Chief Minister Tony Brown Future Thoughts on the Isle of Man

What future development that you consider inevitable, do you look forward to with the most anticipation? Increasing global opportunities for international businesses based in the Isle of Man, stimulating our economy, providing opportunities and quality employment, improving living standards and improving the quality of life for all. It is therefore vital that we provide the right environment for IOM business to compete and win in the global economy.

Q. What future development that you consider inevitable fills you with the most fear?

The changing world due to increased terrorism that is affecting our personal freedoms arising from the necessary increase in security against global terror. The changes are slowly eroding much of the freedoms we have previously taken for granted and unfortunately there seems to be no alternative.

Q. Do you think that your current initiatives like "Freedom To Flourish"are working and if so how?

Freedom to Flourish is about agreeing and promoting a consistent central theme to run through all our communications about the IOM to audiences at home and abroad. It is supported by both Government and the private sector and is progressing on several fronts. It's concerned with developing clear and co-ordinated messages about the Isle of Man around a core concept - it's much more than just repeating the words 'Freedom to Flourish'.It provides a common themed identity, which if used correctly gives a consistent and effective message.

Q. We are building an online and offline community of businesses who interact and feed off each other, and in combining thoughts and ideas, will make more of a contribution to the islands economy. How do you think that government can help to stimulate this type of island team ethos?

Government welcomes and encourages ideas that can develop good quality legitimate business that will contribute to the growth of our economy and provide employment opportunities. Government works with the private sector to promote opportunities and provide a climate where business can succeed.

Q. Why did you get involved in politics and where do you see yourself in the next five, ten or even twenty years?

I became involved in youth work from the age of 19 and was also involved within the community. Due to this I became interested in getting more involved in town affairs – being a volunteer – and as my interest grew I wanted to do more. I did not see it as ‘politics’ but being involved in helping and being involved in my community.

My political aspirations developed during my first term as a Castletown Town Commissioner – 1976 to 1979 – and as I saw I could make a difference and really help people I decided to become more involved in playing a part in political life and in 1981 stood for the House of Keys and was elected and have been so continuously since that time.

As to where I will be in the future I do not know; I enjoy what I do now and as always I will decide at the appropriate time where I go to from here.

Q. What will be your main targets throughout your term in office?

There are too many main targets to list here however, I would hope to provide firm leadership and a cohesive Government doing its best to serve the people of the Island.

I hope that I can improve the quality of life and provide appropriate care and support for those most in need, provide opportunities and an environment where our young people can develop and be successful whilst building their future.

I want to ensure that the Island remains a safe place in which to live, and that we retain our unique way of life whilst ensuring that we are successful in developing our economy so as to safeguard our future

Q. Do you have a favourite part of the Isle of Man? Why?

The Island is so beautiful however my favourite part is The Slough area. I find the scale and diversity of the countryside - its ruggedness, its beauty, its peacefulness and its views - to be magnificent. It gives an air of real freedom.

Q. And finally...assuming you have the ability to influence the future of the Isle of Man in any capacity, what future
development would you most like to help bring about?

There are so many things that I wish to achieve in developing the Island however, I would like to strengthen our identity, our Manxness, we are a unique nation and we should be proud of what we do and what we achieve.

I would like to see the Isle of Man continue to prosper, to grow wealthier as a community, but continue to share the benefits of that prosperity and most importantly retain our strong sense of community, quality of life and national identity.