 CIO listing. Obviously the Isle of Man Government is not part of the UK but to be recognised in this way, measured against the UKs regional governments, local authorities and large companies is a major achievement. Easyjet topped the list while other companies named in the top five include Severn Trent Water at number 2 and Marks and Spencer at number 4. Allan Paterson, Director of ISD, commented: This award is a tribute to all in ISD for their hard work and dedication and I offer my thanks to all for their part in this fantastic achievement. - Ends -

It is an honour for ISD to be featured in the top 100 CIO listing."

Andy Williams, Head of Business Systems at ISD

If you'd like to send any information or news releases to us then please feel free to do so and we would be more than happy to consider sharing your news with the Isle of Man!

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Manx Telecom Ltd 2012

Manx Telecom Ltd, Isle of Man Business Park, Cooil Road, Braddan, Isle of Man IM99 1HX Registered in the Isle of Man Reg no.5629V Vat Reg no GB 003-2919-12

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Top IT Award for Isle of Man Government

Isle Of Man To Engage Taxpayers On 'Critical' Issues

21 March 2012

The Isle of Man government will hold public meetings to engage with taxpayers on matters of "national importance", including tax and budgetary policy, starting this month, it has been announced.

The aim of the series of meetings is to discuss critical issues facing the Isle of Man, highlight the governments priorities, and generate feedback and ideas from members of the public, the government said.

The first, on March 28, will feature a presentation by Treasury Minister Eddie Teare, which will examine the Budget process and the need for significant savings across government departments. The series will continue over the next twelve months, the government has said.

Commenting on the initiative, Chief Minister Allan Bell, said:

"These community meetings are an important part of my promise to promote open and transparent government and to work with the public [and industry] in the best interests of the Isle of Man. I want to encourage considered debate on a range of issues, explain government policies and discuss together our aspirations for the future.

The Budget spelt out the very challenging targets that the government has to meet in order to stay on track with our strategy for rebalancing public finances. I said at the beginning of the year that the road ahead would be difficult and some of our decisions would not be popular or easy to accept. The community meetings will provide an opportunity for local people to question Ministers and to discuss the direction of travel of this administration."

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Isle Of Man To Engage Taxpayers On 'Critical' Issues

Isle of Man Constabulary Notices

by Paul Bryan and Christopher Treanor

Please see below for Notices from the Isle of Man Constabulary.

At 11:14am on Wednesday the 14th March 2012, a Silver Citroen Picasso C4 was parked in the front car park at the Sea Terminal. At this time the vehicle was struck by another unknown vehicle causing significant damage to the rear end of the Citroen. The offending vehicle failed to stop and left the scene. Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen the incident and can assist them with their enquiries. Any person who may have any information is asked to contact PC 301 Susan Yule at Lord Street Police Station or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

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Douglas Police are investigating a hit and run RTC to a motor vehicle that occurred in the area of Saddle Road, Douglas, sometime between 4.30pm Saturday 17th March and 09.00am on Monday 19th March 2012. A black Toyota Rav 4 was hit on the passenger side wing mirror causing the wing mirror glass to shatter. The Toyota was parked and un occupied at the time of the accident. A wing mirror from a Ford Transit Van was found at the scene. It is possible this vehicle was involved. Police would like the public to be vigilant for any Ford that is missing its passengers nearside wing mirror and report any such sighting to the Police. Any person who may have any information is asked to contact PC Mark Hempsall at Lord Street Police Station or Crimestoppers anonymously 0800 555 111.

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Notification of Inquest - At 1.30pm on Thursday the 22nd day of March 2012 the Coroner of Inquests Mr J.Needham will open and adjourn the Inquest into the death of Mr David Martin Jones of Ramsey, at Douglas courthouse.

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Isle of Man Constabulary Notices