Annexio, the Isle of Man’s leading lottery betting services business, has appointed Paul Telford as its general counsel.

The role has been developed to help steer Annexio through a sustained period of growth as it seeks to increase its customer base across multiple jurisdictions.

Paul, who has more than 17 years’ experience in the eGaming sector, was previously general counsel at the Rational Group, best known for its PokerStars brand.

He has also worked for PartyGaming, a Gibraltar-based operator in the online poker market.

After an early career change (he started work as a cardiology nurse at St Bartholomew’s Hospital in London), Paul gained his Bachelor of Law from Queen Mary University of London in 1996.

He joined the prestigious City law firm Allen & Overy where he became interested in the eGaming sector while working within the practice’s intellectual property litigation department.

He later led the licensing and gaming section, advising both businesses and investors on the growing phenomenon of online gaming.

In 2012, Paul was named at one of the 50 ‘most innovative and inspiring people’ in the online gaming industry by Gaming Intelligence Magazine. His new role at Annexio will involve providing legal and regulatory advice to the management and board, dealing with key external parties such as local regulators and external counsel, and providing strategic direction on managing the business’s intellectual property assets.

Paul said: ‘I am really looking forward to being part of what is undoubtedly a bright future at Annexio.

‘Compared to online casino, poker and sports betting, the market for lottery services is relatively untapped and has huge potential so there are lots of opportunities for us to consider as a business while being mindful of developing legislation in this sector.’

Annexio managing director Jennifer Houghton said: ‘Paul joins us at an exciting time as we implement some ambitious plans to grow our business in a number of different markets.

‘With regulatory frameworks continuing to evolve in the eGaming sector, Paul’s knowledge and experience will be invaluable in guiding us through the complex legal issues associated with working across international borders. I am delighted to welcome him to the team.’

Paul Telford’s appointment is the latest in a number at the lottery betting services business, which has its headquarters on Lord Street, Douglas. One of the fastest-growing eGaming businesses on the Island, Annexio now employs nearly 30 people, which includes representatives of 12 different nationalities.

Among others, Annexio owns the World Lottery Club brand, which allows players to bet on the outcomes of some of the largest lotteries around the globe offering the potential to win matching multi-million pound jackpots.

The ManxSPCA is introducing a new educational programme for young people who have additional needs or struggle with conventional school life, thanks to a donation from Barclays.

The bank’s community investment programme has donated £6,000 to the charity to support sessions which will enable young people from Ballakermeen High School and Isle of Man College to spend time away from a classroom environment to develop their self-confidence, communication and interpersonal skills in the therapeutic and nurturing environment of the ManxSPCA.

The funding has enabled the society to employ education specialist Deborah Dixon to support the teachers and the ManxSPCA staff to ensure young people get the most out of their time with the local charity.

Deborah’s input will enable all the students taking part in the programme the opportunity to gain accreditations including attendance certificates, the creation of work portfolios and formal qualifications.

skills

In addition, the young people will learn skills linked to animal husbandry and they will have the chance to spend time with all types of small animals such as cats, rabbits and even seals with the aim of developing social interaction and team working skills.

Juana Warburton, general manager at ManxSPCA, said: ‘The aim of the programme is to give young islanders better life chances, so they can move on from school with the skills and knowledge to pursue further education, training or employment.

‘The relationship between an animal and human can be incredibly reassuring and this will be a fantastic way to support young people who might be struggling or who are under a lot of pressure academically.

‘The programme focuses on achieving specific learning outcomes and developing the skills which will benefit the young people taking part both now and in the future.’

Ian Pilley from Barclays in the Isle of Man, said: ‘Barclays is pleased to support the ManxSPCA with this very worthwhile project which will make a huge difference to the young people who take part.

‘Barclays is committed to helping young people reach their goals and fulfil their potential by offering funding and support to local charities that share our aims of improving financial, entrepreneurial and employability skills.

‘This new project will give young islanders the opportunity to develop important skills and improve their self-confidence by working with the charity volunteers and the animals which will have so many benefits as they continue their education or move into employment.’

Today’s weather is very different from yesterday’s.

Adrian Cowin from the Met Office posted this satellite picture of the Isle of Man and the Irish Sea area yesterday afternoon.

The air temperature reached 26 Celsius at Ronaldsway but many places reached about 28 inland.

The island’s hottest day on record was on July 12, 1983, when the temperature reached 28.9 Celsius at the airport.

Today began with thunder and lightning.

Stormy conditions caused problems for those travelling off the island this morning.

A London-bound flight had to return to Ronaldsway after it was struck by lightning.

The London City service has since been cancelled.

The Met Office says the rest of the day will be mostly dry with just isolated showers, and a few bright or sunny intervals will develop.

Temperatures will be cooler than yesterday, but will still reach 20 Celsius before falling by a few degrees later in the afternoon as moderate west or northwest winds arrive.

It will be a dry and mostly bright day tomorrow, with sunny intervals and top temperatures near to average at about 19 Celsius.

Then a few outbreaks of rain will develop tomorrow night and on Friday morning, these then clearing away during the afternoon.

The Tower of Refuge, Ramsey Swing Bridge and Pulrose Power Station will be lit green on Sunday evening to mark the Samaritans’ annual National Awareness Day.

On Douglas Head will be an informal gathering open to anyone, including those touched through suicide. It will start at 8.30pmand include a memorial prayer, candle lighting and petal scatter.

Samaritans Isle of Man Director Gill Porter said: ‘Raising awareness of the charity’s work is threefold.

‘First, it lets those who need someone to talk to know that we are there for them, 24/7.

‘Second, it allows us to let people know about the different services we provide.

‘And third, it helps us find more volunteers, without whom we could not deliver those services – answering calls, texts and emails, not to mention the various admin roles we need to carry out. We thank the Department of Infrastructure and Manx Utilities for their support.’

If you would like to find out more about volunteering opportunities at the Samaritans, contact Samaritans@manx.net.

Samaritans Isle of Man is a not-for-profit organisation run by volunteers from premises in Douglas. Samaritans is available round the clock, every single day of the year, providing a safe place for anyone who is struggling to cope. Call free on 116123 or email jo@samaritans.org

A 35-year-old Peel man has been fined £440 and banned from driving for 28 days for speeding at more than twice the speed limit.

Andrew White, of Ballellis was recorded by police riding his motorbike at 74mph in a 30mph speed limit zone on Main Road in Crosby.

White pleaded guilty in court to the speeding charge and has also been ordered to pay £50 court costs.

The court heard how, at 7.43am on May 30, a bank holiday, White was on this way from Peel to Douglas for work.

He was recorded by police with a handheld speeding device in Crosby riding at 74mph, more than twice the speed limit, and was subsequently stopped.

Defending White in court, advocate Jim Travers handed in several character references for his client and asked for credit to be given for an immediate guilty plea.

Mr Travers said: ‘This incident involved a motorbike. My client was on his way to work on a bank holiday.

‘There was very little in the way of traffic on the road.

‘It is clear he has opened up somewhat, perhaps not appreciating the speed limit, nor how fast he had accelerated to.

‘Nevertheless it is accepted he was over double the limit for the area. He didn’t dispute it and accepted the reading the officer put to him.

‘He is extremely remorseful for his actions, so much so that he now intends to sell his bike. Knowing there is likely to be a financial penalty, and legal costs, he is looking to sell it to cover all of those.’

Mr Travers said that White had ridden the bike very little since the incident.

The advocate went on to say: ‘He is a family man. His wife is in court today to support him. His family are reliant on him and his earnings. A disqualification could cause difficulties with his employer as he is an emergency lorry driver for the company when they are short or someone is ill. A disqualification would have a significant impact on his life.

‘I would urge the court to deal with this as a one-off eroneous blip on his record. He was proud of his previous status, having no convictions and that is lost today. I would urge you to take what may be an exceptional route in not imposing a disqualification today.

‘He appreciates a financial penalty will be imposed today and fully accepts that.

‘I would suggest that he is not likely to be back before this court again.’

Mr Travers told the court that White could afford to pay £100 per month towards any fine imposed.

Chair of the magistrates bench, Brian Walton, said while passing sentence: ‘You were going very fast in a residential area. We can’t ignore that.

‘It fills us with horror what might have happened if a child had run out.’

There are just 19 properties on Douglas council’s dilapidated housing list - but that could be down to there being no dedicated officer currently dealing with matters, councillors were told.

Councillors heard the post had been vacant since some time last year and was currently being ‘evaluated’.

Council leader David Christian told a full meeting of Douglas councillors: ‘Dilapidated housing represents one of the biggest areas of complaint we get at the council. I am hoping when the post is advertised we can get someone who can exercise proper authority.’

Councillor Stephen Pitts added: ‘I am concerned. Why is it vacant and why is it not being filled? The officer was able to go around and talk to people, discuss matters with them before a property actually went on to the list. I’m also concerned that a property I mentioned has still not been put on the list.’

Councillor David Ashford suggested having no officer was key in there being only 19 properties giving cause for concern at the moment.

Environmental Services Committee chairman Ritchie McNicholl told councillors Douglas was ‘not too bad compared to other places’.

Police are investigating graffiti which has appeared on the wall at Peel cemetery.

‘Alex RIP’ is written in large letters and police say the incident must have occurred last night (Tuesday).

A police spokesman said they would be investigating the matter.

Resources are expected to be diverted from a separate incident which involved a three-foot ice cream cone going missing from outside Cookie and Candy Ice Cream Shop on Peel promenade.

The cone was taken sometime between Wednesday, July 13, and Thursday, July 14, with police issuing an appeal for information via its Facebook page yesterday (Tuesday).

Anyone with information on either incident should contact Peel police station on 842208.

A Douglas councillor has thrown her hat into the ring to fight the general election in September.

Ann Corlett, a 55-year-old businesswoman will try to win one of the two seats in Douglas Central.

She said: ‘I have strong roots in the Douglas community. My parents, Bill and Glenda Corkish, have both been Mayor of Douglas and I am proud to follow in their footsteps as a member of Douglas Town Council.

‘I would like to think that my reputation on the council is that of an honest, fair, open and diligent person, willing to weigh up the arguments and make informed and sometimes difficult decisions.

‘We are facing great challenges within government. Representation in Tynwald needs to be diverse in order for all in society to have their say. I believe all members should have informed and active participation in government.’

She added: ‘When in business for yourself you understand where every pound is spent as it is YOUR money, meaning you appreciate its true value.

‘That’s how I consider ratepayers’ money now, and that’s how I would treat taxpayers’ money if elected.

‘The island must remain competitive, and I believe my business experience, especially in financial management and customer service can serve this constituency and government.

I would commit myself to this work, serving our constituency and the island full time. As someone who cares passionately about our community and the quality of life that we currently enjoy, I believe that growing the economy is of vital importance but in doing so we should endeavour to retain our social conscience.

‘I recognise that I will have much to learn but I will rise to meet the challenge.’

The other candidates who’ve so far announced they’ll be standing in the constituency are Kurt Buchholz, Richard Falk and Chris Thomas, who’s defending Douglas West.

If you are planning to stand in the general election, let us know!
Email newsdesk@newsiom.co.im

Include a phone number.

Software company PDMS has welcomed a number of new staff members to both its Isle of Man and Glasgow offices.

Following a busy start to 2016 which has included three major new contract awards and an increase in demand from existing customers, new roles have been created in PDMS’ support, technical and business development teams.

The support team, which works closely with clients once systems and websites have gone live, has added three new team members.

David Kelly joins PDMS as a support analyst, returning to the IT industry after several years as operational manager in a local wholesalers.

David’s previous experience includes support and development roles with AXA and Standard Bank.

As someone who enjoys the challenge of problem solving, David is looking forward to resuming his career in analysis.

Adam Cooper and Taylor Davidson have been appointed to trainee support analyst roles where they will provide day to day support to clients while also further developing their skills in analysis and testing.

Adam holds a BA (Hons) in International Business from Sheffield Hallam University and brings previous analysis experience gained in roles at in RL360 and Zedra.

With a Prince2 Foundation qualification, Adam is keen to build on his analysis skills in a software development environment.

Taylor joins PDMS from QEII High School and with an interest in engineering and being a logical thinker – a career in analysis appealed. The ‘Career Ready’ programme helped Taylor gain both insight and practical experience of the IT industry.

Elsewhere in the company, Jadwiga Malkiewicz has joined the development team as a business analyst. Originally based in Cape Town, South Africa, Jadwiga brings her knowledge in business analyst from RCS – a retail, credit and financial services provider.

Passionate about building relationships and solving problems, Jadwiga enjoys working with new technologies and improvement of business processes for clients.

Vicky Rogers recently took up the position of office coordinator from Bradda Glen Restaurant and Tea Rooms, where she was the wedding and function coordinator. Having completed a hospitality management course at the Isle of Man College and with experience gained in various roles including the aviation industry, Vicky is well suited to the challenges of helping to run a busy office.

Meanwhile, in the Glasgow office, John Rae joins PDMS as a business development executive. John’s role will be key in building and maintaining relationships throughout Scotland and the UK.

Managing director, Chris Gledhill said: ‘I’m delighted to welcome Adam, David, Jadwiga, John, Taylor and Vicky to the growing team.

‘It’s an exciting time to join PDMS as we have some fantastic projects under way, working with clients locally in the Isle of Man and Scotland and internationally too.’

The demand on desks at PDMS this summer will continue as a number of new interns will be joining the company to gain experience across a number of departments.

Public relations undergraduate, Erin Dunn, has joined the Glasgow office on a summer placement to work on a number of marketing projects. Lewis Dawson will be taking up a place in the development team at PDMS’ head office in the Isle of Man under the Career Ready internships scheme. Under the new MICTAcademy scheme, PDMS is also pleased to offer a network engineering role as part of a two year apprenticeship programme.

Professionals from India are on standby to come and work in the island to help fill the IT skills gap.

According to Dr Sanjeev Mehta, a pool of at least 35 men and women are ready to make the journey here.

SushTech Limited, based in Barrule House on the Ronaldsway Estate, Ballasalla, has branched out into recruitment.

Dr Mehta, director, business development told Business News that India is ‘considered as the IT capital of the world.’

He said: ‘We are committed to bring best in class IT professionals to work for local IT companies.’

He added some of the ICT professionals who have shown interest to come here have an array of job titles including senior software engineer, senior consultant (cyber security), IT infrastructure manager, system engineer, business analyst, database administrator and network engineer.

There is also senior technical manager, senior technical Consultant and project support manager and more.

‘SushTech is looking to play an active role in bridging the gap of skills shortage in the IT industry in the Isle of Man,’ said Dr Mehta.

Sushtech has 15 years’ experience in web development, eCommerce development, software development and IT outsourcing.

The firm has been involved in more than 1,500 projects with clients all over the world.

There is a business development team based in the UK and a development centre in the UK.

Dr Mehta settled in the island last autumn.

His office is in the same premises as MICTA, the Manx ICT Association.

Dr Mehta said he has held discussions with MICTA on the skills shortage here involving IT professionals.

Asked if the Indian professionals would be ready for the challenge of working in the Isle of Man he said: ‘Before starting the recruitment company we did a massive exercise of contacting many IT professionals based in India and we prepared a presentation on the benefits of the Isle of Man including lifestyle benefits, the immigration requirements and so on.

‘This was circulated and the feedbackwas quite good. These people have done their research and we have a pool of 35 people now who are ready to come.’

Dr Mehta said bringing over people was, for some companies, the ideal option for them, rather than relying on outsourcing.

‘There is great potential with this,’ said Dr Mehta who said he is happy living and working in the island, and believes the Indian IT workers would settle in well with Manx life. He said: ‘We have the licence and it is up and running.

Dr Mehta said in India technical education is very big with numerous IT universities and colleges. The supply of IT professionals [in India] is quite huge and at the same time demand from around the world is also very high for Indian IT professionals.’

www.sushtech.co.uk

Chewing gum proved to be a sticky topic for councillors ruminating on its efficient and cost-effective removal from the streets of the capital.

The council has a specialist machine capable of removing gum, but has been running trials with a more efficient model: the MV700 ‘Gladiator’.

Tested in combat, the machine had triumphed over a gum-encrusted Athol Street, performing well on both tarmac and concrete, councillors were told.

Environmental services committee chairman Councillor Ritchie McNicholl, who watched the demonstration, said: ‘It cleared the area by the Courthouse bar in about three quarters of an hour. The worst part is on the road outside the pubs and it’s something you are never going to stop unless you ban chewing gum. As far as I know, we’ve never imposed a fixed penalty on anyone for spitting it out on the pavement.’

Mr McNicholl said the proposal was to spend £8,500 which would fund bringing the machine to the island for 10 days, in blocks of three to five days, along with an operator. He said the machine itself costs over £100,000 and would therefore cost much more to buy and maintain.

‘It sounds like a lot, but that includes the cost of the van bringing it over on the boat as well as accommodation for the accompanying staff who would operate it. It’s cost-effective because it is the responsibility of the other party to maintain it,’ he said.

Council leader David Christian said the council’s previous machine, bought in 2011 for £120,000, had spent more time idle than in use but questioned whether just 10 days a year would be sufficient to address the problem.

A report provided to councillors from the senior engineering and waste services manager recommended entering into a one year contract for 10 days’ use of the machine, either in two blocks of five days, or three three-day blocks plus a floating day.

The proposal was one of a number of measures approved at Douglas’s monthly council meeting by a majority vote of nine in favour and five against.

Conister Bank has reaffirmed its commitment to lending in the island by increasing its sales team.

Andy Bass has been promoted to head of sales Isle of Man. This is a new position to facilitate growth within the business, and Andy’s role will focus on strategy and new product development as well as forging new relationships in the local community.

Juan Kelly, managing director, said: ‘During Andy’s time with us at Conister he has earned the respect of our customers and championed the excellent customer service which is the cornerstone of our business. We believe our independence allows us to take an alternative approach to banking and this is what makes us different; Andy and his team are a great example of this.’

Ian Drake has been appointed as the new sales manager for the Isle of Man.

Ian said: ‘I’m delighted to be joining Andy Bass, to help raise business owners’ awareness and understanding of Conister Bank’s lending products. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a growing initiative within the Bank.’

Andy Bass said: ‘Our relationships with our customers are of the utmost importance to us. I am delighted to welcome Ian to our team; Ian has a wealth of sales and relationship management experience and is well-known locally.’

Ian will be responsible for working with the existing business network and seeking out new and exciting opportunities locally.

Over the coming months Ian will be meeting existing and new partners around the Island. Anyone wishing to contact Ian or the customer services team should call 694694.

The island’s Guild of Silk Painters is holding an exhibition from Saturday until August 13.

The exhibition will be held at the Hodgson Loom Gallery, at Laxey Woollen Mills, where members have been busy preparing a display of hand painted silk craft and paintings.

The Guild was awarded an Arts Council bursary in 2015 to attend workshops at Rodbaston College for the UK Guilds’ 20th Anniversary. Since then, the group has been holding workshops over the last eight months passing on lessons learned from Rodbaston. Much of the work displayed at the exhibition shows some of the new ideas on painting silk, to include the fusion of silk on to glass. Vibrant detailed artworks will hang alongside free flowing abstracts.

The gallery is open Monday to Saturday from 9am to 5pm.

A fifth candidate has come forward for September’s general election in the Arbory, Castletown and Malew constituency.

Carl Parker aged 36, is both executive producer for Parker & Snell Company and businessman having over 15 years’ experience working at a managerial level within the private sector.

He is also well-known for coaching young people and adults, helping to develop confidence and self-esteem through communication and presentation skills, alongside television and film acting classes.

He says he is ‘completely against’ further cuts to public services.

In a statement he says: ‘In times of austerity, I would argue that the £20m pounds put aside for the Douglas promenade rejuvenation scheme would be better spent on providing 30 extra nurses, 20 extra police officers, tuition fees in education, free pre-school places for three- to four-year-olds, roof and wall insulation for the 3,500 homes in fuel poverty, extra fuel allowance for those most vulnerable in our society, providing a free television licence for senior citizens.’A priority budget would allow for a commonsense approach to government spending. Let’s not waste any more taxpayers’ money on projects and schemes that we do not need.’

He says there has been a ‘lack of foresight and planning’ by the government over the public sector pension scheme.’

He suggests: ‘Further measures need to be taken if we are to make an impact and reduce the burden on government revenue, move existing public sector workers from a defined benefits pension scheme to a career average pension scheme, increase the minimum retirement age from 55 to 58, cap lump sums and develop a long term strategy to move to a public-private sector pension scheme, whereby the government is only responsible for paying contributions.’

He adds: ‘I believe the time is right to introduce a workplace pension scheme for private sector workers on the island for those aged 21 and over earning more than £10,000. This will help make saving easier and add further financial security for the future.’

He also has strong views about the health service.

He says: ‘The blame culture within our hospital, as reported by the West Midlands review, has highlighted the need for a direct line of authority and strong leadership. Placing Noble’s Hospital under the Care Quality Commission and Trust Development Authority would provide a system of independent regulation where managers and staff work alongside the Care Quality Commission to ensure standards are met and being held to account by the Trust Development Authority.

He adds: ‘I would also recommend that we head hunt a chief executive with a proven track record in transforming failing hospitals in the UK to help transform Noble’s hospital, implementing a new, modern system of governance and working alongside the Care Quality Commission.

‘We also need to place our mental health services under independent regulation in order to improve the quality of care and support provided on the Island.

More needs to be done to help improve the link between our education system and economy: establishing apprenticeship schemes for students will help to form new long-term relationships and create job opportunities for our university graduates. I believe we need to introduce mental health education, alongside in-depth nutritional education for students in schools.

‘It is imperative for the longevity of our economic growth, that we ensure the Isle of Man is at the forefront of new business and emerging markets. I believe we need to form an official group of business ambassadors who can negotiate on our behalf at the highest level and represent our economic interests on the international stage, attracting new business and investment to the island.’

The candidates who have announced they’ll be standing in the constituency are Graham Cregeen (currently MHK for Malew and Santon), Phil Gawne (currently MHK for Rushen, Carol Quine and Richard McAleer.

The constituency was created as part of the shake-up of boundaries that ensures that each area could elect two MHKs.

It merges Castletown with part of the old Rushen sheading and takes Malew from Malew and Santon. Santon joins the new Middle.

Sitting Castletown MHK and government minister Richard Ronan has not yet said whether he is going to stand.

If you’re planning to stand in the general election, let us know.

Email newsdesk@newsiom.co.im with details.

Include a phone number every time you contact us.

Should there be a fast food stall on Douglas Head? This was the vexed question exercising Douglas councillors at their monthly meeting in Douglas town hall.

Discussion arose from a planning application from Coastline Catering to run a mobile kiosk on the site but councillors decided by a majority to object to the proposal.

Councillor Ritchie McNicholl said the concerns centred on smell, noise and litter for residents who lived in the nearby flats.

Councillors were also told a report from the assistant chief officer (regeneration) recommended objecting as there was no policy in the Strategic Plan that would support it.

‘Why go up there when there are plenty of empty properties in Douglas that could convert to a cafe?’ Councillor McNicholl said.

‘We already have a litter problem up there. I just can’t agree that it is something we need on Douglas Head, and it’s down to us to object because we represent the rates payers.’

Other councillors including Claire Wells and Deborah Pitts supported the kiosk idea. Council Leader David Christian said the spot was becoming increasingly popular and perhaps the kiosk should be permitted for a trial period.

Councillor Carol Malarkey agreed, adding: ‘We really should be encouraging new businesses.’

Councillors were told no CCTV operated at Douglas Head because it was not a high-priority area, but there was potential for a temporary system to be put in place.

Councillors voted nine to five in favour of objecting to the proposal, dissenters being Councillors Wells, Malarkey, Christian, Chatel and Ashford.

A 29-year-old chartered accountant from Andreas has been convicted of deceiving clients out of £12,600.

Daniel Fitzpatrick, of Ballalough Estate, pleaded guilty to five counts of deception and two of attempted deception.

Fitzpatrick has been committed to the Court of General Gaol Delivery where he will be sentenced on July 27.

The court heard how Fitzpatrick had been working as an accountant at Ocra Isle of Man Limited in Ramsey.

In May 2016 the company’s anti-money laundering officer made a complaint to police regarding Fitzpatrick and his work over a period between January 2009 and September 2014, when he left the company.

Fitzpatrick had been posing under the name of ‘Ben Franco’ and saying that he worked for a company called ATC when offering his services to some companies.

He lied that Ocra had subcontracted services to him, falsely saying that he was working on their behalf.

Using the ‘Ben Franco’ pseudonym Fitpatrick was said to have done work for companies and taken the money himself.

Fitzpatrick was said to have been paid amounts of £3,000, £6,050, £2,500, £1,050 and one amount of an unknown value, by various companies.

The total value of his deceptions was said to be £12,600.

He was also said to have made two other unsuccessful attempts to persuade companies that he was acting on behalf of Ocra.

Fitzpatrick was arrested at his home in May 2016 and made no reply after caution.

His property was searched and he asked: ‘Am I going to jail?’

Items were seized, including various documents and two computers.

Police interviewed him and he admitted that he had deceived companies into believing that ‘Ben Franco’ was carrying out work for Ocra and that he had breached his contract with the company.

Fitzpatrick admitted to police the value of the deception was £12,600 and even said that it could be more, but not less than that amount.

He said that he could not recall if he had approached any other companies.

The court heard that, as a confiscation order was being sought for the money, the case must go to the higher court.

Prosecutor James Robinson submitted that the case should be sent to the Court of General Gaol Delivery for sentencing.

Defending Fitzpatrick in court, his advocate Louise Byrne did not object.

Deputy High Bailiff Jayne Hughes recorded convictions on seven counts and said: ‘This was a significant breach of trust over four years, nearly a five-year period.’

Bail was granted in the sum of £500 with a condition not to leave the island.

WOMEN, it would seem, are taking over in the governance of Britain. Theresa May is the new leader of the Conservative Party and Prime Minister.

I am assured that she is not related to the chirpy Mr Bernie May, former MHK.

But be that as it May, if I May put it that way, the situation now brings greater focus on the regrettable situation in the Isle of Man.

There is only one woman member of the House of Keys, Kate Beecroft, and she has revealed that she is only the 13th woman to have been elected since the Keys become democratically elected in 1867.

Yes, we do need more women in political power in the Isle of Man. How can this be brought about in the General Election coming up in September?

I have a suggestion. If a substantial number of men who are standing agree to have sex change operations and become women, that should do the trick – sex change operations being quite a trick in themselves.

Yes, I know they would have to have a completely new wardrobe in which to campaign and eventually take their seats in the House. But I am sure this can be put down to election expenses. They would also have to have their hair done and wear make-up. But their wives would have to help them in this.

After all, many MHKs often talk movingly about how much their wives have helped them in their political careers.

Just one more thing. How are our new trans-gender MHKs to be addressed?

Honourable Members seems to be rather inappropriate.

LAST week I referred to WMDs as in Weapons of Manx Destruction and I have been asked, if we have any, where are they?

All I can suggest is that they are the three muzzle-loading cannons to be seen on the traffic roundabout in Douglas at Bath Place.

THE news on BBC Radio 4 said Sir Cliff Richard was to sue the police and the BBC in relation to the allegations of ‘historic sexual abuse’ which have proved to be unsubstantiated.

I don’t know about the sexual abuse but his singing could not be described as historic.

I am told that Chris Stott, the Manxman who runs ManSat in America and keeps the Isle of Man in the forefront of space exploration, was quoted on Manx Radio as saying, in relation to Brexit: ‘For the space sector it’s full steam ahead.’

Not Warp Factor 7 then?

This reference to Star Trek takes us to newspaper reports that scientists have discovered that rheumatoid-arthritis can be relieved by an electronic implant in the vagus nerve in the neck which is known as the Spock Nerve because it is where Mr Spock applied his death grip

I have osteo-arthritis but perhaps that can be eased by another member of the crew of the Starship Enterprise, a beautiful black girl called Lieutenant Uhura whose short uniform tunic always revealed the most striking aspect of her character, a pair of beautiful long legs.

I wonder what they might be able to do for my osteo-arthritis.

Funnies File: The agricultural merchants Riley’s used to occupy a building on the North Quay in Douglas and painted on the gable end in large letters was the eye-catching slogan: ‘Riley’s for Servility and Satisfaction.’

When I pointed this out to them they refused to change it.

Sign on a plumber’s van: ‘Don’t sleep with a drip. Call your plumber.’

The recent introduction of an availability fee by the Department of Infrastructure is a blow to recycling efforts.

Until recently, the rules were simple: for every ton of waste, a £79.50 gate-fee was levied. By recycling instead, this fee was avoided - and further, the recyclates could be sold, earning revenue.

The new waste payment rules demand a greatly reduced £20.75 gate-fee and an ‘availability fee’, paid by the local authority. This makes recycling much more uneconomical.

The amount of waste produced in the Isle of Man has decreased in recent years, a very positive development.

Unfortunately, mistakes were made in the past: the incinerator was built with a huge capacity, due to government projections of an ever increasing waste burden.

If the incinerator does not get fed enough material, maintenance costs go up, as the combustion chamber is only fired up temporarily.

Furthermore, costs like wages and equipment needed to maintain this huge facility don’t fall proportionately. So the costs per ton go up. This clearly puts the island in a poor situation.

But there is a solution, called ‘refuse derived fuel’ (RDF).

RDF is dehydrated, compressed waste which can be handily transported. The UK produces vast amounts of RDF as it lacks incinerators and is trying to reduce landfill by taxing it heavily.

It’s exported, mainly to the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. The UK pays a handsome amount for every ton it exports.

Nobody likes the idea of importing waste to the island, especially not groups like IoMFoE or Zero Waste Mann.

However, we believe it’s the best alternative. The money earned could support the incinerator, instead of its upkeep being paid by the population.

CO2 emissions will fall as the transport distance between northern UK and the island is much shorter than that to the Continent.

Additional employment could be created. Recycling wouldn’t have to be scaled back, could maybe even further encouraged. After the lifetime of the incinerator, we would have an established recycling infrastructure – and a population used to recycling.

Finally, the amount of waste creating emissions will be the same, whether it’s from fuels or additional on-island waste.

A change in law would be required, as it is currently forbidden to bring in big quantities of waste to the island. Also, logistics would have to be set up, businesses contracted and people hired.

Nothing comes without effort but for us the choice is clear.

Which is yours?

Tynwald has approved an ambitious plan to cut carbon emissions – despite concerns it includes no costings and could hit households who are already struggling financially.

The strategy aims to cut greenhouse gases by 80 per cent from 1990 levels by the year 2050.

But Juan Turner MLC said: ‘There’s no costs in this at all.’

‘People have been squeezed and squeezed,’ he added, claiming the outgoing administration had ‘probably put more pressure on property owners than any in history’.

The proposals, brought to Tynwald by member for Environment, Food and Agriculture Ralph Peake (Douglas North), include the first of a series of five-year action plans.

The action plan is divided into measures that the current administration should do and those that will need to be delivered by the next government after the general election.

That first list includes a new cycling strategy to encourage people to get out of their cars and onto their bikes, increasing the number of electric car charging points and promoting the retro-fitting of insulation and efficiency technology in homes.

Malew and Santon MHK Graham Cregeen tabled an amendment seeking the report just be received rather than approved. He said the plan would results in the loss of £30m in excise duty and those who can’t afford to buy an electric or hybrid car would be penalised.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne said: ‘Of course we should be insulationg our homes, of course we should be use electric vehicles if we can do so.’

Treasury Minister Eddie Teare said his department had no issue at with the motion. ‘We feel it’s a matter of principle.’

Mr Peake said Treasury will come back with the costs. He said measure to improve homes and reduce costs was a ‘win, win’ for householders.

Government support of the Shaw’s Brow car park has cost the taxpayer well over £1m.

Infrastructure Minister Phil Gawne described the contract with Douglas Council over the multi-storey as the ‘single largest waste of taxpayers’ money’ in his department.

He was responding to a Tynwald question from Peter Karran, the outgoing LibVan MHK for Onchan, who had asked each Minister which was the biggest waste of money in their department over the past five years.

Mr Gawne insisted the no department was deliberately setting out to waste taxpayers’ money. It was only possible to give a subjective answer to such a question as it involved a value judgement, he said.

But he added: ‘That all said, in my judgment, the single largest waste of taxpayers’ money is on-going support for the Shaw’s Brow car park in Douglas.

‘The support is essentially a guarantee given by the former Department of Local Government and the Environment to Douglas Borough Council to make good any revenue losses arising from the operation of the car park.

‘The contract was poorly drafted, it has no break clauses nor an end date. To date, this agreement had cost the taxpayer well over £1m and is on-going.’

Mr Gawne said the council had successfully negotiated a very good support contract. He said his department has now negotiated a new contract with Douglas Council and, as a result of this, the annual cost is falling dramatically and is expected to cease entirely in due course.

Mr Gawne hit out at newspaper reports about the £473,000 spent on resurfacing the Sloc road. He claimed we had selectively quoted his comment to a Tynwald scrutiny committee that the money had to be spent on something.

‘Sadly we don’t have a Press Complaints Commission,’ he told the court.

This is how Hansard reported his comments to the committee: ‘But first of all there have been allegations made and people have said, “Well, the Minister has just done this because it is in his constituency”. First of all that is not true; the Minister had nothing to do with it. I do not get into that sort of detail – I believe that it is appropriate to leave that to the engineers.

‘But secondly, even if I had chosen to pick a road in my constituency and said “You must get that done”, I cannot imagine that the Sloc would even come close to the top 10 – there are loads of other roads, in my view, that need to be done!

‘The reasons I am aware of why the Sloc was done, was because first of all we had an underspend in the capital programme – so we had some spare money and we needed to spend it on something.

‘Secondly the Sloc, because of its nature and not having any ironwork on it, did not need to be designed as such, it was a relatively simple thing to do – there was a little bit of planing around some of the edges that needed to be done, and then it was really just a case of laying tarmac.

‘So in that regard it was a relatively simple job to do and easy enough to slot into the capital programme, in the same way that various other roads have been done over the course of the last two or three years – rural roads without drains underneath, or wires, or any ducts, or anything like that.’