WHAT IS REAYRTYS?
Reayrtys is a new initiative that will bring together people and ideas to set out a vision for the Isle of Man centred around constitutional reform.
WHO WE ARE
SIMON COLLISTER, PHD
Simon has worked as a research and strategy consultant for over sixteen years.
He has worked with high-profile global organisations from energy to logistics; aviation to HNWIs and counter-extremism to humanitarian aid, helping them to solve complex organisational and reputational challenges.
He holds a PhD in technology, politics and soft power from the University of London and has lectured and published on strategic communication and digital transformation.
NICK HAWKES
Nick is a campaigner and communications manager working at a leading nature conservation charity.
He has expertise in community engagement, project management, campaigns organisation. He has been published in UK national newspapers, including The Scotsman.
He holds an MA in Politics from the University of Edinburgh with research expertise covering the areas of democratic engagement, devolution and parliamentary reform.
FAQ
WHAT IS REAYRTYS?
Reayrtys is a new initiative that will bring together people and ideas to set out a vision for the Isle of Man centred around constitutional reform.
HOW DO YOU PRONOUNCE IT?
Wait you don’t speak Manx? Don’t worry, we’re not precious about this kind of stuff - we’re an initiative open to all. Whether you’re newly Manx or Manx as the hills all of us have a part to play in shaping a better future for the Isle of Man.
But just in case and for future reference, it’s pronounced Rear-tus.
WHAT DOES IT MEAN?
In Manx, Reayrtys means ‘vision’ and not to throw shade but it’s something which we feel has been lacking from Manx policy-making over the last 20 years. If we are to solve some of the problems facing our country and its people and secure a future for generations to come we need a new political vision for our Island.
WHAT DO YOU WANT TO DO?
With input from people from all walks of life from across these Isles and further afield, we plan to create accessible and engaging articles, events and discussions to help Manx people understand, explore and question how policy is made on our Island.
ARE YOU A POLITICAL PARTY?
No.
WHY IS CONSTITUTIONAL REFORM IMPORTANT?
It’s easy to think of constitutional reform as a bit of an abstract concept given the issues which we are all currently facing but we believe that should be at the heart of better policy-making for our country and its people. Whether we’re talking about protecting the rights of residents, exploring new electoral systems or seeking out new areas for economic growth, our constitutional status plays an important part in what we can do as an Island.
WHY NOW?
It has been 20 years since Tynwald last looked at our status as a crown dependency and a lot has changed in that time.
Recent crises and shifts in the political landscape have shown our current constitutional relationship and setup isn’t always suited to deliver the outcomes the people of the Isle of Man want both on Island and further afield. We think that now is the time to have an open discussion about what a future constitutional settlement could look like and how policymaking and the lives of Manx people could be affected.
WHAT’S WRONG WITH BEING A CROWN DEPENDENCY?
We recognise the strong links that many Manx people have to the UK and understand the importance of our historic relationship with our neighbour across. But we believe that we can respect those links whilst also exploring a new constitutional settlement that ensures that the correct policies, rights and systems are in place that offer the best outcomes for the people of the Isle of Man, now and in the future.
As a country, we also have a distinct and recognised international identity. Increasingly, however, we have seen how the Isle of Man Government has been unable to act on international issues when called on by the Manx public due to our status as a crown dependency. We have seen how our voice in international affairs has been threatened by actions taken by the UK Government without the consultation of the Manx people.
We believe that there is an opportunity for us to learn from other small nations and build relationships which best serve the needs of the Isle of Man.
WHO IS FUNDING YOU?
At present we receive no funding and all contributions to Reayrtys are undertaken on a pro-bono basis to ensure independence and objectivity. However, if you like what we do, you can support Reayrtys through a small donation at the link here.
ARE YOU LINKED TO OR SUPPORTED BY THE ISLE OF MAN GOVERNMENT
Nope. Reayrtys is an independent organisation founded and run by volunteers.