Isle of Man 2017 Year in Review: April – June

APRIL

• Car lanes to be installed on all Island’s roads

“Tynwald has ring fenced £20 million for the creation of a separate lane for cars on all of the Island’s roads. Until now cyclists have graciously allowed cars to share their highways, but in recent years decided enough was enough. The lane will be roughly the width of a Vauxhall Corsa in an effort to stop cars driving two abreast so motorists can talk to each other through open windows. Fears that a road tax for cyclists would be needed to fund the works were quickly allayed when the decision was reached for a car tax increase instead.” 

MAY

• Office of Fair Trading issue warning to drug users on Island

“A stark warning has been issued to drug users that they may getting ripped off by their current supplier. The Office of Fair Trading has released a ‘Best Buy’ guide after it was brought to their attention that a Douglas man recently paid £100 for a gram of cocaine, which was later discovered to be baby laxative, as the man found out to his cost. An OFT Spokesperson said ‘it’s time we shut down these fly-by- night scam artists who are taking money away from decent hard working drug dealers. The guide shows how prices can differ from town to town, and which particular dealers have history of ‘grassing’ to avoid prison if arrested. The handy booklet can be found in town halls, churches and at the sea terminal.  

JUNE

• Hollywood recruit local talent for TT Blockbuster

“Production has finally started on the long awaited as yet untitled TT movie. Film crews have been on the Island this month capturing spectator footage during the TT festival. It’s not all plain sailing however as a cut to the budget now means the casting directors are looking closer to home for their acting talent. Former Minister of Fun David Cretney has been lined up to take on the main role, originally intended for Matt Damon, with Sam Barks currently down to play three different roles; the love interest/a rival (male) biker from Burnley and a 73 year old Irish mechanic (male).  Elsewhere local stage star Gary Chatel will take on the role of Guy Martin. The children’s choir of St Thomas’ School will record a cover version of ‘King of the Mountain’ for the soundtrack, and The Palace Cinema has signed an exclusivity deal to be the only cinema in the UK to show the film, when it’s released next Summer. 

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