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New WebsiteWe are in the process of creating a new, improved website for your delectation. Over this interim period please bear with us and provide feedback if you wish through our contact page. As a start please see our new Opinions page, which currently includes articles on Tourism and the VAT Bombshell. Reaction to V A T BombshellIf it's at It's almost 2 months since the government was informed by the U K of a severe cut in our V A T income. In response D A F F recently announced the temporary closing of Farm and Horticultural Improvement and Fishing Vessel Financial Assistance and the Chief Minister has told us that we need to 'shop local'. He also asked us all to come up with ideas for coping with the worsened situation. P A G thought you would like to see the 15 point plan of one informed political observer and successful Island businessman, Captain Stuart McKenzie. Election of the Chief Minister via universal suffrageIf it's at all possible can you please go to the public gallery of the House of Keys tomorrow morning at about 11.00 a.m. in support of an important motion that Bill Malarkey is seeking leave to introduce. The session actually starts at 10.00 a.m. with 8 Questions for Oral Answer, which may take an 45 - 60 minutes. Questions can be heard live on Manx Radio AM 1368 There then follows 3 Bills for 2nd reading - time taken unknown and then Item 4 is as follows: The Hon Member for Douglas South (Mr Malarkey) to move - That leave be given to introduce a Bill amending the Council of Ministers Act 1990 and the Representation of the People Act 1995 to make fresh provision with regard to the election of the Chief Minister of the Isle of Man by universal suffrage at the next House of Keys general Election. It may be that with a number in the public gallery the House could feel pressure to enable Mr Malarkey to take a Bill to the next stage. Sorry for late notification, but we've only just spotted this move - do try and go! Our submission to CoMin Consultation on the Tynwald Commissioner for AdministrationA copy is available here and within our documents section. How Government Broke the Tourist IndustryIt was standing room only for Chris Robertshaw's presentation at the Empress Hotel and those of you unable to attend missed a very hard hitting critique of government and our political system. For those who couldn't attend we will have an article from Chris soon. In the meantime please listen to an interview Chris recorded with Marian Kenny for Manx Radio's Agenda programme on 26.10.09. Heather Brooke's investigation lasted several years. She was relentless in probing the secretive Westminster world of politicians expenses and eventually led to the exposure of the "John Lewis list".
Heather’s talk is about half way along this recording, after some short applause for David Gordon. Please click on the image to the right for information about her book on this subject. A Whistle Blower’s Guide If you would like to 'blow the whistle' on some event or issue you feel deserves public scrutiny, here are some guidelines for best practice, to protect you and your story from the Centre for Investigative Journalism. The British-Isle of Man All-Party Parliamentary Group You may have heard of this Westminster All-Party Parliament Group whose purpose is:"To promote and foster good relations and co-operation between the Isle of Man and the United Kingdom". But who is in it? Details of this group are provided here. P A G has contacted the Group to make it aware of our existence. To find out about other All-Party Parliamentary Groups click here. The role of the Chief Secretary in the Isle of Man [The following message was written by a P A G member. It poses some fundamental questions about the business of government]Have a look at the Summary of Proceedings of the Council of Ministers March 2009 and check out the minutes for March 2009. The phrase 'a paper submitted by the Chief Secretary' occurs no less than 13 times for the March minutes alone. The CSO's office is small and I assume they don't have time to write 3 papers a week! As a matter of principle I would like to know:
All this seems very opaque to me. I know P A G is concerned about the 'Block Vote' but consider, that the Tynwald members are being asked to vote on legislation that is regularly emerging out of the ether! In the case of the March 2009 minutes the CSO submitted a paper on the Terrorism Finance Bill the minutes stated: 'given the urgency for introducing the Bill the requirement to consult under the Code of Practice on Consultation be waived.' Who made the risk assessment of this? The CSO, COMIN or someone in Whitehall? My overall point is that the CSO presents as being the key political influence in generating actual legislation. I would like to know, for example, when she is going to submit a 'paper' on expediting the Access to Information legislation so that we can read all her other papers! P A G Constitution At the A G M 27th April 2009 The P A G Constitution was altered to reflect our activity. The four amendments were restricted to Section I. Objectives. That section now reads: Section I. Objectives 1. The Positive Action Group shall be a not for profit Association open to all individuals who meet the qualifications for membership as detailed in Section III. 2. The objectives of the Positive Action Group shall be: (a) To promote awareness and understanding of politics and citizenship (b) To encourage members of the public to participate actively in politics by taking part in discussions, making their views known, voting, standing for office and holding public office. (c) To encourage an increase in the percentage turnout of the electorate, by raising awareness of the importance to the electorate of exercising their democratic right to vote - a consequence of which will be that they can help to shape and secure the future of the Isle of Man. (d)To bring to the attention of Tynwald Members, the Government of the Isle of Man, or any other appropriate bodies, issues or matters of public interest raised by members of P A G; and which may include submissions in response to public consultation exercises (e) To raise funds for the purposes of furthering the aims of the Association. Access to Government Information A year ago this piece of information "Liechtenstein - false teeth and stamps are its main exports" prompted P A G to ask this question to the IoM Post Office:- “I am trying to find out the turnover of the Philatelic Bureau, but could not see it listed separately in the sets of accounts you recently emailed me. I note that an aim for the coming year is "The profitable operation of a philatelic bureau for the marketing and sale of postage stamps and coins to collectors" Could you please advise me the turnover for the unit for the last 5 years?” Simple, you would think, but oh no commercial confidentiality prohibited release of the figures and the request turned into a real saga involving Mr Speaker, the Chair and Board of IoM Post Office and High Bailiff Michael Moyle (acting as Commissioner). See what happened by reading his findings. Please do spare a few minutes as the Commissioner's findings exemplify shortcomings in the prevailing attitude to information requests under the existing Code. PAG Meeting: ‘Big Brother Beckons?’ (report courtesy of the Manx Herald)Does ‘Big Brother’ Beckon? Not quite says ODPS Iain McDonald, from the Office of the Data Protection Supervisor (ODPS), posed this rhetorical question at this week’s Positive Action Group’s (PAG) open meeting and came up with the conclusion there is still some hope the ‘Big Brother’ scenario can be avoided. Full Report Related resources Individuals or groups serving the public must balance two priorities: meeting their own needs as providers; and meeting priorities: meeting their own needs as providers; and meeting needs of service users.But this balance may tip. Providers can slide into being driven mainly by their needs rather than those of users. In literature on health and social services this is called the Niskanen Effect ...(more) PAG Meeting on ‘Tax Havens’On Monday evening (24 November), a room at the Sefton Hotel was packed with 155 people listening to two articulate and well-prepared experts on the topical subject of ‘Tax Havens Today and Tomorrow’. Meeting Report Malcom Crouch’s Presentation John Christensen’s presentation Isle of Man featured on the Tax Justice Network blog Tynwald to be Televised?We have recently written again to the Tynwald Management Committee (TMC) in support of the introduction of a webcasting system covering all parliamentary proceedings. This follows a similar request we made a year ago which resulted in the TMC agreeing to study the proposition and report to Tynwald by December 2008.P A G is quietly confident of a positive outcome. Gawne’s Green VisionDAFF Minister Phil Gawne outlined his vision of a sustainable future for Mannin in a lecture to the International Celtic Congress in Aberystwyth (July 2008). This includes being a net exporter of clean (non fossil) energy by 2020. It is another indication by a Minister that at last Government is recognising the need develop alternative energy sources. P A G welcomes this shift in attitude. Report in full
The development of a long term plan for integrated public transport is included in proposals which can be read at these links: Summary (Press Release):http://www.travelwatch-isleofman.org/Bus_Press_Release_July_2008v2.pdf Full Report:http://www.travelwatch-isleofman.org/Bus_Review_-_Report.pdf TWIOM is proving to be a positive force in promoting the interests of Island passengers and we applaud it for that. It is an enthusiastic people's organisation to which government listens. The developing website is a mine of useful information and well worth looking at: http://www.travelwatch-isleofman.org/html/useful_information.html PAG urges the development of renewable energy on the Island NOW Positive Action Group is calling for the Manx Government to review the almost total dependence on fossil fuels to meet the Island's energy requirements. MoreTynwald Day Competition:Depositors Compensation Scheme (DCS) Of the many people who attended our busy little stall on Tynwald Day not one person got a totally correct answer to our Competition. No prizes now, but have a go yourself to see how well YOU understand the IoM Depositors Compensation Scheme: You, as an individual, have savings, but no borrowings, with an Isle of Man bank. What is the maximum you will receive should that bank collapse if your savings are: a) £10,000? ................ b) £20,000? ................ c) £200,000? .............. d) £2million?............... The answers can be found at the foot of our Guestbook page. Feel free to add any comments on the DCS whilst you are there. Previous DCS news Manx Food Online Questionnaire Be quick to respond to this consultation exercise - it closes on 18th August 2008. There's about 30 tick box answers required covering all aspects of locally produced food products. It's encouraging that the views of the consumer are being sought. About 1500 questionnaires have been sent out to randomly selected members of the public. Opinions are also being sought from as many people as possible via a downloadable document: http://www.gov.im/daff/consultations/ P A G urges you to have your say on this important subject. Free Film shows in August & September DouglasThursday 28th August 2008 6:30pm at the Manx Museum Theatre Garbage Warrior followed by I Is For India P A G persuaded the Arts Council to include documentaries in the 2008 IoM Film Festival programme and we are pleased to say that two will be screened. Come to one or both. The event is free and open to all - just turn up on the night, with others. Monday 15th September 2008 at 6.15pm & 8.00pm the Town Hall This is free, by invitation only so if you or friends or family want to come please E-mail for tickets to: info@positiveactiongroup.org. State which time you prefer as there are only 50 seats for each screening. After this the next P A G public event is on Monday 29th September 2008. Tynwald Day Petitions from 2 PAG Members Members Joe Duffy and Roger Gimbert presented Petitions of Grievance at this year's (2008) Tynwald Ceremony. Joe Duffy wants an investigation into the provision of dental and orthodontic services in the Island, claiming many people have been driven, against their choice, into the private sector to get treatment. Synopsis In full Rodger Gimbert, Peel Commissioner and also ardent data protection campaigner, presented a petition regarding the transfer of Manx residents data to the UK and the security issue this raises in light of the UK’s poor record on data security.In full Depositors Compensation Scheme The Treasury’s announcement not to update the existing Depositors Compensation Scheme is a bitter blow to all those with with savings in any Isle of Man account. PAG urges the Treasury to reconsider. More... Legal News What satisfaction there was in October 2007 when Tynwald received the Government Strategic Plan 2007 – 2011. Three items from P A G’s Charter were listed in the Legislative Programme. These were Bills for:We recently provided feedback to the above. This is very close to my heart - my wallet is usually carried in my breast pocket*. We have suggested that there should be much greater protection for Isle of Man residents money. Please see the consultation document and our feedback to it on our documents page. *note to pickpockets - not any longer. WW3 Outbreak Fear not, faint-hearted reader. This is of course a reference to the latest statement emanating from our masters that qualifies for a special mention in our weasel words section. The full text is here. Please let us know of any further outbreak. Energy Policy ConsultationThe DTI would like as many people as possible to read the Energy Policy Consultative Document and then complete the Feedback Questionnaire to aid them plan for the Island’s future energy production.The Department are making a genuine consultative effort. Please do not pass up this opportunity to register your opinion on a matter that will affect the Island for generations. Meeting on ‘Alcohol in our society’ at the Claremont, Douglas on 25th February Thea Ozenturk and Kay Mylchreest of the Alcohol Advisory Service (AAS) made what was both a detailed and the frankly frightening extent of alcohol abuse on the Island.A majority of attendees felt existing laws must be more rigidly enforced and that our present Combined Drug and Alcohol Strategy was a disaster. There was overwhelming support for the government to formulate a distinct Alcohol Strategy. Manx Herald Report Manx.net Report Note: AAS provides a totally confidential advice and counselling service to any drinkers and their families who are experiencing problems relating to alcohol use. Anyone needing help or advice can phone AAS in absolute confidence on 627656 or consult the AAS Website at www.alcoholadvisoryservice.co.uk] Webcasting of TynwaldThe Tynwald Management Committee have produced their report on the PAG proposal here. Background information. Tynwald Select Committee on the Affairs of Braddan Parish CommissionersWe believe that this latest case proves again that we have an urgent need for two of our charter requirements: an Ombudsman scheme and a ‘Conflicts of Interests’ Act. The record of the February 8th hearing is here. Be warned that this is a large document so may take a little while to load, even on a broadband connection. Guestbook / Tynwald SalariesWe have placed information on Tynwald renumeration for 2007/8 here. We’d be grateful if anybody in receipt of this money were able to confirm or otherwise their accuracy - please make your comment on this or any other relevant subject on our new guest book. How confidential is your personal information?A well-attended and engaged audience discussed the subject at the Empress on 28th January. Thanks go to Roger Tomlinson, Rodger Gimbert and Tristram Llewellyn-Jones and the many others that spoke from the floor.A short review and the slideshow are available here. Weasel Words IIThere has been a further outbreak of weasel words, this time from one of our unelected MLC’s. If they aren’t elected why should they care what lame excuses they give? Again quarantined to sadly what may become one of our more lengthy pages.‘DHSS Makes Progress With New Patient Administration System’ MediationLook out for the launch of ManxMediation early in the new year. A small group of mediators having attended a training course will be available for community mediation. Details later. Personal InformationMembers who attended the film "Taking Liberties" in October will remember the warning given by member Tristram Llewellyn Jones about the need for vigilance over electronically stored personal information. This was in relation to the possible introduction of I D Cards.About the same time member Rodger Gimbert brought to public attention the matter of biometric fingerprinting of Island Primary school children. Since then there has been the scandal of millions of lost personal details in the U K. ConsultationIn December P A G made a response to the "Draft Code of Practice on Consultation". Thanks go to Committee Member Jeff Garland for his work on this. The submission is here. More info...Proposals for the Manx Taxation Strategy for the Period 2007-2012 We have written to the Treasury about "Proposals for the Manx Taxation Strategy for the Period 2007-2012" Thanks to Treasurer Joe Duffy for studying this. Our submission is here. We recommend attendance at the Income Tax Seminars on 10th and 17th January 2008 http://www.gov.im/lib/docs/treasury/incometax/pdfs/seminardetails.pdf 2008 Elections Yes there are two major happenings this year ! Legislative council In February the House of Keys will elect 4 members to the Legislative Council. Existing LegCo members retiring by rotation are:- Pamela Crowe Clare Christian Edmund Lowey Juan Turner P A G continues to lobby for a popularly elected Legislative Council and is disappointed that the Constitution Bill, as amended by Martyn Quayle, has been sidelined by that member. A year ago we were optimistic that there was a genuine willingness in the vast majority of the elected M H Ks to push legislation through. Sadly it appears that we were misguided. Local Authority Elections These will take place Island-wide on 24th April 2008. A number of our supporters are Commissioners and some who aren't have indicated an intention to stand for election. It could be invaluable experience for the General Election in September 2011. Investigative Journalism Gavin MacFadyen's talk in October caused quite a stir and a lot of interest. One of the ideas he mentioned was "Citizen Journalism" which has taken off in the U S A. Ordinary members of the public report the news and broadcast it via the internet. A recent BBC Radio 4 programme "New Kids on the Blog" explained how the digital revolution is changing the face of American media. With the internet explosion, Americans now get their news from an increasing number of sources, especially a new generation of web-based journalists. Could it happen here? Inquiry into Electoral registration 2006John Wright’s report was expected in April 2007. Unsurprisingly delayed - there was no permanent administrative support granted until that very month - it was presented to the Council of Ministers in September 2007. The Council of Ministers have now given themselves a deadline of July 2008 to respond. The facts speak for themselves so comment is unnecessary. A copy of the report is here and it is important reading. I have personally managed several elections from an IT perspective in England and took quality and professionalism perhaps for granted. it is amazing that something so critical to the democratic process is so slipshod. I personally had no idea that this inquiry took place, and suggest that few others did given that just seven members of the public are listed in the appendix. Perhaps government has to show they listen first. Public Consulted on Public Consultation (II)(see reference below)I could not help noticing that most of the consultation document appears to be a direct lift from another published with a foreword by a Mr T. Blair in some offshore island near here. The Tynwald document is available here and Mr Blair’s paper (produced by the Better Regulation Executive or BRE) is here - or is it the other way around? - it is hard to tell. Actually I made a mistake... there is a difference after all... Whilst that Mr Blair- a man not known for his generosity in such matters - felt there should be a twelve week minimum period for public consultation (text and a nice pic of his on page 3) , our leaders have decided that we only need half that - just six weeks. What a brave stand our leaders have made on our behalf - what efficiency! Given our brave media it shall be a very quick and quiet six weeks indeed. Weasel Words “What?” I hear you ask, “a Weasel Words outbreak on the Isle of Man?”. Well sit tight dear reader as I believe it’s been a long running problem that is perhaps now peaking to epidemic proportions. A member - AKA Diogenes - informs us of a recent nasty outbreak at Tynwald Farm. As the authorities have been rather slow to set up a thirty kilometre exclusion zone (admittedly a trifle difficult here) there is a danger of further outbreaks. With this in mind we have quarantined Diogenes words onto their own page. I suspect more will follow - please let me know if you become aware of this particularly virulent strain of Weasel Words. PAG Late October Meeting at the Claremont We held a successful meeting on both the Webcasting of Tynwald and the first Island showing of the hard-hitting documentary film ‘Taking Liberties’ at the Claremont on Monday 22nd of October. PAG member Tristram Llewellyn-Jones introduced the film and has written a summary on the meeting here. Public to be Consulted on Public Consultation It is important that the government get good feedback on their review of public consultation. PAG member Jeff Garland recently sent the Examiner a letter on this issue. Steam Packet Winter Sailings discussed on Manx Radio’s ‘Talking Heads’ program, 19th October 2007
PAG Request that the oral hearings of the Select Committee on the MEA be broadcast on Manx Radio PAG sent the following email to Steve Rodan, Chair of the Select Committee on 18 October:
Investigative Journalism and the Isle of Man The public meeting of October 2nd featured a talk by Gavin Macfadyen, director of The Centre for Investigative Journalism. Delayed slightly by our need to ransack the Claremont for every available chair, you could have heard a pin drop whilst Gavin gave a frank, sometimes harrowing, sometimes humorous though ultimately uplifting talk. It was very good to see a fair sprinkling of local politicians and journalists. We would support anyone inspired by Gavin’s fine speech. Short interview of Gavin recorded during visit. PAG Submission to the Select Committee of Tynwald on the Affairs of Braddan Parish Commissioners PAG delivered its submission to the Select Committee of Tynwald on 31st August and it may now be viewed from our documents page. PAG urges the Committee to be bold and to set out specific recommendations that aim to restore the public’s confidence and credibility in our system of Public Service Administration, in particular to introduce a “Conflicts of Interest Act” for the Isle of Man as a matter of some urgency. See also our Conflicts of Interest and Charter pages. “Only telling the truth when a lie doesn't fit” The Select Committee on the M E A resumes its investigations on the 29th August. Former M H K Dominic Delaney gives his forthright opinion about the debacle to David Callister on Manx Radio’s Agenda programme of the 6th August:
Select Committee of Tynwald on the Steam Packet Company
The remit of the Select Committee has now been extended to include consideration of the standard of service and the extent to which it is in accordance with the User Agreement. During a recent debate, some MHKs suggested that there a lot of myths surrounding the User Agreement. They are right perhaps but the answer is in their own hands. Myths persist where the truth is obscured. If you wish to view the Agreement before commenting you will have to get to the Tynwald offices during your lunchtime to pore over this 300 page legal document. Apparently Tynwald either does not have sufficient resources or the wit to make the agreement available by email or on the website. It is a shame that our representatives do not feel able to grant easy access to a document signed and paid for in our name, that they now invite our opinion upon. What price worthwhile public consultation? Mediation and the Isle of Man Following a very warm reception at the PAG public meeting at the Claremont on Monday June 18th, Dr. Hanna obliged with a brief talk recorded at the Sefton Hotel, Douglas the following day. Please click here to view the video. Our thanks go to Dr. Hanna and Nancy Peterson for such an illuminating talk. Their latest press release concerning their relocation to the Isle of Man can be found here. Isle of Man Independent Ombudsman Service Our Charter calls for a fully independent Ombudsman Service to be established. The Chief Minister recently confirmed progress towards establishing this service. The full text appears in our Ombudsman page. Manx Herald A new, free electronic newspaper for the Island is now available. To view please go to www.manxherald.com Freedom of Information PAG has made a submission to the government on Freedom of Information. Full details on our documents page. Latest news on FoI here. |
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