THE Isle of Man’s new Lieutenant Governor, Adam Wood, attended his first sitting of Tynwald in Douglas this morning with a promise to the Manx people that he is committed to assisting the Island to continue to make progress on the world stage.
Speaking at the beginning of today’s sitting of the House, the Governor paid tribute to the Isle of Man’s “robust” response to the recent years of economic upheaval and for maintaining such a positive approach to continue to flourish in the future.
He added, “I commit myself to support the Isle of Man’s people and its government through these challenging times. I will offer my full support for an Island which is both enterprising and innovative.
“I believe it, the Island, is right in its emphasis on building contacts with the European Union and I will assist where I can to help best pursue the aims of the Island.”
He said the Isle of Man had rightly earned respect for its handling of constitutional progress. He also said that in recent times Tynwald has been particularly active in modernising a wide range of legislation, creating what he described as “a modern, dynamic economy attracting investment from around the world.”
He added that it was “an honour and privilege” to be appointed as the Lieutenant Governor and the first to be chosen as a representative of the Manx people chosen by the Manx people.
He added, “Thank you all for such a warm welcome and, indeed last Thursday was a very moving day for myself, my wife Katie and my daughter Persie. It was a sunny, warm day which was matched by the warmth of the people in Castletown Square who gave us such a warm welcome.”
He also said, “I am deeply conscious that this is a separate country under the Crown with its own parliament and laws. I am here as HM the Queen’s rep and in that context I offer myself, my office and my experience to serve the Manx people.
“I follow a long line of respected and distinguished Lieutenant Governors and I am also conscious that respect has to be earned. I am by instinct one who supports reform. Constitutional reform, clarity of government and clarity regarding the role of the Lieutenant Governor is one of the reasons I chose to apply.”
He said that in his first few days on the Island he and his wife and daughter and been “deeply impressed” by the Isle of Man and made particular mention of the enthusiasm of the people in Castletown and the “excellent cultural standards” at The Guild.
He added, “However, we have been impressed above all by the wonderful warmth and friendship we have been shown and how welcome we have been made to feel by the people of the Isle of Man.
“We are looking forward to living here amongst you and strengthen yet further that feeling of community with is so strong in the Isle of Man.”
He added that the Island has a reputation for equality of life, but pointed out that in the days of his interviews for the position of Lieutenant Governor he had been struck by the beauty of the Island, the walks, the birdlife and the wide variety of sports activities.
He repeated his commitment made last week that he intended to start in the Parish Walk and was “very much looking forward” to seeing his first TT Races in June.
He added, “To be chosen at the Lieutenant Governor of the Isle of Man is truly an honour and a privilege. We look forward to being part of your community.”
President of Tynwald Noel Cringle replied by thanking the new Governor for his commitment, and welcomed his words that he is prepared to look forward and to acknowledge that there will be changes for the Island in the future and these should, and must, happen.
He added, “I thank you for the sincerity with which you have spoken today.”
