Tim Crookall MHK, Minister for Education and Children, has announced the responsibilities of his Department’s three political members following changes to the line-up.
 
David Anderson MHK is responsible for sport, which, from 1st April, comes under the DEC. Mr Anderson is a keen sportsman and is pleased to be overseeing this area in such a significant year for sporting activity, with the Isle of Man fielding a strong team in the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow in July and launching a bid to host the 2016 British Cycling National Road Championship.
 
Mr Anderson is also responsible for the Youth Service and estates. The Department has an extensive building programme ongoing, including the creation of facilities for construction crafts and engineering at the Isle of Man College of Further and Higher Education and kitchen, dining and post-16 facilities at Ballakermeen High School, and is progressing the design of the Henry Bloom Noble Primary School.
 
It’s an important year for the arts as Island of Culture 2014 is staged and Geoff Corkish MLC will have responsibility for that area, which also comes under DEC from 1st April. Mr Corkish chairs the Isle of Man Arts Council, which is organising the year of celebrations.
 
Tony Wild MLC has responsibility for vocational training within education. This responsibility complements his role as a political member for the Employment and Skills Division of the Department of Economic Development, which oversees wider vocational training.

A senior figure in banking prior to his election to the Legislative Council, Mr Wild will also drive forward economic initiatives and will have responsibility for student award appeals.
The Minister said: ‘As my Department’s remit widens to include sport and the arts, as well as the key functions we have traditionally been responsible for, I am pleased to have such experienced members overseeing areas they are knowledgeable about.’