Committee to Question Prom Works

The Environment and Infrastructure Policy Review Committee will be hearing evidence from DoI Minister Tim Baker and CEO Nick Black this week. The first part of the hearing will focus on the Douglas Promenade Scheme, and the second part will address matters relating to the Road Transport Licensing Committee and Bus Vannin. 

The committee hearing will take place at 10.30am on Friday. As Legislative Buildings remain closed to the public. The Committee, staff and witnesses will all participate remotely. The evidence will be able to be heard via the livestream on the Tynwald website. 

Gef will also have an update of this sitting on Friday afternoon.

When Two Become One

Two of the Isle of Man's leading independent accounting, tax, and audit firms, Harding Lewis and Browne Craine & Co are pleased to announce a merger of the two firms.

Speaking of the merger, Andrew Gerrard, consultant and former shareholder at Harding Lewis, said: 'For us this merger is indicative of our ambition for the future of the business. Both firms have played a pivotal role as both accountant and business advisors to a wide range of clients, and I'm thrilled to see what the future holds. It's an exciting time for both companies, its employees and our clients.'

Basil Bielich, director at Browne Craine & Co added: 'The addition of Harding Lewis and its team helps us to better serve our growing practice, and we are enthusiastic about continuing the high level of service and expertise the firm has provided its loyal clients. We are delighted that Andrew will continue to work with the company in a consultancy capacity, helping to advise and support clients, as well as our team. He remains very much an active liaison for clients, continuing to provide valuable business advice and support.'

Vintage Victory 

Vintage Clouds, owned by Manx resident Trevor Hemmings defied odds of 28/1 to win the 2.30pm at Cheltenham today. Mr Hemmings has other horses racing at the festival this week and another of his horses, Cloth Cap, is currently the early favourite for the Grand National.

Vintage Clouds

Steam Packet Inquiry

As confirmed in Tynwald today, the Public Accounts Committee will be holding an inquiry into the events surrounding Steam Packet crews and border restriction exemptions. Today the Chief Minister confirmed neither the police nor the Attorney General advised him that no crimes have been committed. He said the advice came from Chief Secretary Will Greenhow. 

Extra Bin Day in Ramsey

To assist residents during the current lock down an additional domestic refuse collection will be offered to residential properties in Ramsey next week (March 22 onwards).

The Commissioners said: 'The collection will be in addition to the normal weekly collection and will take place on a different day.' 

If your bin day is usually on a Wednesday, yours will be collected on Monday March 22. If it's Thursday, then it will be on Tuesday 23, for those whose bins are collected on a Friday, the extra collection will be on Wednesday 24, for those wil Monday collections, it's Thursday 25 and Tuesdays it's Friday 26.

If you wish to take advantage of the additional collection the Commissioners ask residents to 'ensure that your refuse bin is left out by 6am with the lid firmly closed and handles facing outwards'.

Jab Worth the Risks

The EU's medicines regulator has said it remains 'firmly convinced' that the benefits of the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid-19 jab outweigh the risks. It reiterated that there was "no indication" the vaccine causes blood clots, after several leading EU states paused their rollouts. European Medicines Agency (EMA) head Emer Cooke said the body stood by its decision to approve the vaccine. An investigation into cases of clots in a handful of recipients is ongoing. The World Health Organization has urged countries not to halt vaccinations.

Murder Trial Date Set

A Met police officer is due to go on trial in the autumn accused of the kidnap and murder of Sarah Everard. The 33-year-old marketing executive vanished as she walked home alone in Clapham on 3 March. Her body was found a week later in Kent woodland. Wayne Couzens, of Deal, appeared at the Old Bailey via a videolink from Belmarsh Prison. The judge set a plea hearing date for 9 July and a provisional trial for 25 October.

Duke Goes Home

The Duke of Edinburgh is said to be in good spirits after leaving hospital after a month-long stay for treatment. In a statement Buckingham Palace said the duke was discharged 'following treatment for an infection and a successful procedure for a pre-existing condition'. 'His Royal Highness wishes to thank all the medical staff who looked after him... And everyone who has sent their good wishes,' the statement said.