Fair Settlement IoM 'devastated' at death of John Wannenburgh
A Douglas North MHK who ‘championed the Island’s expat community’ has been thanked for supporting a campaign to provide more protection for migrants.
John Wannenburgh died peacefully in his sleep on Sunday night.
At the last sitting of the current administration he’d presented a petition on behalf of the Fair Settlement Isle of Man group.
It called for ‘clear and meaningful protections’ for migrants who moved to the Isle of Man under the published five-year route to settlement.
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In a statement the group said: "We are devastated by the sudden passing of John Wannenburgh for Douglas North MHK.
"John was a true champion of the Island’s expat community.
"From the first time we met with him more than seven months ago, he listened, understood why this mattered and gave generously of his time, experience and advice.
"He became a trusted sounding board and a steadfast supporter of our campaign.
"John did far more than lend his name to our petition. He guided us through the parliamentary process, presented it to Tynwald and stood beside our community as its voice was heard at the highest level. The unanimous support it ultimately received owes a great deal to his willingness to take up our cause and see it through.
"For Fair Settlement Isle of Man this loss is deeply personal.
"We will always be grateful for John’s warmth, straight talking, wise counsel and genuine commitment to fairness.
"It was a privilege to know and work with him.
"Our deepest condolences go to John’s family, friends and colleagues.
"The Isle of Man has lost an exceptional public servant, and our community has lost a friend and champion."
"He understood why the issue mattered...John did far more than lend his name to our petition. He guided us through the parliamentary process, presented it to Tynwald and stood beside our community as its voice was heard at the highest level. The unanimous support it ultimately received owes a great deal to his willingness to take up our cause and see it through."
The group is led by Vanessa Naude:
Vanessa Naude is listed as a director of IOM Relocate but has confirmed to Manx Radio that she has not been active in this role since December 2024.
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