No matter all the projects that politicians plan and carry out, their best achievements will always depend on how well they listen to and understand what the people they represent need and deserve. This – in a nutshell – is an old axiom my dear grandpa Ġanni used to mumble to me when, until his very last few days, he took me with him during his visits to his beloved Xewkija. I keep recalling his words, so simple and yet so wise, with every person I meet when visiting homes for the elderly and disabled people during my daily work.
I was reminded of it yet again last Monday, when I listened to what people had to say about the implementation of the government’s innovative policies for the elderly and for people with disabilities. It was an account of projects that have been completed and others still in progress, but primarily a listening exercise to hear what people perceive and have to say about the government’s performance.
Indeed, we tirelessly plan and discuss with expert advisers to realise our electoral manifesto, but we continuously need to keep all that on check through such public meetings. “Gvern li jisma” (a government that listens) is not just a slogan. It is a necessary barometer of what people expect from us members of the Labour cabinet. In legal jargon, our relationship with the people we represent can be defined in terms of a sinallagmatic [bilateral] contract, which imposes reciprocal obligations on the parties concerned. The Maltese people gave us their overwhelming trust in March 2013 and we, in return, must deliver as promised and as expected.
Last Monday, I stressed the point that we are concerned with the quality of services rather than mere quantity. In our view, St Vincent de Paule and other homes or day centres for the elderly are not just parking lots for those who have reached a venerable age. They are not merely comfortable spaces in which our elders live out the last years of their life. We are committed to transform all such places into hubs of activity with learning programmes that enable and encourage them to stay as active as possible within our – and their own – community.
St Vincent De Paule’s residence is fast becoming a centre of excellence, not only through the many upgrading and refurbishment projects, but also through the endless list of training and retraining programmes for all the staff.
The quality of such training has now been recognised officially by the MQRIC (Malta Qualifications Recognition Information Centre) and is therefore not only of direct benefit to the residents but also a personal enhancement for those who care for them. A high quality service is also being achieved through the engagement of more professional practitioners and in-house clinics for dental, ophthalmic, dermatological, orthopaedic, psychiatric and vascular treatments, which are also available to elderly people who still live within the community.
All these major projects are supported by continuous refurbishment and upgrading in practically all residential homes, including the quality of food – which is regularly monitored. This is not a case of pampering residents but of giving them their due, thus empowering them to actually be part of a holistic approach to what we as politicians are duty-bound to provide. Care and empowerment also include protection and it is another feather in our government’s cap that last Monday marked exactly one year since we enacted a specific law against all forms of abuse on the elderly.
Since taking up office as Parliamentary Secretary, I have emphasised that all state services are to be available to the elderly on both islands. Gozo is now on a par with Malta with the introduction of all services, be they residential, night shelters, day care or respite centres. We work in close partnership with the private sector and the Church entities to ensure that elderly Gozitans also receive what they deserve. We are establishing this base with a view to strengthening and expanding it in the years to come. In fact over the weekend two important activities in Gozo have been scheduled: one an inter-generational programme to be held in Kercem to promote active ageing and the other an open day activity in our Active Ageing Centre in Xewkija, which will start functioning as soon as a lift is installed.
In all our plans, we ensure that the rights of everyone are respected and protected. We have, in fact, entered into two new agreements by which thousands of contracted workers are protected from precarious conditions. Proper working conditions lead to more job satisfaction which, in turn, adds to the quality of service we aim to provide to our ageing population.
Our commitment is total in providing what people expect and deserve – quality services that are continuously monitored to ensure the high levels for which we aim. My own efforts and those of my secretariat’s officers are specifically aimed at maintaining high standards. My frequent visits to all homes and centres for important events are also intended to keep a check on all projects. I strongly believe in the importance of being close to the residents themselves, but likewise listening to what my collaborators – the staff in each unit – suggest by way of improvements. It is imperative that plans designed on a desk or conference table by experts are translated within budget plans and on time into a reality that meets what residents and the community at large expect of us.
My Secretariat is also committed to providing the same principles and standards with regard to people with disabilities – my other responsibility as Parliamentary Secretary. Some may think that it is a case of providing a service to those who are vulnerable in society, but in my books it is delivering what we mean: tangible equal opportunities and rights to all members of society. Only a fortnight ago, I attended a United Nations conference on these rights for people with disabilities. It was another opportunity to savour a broad appreciation of what my government is doing. In fact, this week we initiated the first reading of the UN Convention on the Rights of People with Disability Act: we finalised all stages of the bill to amend guardianship legislation and this week we also tabled a motion for the first reading of the Equal Opportunities Act. In addition, on 24th June, a public seminar is being held for all the stakeholders in the disability sector and we are encouraging all those involved, especially people with disability themselves, to come and voice their opinions and criticism. More details are available by calling 2590 3175 and transport will be provided.
However, we do not intend to rest on our laurels. My government aims high – quality and equality come first in all we plan and carry out. There are those who were used to filling up the media with attractive slogans and promises but now there is a Labour government that listens and delivers, knowing that facts speak louder than words!
Yes, Nannu Ġanni was right – it is by far wiser to plan after listening to those who trust you, so that you can deliver what they expect and deserve. We do that by never stopping listening to ensure the best quality services for the people of Malta and Gozo.