Monday, December 10

Aries

(March 21 - April 20)

There is a forward movement in your life at the present time which is driving you to look for something new. All around you people are preparing for the holiday but you can’t seem to get into the right mood. Try writing down what you want to do and how you might go about it. Look at this again in the new year. This should be a week for joining in with family and friends to relax.

Taurus

(April 21 - May 21)

With many inner thoughts rushing around in your head, it is probably hard to relax. Even so, there are some things that cannot be sorted out right now. At such times you need patience. That does not mean that you cannot plot and plan. Please do. In the meantime, enjoy your family and friends. This holiday comes once a year and is such a good opportunity to get closer.

Gemini

(May 22 - June 21)

Living in the moment seems preferable to trying to get everything sorted out for the future. Deal with practicalities as needed. The biggest chunk of this week, however, sees you getting to grips with more enjoyable things. Maybe others look to you for guidance with the upcoming festivities? Using your imagination was always one of your strong points, so enjoy!

Cancer

(June 22 - July 23)

Plan carefully when things get hectic. There is no point in knocking yourself out. Get others to do their fair share. Working with you, Cancer, can be fun. Be sure that others get the feel of that and don’t see work as a chore. How are you able to inspire? By just ploughing ahead and bringing everyone else with you. Now, where will you start? Look for talent in those close.

Leo

(July 24 - August 23)

Give yourself a little time this week to think about what you want and need. It may not be a practical approach but it is important. Once you admit to yourself what you want, then you can tell others. This weekend in particular there are social decisions to be made. Does that sound a bit stiff? Time to relax, Leo. Time to take on some serious fun. Remember how to do that?

Virgo

(August 24 - September 23)

Are you in the throes of making lots of lists for action next year? It is great to be enthusiastic. Even so, more concrete plans will be needed. Some of the things on your list need action now. Working hard? Make sure that the weekend is a time for relaxing and being with loved ones. Where does your happiness really come from? Develop this area for ongoing satisfaction.

Libra

(September 24 - October 23)

Be yourself this week and let your feelings be known. They may not seem to go anywhere or give you any kind of advantage. That isn’t the point. What you are aiming for is more understanding from others. Even those who have been with you for many years will not know what you want. You really do have to tell them! The holiday is just the time for frank interactions.

Scorpio

(October 24 - November 22)

Expansion is the order of the week (and I don’t mean your waistline)! Try to have the confidence to start going for what you want. Waiting for others to offer you chances simply won’t work. With those around you wrapped up in getting the holiday started, it won’t be easy. Even so, enrol interested parties in positive action for the new year.

Sagittarius

(November 23 - December 21)

In your search for the way forward and deeper meaning, your imagination is in overdrive. That is great and some of this can be used when helping to plan the holidays. With things going pretty smoothly for you, take the time to help those who have problems. This can be family, friends or as a volunteer. It can add an extra dimension to your life.

Capricorn

December 22 - January 20)

There is an air of confidence about you that is hard to resist. With so much ‘get up and go’ apparent, others are attracted to you. This could be the cause of both temptation and jealousy from others. Take a lighthearted approach. It is full throttle for the holiday and what you put into it will bring a great deal of pleasure to all. Involve younger members of the family when possible.

Aquarius

(January 21 - February 19)

Despite the fact that you want to get ahead with plans, others are firmly fixed on other things. Who can blame them at this time of the year? Have patience but also make it clear that you want to get things moving after the holiday. If others find it hard to communicate, then so will you. Bring some mutual interest into the mix. Enjoy things together that don’t involve decisions.

Pisces

(February 20 - March 20)

All of this month you should be feeling at home in your skin. Life may not be perfect but it is showing great promise. During your journey into the future, decide who will be making that trip with you. The holiday period is a great time for putting forward plans and proposals. Where would we be without a little imagination? Use yours in a romantic situation.

SOME of the investors who had their money in the suspended Louis Group fund have said they fear they’ll never get their money back.

Millions of pounds were invested in the fund.

Investors speak exclusively in today’s Isle of Man Examiner.

The ‘FATCA’ tax agreement with the UK also features on the front page. Allan Bell tells the Examiner that this is an important point in the history of the finance sector and doesn’t know if jobs might be affected.

The student fees row is the main story on page 3.

The government feared it would lose the vote in Tynwald this week on the introduction of fees. We also talk to more pupils, this time from Castle Rushen High School, about the issue.

The Examiner also reveals how much Bus Vannin, the nationalised bus company, has spent on buses in the last three years. It would certainly pay for a lot of tuition fees.

As the wind farms’ potential threat to our shipping lanes reaches Westminster, there’s another chance to join our campaign to persuade the company behind them to save our lifeline routes.

Meanwhile, taekwondo star Aaron Cook’s ‘defection’ to the Isle of Man is news on page one and the back page.

The Examiner is in the shops now.

GOVERNMENT cuts have hit the government’s proof of age card scheme.

The Office of Fair Trading has announced it will no longer run it from the end of the year as it’s concentrating on the responsibilities it has to do under statute.

It’s hoping that it will be taken on by another public sector agency next year.

A press statment from the OFT says: ‘The value of the card scheme for consumers and businesses is not in doubt and the Office is pleased that a new scheme will be introduced in the near future.

Consumers and businesses will notice little difference between the current and the future scheme.

OFT chief officer Mike Ball said: ‘The only non-statutory service we will be offering is the debt counselling service which the board’s members believe is a vital service.’

OFT-issued cards will remain valid until the expiry date printed on the individual card (normally five years from the date of application) however replacements for lost, stolen or damaged cards will not be available from the OFT.

Anyone in this situation will have to make a completely new application to the new scheme.

Information on the new scheme will be released in due course.

Mr Ball said: ‘The Office is sorry not to be able to continue with the scheme but it is very pleased that a new scheme will be introduced next year. Consumers and businesses will notice little difference both between the process and the card itself so the transition between the two schemes should be a smooth one.’

The last deadline for new cards to be ready for Christmas or the New Year from the OFT is December 19.

Young people with driving licences should be able to use them and students have students’ union cards.

The Office of Fair Trading is offering consumers the following advice for managing their money this Christmas and New Year.

Don’t forget everyday life

Christmas is a special time of year but it is important to remember it is just one day. Don’t forget all of the rest – rent, mortgage, utility bills and other debts still have to be paid and consequences can be harsh if they’re not. Get your priorities right.

Buy safe and be safe

Don’t be tempted to buy from traders you don’t trust or borrow from unregistered lenders, both can prove to be a false economy. Moneylenders in the Isle of Man are required to register with the OFT. If you do decide to use some form of loan, check for any hidden extras in the agreement. Work out the total amount payable. Ensure that monthly instalments are within your budget before signing. You can find out more about borrowing money on the OFT’s website, which also contains advice on avoiding buying counterfeit goods.

Shop around

Compare prices in different shops. Buy what you want and not what other people say you need. If you, or one of your family, just want a mobile phone for calls and texts don’t be pressured into buying a smart phone just because they are the latest thing. It will be more costly and a waste of money if it won’t be used to its full potential.

Delay Christmas

Pre-Christmas is costliest shopping time so if you’re after a ‘big’ family present like a high end games console or TV then wait until the sales. If you can’t bear the idea of this at all – what about buying gift cards or vouchers for the item and using them towards it in the sales? Remember though, gift cards and vouchers should be treated like cash, so take care of them. Make sure you use them before they go out of date.

Don’t be a foolish foodie

Make a list of what you need and don’t be tempted by things you don’t. More often than not you don’t need the extras and you waste food and money. Special offers and “3 for 2’s” are great if you are shopping with like-minded friends or family and the food can be split between you. However, if not, the reality is often that you end up with lots of food you can’t eat before it goes out of date.

Start planning and saving for 2013

Research suggests we spend between £530 and £682 on the trappings of Christmas. This is around £44-57 a month over a year. Consider opening a regular savings account to help set aside this money for next year.

• If you need any advice, visit the OFT website {http://www.gov.im/oft|www.gov.im/oft}, phone 686510, email {mailto:debt@gov.im|debt(at)gov.im} or call in at the Office of Fair Trading, Government Building, Lord Street, Douglas.

AN evening of Christmas-themed poetry and prose scheduled to take place on Wednesday evening has been cancelled.

Performance group Voices had been due to perform at the Henry Bloom Noble library.

A spokesman blamed ‘unforeseen circumstances’ for the decision to cancel.

This festive season Bus Vannin is putting on extra buses late at night.

From Monday, December 17 to Thursday 20, Bus Vannin is providing additional Night Owl services to Douglas, Peel, Ramsey, Castletown, Port Erin and Port St Mary.

The Night Owl will also run its scheduled services on Friday 21st and Saturday 22nd as normal.

To help those celebrating the arrival of 2013 return home, the Night Owl will operate on New Year’s Day, with the Port St Mary and Ramsey departures at 12:15am.

The Night Owl service will remain at its normal fare for Christmas and New Year’s Eve, so a single fare from Douglas to Peel would cost £4.60 and to Port St Mary or Ramsey it would be £5.80.

The operation of the Night Owl or ‘Hullad Oie’ not only provides a convenient and affordable way home for those celebrating the New Year, but the availability of this service should also contribute towards the reduction of drink driving in the island.

If the passenger has taken advantage of the money saving Manx Rider tickets currently available, each journey on the Hullad Oie counts as two journeys on the Manx Rider.

OAPs and passengers with Explorer tickets only pay a single fare price and members of the Manx Blind Welfare still travel free of charge.

Noble’s Hospital is spearheading ‘CARE’ (Communicate, Ask, Respond, Evaluate) which has been adopted as a way to improve the plight of patients throughout the Department of Health.

The initiative is based on the ‘fundamentals of care’ that are, in the health service’s jargon, ‘important to the experience of patients’.

It means they are helped to feel safe and comfortable, have enough to eat and drink, and are involved in the care they are given.

The CARE round, every two hours, involves patients being asked specific questions, and staff trying to identify what needs to be improved.

Health bosses say this approach can result in a significant reduction in the time patients wait for call bells to be answered and the number of falls patients experience all aiding a speedier recovery and a reduced length of stay.

Patients and relatives are aware of the next time when staff will be available to answer questions.

The CARE round reduces the risk of social isolation for patients being cared for in side rooms, ensures that patients always have fresh drinks and food when they need it and that their pain, if they have any, is managed effectively. The overall benefit is an improved hospital experience for patients, as well as increased staff satisfaction.

CARE rounds were piloted in five ward areas across the hospital. The pilot ran for four weeks after which the impact was evaluated receiving positive feedback from patients and staff. CARE rounds will be introduced throughout Noble’s Hospital integrating this initiative as part of everyday practice.

The patient and public representatives from the Patient Safety and Quality Forum have been instrumental in developing workshops in ‘delivering excellent customer care’ to complement the introduction of the CARE rounds.

The sessions, delivered over the course of two weeks in October, were designed to deliver key customer services standard messages in a relaxed but structured way, reiterating the impact of effective and ineffective communication in all care settings.

Jayne Kerruish, senior nurse, said: ‘The Forum worked closely with our patient and public representatives in developing the workshops and implementing CARE rounds.

‘It is abundantly clear how the standard of customer care, clear communication and effective response must meet the patient’s needs. The CARE round will greatly affect the confidence, trust and positive experience of patients in our care. It is vitally important to listen to and learn from our patients in order to maintain high standards. We should be ready to adapt and adjust if perceived customer expectations are not met.’

Bev Critchlow, director of nursing, midwifery and therapies, said: ‘The experience that our patients have in hospital is of critical importance to us. Our patients have an expectation when they come into hospital that they will be safe and comfortable and that we will care about them as much as we care for them. The hospital-wide CARE round initiative is a way for us to strengthen this message with all our staff and to reiterate the role that each and every one of us plays in the patient experience.’

TRACK on the Manx Electric Railway at Groudle had to be replaced because it was beyond its safe working life, MHKs were told.

The track is being relayed with concrete sleepers instead of the traditional wooden ones.

In a written reply to a question from Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan), Community, Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen said a programme of works was continuing to improve the tracks on the MER, the Steam Railway and the Snaefell Mountain Railway.

He said: ‘The section of track currently being replaced in Groudle is beyond its safe working life.’

On the site currently being renewed the track ballast has broken down and is clogged with debris. This eventually obstructs the drainage and the retained water rots the sleepers.

‘Sleepers on this section now have been of limited integrity and strength. The rail top surface is badly worn away to the point where the tram wheel flanges are striking the top of the fishplates which join the rails together.’

Mr Cregeen said the heritage railways contribute £11 million a year to the Manx economy. He said despite budget pressures, he had agreed that the railways operate for the longest possible season. The Minister said the track repairs on the MER were being carried out by local contractors supported by department staff.

BUSINESSWOMAN Tracey Bell and her team have announced their successful achievements in a UK national awards ceremony.

It was the aesthetic awards in association with Cosmetic News on Saturday, December 1 at the prestigious Grand Connaught Rooms in Covent Garden, London.

With a total of 30 categories, the awards had been designed to acknowledge those who have gone that extra mile over the last year.

Tracey and the team celebrated as winner of the Best Cosmetic Dental Clinics Award 2012 category.

Mystery shoppers were sent to the clinics who were shortlisted and their feedback, as well as feedback from customers, determined the winner.

Tracey, on receiving the award, said: ‘To be nominated and shortlisted by the profession and customers was one great accolade but to win the Best Cosmetic Dental Clinic UK is a true testimony to all the team at the clinic and the work they put into giving their best in customer care, patient satisfaction and most of all great dental results.

‘Over the last four years we have striven to provide options on all forms of dentistry routine, cosmetic, orthodontics and with this philosophy our team has grown too.

‘We always believe that options, education and solutions for all individuals are important and by following the basics of trust, education and results has been the key to winning such an award-focused totally on the patient.

The Tracey Bell clinics have dental and medical aesthetic clinics based in the Isle of Man, Liverpool, Glasgow and Selfridges, Manchester.

Established in 2007 the Tracey Bell clinics have grown in the UK and offer a team of dentists, doctors, surgeons and other specialists.

Dental services offered

Routine and General Dentistry

Teeth whitening

Orthodontics-Invisalign,Inman Aligner

Smile makeovers

Dental veneers and crowns

Crown and Bridgework

If you would like more information about this topic ,or to schedule an interview with Tracey Bell ,please call Julie Goodwin at 01517070340 or email Julie at Julie.goodwin@traceybell.co.uk

BRADDAN Bridge House, the island’s holiday accommodation for disabled visitors, should soon be able to offer extra rooms if a proposed extension goes according to plan.

Kevin Quirk, chairman of the Joey Dunlop Foundation charity which raised the funds to convert the house said they had always planned to extend and demand suggested this was better done sooner than later.

‘Last year was exceptional and this year was very good too,’ he said.

‘The problem is we keep having to turn people away. That’s particularly sad when we have people with a limited life expectancy. We offer them the following year but they are not always confident of being around by then.

‘We always thought we would expand one day so why not start the ball rolling now?’

The plan is to build two more one-bedroom flats on land they have to the back of the existing house behind the reception area. These will have adjoining doors so a larger group could be accommodated together if necessary.

Plans are currently being worked on by the architect and the aim is to start work next winter. Ideally the project will be complete by April 2014 and ready to receive visitors in time for that year’s TT.

‘We are getting a lot of enquiries for the new Classic TT though we are always full in August and for the Southern 100 as well.

‘It’s an exciting project but of course it means fundraising in ernest starts again,’ he added.

As part of its fundraising drive the charity’s sell-out annual meal takes place early next year with special guests TT and MGP star Ryan Farquhar, Moto GP rider Jeremy McWilliams, various local riders and one of the Honda Legends team riders.

The draw for this year’s tombola prize Honda CBR600 is at January’s annual dinner. Mr Quirk promised next year’s prize (drawn in early 2014) would be ‘rather unique’.

The charity’s annual Joey Dunlop memorial run, which takes place in July will also mark the 10th anniversary of the death of racer Steve Hislop who gave much support in the early days of the charity when it started in 2000.

To mark the occasion Mr Quirk is hoping the ride out will be led by 19-times TT winner John McGuinness. Plans are also afoot to celebrate next year’s 30th anniversary of Joey Dunlop’s first TT win for Honda.

Braddan Bridge House was officially opened during TT 2010 by John McGuinness and Joey’s widow Linda.

For more information about Braddan Bridge House contact Mr Quirk on 677741.

NOVEMBER 2012 saw a 7 per cent rise in passenger numbers at the island’s loss-making airport.

The figure comes after seven months in a row of decline.

Traffic through the airport increased by 3,900 passengers over the November 2011 figure.

More than 59,500 passengers passed through the Ronaldsway terminal, the highest November figure for five years.

All three North West routes from the island saw increases, with Liverpool surging by 15 per cent.

London traffic increased by over 20 per cent.

Leeds, Luton and Jersey routes all had declines with Leeds and Luton 25 per cent and 30 per cent down respectively. Oxford was 40 per cent below the forecast level. Jersey was only slightly below November 2011, but has seen a constant decline since 2008. Birmingham also fell by 13 per cent and Belfast by 10 per cent.

However, both of the Loganair Scottish routes have got busier, with Glasgow leading the way with a 19 per cent increase.

Manx2.com’s Gloucester service was up by 11 per cent while their Blackpool route saw a small increase, and at the same time Flybe recorded a similar percentage rise in their Manchester passengers and similarly Aer Lingus with Dublin.

More on this story in Thursday’s Manx Independent.

GOVERNMENT’S information systems division (ISD) came under close scrutiny amid concern over the high level of payments for staff from one company – Intelligence Limited.

Payments from the ISD – which provides information/communication technology across government – have totalled £8m over the last five years – which equates to £6,000 per day.

Tynwald’s Public Account Committee called Allan Paterson, who retired as director of ISD after 10 years in the role, in for questioning.

It came after an internal audit by the division, which is part of the Department of Economic Development, revealed the scale of the spending. The audit also showed about seven Intelligence staff worked at the ISD on a daily basis.

Asked by the committee’s chairman, Alfred Cannan (Michael MHK) to justify the £8m figure, Mr Paterson said: ‘I think it is a business as normal process where there is a finite headcount.’

He said that at the last count before he retired of the number of projects, there were 53.

And he described the contract as ‘value for money’.

Mr Cannan said it would ‘surely be cheaper’ to hire the workers directly instead of using Intelligence.

Mr Paterson countered that using Intelligence ensured there was a continuity in service of workers with a high level of competency, saying that in the past staff had been recruited by ISD and trained, and then left.

‘There’s a tendency for people to move on,’ he said.

He said he hadn’t met regularly with the minister responsible for the ISD when it was under Treasury and even less so from April 2010, under DED.

Mr Paterson said the company’s role was to provide a mix of strategic governance to departments, a mix of programme and project management, and business analysis services.

He explained Intelligence were brought in due to a cap on head count imposed on the division: ‘They are there to fill a gap because we do not have adequate headcount to meet the demand from the business units for business change.

‘Their value is the experience, the high level of competence, a strong user relationship and a good understanding of business change and programme management. The other value is they fill gaps if someone goes off ill for an extended period, so you get continuity of service.’

Mr Paterson said there was no need for such a service before 2003 because much of the work was carried out at departmental level:

‘What was becoming clear was at that level it was impossible to drive the joined up agenda required.’

Intelligence were chosen following a competitive tendering process, which drew four applications from companies that could provide the service.

‘I think it was probably the lowest,’ he said.

Mr Paterson was also questioned by public accounts committee members Dudley Butt MLC, Brenda Cannell MHK and Leonard Singer MHK.

Police are appealing for information following a hit and run collision that occurred on Main Road, Kirk Michael at about 5pm on Monday.

A dark red Citroen C4 car had its driver’s door wing mirror damaged while it was parked and unattended outside the shops on the Main Road. It would appear that a vehicle travelling in the direction of Peel hit the wing mirror.

Police would ask anyone who may have witnessed the collision to come forward.

If you have information call Peel police on 842208, or the anonymous Crimestoppers Line on 0800 555 111.

EMERGENCY roadworks are being carried out on the outskirts of Peel.

A section of the main Douglas to Peel road is now subject to a 30mph speed limit from the existing 30 mph speed limit at Queen Elizabeth II High School to a point 200 metres past Peel Cemetery entrance to enable the work to be carried out.

This speed limit was put in place at 6am today and will last until 6pm on Thursday, or until the emergency road works are completed, whichever is the earlier.

Chief Minister Allan Bell made a statement to Tynwald today about the government’s decision to sign a new tax deal with the United Kingdom.

As {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/business/isle-of-man-will-adopt-tax-information-sharing-agreements-with-the-uk-1-5207270|we reported last week} the new deal is ground-breaking.

Mr Bell’s statement:

In October, Government announced our intention to negotiate a partnership agreement with the United States of America to implement its Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act, or FATCA.

Last Friday I announced that the Isle of Man would be adopting information sharing arrangements with the United Kingdom, which will closely follow those currently being negotiated with the United States of America.

Today I wish to outline the strategic basis for that decision.

The island’s direct tax regime has faced external pressure for change, in terms of transparency, for over a decade. The nature, extent and focus of pressure has ebbed and flowed throughout that period, but has never left us.

Awareness of this has informed the Government’s policy-making and actions over that period. We have long sought to position the island so as to avoid damaging political and economic attitudes being held against it. This approach, for instance, led us to work successfully to feature on the OECD’s first ‘white list’ in 2009.

Government has also has sought to foster an awareness of an island characterised by its pragmatic and co-operative approach to international relations, committed to the implementation of international standards in an effective and professional manner.

Whilst some would argue that the Island has gained little from this, the counterargument is simple: a failure to meet the standards of the best regulated jurisdictions in the world, and help to shape that framework, would damage the island’s economic prospects in the medium to long term.

Honourable Members, the U.S. FATCA is a game changer in relation to transparency and the automatic exchange of information agenda. It will be used as the lever and model by many countries for equivalent information to be provided to them.

Such is its reach and effect, FATCA may even overtake the proposed changes in the EU Savings Directive. This Government considers, therefore, that automatic exchange of tax information in something like the volume and form required by the USA under FATCA will become part of the international standard.

It is clear that the next two years will see massive changes in the way in which nations co-operate in the field of international taxation issues.

Bluntly, we have a choice: we can either participate in the shaping of that change and, in the process, help to minimise its less welcome impacts in the short term, or we can sit back and let others effectively shape our future.

As Chief Minister, I cannot accept the lack of leadership that this second option represents.

Because we have reached this view, key strategic decisions as to how and where to position the Isle of Man in response to the evolution in global standards need to be taken now.

Those decisions must take into account the needs of our private sector as far as is possible, although we must base decisions of this magnitude on the interests of all those who work and live in the Island, as well as those with whom we have important relations.

However, in terms of the business community whether based here or overseas, it seems to me that we can put those needs into two categories: the actual ability to do business here and use the Island as a base for international operations on the one hand and the cost of doing business here on the other.

Adhering to international standards and norms creates a sort of passport, or right of way, into global markets for all sections of our highly diversified economy.

There is a brand associated with the Isle of Man as a country which both protects and fosters business. That brand will be damaged if we try to swim against the tide of international changes and sentiment and run the risk of forever being labelled as a tax haven, with the prospects of new blacklists and missed opportunities.

Government does all that it can to maintain our reputation as a co-operative and competitive jurisdiction, and I am proud that during my tenure as Treasury, Economic Development and Chief Minister this reputation has been the bedrock of our economy, and has helped to deliver continuous economic growth and diversification.

I accept that the cost of doing business, and in particular what might be called the compliance burden, is a different but very important kind of pressure on our economy, and Government also does all that it can to keep this cost to a minimum. I will return to this theme shortly.

First, I want to give Honourable Members a little more information about FATCA and the intergovernmental agreements – or IGAs - associated with it.

FATCA assists in the prevention of tax evasion and financial crime by creating a co-operative environment within which information on many forms of investment owned by non-residents is shared with the investor’s country of residence.

In its basic form, financial institutions would need to have a direct relationship with the US authorities which could be particularly burdensome. The development of a model IGA was first announced by the USA and five initial partners, France, Germany, Italy, Spain and the UK and was driven by the concerns of business about the heavy compliance load which would be put on them in the absence of these international framework agreements with the USA.

The key concerns apply as much in the Isle of Man as they do in the UK and elsewhere, and this is what led our Government to decide that an IGA was the best approach for the Island.

Under FATCA, financial institutions could be put in an impossible position. If they provide customer information directly to the US authorities, they could well end up breaching data protection laws. To solve that problem, financial institutions under an IGA will provide information to their local tax authority, and the information will then be shared with the USA under a pre-existing information-exchange agreement.

Second, FATCA requires financial institutions to close the accounts of customers who refuse to provide information. This could cause another big problem, again putting these institutions at risk of breaking local law, their contractual obligations to their customers, or both. The IGA takes away this problem.

Third, Madam President, the IGA also simplifies the tests used to identify customers, and places more reliance on anti–money laundering (AML) and know-your-customer (KYC) rules; rules which we have consistently met or exceeded to make an important contribution to the fight against international crime and terrorism.

Finally, the IGA allows certain business types and financial products effectively to be carved out of the FATCA requirements completely, and so streamlines the whole process.

The work which financial institutions need to do under FATCA actually starts next year in 2013, although information reporting does not start until September 2015. The reporting of information in 2015 is partial, and the range of information required under FATCA expands in 2016 and reaches its full extent in 2017.

I know well that business needs certainty to operate successfully, and in relation to FATCA, our negotiation of an IGA with the USA gives business precisely that: a great deal of certainty, combined with the benefits which I outlined just now.

An additional benefit for our multinational companies is that we will be providing exactly the same platform in the Isle of Man that they will need to run in the UK and their other major countries of operation. This helps them reduce compliance costs and increases the attractiveness and credibility of the Isle of Man as one of the world’s leading international business centres.

Madam President, this Court must consider how we wish to position the island for the future.

On the tax front, I believe the Isle of Man must be viewed by the international community as a highly competitive jurisdiction, with a good tax treaty network, but with tax and regulatory regimes which meet international standards and are not harmful to other countries’ economic or fiscal interests. Achieving this position will build further confidence in the stability of our investment environment and our credibility as a trading partner.

As such we will continue to be an accepted, respected and significant part of the international political and economic community, despite our relative size.

Last week’s announcement of a new relationship of co-operation with the UK demonstrates this Government’s strategic approach and its consideration of all of the factors which I have just outlined. It represents a carefully considered balance of all those factors which, taken together, represent the public interest.

The decision did not please everyone and I acknowledge that; but it was in the island’s best interests. Government will do all that it can to reduce the additional burden which will come from this new relationship and maximise the reputational and credibility dividend which flows from it.

I intend to negotiate more than just an IGA with the UK, and will provide Honourable Members with more information when the negotiations reach their conclusion. I trust that it will be accepted that I cannot go into great detail today, but I will outline some themes.

FATCA became part of US law in 2010, and so businesses around the world have been preparing for its implementation for quite some time, especially after draft regulations were published in February of this year. My announcement about the new relationship with the UK should be followed by a period of preparation and planning, and so I intend to build extra time into the final arrangements with the UK.

I also want to modernise our double taxation agreement with the UK, which dates back to 1955: particularly so that we have an explicit understanding between our two countries on how to determine where a person or business is resident for tax purposes.

Finally, and although I am sure that we have no more reason to worry about tax evasion here in the island than the UK does in relation to its own jurisdiction, I want to explore whether we can put in place some form of mechanism which will encourage people to regularise their tax affairs when they may have neglected them in the past.

There will now follow a period of intense negotiation in relation to the detailed implementation of that statement of intent and I will ensure that I keep Tynwald and very importantly, our business community regularly updated on the progress and detailed outcome of those negotiations over the forthcoming weeks and months.

I believe the future for the Isle of Man is clear: we must continue to be a highly-regarded international business centre by leading jurisdictions, institutions and investors.

In the New Year Government will publicly engage with Tynwald, the public and leaders in our community to set out this economic vision and the policy choices we must make to support it.

This is part of Government’s clear programme of engagement to help us steer the island through what is, undoubtedly, a difficult period but which is also capable of producing new and sustainable opportunities in the medium to long term. This will include our plans to assist our business community with the compliance issues arising from last week’s announcement

Through this programme you will hear:

Of our plans for the development of the island as an Enterprise Zone

Of the plans to utilise the Economic Development Fund (some £17m set aside for the development of new and existing business)

Of our determination to review all barriers to economic growth and consult on removing them. This should mean we create a Work Permit system that welcomes medium and large businesses but respects the need to provide opportunity for local residents

That we are applying additional resource to support professional services and e-business in driving and managing new business projects from first contact to launch.

You will hear of our plans for re- structuring our package of support under its Financial Assistance Scheme aimed specifically at Financial Services businesses wishing to relocate to the Island.

You will learn of our determination to continue and expand Government’s support for all export focused businesses in the economy.

And you will hear how our fully integrated promotional campaign embraces all sectors under a single banner of “The Isle of Man. Where You can”

I want the whole of the Isle of Man to be seen as an Enterprise Zone. I think the Department of Economic Development’s initiative of “Isle of Man. Where you can” captures the positive attitude we must maintain if we are to continue to have the economic and social prosperity we have been fortunate to enjoy over the last 30 years.

I believe our economy must be one where there is:

a sustainable and vibrant Financial Services industry, free from the risk of exclusion from core markets abroad. Again FATCA and UK automatic exchange are vital building blocks in securing this objective.

proactive expansion and growth of our wider economy where we build, make, design and support local business trading globally.

education and infrastructure which supports the diversity of our economy.

rejuvenation of our traditional industries to embrace our heritage while recognising the changing world, whether that be through innovation in motorsports, refocusing our tourism industry to activity led pursuits or specialist agricultural products.

We are bold enough to innovate, take risks and incubate new sectors which are the envy of our competitors.

Our commitment to fatca is both a challenge and an opportunity.

But given our achievements over the last 25 years, I am convinced we can succeed again.

Honourable members, we can build, even in these difficult times, a sustainable economy, embracing new ideas and reaching new goals. But key to that success is the ability to recognise change, respond to it appropriately and adapt in a way that enables us to thrive in this new environment.

I believe our response to the move to greater transparency will enable us to deliver that future.

More coverage in Thursday’s Manx Independent

BUS Vannin has purchased 30 new buses at a cost of £4.42 million over the past three years.

And there have been teething problems with six of the vehicles, MHKs were told in a written reply to a House of Keys question.

Bus Vannin has come under much criticism over possible moves to buy bendy-buses for use on school routes.

Peter Karran (Lib Van, Onchan) asked Community Culture and Leisure Minister Graham Cregeen how much had been spent on new buses in each of the last three years - and whether he was satisfied with their quality and performance.

Mr Cregeen replied that £1,879,214.40 had been spent in 2012/13, £1,196,176.71 the previous year and £1,345,567 in 2010/11.

A spokesman for the DCCL confirmed that the department has purchased 24 Mercedes Citaro buses and six Wright StreetLite low-floor midi-buses over that three year period.

But he said: ‘Contracts with manufacturers contain confidentiality clauses and we are not allowed to give details of the individual cost of contracts.’

In his written reply, Mr Cregeen described the quality and performance of the silver Mercedes delivered in 2011 and 2012 as ‘excellent’.

But he said the quality and performance of the six Wright StreetLites delivered in 2010 had been ‘satisfactory’ and there has been ‘teething troubles with this new design of vehicle’.

He said this had been addressed by the manufacturer and their performance had improved to the same level as other Wright’s buses in the fleet delivered previously.

No other bus types have been brought in these three years, he added.

SIXTH form students from Castle Rushen High School are urging their MHKs not to break their manifesto pledges by supporting the introduction of university tuition fees.

Year 12 and 13 students (ages 16 to 18) have been busy collecting signatures on a petition opposed to the change and lobbying their MHKs.

Heather Allen, aged 17, who lives in a commissioners’ house in Castletown, hopes to study maths at Oxford.

She said she cried when she heard the Department of Education and Children’s proposals: ‘I thought that’s it, I just won’t be able to go. I come from somewhere where we can barely afford to pay the accommodation.

‘I sat down with my dad yesterday and he started talking about me finding a job on the island instead of going to university.

Heather added: ‘None of my family have been to university, and not meaning to sound cocky, I’m smart and I think I deserve to go.’

James Georgeson, aged 17, of Port St Mary, hopes to study history and politics at Bangor.

‘I feel let down,’ he said. ‘I voted for MHKs who promised not to introduce tuition fees.’

He said: ‘We are fighting for all generations after us. If we don’t stand up now there is going to be a backlash.’

James said that they would continue to campaign if Tynwald voted in favour of the proposals.

Erin Jackson, aged 16, of Port St Mary, said a fairer system of means-testing was needed than the system being proposed.

‘If families have a high income and can afford to pay then they should pay. But if they have a low income then they should have help.’

Mairead Merritt, aged 17, of Port Erin, wants to study nursing.

She said if the changes were introduced, it would be students like her who would be ‘paying the price’ for the department acting ‘irresponsibly’ in the past by having such a relaxed system over university tuition fees, with regard to the minimum qualifications needed.

And she said money had been wasted in education in other areas too, for example, by introducing iPads into schools.

Bronte Wright, aged 16, of Port St Mary, said it was ‘a bad decision that hasn’t been considered fully’.

She said Manx students were in a worse position than those in the UK because they were not eligible to apply for a range of UK and EU scholarships and bursaries.

Thomas Bott, aged 18, of Ballasalla, has applied to study natural sciences at Cambridge.

He said the current system did need changing, but that it should feature a much lower interest rate as part of the student loan.

Pupils from all the island’s secondary schools have been collecting signatures on petitions against the proposal for fees {http://www.iomtoday.co.im/news/isle-of-man-news/sixth-formers-stage-protest-at-tuition-fees-1-5189930|as we reported here}.

DAWN Webb, a partner in Moore Stephens Chartered Accountants, has been announced as winner of the Corporate Business Woman of the Year in the Forward Ladies North West and Isle of Man’s Women in Business Awards.

‘Congratulations to Dawn. Her contribution is already recognised by her colleagues locally and it’s great to see she is now being recognised nationally,’ said Clive Dixon, senior partner in Moore Stephens Isle of Man. ‘She’s a great role model and I am proud that she is part of our team.’

The Forward Ladies Awards, recognising achievements of professional business women in the North West and the Isle of Man was held on November 26 at Manchester’s Midland Hotel and was attended by over 200 industry experts from the North West.

‘I’m absolutely delighted. It was both a surprise and an honour to have even been shortlisted but to win is fantastic,’ said Dawn.

‘I would like to thank my team at Moore Stephens as I couldn’t have achieved this without them.’

This award finishes off an extremely successful year for Dawn who was also shortlisted for Business Person of the Year in the Isle of Man Newspapers Awards For Excellence.

Dawn’s dedication and professionalism resulted in her being invited to become a partner in Moore Stephens Isle of Man, an independent member firm of Moore Stephens International Limited.

Since then, Dawn has conceived and launched the firm’s initiative targeting smaller and locally owned businesses under the brand name Moore Stephens ‘Business Sense.’

THE pinnacle of the isle of Man’s tourist industry was honoured at the seventh annual tourism awards held at the Claremont Hotel in Douglas.

The Department of Economic Development’s member for tourism Geoff Corkish said tourism had an important role to play in in encouraging a successful and diverse economy. To that end, he said 100,000 copies of the island’s visitor guide were being printed.

‘We have confirmed 16 cruise ships visiting next year and that compares favourably with Belfast and Liverpool, and the free visitor mobile “app” featuring things to do and places to visit has had more than 1,500 downloads to date,’ he said.

In the past year there was a 4.2 per cent increase in visitor numbers, visitor spending rose by 8.1 per cent to £98m and he said 6,190 people, representing 15 per cent of the economically active population were employed in the toursim industry.

Adjudicators for this year’s tourism awards were Douglas mayor Councillor David Ashford, Chamber of Commerce chairman Mike Hennessy and Ian Moncrief-Scot, the Isle of Man STEP co-ordinator.

Presenting the first batch of awards, Mr Moncrief-Scott said it had been an honour and a privilege to be a judge: ‘Thank you for this valuable and fulfilling experience,’ he said.

Winner of the award for best customer service was Billy Stowell of the Nautical Museum, who was described has having real passion for his job.

The Ascot Hotel, which was described as ‘outstanding’, scooped the award for the best hotel accommodation. Best guest house accommodation went to the Monaville guest house run for 25 years by Billy and Eileen Stewart. Their guest house was described by customers and a ‘home from home’.

Laxey Harbour Chalets were the best self catering accommodation.

The chalets at the side of the picturesque Laxey harbour have been nominated five times and this was the third win for owners Brian and Barbara Quirk.

‘Every year we try to provide what our guests want and really we want to say thank you to them,’ Mr Quirk said.

Celebrating their 10th year in business the Tapas Restaurante in Port Jack had extra cause for jubilation after winning the nomination for best eating out experience.

‘This is a wonderful gift, thank you,’ said Jill Segovia who collected the award with partner Manolo.

John Bate, warden of Laxey commissioners’ Quarry Road campsite collected the award for best campsite for the third time out of five nominations.

Former police inspector Andy Turner collected the award for the best attraction for his Isle of Man trike tours business. Castletown was named as the best town or village and the event of the yea was named as the Isle of Man walking festival.

‘One of my more pleasurable jobs is celebrating the tourism industry in the island,’ Mr Corkish said.

Police are investigating an incident of criminal damage to a boat moored in Douglas inner harbour near to the Douglas Hotel.

The boat was entered between Friday and Monday and equipment damaged onboard.

Police are appealing for any witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity around that area between those times or who knows who boarded the boat to contact the police on 631212 or alternatively Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.

Police reminded boat owners to make sure all items of value onboard are safely secured or removed when not in use.