We asked Chief Minister Howard Quayle to write a message for our readers.

We reproduce it here.

The beginning of a new year represents the opportunity to assess what has been achieved, take stock and look forward with focus and confidence.

The past 12 months have been challenging in many ways, but it’s important to reflect on our successes and think about what the next year will bring.

Firstly, I’d like to address Brexit - a word that has dominated conversations, websites, newspaper columns and TV bulletins since the United Kingdom referendum took place in June 2016.

It’s clear that last month’s victory in the general election has provided the Conservative Party with the platform required to enable the UK to leave the European Union on January 31.

Our government continues to prepare for the next phase of negotiations, so we remain in a strong position once those talks begin.

I spent a lot of time during 2019 visiting the UK and building relationships to ensure the island’s interests are represented, not only in relation to Brexit, but more broadly, and that will continue this year.

We are now well into the fourth year of this administration, and achieving the aims of the Programme for Government is a key priority.

Progress is being made in a number of areas but there remains a lot of work to do.

And we certainly will be progressing at pace over the next two years.

There is a lot that we plan to deliver, including reform of some parts of the justice system, gas regulation, further action on tackling poverty and working to improve the care of those with mental health needs.

This government is committed to tackling the big issues and working towards the needs of future generations.

A long-term view is essential for the good of the island and its young people.

Addressing climate change is high on our domestic agenda and Professor Curran’s report is due to be presented to Tynwald this month.

This will enable departments across Government to shape policy and deliver measures which address the climate emergency and move towards a carbon neutral Isle of Man by 2050.

I have already announced the development of Keyll y Theay (the People’s Wood) at Meary Veg. We will be planting one tree for every resident of the island, 85,000 trees in total, and work is due to start early this year.

The transformation of our healthcare system is another key area and, following the publication of the Sir Jonathan Michael report, much work is taking place on the Manx Care Model. I look forward to seeing how it develops over the coming months.

The changes that we have made to the Department for Enterprise are also starting to be felt by businesses.

In this year’s business confidence survey 75% of employers stated that they feel it is easy to do business in the Isle of Man.

In addition, HSBC’s annual expat survey ranked the Isle of Man as the best place to live in the British Isles and 12th best in the world.

The island has always relied heavily on its sea services and last year saw a new agreement reached with the Steam Packet, which will deliver flexibility and improvements to services, as well as more certainty over replacement vessels and passenger prices.

Work has now begun clearing the site for the Isle of Man ferry terminal in Liverpool, which is due to be completed in the summer of 2021.

Fantastic modern facilities will cement our historic links with the city and provide a comfortable welcome for visitors coming to the island.

A new air link between London and Southend has also been announced and will provide an excellent option to fly into southern England.

The 2019 Budget provided welcome support for working families and those on low incomes. More people were lifted out of the tax bracket with a further increase in the personal tax allowance.

There were also rises in child benefit, disability living allowance, maternity payment and the winter bonus.

We will continue to enable people to improve their personal circumstances and provide support for those who need it.

The Treasury Minister will be announcing his plans for the year ahead in February.

There are many in our community with social issues and progress is being made in defining poverty - an action plan has been developed and is being implemented across our community.

Government plays a crucial role in protecting the vulnerable in our society and we are working with individuals, charities and a range of different organisations to make things better.

Our island has a strong international reputation and we will continue to build on this by meeting and exceeding our international obligations.

I would like to thank those in our public sector that have been manning our hospital, the prison and Manannan Court, in addition to the police and emergency services, ensuring that everything keeps moving and people stay safe over the holiday period.

Finally, I wish everyone a happy and prosperous New Year.