Manx Newscast

There are high hopes for a good season of basking shark sightings off the coast of the Isle of Man this year.

Since 2010, basking shark numbers are said to have decreased dramatically in Manx waters - from around 500 sighting reports per season in 2010 to just 10 last year.

But Manx Whale and Dolphin Watch says it's already had six reported to it since the end of April.

Jen Adams from the charity has been telling Amy Griffiths more:

The Isle of Man’s Youth Select Committee has launched a new inquiry into the opportunities available to young people after leaving school or higher education.

The committee is made up of members aged between 15 and 24, and is aiming to understand why the Island continues to face challenges in retaining young adults.

It will examine government policies and initiatives to assess the effectiveness of current strategies, and is now calling for public submissions to help shape its findings.

Scarlett Clague, Alex Cowley and Riona Zaman have been telling Amy Griffiths more:

The Manx Highway Code is set to be updated this year for the first time in more than a decade. 

It was last updated in 2014, and the latest edition will adopt the guidance and rules from the UK’s Official Highway Code (2022), subject to 'specified Manx modifications'.

These include references to Manx legislation and amendments for local variations such as the horse trams and derestricted roads.

Key changes to be introduced include:

• The formalisation of the hierarchy of road users so that those driving vehicles have a responsibility for more vulnerable road users including pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders.
• Cyclists should give way to pedestrians and horse riders on shared-ways and bridleways.
• Pedestrians crossing or about to cross side roads have the right of way over vehicles or cyclists that are entering or exiting the side road. 
• i.e. if a pedestrian is or is about to cross a side road cars and others must stop and let them pass. 
• Guidance for cyclists positioning on the road and behaviour when riding in groups. 
• When overtaking, drivers to give cyclists at least 1.5 metres and at least 2 metres for people walking in a road with no pavements.
• Cyclists can overtake slow moving traffic on the left or the right taking appropriate care. 
• Cyclists going straight ahead at side road crossings (cycleway and shared spaces) have priority over, vehicles turning into or out of the junction.
• Drivers will be encouraged to open their door with their left hand, so that they have better visibility behind them.

In this edition of the Manx Radio Newscast, Lewis Foster speaks to Infrastructure Minister Michelle Haywood.

A number of the Island's plantations and glens remain closed as the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture continues to make them safe.

It's after severe storms this winter, including the record-breaking Storm Éowyn back in January, which saw wind speeds of 107mph recorded on Snaefell.

Amy Griffiths to Archallagan plantation to speak to the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture about the impact the extreme weather has had:

A new Onchan Commissioner says she would like to be a voice for the young people in the village after being elected to the board. 

Gabriella Corkish, who's 19 years old, is the youngest local authority member on the Island and wants to encourage more people her age to engage in Manx politics. 

At the commissioner's AGM she was given the role of Onchan School Education Representative which she will hold for a year. 

Miss Corkish also wants to try and improve the sheltered housing complexes in the area, and would like to work more closely with government departments.

Local Democracy Reporter Emma Draper has been speaking to her.

On the 8 May 1945, people across the world were celebrating Victory in Europe Day.

But how did Manx residents mark the occasion?

Amy Griffiths has been finding out:

Manx veteran Christopher Garrett has been described by colleagues in Ukraine as a 'lovable guy, completely dedicated to his work'.

The bomb disposal expert, from Peel, was killed yesterday (6 May).

The charity he co-founded, Prevail Together, says he and two other team members were seriously injured in an incident in Izyum in eastern Ukraine.

Board Member and Ambassador Shaun Pinner later confirmed that Chris had died.

Speaking to Manx Radio's Lewis Foster, Shaun paid tribute to his friend and colleague.

Businesses are being encouraged to take advantage of government schemes and expand their offerings as visitor numbers decline in Douglas city centre.

In a post on social media, city centre management asked users to offer their suggestions as to what might improve footfall on the high street.

A common suggestion was for the introduction of cheaper, or free parking. Others suggested a Primark store would draw them to the centre.

Earlier this year Tynwald approved the Local Economy Strategy, which provides financial assistance towards projects in towns, villages, and the capital.

Lewis Foster caught up with Tim Cowsill, CEO of Business Isle of Man, for a progress report:

Manx Loaghtan Sheep have been added to the Rare Breeds Survival Trust's 'red priority watch list' because of dwindling numbers.

So what can we do to try and help them thrive for generations to come?

Jenny Shepherd has the Island's largest flock of Loaghtans and has been telling Amy Griffiths about some of the commercial opportunities they present:

The education minister says a newly published report assessing Manx schools looks as the 'education system as a whole' and isn't about shaming particular schools.

The 'annual overview' is the first of three publications produced by Etio expected over the course of a three-year 'external validation' contract between October 2023 and July 2026.

It's based on the external validation of 14 schools and one education service between January 2024 and October 2024.

Siobhán Fletcher sits down with Daphne Caine to find out more.