PhilGawne.im - Phil Gawne, MHK for Rushen

OAC members meet Baroness Cox
Members of the Isle of Man Government’s Overseas Aid Committee today (Friday, May 4) gained a personal insight into the work of one of the UK’s leading humanitarians and human rights campaigners.
To read more - click here

Community Partnerships
Phil is pleased to support the work of Southern Befrienders and Men in Sheds. Hesaid, 'As Chair of the recently formed Southern Community Initiative I am working to develop many more projects like this to support the vulnerable members of our society.'
To watch a short information video - click here

Photograph:
Christopher Thomond for the Guardian

Isle of Man scallop fishers test the waters at marine reserve
Conservationists and crews measure the impact of 'responsible fishing' in pioneering protected habitat in Ramsey bay. Article from The Guardian about Manx marine reserves. To read more - click here

Positive economic performance for Isle of Man despite global gloom
The diversification of the Isle of Man’s economy is continuing to provide great resilience in the face of challenging international conditions. Emerging sectors, including e-gaming and aerospace engineering, enjoyed significant growth during 2011 to bolster the contribution made by more traditional industries, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Report to the Council of Ministers. For more info - click here

New tourism strategy launched
Thursday 1st March saw the launch of a blueprint for the future of tourism. The strategic vision is that the Island collectively supports a thriving visitor economy and takes pride in its reputation as a high quality destination. For more info - click here

Phil welcomes government's robust commitment to outlaw 'vulture funds'
TREASURY is to progress new legislation to prevent the Isle of Man from being used by so-called ‘vulture funds’, Minister Eddie Teare MHK announced today.
For more info - click here

Minister Gawne meets Prince Charles at sustainable fishing event
Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, was amongst 250 industry representatives and officials attending the launch of a report by the Prince’s charity, the International Sustainability Unit (ISU). Prince Charles spoke briefly to the Minister who took the opportunity to highlight the Isle of Man’s proactive efforts to support sustainable fishing in Manx territorial waters.
For more info - click here

Phil applauds productive year for the IoM’s Overseas Aid Committee
The Committee’s annual report for 2010-11 has been published.
To read the report - click here

Queen's Pier, Ramsey
Phil welcomes news that the substantial work to strengthen Queen's Pier is completed within time and within budget. I’m pleased that we have been able to begin the work to save this historically important structure. For more info - click here

Phil's nominates Steve Rodan for Speaker
Phil nominated Steve Rodan for Speaker in the House of Keys on 4th Ocober - Steve was unanimously supported for the role. To read the speech - click here

Phil's election manifesto 2011, now available
To read Phil Gawne's manifesto for the 2011 Tynwald election - click here

Motions, statements & legislation in Tynwald
Phil has published a full list of the motions, statements and legislation he has moved in Tynwald since the last election.
o For an Excel version - click here
o For a pdf version - click here

News: STEP Isle of Man 2011
The STEP Isle of Man 2011 Final took place recently in a packed lecture theatre at the Isle of Man International Business School. Phil enthusiastically supports this ongoing initiative to integrate Manx students into the workplace. With rising youth unemployment it is vitally important that we expand the scope of such initiatives. For the full story - click here

IoM Dept of Economic Development launches 0% Green Business Loan Scheme
The scheme, which forms part of the Island's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, offers a 100% loan of up to £20,000 towards the cost of projects that improve energy efficiency and is open to all business sectors where projects will involve energy efficiency improvements in Isle of Man business premises. For the full story - click here

Phil provides responses to questions from IoM Chamber of Commerce
To read Phil's responses to questions posed to candidates by the IoM Chamber of Commerce - click here

Phil welcomes excellent news for Southlands
The Department of Social Care has announced its intention to re-open the Surby Unit in Southlands Resource Centre for older people. The Surby Unit is a 12-bed facility with en suite toilets, a lounge and dining room formerly used as an EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) Unit. To find out more - click here

Customs and revenue agreement - FAQs
The new customs and revenue agreement explained and frequently asked questions answered - click here

Peak oil concerns
The effect of diminishing global oil reserves is upon us. Wheat nearly doubled in cost during the past twelve months, as Russia and Ukraine cut exports after droughts decimated crops. The UN estimates nations will spend $1.29 trillion on food imports this year alone, making it the most money spent on imports in one year, and a 21 per cent increase over 2010. To find out more - click here

Manx Power to the People survey
The ‘Manx People Power’ survey in the Isle of Man is half way through, with 500 of the planned 1,050 interviews completed. For the half time results - click here

Minister: Government management structures are overly bureaucratic and failing everyone
Infrastructure Minister, Phil Gawne MHK is calling for a radical shake up of management of the public sector work force. 'This is critical as a result of the financial constraints we currently face as significant savings can be made through enhanced productivity and reduced bureaucracy,' he said. For more - click here

Despite difficult global financial situation Manx business continues to shine
For a pdf version of The Isle of Man Economic Review - click here

Dept of Social Care seeks additional £1m for first-time buyers
The Dept of Social Care will seek Tynwald approval in July for a scheme to help more first time buyers get on the housing ladder. For more - click here

Phil welcomes important step forward for Isle of Man pensions sector
Pensions written under the IoM’s 50C pensions legislation are now appearing on the list of QROPS shown on HMRC’s website, following completion of a review by HMRC. The confirmation that schemes approved under 50C are capable of meeting the conditions to be QROPS was received last week, and this further strengthens the Isle of Man's position as a leading QROPS jurisdiction. For more - click here

What's the Point?
A short film called What's the Point? has been produced to encourage school pupils in the Isle of Man to vote in the September general elections. In 2006 the Isle of Man became the first nation in Europe to give the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. For more - click here

Phil welcomes clean bill of health on Tax transparency from OECD

The Isle of Man has been praised for ‘effective & expeditious’ exchange of tax information. The global body reviewing tax transparency around the world has commended the IoM for the way it exchanges information with other countries. In a report on the Island, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development) says its sharing of tax information has been ‘effective and expeditious.’ For more - click here

Phil welcomes success of project he initiated as Fisheries Minister - IoM queen scallops crowned sustainable

The fishery producing Manx Queenies, the IoM’s famous queen scallops, have been crowned by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as a certified sustainable and well-managed fishery. For more - click here

Revived but Still Seeking a New Purpose

Recently Phil made a speech to the North American Association of Celtic Language Teachers in which he called for stronger leadership and vision from the new Department of Community Culture and Leisure in support of our language and culture.
To read the speech - click here

IoM: Phil is seeking views on his bill to bring transparency to land sales

Rushen MHK Phil Gawne will be bringing forward a bill later this month which he believes will help shine a public light on the sometimes shadowy world of land transactions. For the full story, and detailed consultation information - click here

World: Renewable energy can power the world, says landmark IPCC study

News from Guardian on-line: Renewable energy could account for almost 80% of the world's energy supply within four decades - but only if governments pursue the policies needed to promote green power, according to a landmark report published on Monday 9th May. For more - click here

IoM: New Future beckons for the Former Port Erin Marine Laboratory site

Department of Infrastructure has reached agreement with Sea Breezes Publications Ltd (subject to contract) over proposals to redevelop the former University of Liverpool Marine Laboratory site in Port Erin. For more - click here

IoM: South west regeneration project

There's recently been a consultation to help assess ways that Port St Mary and Port Erin can change. The aim is to make the South-West even more appealing for local people and visitors. The consultation report and the prioritisation feedback from the public exhibition are now available - click here

IoM: Department of Infrastructure describes it's significant savings over the past two years - click here

IoM: Multi-use community activity hall approved for Rushen
The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure is to progress plans to build a multi-use community activity hall at Rushen Primary School - click here

Isle of Man Cabbage, A plant first discovered in
1660 in Ramsey, where it still grows today. Phot Andre
Dubbledam

IoM: Port Erin is the wildflower hotspot of the Isle of Man
The Isle of Man Flora Group has been working for two years to survey the Island’s wildflowers. They have discovered more wildflower varieties in Port Erin than anywhere else on the Isle of Man - click here

Previous IoM news stories:

o Comparison of UK/IOM Budget Reductions - click here
o IoM Natural History & Antiquarians Autumn Newsletter - click here
o Speech at Illiam Dhone Commemoration - click here
o Renewable energy for the Isle of Man: AEA Report presentation - click here

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Failt erriu - Welcome - Phil Gawne is MHK for Rushen & Minister of Infrastructure
RESULTS FOR RUSHEN Phil Gawne is very pleased to have been re-elected as MHK for Rushen - and delighted to have been re-appointed as Minister for DEFA. New MHKs for Rushen after the 2011 election: Juan Watterson, Laurence Skelly and Phil Gawne Phil's election manifesto 2011, now available - click here For Phil's 2011 election manifesto - click here For Phil's election leaflet 2011 - click here

OAC members meet Baroness Cox Members of the Isle of Man Government’s Overseas Aid Committee today (Friday, May 4) gained a personal insight into the work of one of the UK’s leading humanitarians and human rights campaigners. To read more - click here Community Partnerships Phil is pleased to support the work of Southern Befrienders and Men in Sheds. Hesaid, 'As Chair of the recently formed Southern Community Initiative I am working to develop many more projects like this to support the vulnerable members of our society.' To watch a short information video - click here Isle of Man scallop fishers test the waters at marine reserve Conservationists and crews measure the impact of 'responsible fishing' in pioneering protected habitat in Ramsey bay. Article from The Guardian about Manx marine reserves. To read more - click here Positive economic performance for Isle of Man despite global gloom The diversification of the Isle of Man’s economy is continuing to provide great resilience in the face of challenging international conditions. Emerging sectors, including e-gaming and aerospace engineering, enjoyed significant growth during 2011 to bolster the contribution made by more traditional industries, according to the latest Quarterly Economic Report to the Council of Ministers. For more info - click here New tourism strategy launched Thursday 1st March saw the launch of a blueprint for the future of tourism. The strategic vision is that the Island collectively supports a thriving visitor economy and takes pride in its reputation as a high quality destination. For more info - click here Phil welcomes government's robust commitment to outlaw 'vulture funds' TREASURY is to progress new legislation to prevent the Isle of Man from being used by so-called ‘vulture funds’, Minister Eddie Teare MHK announced today. For more info - click here Minister Gawne meets Prince Charles at sustainable fishing event Phil Gawne MHK, Minister for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture, was amongst 250 industry representatives and officials attending the launch of a report by the Prince’s charity, the International Sustainability Unit (ISU). Prince Charles spoke briefly to the Minister who took the opportunity to highlight the Isle of Man’s proactive efforts to support sustainable fishing in Manx territorial waters. For more info - click here Phil applauds productive year for the IoM’s Overseas Aid Committee The Committee’s annual report for 2010-11 has been published. To read the report - click here Queen's Pier, Ramsey Phil welcomes news that the substantial work to strengthen Queen's Pier is completed within time and within budget. I’m pleased that we have been able to begin the work to save this historically important structure. For more info - click here Phil's nominates Steve Rodan for Speaker Phil nominated Steve Rodan for Speaker in the House of Keys on 4th Ocober - Steve was unanimously supported for the role. To read the speech - click here Phil's election manifesto 2011, now available To read Phil Gawne's manifesto for the 2011 Tynwald election - click here Motions, statements & legislation in Tynwald Phil has published a full list of the motions, statements and legislation he has moved in Tynwald since the last election. o For an Excel version - click here o For a pdf version - click here News: STEP Isle of Man 2011 The STEP Isle of Man 2011 Final took place recently in a packed lecture theatre at the Isle of Man International Business School. Phil enthusiastically supports this ongoing initiative to integrate Manx students into the workplace. With rising youth unemployment it is vitally important that we expand the scope of such initiatives. For the full story - click here IoM Dept of Economic Development launches 0% Green Business Loan Scheme The scheme, which forms part of the Island's commitment to reduce its carbon footprint, offers a 100% loan of up to £20,000 towards the cost of projects that improve energy efficiency and is open to all business sectors where projects will involve energy efficiency improvements in Isle of Man business premises. For the full story - click here Phil provides responses to questions from IoM Chamber of Commerce To read Phil's responses to questions posed to candidates by the IoM Chamber of Commerce - click here Phil welcomes excellent news for Southlands The Department of Social Care has announced its intention to re-open the Surby Unit in Southlands Resource Centre for older people. The Surby Unit is a 12-bed facility with en suite toilets, a lounge and dining room formerly used as an EMI (Elderly Mentally Infirm) Unit. To find out more - click here Customs and revenue agreement - FAQs The new customs and revenue agreement explained and frequently asked questions answered - click here Peak oil concerns The effect of diminishing global oil reserves is upon us. Wheat nearly doubled in cost during the past twelve months, as Russia and Ukraine cut exports after droughts decimated crops. The UN estimates nations will spend $1.29 trillion on food imports this year alone, making it the most money spent on imports in one year, and a 21 per cent increase over 2010. To find out more - click here Manx Power to the People survey The ‘Manx People Power’ survey in the Isle of Man is half way through, with 500 of the planned 1,050 interviews completed. For the half time results - click here Minister: Government management structures are overly bureaucratic and failing everyone Infrastructure Minister, Phil Gawne MHK is calling for a radical shake up of management of the public sector work force. 'This is critical as a result of the financial constraints we currently face as significant savings can be made through enhanced productivity and reduced bureaucracy,' he said. For more - click here Despite difficult global financial situation Manx business continues to shine For a pdf version of The Isle of Man Economic Review - click here Dept of Social Care seeks additional £1m for first-time buyers The Dept of Social Care will seek Tynwald approval in July for a scheme to help more first time buyers get on the housing ladder. For more - click here Phil welcomes important step forward for Isle of Man pensions sector Pensions written under the IoM’s 50C pensions legislation are now appearing on the list of QROPS shown on HMRC’s website, following completion of a review by HMRC. The confirmation that schemes approved under 50C are capable of meeting the conditions to be QROPS was received last week, and this further strengthens the Isle of Man's position as a leading QROPS jurisdiction. For more - click here What's the Point? A short film called What's the Point? has been produced to encourage school pupils in the Isle of Man to vote in the September general elections. In 2006 the Isle of Man became the first nation in Europe to give the vote to 16 and 17-year-olds. For more - click here Phil welcomes clean bill of health on Tax transparency from OECD The Isle of Man has been praised for ‘effective & expeditious’ exchange of tax information. The global body reviewing tax transparency around the world has commended the IoM for the way it exchanges information with other countries. In a report on the Island, the OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development) says its sharing of tax information has been ‘effective and expeditious.’ For more - click here Phil welcomes success of project he initiated as Fisheries Minister - IoM queen scallops crowned sustainable The fishery producing Manx Queenies, the IoM’s famous queen scallops, have been crowned by the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) as a certified sustainable and well-managed fishery. For more - click here Revived but Still Seeking a New Purpose Recently Phil made a speech to the North American Association of Celtic Language Teachers in which he called for stronger leadership and vision from the new Department of Community Culture and Leisure in support of our language and culture. To read the speech - click here IoM: Phil is seeking views on his bill to bring transparency to land sales Rushen MHK Phil Gawne will be bringing forward a bill later this month which he believes will help shine a public light on the sometimes shadowy world of land transactions. For the full story, and detailed consultation information - click here World: Renewable energy can power the world, says landmark IPCC study News from Guardian on-line: Renewable energy could account for almost 80% of the world's energy supply within four decades - but only if governments pursue the policies needed to promote green power, according to a landmark report published on Monday 9th May. For more - click here IoM: New Future beckons for the Former Port Erin Marine Laboratory site Department of Infrastructure has reached agreement with Sea Breezes Publications Ltd (subject to contract) over proposals to redevelop the former University of Liverpool Marine Laboratory site in Port Erin. For more - click here IoM: South west regeneration project There's recently been a consultation to help assess ways that Port St Mary and Port Erin can change. The aim is to make the South-West even more appealing for local people and visitors. The consultation report and the prioritisation feedback from the public exhibition are now available - click here IoM: Department of Infrastructure describes it's significant savings over the past two years - click here IoM: Multi-use community activity hall approved for Rushen The Department of Community, Culture and Leisure is to progress plans to build a multi-use community activity hall at Rushen Primary School - click here IoM: Port Erin is the wildflower hotspot of the Isle of Man The Isle of Man Flora Group has been working for two years to survey the Island’s wildflowers. They have discovered more wildflower varieties in Port Erin than anywhere else on the Isle of Man - click here Previous IoM news stories: o Comparison of UK/IOM Budget Reductions - click here o IoM Natural History & Antiquarians Autumn Newsletter - click here o Speech at Illiam Dhone Commemoration - click here o Renewable energy for the Isle of Man: AEA Report presentation - click here