Next Monday 23rd May at 6pm at Noa Bakehouse, Rushen MHK Phil Gawne and prominent business man Juan Kelly will be calling for radical change to make our democracy and government fit for purpose in the 21st century.
Phil Gawne has had increasing concerns at growing public disillusionment and lack of participation in our democratic processes. "When people stop believing in our well established institutions for democracy and government we ignore them at our peril. History is littered with examples of governments and established institutions resting on their laurels, ignoring popular movements of dissatisfaction and often being overthrown by less savoury alternatives."
"We, the establishment, are quickly running out of time if we are to deliver the reforms needed to allow people to once again trust that our systems of democracy and government will deliver the decisions the people expect to allow them to lead better and more fulfilling lives. Not acting, leaves a significant risk of smaller and smaller electoral turn outs and a greater chance of much less representative more intolerant politicians being elected with tiny political mandates."
Phil Gawne has been working with a variety of people recently to look into how people can meaningfully reengage in politics and rebuild their trust in government and Tynwald. Among those is highly respected Manx businessman, Juan Kelly.
Juan Kelly explained that "with record levels of voter disengagement and dissatisfaction with the political system it's time to reevaluate the democractic model. The foundations of a free society rely on a properly functioning democracy in which every vote counts. The current system was designed in a pre-digital world and is looking increasingly anachronistic. A new approach is required if we are to continue to earn the right to call ourselves truly democratic."
Juan will challenge the learned beliefs that the current system relies on and examines the need for change if we are to move forward as an island.
"We hope to provoke debate and have allowed plenty of time for this in the meeting programme" added Mr Gawne. "Juan and I will offer an alternative way forward for Government and Tynwald and we look forward to a robust and lively exchange of views."
The earlier start at 6pm is to allow people to stay on after work and avoid travelling home and back, as well as to avoid a clash with the Positive Action Group meeting at 7.30.
Researching your Manx family history can be a very interesting and rewarding hobby. Trace your roots in the Isle of Man with our helpful of guide.
