Human society is not divided into watertight compartments called social, political and religious. These all act, react and interact with each other and we individually evaluate facts rather than perceptions.

The country's prosperity

Only a month ago, the fiscal surplus for the first quarter accelerated the decline in the debt ratio. Indeed, Malta was ranked the country with the fourth highest reduction in its debt-to-GDP ratio in the EU. It confirms the government's resolve to continue operating within a positive fiscal balance for the foreseeable future. Another milestone achieved by the Labour Government this year was the credit rating upgrade by Fitch, confirming that Malta's sovereign credit rating rose from A to A+ with a stable outlook. This upgrade reflects the progress made by this government during the last four years in various priority sectors, in particular the consolidation in public finances.

During the past few months, while preparing for the 2018 budget, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna reiterated that the government's projections for the coming years will proceed with economic growth above the EU average and employment growth remaining robust. The government will continue to enhance the quality of the labour force and tackle skills mismatches in the Maltese labour market. In this area too, the Ministry for Gozo, in agreement with the social partners, has commissioned a professional survey with particular focus on Gozo's labour market and its requirements.

Implementing our proposals

Now that Malta and Gozo have a strong and vibrant economy, we need a good infrastructure to complement it. Despite the fact that next year's budget will focus on infrastructure and related areas, it will also implement social solidarity measures, including a first batch of election proposals. I have been actively involved in this process during the summer months with a view to ensuring special attention to Gozo's particular expectations. During my recent meeting with the Gozo University Students Group I did, in fact, discuss the proposed schemes aimed at Gozitan students, which are now set for immediate implementation in the budget for 2018.

Unprecedented support for tertiary education is a priority for the Labour government, with €28 million allocated for stipends and grants during 2017. For the first time, this included mature students and those repeating any year during their course. As part of the simplification process, post-secondary and tertiary students -studying in Malta or abroad - can now apply online.

Culture - an all-inclusive tool

Gozo's cultural calendar has been at its very best during the summer months and, to be honest, I have almost lost count of the many artistic and musical events I have inaugurated. It is indeed encouraging to note, however, that they were not simply of an exhibition or entertainment nature, but sought popular participation through interaction with educational criteria shared by different age groups.

Santa Marija - a great success

I am fully committed to encouraging and supporting events such as the Feast of Santa Marija as they are the seeds of individual development, as well as adding to the island's rich historic and cultural heritage. The Santa Marija agrarian and cultural annual fair was another huge success on many counts. The national event attracted thousands of passengers for Gozo Channel and a healthy patronage of all the hospitality and catering establishments on the island. This annual event makes the island a complete exhibition of culture, history and fun, together with the festive and competitive spirit.

Such events bring people together, irrespective of their other affiliations or interests. They bring out a celebrative spirit and can induce many people to discover individual hidden skills that would otherwise remain unknown. Life is a learning process in which the arts and culture can be prime movers that encourage people to explore further interests that will improve their quality of life and create new economic benefits in the island's community. 

The family that learns together...

The benefits created for an individual will add to his or her family's pride and outlook on life. Self-esteem grows in that a person and that person's family, becomes aware that, after all, any work of art they admire can eventually look better if they put their own dormant skills into action. In this way, too, exhibitions can be a learning experience in that the abilities of the artist or author can be contagious, changing a watcher into a doer.

Families learn in many ways in daily life, but there are particular instances where both parents and children can experience and savour the beauty of learning together. Such was the feeling when many participated in the Family Writing Activity - Xalati ta' Kitba - held recently at the Citadel in Gozo and organised by the National Literacy Agency. It was a pleasant opportunity for families to participate in a range of writing strategies inspired by their historic, majestic surroundings, leading to the creation and writing of a postcard.

Speaking at the event, I stressed how such initiatives are important for several reasons. First and foremost is the positive interactive learning experience that children are enjoying with their families and teachers. It is also an opportunity for children to appreciate a historical site such as the imposing Citadel, while learning about Gozo's history in the most direct way - on site.

Various events are being held to promote the Citadel as a lively place, filled with different activities for all ages and tastes. The Gozo Ministry strives to encourage individuals and groups to organise a wide range of activities that add life and purpose to a majestic site of great historic value. I requested the National Literacy Agency to hold further initiatives and national programmes such as this writing activity and assured them that the Gozo Ministry will provide all the necessary support.

Gozo's first Film Festival

A first for Gozo is the first Gozo Film Festival, being held at the Citadel over this weekend. The activity is multi-dimensional: we want to give life to the Cittadella by organising different events that target different audiences. This festival is an example of this, along with providing a platform for local film producers to showcase their productions. The festival also has international productions featuring Gozo. Our aim is to encourage the film industry in Gozo and this Film Festival is indeed a small but sure step that augurs well for the future.