THE Isle of Man's new Lieutenant Governor Adam Wood has said he is looking forward to becoming part of the Island's community.
isleofman.com brings you his first speech, made just after being sworn-in earlier today, in full:
"I stand here before you all now overcome by a wide range of emotions. Yet amongst these emotions there are three that stand out - humility, excitement and a deep sense of commitment.
"Humility for several reasons - for the great sweep of history of an Island nation, one that I am very conscious is a separate country under the Crown, with its own parliament, government and laws. An independent people, rightly proud of their history and achievements.
"A history underlined by our surroundings here today, at Castle Rushen, whose keep was first raised by King Magnus 750 years ago. And by the democratic tradition of Tynwald which has endured for more than 1000 years.
"Humility when I look on the long line of distinguished Lieutenant Governors who have gone before. Some greatly loved and respected. One or two who the history books judge might have shown greater sensitivity to the Island's interests. I assure you that I take very seriously the oath that I have sworn here today. And I am conscious that respect has to be earned.
"Some of my predecessors have been very grand. I am conscious that I am just plain Adam Wood. But I note that I am not the first 'Mister' to take on the role - indeed the first Lieutenant Governor was a 'Mister' and a 'Wood'. It is with honour that I follow him and those that lie in between.
"Yet above all I am humbled to be the first Lieutenant Governor to have been chosen by the Manx authorities on behalf of their people - an important step in the Island's constitutional progression and a particular honour for me.
"I am excited by the five years that lie ahead for me and for my wife, Katie, and daughter, Persie. In the days I spent exploring the Island when I came for the interviews where you chose me, I was struck by its beauty.
"I know that here I shall find so much that inspires me, in the Island's culture and history, its walks and its birdlife, and the opportunities for sport – sports that I am keen on and those that will be new to me.
"I have already been cajoled into taking part, perhaps a small part, in the Parish Walk. But Mr Chairman, I fear that I can make no promises about tin baths, at least not in my first year. And I shall limit my thrill of speed to that experienced by those that watch bike races, not those that take part.
"Be that as it may, the Island is rightly renowned for its quality of life, a quality that so much of the world seems now to have lost.
"But we are excited not just for the quality of life we are confident that we shall find here but for the strong sense of community for which the Island is rightly known. We look forward to living here amongst you, to supporting those working to help others, and strengthen yet further that feeling of community. In short to being part of your community."
Photo by John Gregory
Also see: New Lieutenant Governor “excited” by the years ahead
