Episodes
The health minister says her department was reluctant to cut services in order to come in on budget during the last financial year.The DHSC is seeking an additional £20.8m by way of a supplementary vote in next month's sitting of Tynwald.In this edition of Newscast, Phil Gawne speaks to Health Minister Claire Christian.
A candidate standing in the Garff Commissioners by-election says he would use his professional experience to support Garff Commissioners if elected. Richard Taylor, a retiree from the finance sector, believes the main issue facing residents is the Mooir Vannin offshore windfarm which he is opposed to as, as well as a lack of community spaces.Residents in the Lonan Ward will be able to vote from 8am until 8pm on Thursday 21 May at the Laxey Working Men's Institute or Baldrine Methodist Church Hall.The other candidates standing are James Curtis and James HewisonMr Taylor added that he would l...
The owners of a local business have told Manx Radio they are 'really proud' of all the work that went into the most talked about event of the weekend.On Saturday, boxing champion Tyson Fury's 16-year-old daughter Venezuela and her now-husband Noah Price got married in St John's Church.Over the past two days there've been countless articles in the UK press featuring photos from the celebration, which included a wide array of Manx businesses.Lewis Foster has been speaking to Bianca Gray and Gemma Middleton from The Event Stylists IOM, and helped pull the whole day together.
Reintroducing 'paper services' and improving the bins are two issues that need to be addressed in Garff, according to a candidate in the upcoming commissioner's by-election. James Hewison, a volunteer for the Not For Isle of Man Windfarm group, says the main issue for residents in Lonan are the sewage treatment works and the lack of services.Residents will be able to vote from 8am until 8pm on Thursday 21 May at the Laxey Working Men's Institute or Baldrine Methodist Church Hall.The other candidates standing in the Garff Commissioners Lonan Ward by-election are James Curtis and Richard Tayl...
A candidate standing for the upcoming election in Garff's Lonan Ward says he wants to help the area become more 'efficient' and support the day-to-day running of the parish. James Curtis, a small business owner, also hopes to use his previous experience as a commissioner to assist with the local authority's work. Residents in Lonan will be able to vote from 8am until 8pm on Thursday 21 May, at either the Laxey Working Men's Institute or Baldrine Methodist Church HallThe other candidates standing are James Hewison and Richard Taylor.Mr Curtis says that he is opposed the Mooir Vannin Offshore...
When an American wartime spy manual was declassified nearly 20 years ago, few could have predicted it would spark questions about modern government, bureaucracy and decision-making.Manx Radio’s Christian Jones and John Moss explore the remarkable parallels between the OSS ‘Simple Sabotage Field Manual’ of 1944 and the realities of modern organisational life.From committees and consultation to risk-aversion and delay, the programme examines whether systems designed to protect the public can sometimes unintentionally slow progress instead.Featuring insights from former ministers and political...
A group of volunteers are visiting from Italy to lend a helping hand this TT.They'll be joining the ranks of the Street Angels, who keep watch over the Island's key nightlife spots and make sure revellers are enjoying themselves safely.Born on the Isle of Man, Sue Sheehy, along with her family and friends, will be here from 25 May - and they're on the lookout for suitable accommodation.With upwards of 40,000 visitors expected, Sue explains what she and the Street Angels do.
The chair of the board of Manx Care has been praising the health body's outgoing CEO Teresa Cope.It was announced this week that Ms Cope will leave her role this summer, ahead of taking up new opportunities in the Autumn.In this edition of Newscast, Manx Care's chair, Wendy Reid, says it was Teresa's personal decision to step down, and she hasn't been pushed out of the role.And she's not been placed on gardening leave either...
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 t...
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 h...
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.
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:
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' fo...
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 sh...
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 ca...
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 t...
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.