Should the island step up its game when it comes to border control?

Chief Constable Gary Roberts told a Tynwald scrutiny committee that the island’s border ’isn’t protected’ and is a ’weak point’ in the UK’s border. He has concerns about drugs, easy access onto the Steam Packet and travelling offenders.

We went to Strand Street, in Douglas, to ask members of the public if they think our ports should have strict border controls such as ferry passengers needing to have their passports scanned.

’Yes, there should be better control of who’s coming in and going,’ said Cath Hinks, 55, from Ramsey.

’One of the reasons is drugs and also terrorism. It’s only a matter of time.’

Her daughter, Sam, aged 24, disagrees. She thinks it should be kept the same as ’inter-regional flights in the UK that don’t ask for passports unless you’re checking in luggage’.

’You just need any form of photo ID,’ she said, adding: ’If you don’t have a passport it would make it difficult to leave the island.’

Chris Lees, from Onchan, said he would have ’no objection’ to ID being required of Steam Packet passengers.

’Most people carry ID on them and it would be no great inconvenience,’ he said.

’Several years ago there were burglaries around the island and it was suspected that it was UK people. There was no way of them [police] being able to identify [visiting] people on the island during that time.’

Colby resident Heather Savage, 47, said it was ’very shocking’ not seeing any checks on the ferry when moving here in 2008, as she was used to heavy border control having lived around the world and being from Canada.

’I have to admit it’s fantastic not having queues, but in this climate of tension in the world... you wouldn’t need to be so professional getting here and now that I’m a parent I think about these things more than I did,’ she said.

’I’ve travelled a lot and I’m not used to this free movement, which is quite exciting to me. It’s lovely and relaxed, but watching the news you start to think "what if" and the island being used as a stepping stone.

’When I lived in another island nation you couldn’t leave without someone checking your passport, but it’s closest port of call was Miami so there was no question with the US air regulations.’

Vinci Pabellan, 23, from Douglas, thinks it would be better making borders ’more secure’ and gave the example of illegal substances being brought over. ’Without checks there’s less hassle, but I’m sure people would manage,’ he added. ’For young people travelling and growing up with border control, it’s not really a "thing". Older people can say "I remember the time before 9/11", but young people having nothing to compare to.

’It is what it is. I haven’t got an issue with border control.’

Irene Farrington, 76, from Douglas, said she would like to see more controls at ports in the island and linked to the island.

’I think it’s easier for people to come across and take advantage,’ she said.

Her brother Stanley Cocklin, 80, who has come over to visit, said ’better control around the UK should be more serious’ to find out who comes in and out of the country.