Alastair Kneale's blog

The Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin) border will remain closed because it is "not the moment to make significant changes", the Manx chief minister, Howard Quayle has said. The Isle of Man became the first place in the British and Irish Isles to live without lockdown and to end social distancing on Monday 15th June. Although it is now 27 days since the island last had an active case of coronavirus, Howard Quayle told Tynwald (Manx: Tinvaal), which is the legislature of the Isle of Man, that the border remained an "integral part of our defences" against the disease.

A series of changes to coronavirus restrictions came into force on the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin)  today, Monday 15th June. This follows 25 days without any new cases of Covid-19. The changes include Manx residents no longer being legally required to remain two metres apart. This was confirmed by the Chief Minister of the Manx government, Howard Quayle, who had contracted the virus earlier in the pandemic, but thankfully made a full recovery.  He has now confirmed social distancing is no longer deemed necessary to protect the community from coronavirus.

It has been reported that there have now been no new Covid-19 cases on the Isle of Man (Manx: Mannin) for three weeks. The Isle of Man Government stopped all passenger arrivals to the Isle of Man by air and sea from the morning of 27 March 2020. The borders remain closed to all but essential workers and certain other specific categories. Along with other measures, including social distancing, it appears that the closure of Manx borders has been an important factor in preventing further spread of the virus.

Archaeologists in north-western Spain believe they have discovered the burial place of 16th century Irish chieftain known as Red Hugh O’Donnell (30 October 1572 – 10 September 1602). Hugh Roe O'Donnell (Irish: Aodh Ruadh Ó Domhnaill) was a ruler of Tyrconnell. Tyrconnell (Irish Gaelic: Tir Chonaill) was an independent Gaelic state in Ireland. Red Hugh and his father-in-law Hugh O’Neill fought the Nine Years’ War against the English and sought aid from Spain.

In normal times the most famous motorcycle race meeting in the world, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy, would have been about to begin. However, as we are only to well aware, we in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic. As a result the Council of Ministers, which is the highest level decision making body within the Isle of Man Government, had some time ago taken the decision to cancel the 2020 Isle of Man TT Races which were due to take place between 30th May and 13th June. 

Media Release from Culture Vannin:

Clare Kilgallon has been reappointed to the board of Culture Vannin

For some weeks now the liberal left have pointed to New Zealand as the perfect example of how to tackle the threat of the Crononavisrus pandemic. In doing this it is often used, understandably given the incompetence of some governments, as a way to attack an administration they do not agree with. In doing so they have found a new poster girl for their cause, namely Jacinda Ardern Prime Minister of New Zealand. However, people should be careful of what they wish for.

Picture courtesy of Culture Vannin:

Myr yiarragh shin 'sy Ghaelg (As we would say in Manx Gaelic) - Gura mie eu, Hirveish Slaynt Ashoonagh! (Thanks to our NHS)

Draconian measures have been undertaken in countries around the world in regard to the coronavirus pandemic. New legislation has been introduced and rushed through many parliaments, without the normal scrutiny, in a bid to enforce unprecedented lockdown measures and physical distancing to slow the spread and death toll from Covid-19. To a large extent many people have accepted the need for emergency powers at this time. However, these powers have more in common with those of a police state rather than a western democracy.

For the first time during the Coronavirus pandemic a leader of one of the Celtic nations has been tested positive. It has been confirmed that Howard Quayle Chief Minister for the Isle of Man (Manx; Mannin) has tested positive for the virus. It is reported in the Manx media that Mr Quayle has maintained "full control of government," before outlining contingency plans relating to the chain of command should any of the council of ministers fall ill. We wish Howard Quayle a speedy recovery.