On Air After Hours Rhian Evans | 10:00pm - Midnight

Manx government to sign military covenant

A major landmark in the Isle of Man's recognition of its armed forces will be reached today (Friday 11).

The Manx government is signing an Armed Forces Community Covenant, pledging a fair deal in society for service personnel, past and present and their families.

Mlitary covenenants formally recognise the contribution of service personnel to their communities and today's signing marks the culmination of a long campaign by local service organisations.

An historic document will be signed this afternoon in Douglas on behalf of the Manx government by Chief Minister Allan Bell and a representative of the armed forces' north-west region.

Members of service organisations and community groups will be at the ceremony along with the Island's armed forces' champion Home Affairs minister Juan Watterson.

The British Legion campaigned for a community covenant in the Island after the UK government endorsed a national armed forces covenant in 2011.

A public consutlaiton won support for the concept last autumn and it was endorsed by Tynwald in January.


Clip 1

More from Isle of Man News