Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer are teaming up once again to host a major community event – the State of the Island Debate – bringing together influential voices to discuss the most pressing issues facing our Island.
The free-to-attend event will take place on Friday 13th June, between 18:00-20:00, at the Riverside Centre in Newport, with doors opening from 17:30.
Chaired by Marc Morgan-Huws, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the evening will feature a panel of key local figures debating topics such as the Island’s struggling tourism industry, rising ferry costs, education challenges and NHS services.
Confirmed panellists include Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East), Richard Quigley MP (Isle of Wight West), Steven Holbrook (CEO of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce) and Sir Paul Kenny, who is exploring cross-Solent ferries as part of the Islanders’ Charter. Other panellists are to be confirmed in the coming days.
Audience capacity is limited to 200, and although entry is free, pre-registration is required. Tickets will be released on a first-come, first-served basis next Friday (23rd May). Riverside’s bar will be open throughout.
Carole Dennett, Editor of IW Observer, says:
“The State of the Island Debate is a vital platform for Islanders to hear directly from key decision-makers and hold them to account on issues that affect our daily lives. The Island faces complex challenges which include concerns about our economy, transport, education and healthcare, so fostering open dialogue is more important than ever.
“We are very different organisations, but this collaboration between the IW Observer and Island Echo reflects our shared commitment to independent journalism that puts the needs of the Island at its heart.”
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Earlier in the day, as part of Indie News Week 2025, Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer will also be inviting readers to meet the editors and the wider teams.
The informal afternoon session, also being held at the Riverside Centre between 15:30-17:00, will be an opportunity for the public to network with the editorial teams, ask questions, raise concerns and share ideas for future stories Join us for a chat over a cup of tea before learning more about how the Island’s independent media operates. There will be a Q&A, giving readers the opportunity to dive deeper into the world of independent journalism.
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher of Island Echo, says:
“This is the first time that both publications have been available for questioning by the readers in this way, so it is a not to be missed event.
“As locally owned, independent publications, we are truly at the heart of the Isle of Wight community and we are committed to listening to our readers, and sharing in a transparent way how we deliver the news to thousands of Islanders each and every day”.
More details about Indie News Week and how to register to attend will be released in due course.
Limited parking is available on site at the Riverside Centre for both events, with additional council parking available at Newport Quay and Sea Street.
This marks the second major joint event organised by the Echo and Observer, following the success of the General Election hustings held in both Ryde and Newport last year.
You must invite Enough is Enough as a panellist, to talk about the need for speed cameras and speed bumps.
You should have been travelling from Niton
to Blackgang Chine this afternoon
2 Numpty’s on motorbikes riding on the wrong
side of the road doing wheelies
The car behind was filming them, then the bikes
went following the car, they obviously didn’t
want to be filmed.
Fortunately I was taking the grandchildren to
Blackgang, so I missed the outcome.
Speeding is rife and Numpty’s ride or drive erratically on
island Roads.
I saw another IDIOT on a motorbike this
afternoon riding at speed by Quarr Abbey.
I was driving at 38mpg, it is 40mph
The IDIOT on the motorbike flew by at I estimate
75mph +
Are all Motorbike Riders IDIOTS,
personally I believe they are!!
Any mention of the drug problem on the island?
NAAAAAAAAAA and the feral scum
What drug ‘problem’? Our crime rate connected to drugs is less than rest of the UK as a whole, and the number of drugs related crime is 5.7% less than it was in the last few years. Our drug users are also less than the national average, quite amazing considering that the co-morbidity of mental health issues is actually greater, and with fewer resources for treatment.
If so, why does the island stink of
Cannabis!!
The island stinks of drugs. I am certain Numpty’s
are vaping cannabis.
They need banging up.
Friday 13th sums it up..whole island a dump dirty worn out old,drugs scum people everywhere,roads ferry travel an utter bloody joke..
By the phrase ”The state of the Island” do they mean in the Isle of shite sense because of all the shite and low life that is being dumped on it?
The shite is already here, many born here.