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Proposals to protect Tynwald Hill 29 April 2010  CHIEF Minister Tony Brown MHK has today launched a consultation on new legislation to give special recognition and protection to Tynwald Hill in St Johns.
The ancient site is the scene, on July 5 each year, of the unique open air meeting of Tynwald – the world’s oldest continuous parliament founded by Viking settlers more than one thousand years ago. The Tynwald Hill Bill, promoted by the Council of Ministers, will give special legal status to the Hill, the processional way and the surrounding area. It will formally declare the historical and cultural importance of the site to the Manx nation and promote its preservation for future generations. The Bill will make it a criminal offence for anybody to damage or destroy Tynwald Hill or any part of the protected area. Any person found guilty of this offence would be liable on conviction on information to prison for up to 12 months or to a fine which would be unlimited, or to both. The Chief Minister explained: ‘Tynwald Hill has stood throughout the ages as a symbol of the separate identity of the Manx nation. It is a very important place for the people of the Isle of Man and as such deserves special recognition and protection. By progressing this legislation the Council of Ministers hopes to ensure the preservation of this iconic site for future generations.' The Council of Ministers has produced a Consultation Document and is inviting comments on the proposed provisions of the Tynwald Hill Bill. The Consultation Document can be downloaded from the Chief Secretary’s Office website or can be emailed on request by contacting Kirsty.Hemsley@gov.im Alternatively copies can be obtained from the Chief Secretary’s Office, Government Office, Bucks Road, Douglas IM1 3PN or requested by telephone on 01624 685711. Copies are also available from the Tynwald Library, Legislative Buildings, Douglas, IM1 3PW. Views should be sent by email to Kirsty.Hemsley@gov.im by post to Kirsty Hemsley, Senior Policy and Research Officer, Chief Secretary’s Office, Government Offices, Douglas, Isle of Man, IM1 3PN. The deadline for the receipt of views is Monday 14 June 2010 More stories >>>
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