Fatal accidents on our roads are becoming quite frequent and with each loss of life concerns are mounting, and drivers as well as pedestrians (who are equally ill-disciplined) are urged to observe better behaviour on our roads.

We are all very much aware that each fatality shocks many families and causes grief to whole communities. Whatever the particular circumstances of each case in Malta and Gozo, there is one common element above all others that we should concentrate on. It is the need for greater attention and courtesy on the road from drivers, driving instructors and pedestrians.

 

Road fatalities

With well over 300,000 cars on our roads, there are three key steps that need to be taken. First, teach habits of courtesy through education and public media campaigns. Second, impose better road discipline and behaviour by a rigid application of the law. Third, raise the standards of driving tests for drivers and instructors who provide lessons. Improved road building and adequate signage are indispensible – aspects that are continuously addressed by Transport Malta, despite major ongoing infrastructural projects on both islands never witnessed before thanks to Transport Minister Joe Mizzi.

During consultations with Transport Malta officials in our plans for the new law on the Blue Badge, I could witness the seriousness with which these people shoulder their responsibilities. The work already done by the National Road Safety Council ought to produce courteous and safe drivers for life and not merely drivers competent enough simply to pass their driving test.

 

Safety first and foremost

A few years ago, the European Commission launched a safe-driving campaign aimed at cracking down on drivers committing traffic offences across the continent. One of the key points it made was that “the road user is the first link in the safety chain and the one most prone to error. Whatever the technical measures in place, the effectiveness of road safety policy depends ultimately on users’ behaviour. Education, training and enforcement are essential”.

In the local scenario, all fingers point at better road discipline and behaviour that have to be learnt through strict enforcement of the law.  After so many years of a laissez-faire attitude by some drivers, the bad habits are deeply ingrained. It seems that frequent emotional shocks are not sufficient to make some people realise the dangers they cause. No less than a culture change is required.

 

Preparing for Budget 2017

While Parliament is in summer recess, the government's work goes on, perhaps at a steadier pace. Those elected to the House may find time to rest, but Cabinet members still work during the summer months. The country still needs to be directed through a constant focus on several projects in hand and others to be initiated. Financial planning is at its highest levels of activity and in fact we are now at a very advanced stage for Finance Minister Edward Scicluna to present his fourth budget for 2017. 

It is an ongoing exercise all year round that involves all Cabinet members and the highest officials in government agencies. Collectively, as a Cabinet, we take note of the country's performance and trends throughout 2016, observe and examine thoroughly any shortcomings, examine people's concerns and proposals, decipher what needs to be reformed or strengthened and come up with specific measures for the coming year. 

While the government is to be lauded for implementing programmes to help the most vulnerable sectors of our society, one still has to focus on the real causes that still keep some from attaining such benefits. In taking up the challenge, the Labour government is committed to reach out and ensure that the strong economic results at national level trickle down to those who mostly deserve the country's support. It is all part of building a fair society in a tangible manner that benefits one and all. 

 

Social justice is fundamental

Labour has come a long way since Mintoff eradicated endemic poverty by closing the social gap and creating a middle class, with the majority of Maltese and Gozitans owning their own home. With the first real social revolution in the seventies, beggars became a thing of the past, and with the introduction of the minimum wage and an endless list of bold social measures, everyone had a roof over their heads – it was the Law.     

However, some may wish to ignore the fact that successive governments over the past 25 years have somehow veered away from the ideals of Social Justice, leaving the common good up for grabs among the inner circles of the chosen few. Dressing up the country to have an elegant appearance just for the sake of it unfortunately meant disregarding some basic elements of what social solidarity really meant – and still means.  Occasional whitewashing and cosmetic initiatives were and will always be a far cry from what a responsible administration ought to be.

Three years ago, Dr Muscat's government immediately took the plunge to create wealth with remarkable results, as confirmed by all local and international reports. Repeated positive statistics cannot be challenged and we now have the best levels of economic growth and employment figures among our European partners – the closest and widest we can measure with. 

 

A wealth accessible to all

Yet these results have not reached far enough down the line among our own people, where symptoms of poverty – albeit acknowledged and addressed – is still raising its ugly head among the vulnerable in our society. It needs to be tackled and beaten in every way possible. It has and always will be our duty to build a fair society. 

Having set the economy on solid footing and creating national wealth the like never seen before, we are continuously moving on to widen the receiving end so as to secure better standards of living at all levels.  The Prime Minister's speech on Labour Day was a clear indication of better things to come.  Parliament's summer recess is in fact a busier schedule for members of the Cabinet and the government as a whole to finalise and polish the timely measures planned for 2017. 

I frequently refer to both the elderly and the disability sectors, which fall under my responsibility, as the vulnerable people within the national community.  I am aware however that there are others who try very hard to make ends meet due to family problems or other causes. To all of society and to them in particular, the call for equal opportunities and accessibility is more pertinent than ever. The budget for 2017 in the coming months will further prove that this is a government that delivers.

 

Mid-August success for Gozo

This year’s long weekend in mid-August exceeded expectations for Gozo’s tourist establishments as a record number of passengers crossed over and many hotels once again reported full occupancy. Gozo Channel saw an increase in passengers of nine per cent over previous years, as well as an 11 per cent increase in vehicle transport.

For the first time, the Parliamentary Secretariat for the Rights of People with Disabilities and Active Ageing participated in the annual traditional fair with a detailed display of all services available to both sectors throughout Malta and Gozo. The three stands – the Department for Active Ageing and Community Care, the National Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Aġenzija Sapport – attracted many visitors who were given detailed information on all state services available. Informative leaflets were distributed and will serve as easy reference to many families who may need such services. 

Our participation proved that, notwithstanding all the publicity we give, there are people who still resort for help at the 11th hour, when things could have been addressed better and in time had they taken note of the right information. All in all it was a positive experience, as it reached out to people who could appreciate the innovative measures taken by the government. They now know better what we mean when affirming the rights for equal opportunities, for accessibility and for a fair society.