On 18 December 2023, the Isle of Man Government proudly announced that “Isle of Man Airport has adopted the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower in a drive to foster a more inclusive and accessible environment for all travellers.”

Manx Radio parroted this Government ‘news’ on 21 December 2023, claiming “The Hidden Disabilities Sunflower scheme has now been adopted at Ronaldsway – an initiative which helps people say, discreetly, they may need extra help.”

Not the first time

This is not the first time that the sunflower scheme has reportedly come to the Isle of Man airport, with Manx Radio reporting on 25 February 2020 that “Official recognition of sunflower lanyards was introduced at Ronaldsway airport at the end of October [2019], according to the infrastructure minister.”

“Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it,” wrote George Santayana. Indeed.