This page: Norfolk Island celebrates its Anniversary (Bounty) Day every 8 June when Islanders re-enact the landing of the Pitcairn community at Kingston Pier in 1856 [Photo by Robin Nisbet Photography]; Right: Dignitaries seated on Tynwald Hill on Tynwald Day 2012, Isle of Man.
throughout history; the Norfolk Island Legislative Assembly was established in 1979, the very same year that saw the Isle of Man celebrate one thousand years of the establishment of their Parliament”. Both Parliaments now acknowledge the others National Day in a number of meaningful ways and this is intended to develop in future years.
Youth and the future Another important aspect of the agreement is educating our young people, with a goal of having an exchange student programme put in place. In the meantime, links are
underway to engage and educate our islands’ youth from the creation of a specific online social media site, where students of the Norfolk Island Central School are soon to connect with students of the Isle of Man’s Castle Rushen High School; enabling them to discuss their way of life and the roles that both Parliament and culture play in their individual areas. Hon. Juan Watterson, ACA,
MHK, Chairperson of the Executive Committee, of the CPA Isle of Man Branch, said of the new social media site: “I am delighted that the Isle of Man and Norfolk Island continue to build bridges that span the globe using the latest technology. We look forward to our young people
184 | The Parliamentarian | 2012: Issue Three
connecting via social media building on the face-to-face meeting between our youth representatives at the Commonwealth Day observance. Despite being on opposing hemispheres, we share much in common as small island states. The CPA acts as an excellent forum for our young people to explore what connects us and what makes us different to give us a fuller appreciation of our place in the world.” In a time where we have “Generation Connect”, it seems even more appropriate that Norfolk Island and the Isle of Man have connected through their cultural agreement. Hon. Clare Christian, MLC,
President of Tynwald, said: “The
cultural accord provides a platform for our two communities to start sharing information on heritage, governance, business and culture, including music and dance. I look forward to strengthening the connection with Norfolk Island in the years to come.”