Manx Newscast

A mother from the Isle of Man who's been campaigning for more than a decade for equal parental rights for same-sex couples says a law-change has been a long time coming.

The Isle of Man Reproductive Rights Bill, which is awaiting Royal Assent, aims to bring the Island in line with the UK's Fertilisation and Embryology Act 2008.

Have you ever fancied learning Manx?

Adrian Cain, a teacher at the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, that’s the Manx-language primary school in St John’s, has written a book, packed with useful, everyday phrases to help get you started.

Adrian’s a former Manx Language Officer and a passionate advocate for making Manx accessible to everyone - not just parents of pupils at the school.

And he’s not doing it alone, he also co-hosts a podcast with Juan Christian, a Project Officer for Mooinjer Veggey, helping to bring the language to life in fun and practical ways.

You can find the podcast here.

Beth Espey headed over to the Bunscoill to find out more.

In this edition of Newscast, Manx Radio's Political Correspondent Phil Gawne speaks to Douglas East MHK Joney Faragher regarding her motion regarding the Isle of Man's international obligations relating to war crimes.

You might remember last year we heard from an Andreas woman who took on a challenge with a difference in memory of her late husband.

Darren 'Daz' Hignett died of bladder cancer the day before his 25th wedding anniversary in September 2023, after an 18-month battle with the disease.

Now, after taking on a 'Walk of Life' last summer, his wife Liz is again taking to the streets - along with her family - to raise funds for the Isle of Man Anti-Cancer Association and the Clatterbridge Cancer Centre.

Siobhán Fletcher's been finding out more.

[You can sponsor Liz and co. here - https://shorturl.at/bFVJs ]

It's hoped a new charity on the Island will help support people with mental health issues before they reach crisis point.

Preferred Futures Isle of Man has been set up by qualified mental health nurses and professionals.

Mel Beattie and Mark Haith from the charity have been speaking to Amy Griffiths:

A Ballaugh commissioner says no northern commissioners should sign an agreement over the Northern Civic Amenity Site until the re-use shed is opened. 

Paul Weatherall believes the site needs to be reinstated because it provided 'value' to residents and allowed people to dispose of items in a 'responsible' way. 

A spokesperson for the Department of Infrastructure said the sites are operated and funded by local authorities and it's up to Ramsey Commissioners to open the re-use shed - which is closed for 'operational reasons'.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to Mr Weatherall.

Tynwald has approved changes to how the Island's Minimum Wage is calculated and reviewed.

It means any future alterations to the rate of pay will be based on Median Earnings, while a previous commitment to align the rate with the Living Wage will be abandoned.

In this edition of Newscast we hear from Treasury Minister Alex Allinson and Speaker of the House of Keys and Chair of the Select Committee on Poverty Juan Watterson.

In this episode, we hear about a gathering of industry leaders, policymakers, and innovators at the Maritime UK/ Isle of Man Maritime Coastal Powerhouse event.

It was jointly organised by Isle of Man Maritime and Maritime UK.

Chief Executive of Maritime UK Chris Shirling-Rooke MBE spoke to Beth Espey live on Update.

How do our politicians feel about Tynwald Day?

We've been finding out at this year's event:

Raz McVeighty, a familiar face at the former Bushy's Brew Pub on Victoria Street and the Rover's Return, has died.

Mr McVeighty was instantly recognisable for his unique style, and he was the inspiration for the character on the logo of Bushy's Goth IPA.

In this edition of Newscast, Bushy's Brewery Founder Martin Brunnschweiler pays tribute.