Chief Minister Howard Quayle believes we are the best possible position deal with whatever Brexit brings us .

But, in a New Year message to our readers, he insists his administration will not be put off from delivering its domestic agenda.

It has become a regular feature for me to write this annual column, giving me a welcome opportunity to reflect on the year that has passed as well as look forward to the Year ahead.

Last year, in this newspaper, I talked about the challenges that change presents. And this will be certainly be borne out in 2019.

Next year will be full of changes. The UK plans to leave the European Union at 10.59pm on March 29.

And deal or no deal, Brexit has significant implications for the Isle of Man.

We have had to bear all scenarios in mind to help shape our thinking and policies. And while we cannot predict what will be in place - we do stand well prepared.

Should there be a no deal then World Trade Organisation rules will apply and our position in relation to the WTO is clear. We remain on the same footing as the UK for trade purposes.

The UK has also sent out over 90 detailed technical notices, to which we have added relevant commentary so that they can be applied to the Isle of Man.

These technical notices cover many areas and have important information for exporters, importers and even useful advice for those of us who just want to travel in Europe.

If I had taken a pound every time someone had asked me whether there will be a ’deal or no deal’, I’d be able to retire a lot earlier than I had planned.

And while I’m certain that a deal is in the best interest for both the UK and the EU, I am concerned that institutional stubbornness will continue to block progress.

However, I do know that we are in the best position possible to deal with whichever scenario we face at the end of March.

We have passed our own European Union and Trade Bill to ensure our legislative and regulatory frameworks can continue to be robust, and, we have signed the new customs arrangement with the UK to ensure trade with our main economic partner continues to operate smoothly.

We have also set up a scheme to provide support for local businesses in preparing for Brexit both in the short term and longer term. Information for those looking to apply is available at www.iomdefenterprise.im/bis

Whatever uncertainty there is over Brexit, this doesn’t put us off delivering on our domestic agenda.

We are now well into the third year of this administration and while we’ve made big strides in delivering the Programme for Government there is a considerable way to go.

And this month sees the delivery of two incredibly important pieces of work. We are rolling out the Equality Act and from January 1 there will be wider protection for our residents, ensuring the end of discrimination in employment.

The Safeguarding Bill also comes into force in January. This creates a single safeguarding board, and enshrines a duty for those working with children or vulnerable adults to consciously consider their safeguarding needs.

Protecting our residents from exploitation is also the driver for the work I have asked Minister Ashford, Minister for Health and Social Care, to undertake.

He is chairing a Chief Minister’s committee to look at the issues facing those on zero-hour contracts.

This complements the work led by Minister Thomas on how we, as a government, can do more to help those who are cold, hungry and homeless.

No matter the uncertainty that we have over Brexit, this administration will continue to protect our residents. A great deal has been achieved but there is a lot more to be done - and this is our focus for 2019.

I would like to wish all readers a very happy 2019!