Singing one’s own praises is not the best way of promoting one’s own achievements, but reminders do help. Considering the huge number of projects undertaken in such a short time, I cannot help but look back with pride – while feeling the desire and strength to work even harder. It also explains why I emphasise the fact that my work – at both national and local level – is an incessant line of work in progress.
Celebrating results
There is no greater satisfaction, in fact, than witnessing the benefits derived from the measures adopted – which, after all, are the end results of all that had been planned. It is indeed satisfying to see the larger society – and specific communities in particular – appreciating both small and large projects. It happens this weekend in Xewkija, when the whole village is en fete to celebrate not only the religious aspects of the titular feast but also the cultural and social community-based developments since last year.
Since day one of my appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Ageing, I have been led by the basic criteria of greater awareness, equality and accessibility in all of our projects – be they legislative or logistic. We are continuously translating our established policies into strategies as action plans.
Everything that we have done stands to prove my original motivation. Villages such as Xewkija, Għajnsielem, Sannat, San Lawrenz, Rabat and Għarb – like Siġġiewi, Żurrieq and soon Żabbar and Pembroke, with several others – have become eloquent examples of the way we are reaching out along those basic criteria.
Not just token projects
Modest but significant projects such as the installation of a new accessibility facility inaugurated last week in Xewkija square serve to prove our constant commitment in that direction. The success story that the learning hub for the elderly turned out to be, is in itself a typical joint project with Xewkija local council and band club. Following the night shelter and respite centres through church-state partnerships, we are now moving on to similar ventures, such as another night shelter in Għarb, apart from the acquisition of further beds in San Lawrenz through public-private partnership.
Throughout my time at the helm of the disability and elderly sectors, I have considered it my mission to bring state services nearer to the people and nearer to home. Spreading national provisions to the widest possible area is in itself a positive exercise along the path towards equality and equity for everyone. It is an essential element in giving people what they deserve, overcoming as far as possible the inherent challenges of an island that suffers from its double insularity, hence realising better and just inclusivity.
Special Olympics at their best
On Friday, I presided over the National Special Olympics at the magnificently restored Fort St Elmo grounds. In a symbolic move I accompanied about 40 Gozitan athletes and the Olympic torch from the Learning Hub in Gozo to the venue in Valletta, where the hard-working National Special Olympics Council had been preparing for this important and significant sportive event.
My secretariat and my fellow Parliamentary Secretary Chris Agius, responsible for Youth and Sports, amongst others, provided the necessary resources for the whole event, which due to its competitive nature, proved to be a most eloquent expression of what we wish to attain in our equal opportunities campaign. It also gave a boost to the fundamental concept of inclusion – giving the indispensable right to access all possible forms of participation at national level to people with disabilities. It was indeed most satisfying to everyone who, like me, works in this sector, to witness the esprit de core among the athletes, their respective families and trainers.
Such a national sporting event was yet another demonstration, if it were needed, that all the legislative and structural efforts of the Labour Government in this sector are bearing fruit. As I have recently said at the United Nations, sowing the benign seeds of what is fair and just results in a rich harvest of fairness and equality to all. The National Special Olympic games are definitely an example of this.
It was no coincidence that Marigold Foundation chairperson Michelle Muscat attended the opening activity, on the eve of her Marsascala-Valletta swimming effort in aid of the Foundation’s activities. Mrs Muscat is indeed an inspiring person, leading a whole organisation in its endeavours to provide support where it is required in the various fields of disabilities.
Learning lessons and moving ahead
On another positive note, Malta will be working hard to attract to our islands UK-based industries that will now seek other EU countries to maintain their strategies within the Union’s framework. Foreign investment has already increased heavily over the last three years, and the Brexit result may serve as a positive opportunity in this sector.
All in all, Malta and Gozo are blessed to have a pro-active Labour government that is fully geared-up with alternative plans of action. Changes brought about by the Brexit result will take years to materialise, leaving no legal or economic vacuum in the meantime. The Labour Cabinet is therefore directing the way forward: rather than holding our heads, we are strengthening our efforts to look for benefits rather than concerns.
Talking of equal opportunities as an overall concept in our operations as a government, this issue can also provide our country with the option to learn lessons and grab possibilities to move ahead from strength to strength.