The Celtic League General Secretary, Rhisiart Tal-e-bot, has asked the Manx Police force what commitment it has to the distinct cultural identity of the Isle of Man. It follows similar queries to forces in Scotland and Wales prompted by progressive moves in North Wales recently by the Chief Constable in that force area (see below).
"Dear Chief Constable Mike Langdon
IOM Constabulary: Manx language and cultural commitment
The Celtic League are currently pursuing a campaign to examine how the police forces in the Celtic countries reflect the respective distinctive cultural heritage in each nation.
For example, the Celtic League has written to all the Chief Constables of Wales inviting them to offer their opinions and views on the adoption of a distinctive police uniform and badge as pioneered by Chief Constable of North Wales, Richard Brunstrom. As part of this campaign I am writing to you in order to ascertain what the Isle of Man Constabulary's position is regarding the Manx language and its cultural identification/commitment to the Isle of Man.
Members from the Mannin/Isle of Man Branch of the League have pointed out that the Isle of Man Constabulary appears to show little commitment to the Manx language and culture in its public persona. On visiting the Isle of Man Constabulary's website, I have noticed that there is no opportunity of reading the site in Manx, little mention of Manx Gaelic on the site or the how the IOM Constabulary offers a distinctive Manx cultural perspective to its citizens.
Further, we are aware that the Isle of Man police have their own distinct badge, but we would also be interested to know if the Isle of Man Constabulary would consider adopting a distinctive police uniform, reflecting the the island's cultural heritage in some way, as in the case of the North Wales police force. In addition to this, we would be interested to know why the word "Police" is not written Manx Gaelic along with English on your vehicles, as it is in Wales for instance?
The Celtic League would appreciate it if you could provide answers to the above questions and/or detail the procedure necessary to pursue these matters for further consideration.
We look forward to your reply.
Yours sincerely
Rhisiart Tal-e-bot General Secretary
CC
Chief Executive Will Greenhow
Hon Martyn Quayle MHK Mr Tim Crookall MHK Mr George Waft MLC"
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J B Moffatt Director of Information Celtic League
04/02/08