Chief Minister Allan Bell MHK is driving forward a renewed campaign to extend the Isle of Man’s network of friends around the world.
The aim is to promote a deeper understanding and awareness of our nation through an international community of people who feel a strong affinity to the Island - including TT fans who visit in their thousands each year.
Global Friends can help to showcase the Isle of Man’s world-class achievements in business, sport and culture, and convey our positive story to other countries, governments, opinion leaders and decision makers.
The Chief Minister is calling on local residents to support the initiative by encouraging family, friends and business associates in the UK and further afield to get involved.
The Island already has a number of enthusiastic supporters around the globe who do sterling work to promote our interests overseas.
Many are native Manx people living and working abroad, some have family or friends here, while others have become fans of the Island after visiting for a holiday or to be part of the TT Festival.
The Chief Minister said: ‘We are always keen to hear from people who wish to join our network of friends and support our efforts to highlight the Isle of Man’s many strengths. The announcement of this initiative is particularly timely as we prepare to welcome thousands of international visitors for 2012 TT Festival. We hope many of them will sign up as friends and keep up to speed with all the good things that are happening in the Isle of Man.’
He added: ‘The Island has proved itself to be a major asset to the global community and has established a reputation as a well-regulated, responsible and co-operative nation. We have a great story to tell and want to communicate to the widest possible audience that the Isle of Man is the best small country in the world to live, work, visit and do business.
‘Our Global Friends can encourage others to learn more about the modern Isle of Man, a progressive, forward-thinking nation with a dynamic economy and impressive quality of life. They can also help to debunk some of the tired old myths and misconceptions about the Island that are trotted out from time to time. We are seeking your help: if you have family, friends or business contacts overseas who would be interested in joining the Island’s network of friends, please ask them to sign up.’
Global Friends are kept up to date with all the latest developments about the Isle of Man through newsletters, promotional literature and helpful information on a wide range of issues.
People can register their details via the Chief Secretary’s Office website http://www.gov.im/cso/friends.aspx
