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Young World
THE GREAT ONES
No tail to tell
D.B.N. MURTHY
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The Isle of Man boasts of the oldest continuous parliamentary system known as Tynwald.
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THE ISLE: View from the boat
How can a tiny island be almost independent and prosper? Isle of Man, in the Irish sea, off the coast of U.K. is a fine example of how it can do it despite its isolation and lack of raw material. The islanders, known as Manx, with their own distinctive Manx language, boast of one of the oldest continuous parliamentary systems known as Tynwald. Manx trace their origin to Celtic mysticism and Viking bravery and initiative. The island’s flags has a ‘three-legsR
17; emblem, which the islanders say mean, “It will stand wherever you throw it”; that’s how resilient the Manx are. The Isle of Man has its own set of colourful stamps, currency, administrative and tax laws. The UK looks after the foreign affairs and defence only while the Queen of England is a mere figurehead. The island has attracted investors, business men, artists and retired people alike who like the friendly environment for business as well for recreation — far from the madding crowd.
Famous race
Due to a quirk in genetic mutation Manx cats have hardly any tail. There is little wildlife except rabbits and jackals. The island is 40 per cent uninhabited, which makes it ideal for exploration. The 160km long coastline has many beaches and coves. The golf course invites pros as well as amateurs alike. One event that draws international crowds is the annual TT race where man and machines race on the Isle of Man circuit. Life comes to a standstill due to the influx of tourists and bike enthusiasts. The island is connected to the mainland by a ferry as well as by air. The crossing of the Irish Sea could be very rough when even a big ferry could be tossed about.
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