Gef’s Daily Roundup

Yes your daily dose of the Manx news that isn’t hitting the headlines is finally back in action.

Covid Review

Following her appointment as Chair of an independent review of the Isle of Man Government’s handling of the Covid Pandemic, Kate Brunner KC, with her team, has visited the island for a familiarisation week.

Kate Brunner KC is being assisted by a small team of: barrister Alex West and director of operations Paul Fletcher. The purpose of the review is not to apportion blame but to identify good practice, lessons learned, and to make recommendations for change, if any is required. It is also fully independent of gov and Ms Brunner will have the final say on what goes into it.

Artsy

Arts Aid, the Manx charity offering financial assistance for Manx students to study in the arts, has announced the appointment of Adrienne Burnett as a trustee and director.

Adrienne retired from her post of head of Ballakermeen High School at the end of last month following 27 years at the school, 21 as head.

She said: ‘I am so pleased to be joining the Board of Arts Aid. I have been involved in education all my professional life, so it is a natural progression to join the board of a leading Isle of Man educational charity.

‘Student engagement with the arts is extremely close to my heart. Indeed, the seeds for Arts Aid were planted when I was a member of the Isle of Man Arts Council and I have watched it develop from afar over the last four years.  I am looking forward to continuing to play an active role in assisting more and more of our exceptionally talented students from the Isle of Man to pursue their education and professional training in the arts.’

Sponsorship

And finally, there is good news for Manx Div 2, as DPS ltd has been announced as the new sponsor of Isle of Man FA Division Two, and Combination Two.

The two-year deal was confirmed at the start of the 2022/23 season, which will run from the start of September until May 2023.

Speaking on behalf of the IOMFA, President Tony Mepham said: ‘We’re delighted to have the support of DPS ltd for our Division Two and Combination Two leagues. DPS ltd directors, Paul Whitley and Dale Walker are involved in local football, which makes for a strong partnership. Grassroots football – from clubs through to County FAs – cannot function without sponsors. In return we offer great exposure and the opportunity to be part of the largest sporting community in the Isle of Man.’

DPS ltd Project Director, Paul Whitley, added: ‘I have been involved in Manx football for many years, as has my fellow director, Dale, and some of our colleagues. When the chance to be a sponsor of an Isle of Man league was presented to us, we all agreed that the opportunity was right for DPS ltd. We’re proud to put the company name to DPS ltd Division Two and DPS ltd Combination.’