This week holds a special significance for this country and for the Nationalist Party. This year, the Nationalist Party will celebrate the 135th anniversary since its founding. It will also be celebrating 135 years of service to this country, conscious of the fact that it has been a protagonist in many of the memorable moments in Malta’s historical journey.
Undoubtedly, one of the major highlights is surely the PN’s role in achieving Independence for Malta in 1964. Few national holidays are commemorated with as much celebration and festivity as that of Independence Day. As one of the greatest success stories for the Nationalist Party led by Gorg Borg Olivier in 1964, this was the first and actual step towards a free, independent and democratic country. Borg Olivier had a clear and consistent vision for Malta and achieving independence was no mean feat considering the trials and tribulations which surrounded this historic moment in our history. It was a challenge - a great challenge, but one which sowed some of the first seeds of national pride.
Throughout its history, the Nationalist Party has been a champion for expanding Malta’s vision and pushing it forward to release its potential notwithstanding the country’s limitations. The PN has had to contend with many soothsayers and sometimes vicious opposition from its political rivals. Ironically, it would be the passage of time that would confirm the many wise decisions. This same passage of time also brought Labour U-turns that thankfully now embrace many of these same decisions.
This year, PN will once again celebrate Independence as it has consistently done over the last 51 years since the historical event. Unlike the past, these celebrations are being shifted from the Granaries and will be held at the new entrance of our capital city. This too has its own poignant political significance.
The new Parliament building and its revamped surroundings are fruits of yet another Nationalist Party vision. Not without its detractors, the Parliament building project has given a new lease of life to our capital. Today, this dream has become a reality, a testament of another vision so long debated, discussed and hoped for.
The last couple of days have been a hectic time for the party. The series of events held have given many the opportunity to discuss and debate the current issues and challenges that face the country. It has been a blend of political debate and entertainment for those who have attended and participated.
Of course, the highlight of these celebrations will be reached this evening with the mass meeting, which will be addressed by the Leader of the Nationalist Party and the Opposition Dr Simon Busuttil. I encourage you to attend and give a deserved boost to a political party that has worked tirelessly throughout this legislature to be a constructive and vigilant Opposition. The meeting will also serve as an opportunity to send a message to this government’s increasingly haphazard way of doing things. Do join us this evening and make your voice heard too!
[email protected]
The author sits on the PN Executive Committeee and is a General Election candidate on the IVth district