The status quo is definitely out of sync with a fast-changing world. A successful administration has to make the transition from a world defined primarily by complacency to one defined primarily by change.
As the party in government, we have this past week proved yet again that we are agents for change. The approval of the Marriage Equality Act shows that our country is fast changing to current realities - which puts us ahead of many other countries on the civil rights scene. It is essentially significant that governments are to legislate for the whole community, ensuring that no one feels ignored or barred from their basic rights. Laws are basically tools that regulate society, providing the necessary legal mechanisms and provisions as applicable to every instance or necessity. Equality, equity and fairness are effectively the intrinsic values of any law that is enacted within a healthy democracy.
Female participation
Another step forward - which is almost ahead of its times - was the Prime Minister's proposal of a 10-year process towards a more realistic and balanced female representation in the country's highest decision-making institutions. Labour has always been a prime mover in the field of gender equality and Dr Muscat's latest proposal in favour of women - who make up more than half of Malta's population, breaks all the traditional, unfair, barriers. Opinions may differ on the subject of setting quotas in order to overcome an outdated mentality, but if considered as a transitional process, with set timeframes towards that end, then it is most welcome. Once again, Labour's pioneering spirit leads the way.
I still recall Dr Alfred Sant's stance on quotas in party structures in the late 1990s. Eventually, they have established an equal platform that now reflects the natural and obvious composition of most of Labour's high-level bodies. Dr Muscat's latest plan will now expand that success for the benefit of all our female population. Being a woman and a mother in politics at a national level for the past 14 years, I can fully treasure this big leap forward, knowing very well how challenging it has been for me to blend my family life with my public commitments.
With the heralding of such a promising era, I really hope that many more young women will take up the challenge, especially now that - unlike in my time - they will find a smooth and supportive way ahead. The country expects that this quality leap by Labour is met positively by the Opposition in order to pave the way for women in the present and future to access public life on an equal playing field.
Teamwork and leadership
Each day at the Ministry for Gozo is an endless experience of what innovative ideas can bring about. The long list of positive meetings I have had with civil society is in itself a fruitful exercise, both explorative and consultative. Although many are well established as an entity, we all agree that they are not to be judged as part of the establishment - the kind that is traditionally tied to a status quo approach. In fact, we concur that the way forward needs a revival of our basic common purpose towards a better life for different generations in Gozo. With projects in hand and many others contained in my election mandate, mutual understanding and cooperation should be key factors in building the necessary teamwork to succeed.
The bottom line is that when people are crystal clear about the most important targets for the team with which they work, and prioritise their work around their ultimate purpose, their joint efforts produce results. A team's ability to learn from reading current situations correctly and then rapidly translating that learning into action gives it the ultimate competitive advantage. Updating and restructuring is a necessity that no team can afford to ignore.
This is basically my approach and line of action when listening to and discussing matters with these bodies, knowing very well that Gozo has a rich potential of human resources. I stressed this belief during my speech in Parliament last Tuesday and likewise in all the meetings I have chaired at the Ministry since my appointment. Some may still perceive my ministerial post as a source of power, but in reality the most effective power translates into leadership skills that link responsibility to productivity and eventually lead to success. In this way, determination becomes a constant that should inspire everyone to follow suit.
Volunteering in Gozo
It is very encouraging to note that the voluntary sector in Gozo is very strong and makes a valuable contribution to Gozitan society and beyond. It is very important that the government gives all the assistance it can to support the work involved in the running of these organisations. Luckily, I know many of these people and I would like to thank them for the sterling volunteering work they do, frequently away from any publicity.
Earlier this week I met a delegation from the Gozo NGOs Association and we discussed the state of affairs of the NGO sector in Gozo. I emphasised the need for the sector to have a fully professional approach and clear transparent working methods. In my opinion, the Association has an important role in giving a voice to the numerous NGOs in Gozo and, more importantly, a greater voice to the smaller organisations within the sector. We will provide all possible assistance for the betterment of NGOs' performance and activities.
The Gozo Ministry's backing will be ensured as long as the Association is fully compliant with all Maltese legislation, as well as with the requirements and working methods required by the Council of the Voluntary Sector, and those of the Office of the Commissioner of the Voluntary Sector are followed.
New NGO support scheme
We have, in fact, launched the 'Non-Governmental Organisations Assistance Scheme' which is aimed at providing support for Gozo's voluntary organisations in facilitating the realisation of projects, events and initiatives during 2017.
The objectives of this new scheme are intended to assist and improve the social fabric, as well as the cultural, economic and environmental activity, in Gozo and to promote and encourage volunteering and participation in voluntary activities in Gozo's communities. We also want to stimulate cooperation and networking among the organisations themselves and to foster cooperation among all such entities, as well as establishing an important link with the Gozo Ministry through collaborative projects, initiatives and events. NGOs registered with the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations can apply under this assistance scheme.
The amount of assistance to implement any financial projects, events and initiatives proposed in Gozo will not exceed €5,000, on condition that such projects are carried out during the current year. Application forms and guidelines are already available on the website of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector www.vofunding.org.mt and the Gozo Ministry www.gozo.gov.mt, and must be received by Friday, 4 August. All NGOs in Gozo are invited to an Information Session to be held on Friday, 21 July, at 6 pm, at the Gozo NGO Centre, Il-Madonna tar-Rummiena Street, Xewkija.
Socio-economic opportunities
This week I had my first meeting with Gozo's Regional Council which, five years ago, I had supported to be included within the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development (MCESD). The Council has a unique legal role in putting forward proposals regarding Gozo to the government. It was a good opportunity for me to meet its members and reiterate how important it is for the Council to work in a structured and strategic manner so that the socio-economic opportunities offered by the island can benefit the Gozitan community's well-being.
The Regional Council for Gozo has a crucial role as it brings together the representations of 17 delegates from a wide spectrum of the island's society and the chairman of MCESD, John Bencini, who co-chaired the meeting. The Council's remit is to operate in an integrated way and coordinate its input within the context of national development. The Ministry for Gozo appreciates the Council's proposals as they reflect various realities and ideas that help in the preparation of regional policies for Gozo.
Here again I reiterated my strong belief in the process of consultation, hoping that Gozo's Regional Council will always be a proper forum where innovative opportunities and necessary changes are brought up with a clear view to project Gozo within national policies.