Policies and proposals affecting Gozo have always been made in constant and regular dialogue with Gozitans since Labour came to power in March 2013, and a very clear majority of Gozitans confirmed this undeniable truth at the polls last June.

 

A responsible government, that listens to people’s ideas and expectations, cannot but adopt the necessary measures, not merely adding to a wish-list, but delivering what people actually need and deserve. Our election manifestos are proof enough that we listen to the concerns of Gozitans. We have proudly done so precisely because we have been constantly out among our fellow Gozitans – and definitely not above them. I have continued doing this as Minister for Gozo when meeting the widest range possible of Gozitan organisations and constituted bodies, while constantly touching base with people when necessary projects and being planned and implemented.

 

Dialogue leads to success

No one who is used to monologues can give us lessons on how we should talk to people, since listening to and relating with the electorate has distinguished consecutive Labour governments over the years. Keeping our promises and implementing our proposals has been our hallmark. Truth is the real content of our discourse, with a sense of unity and mutual understanding, leaving rhetoric to others who are void of concrete and feasible proposals.

Only sincere and meaningful dialogue can lead to a good relationship between a government and its people who will, in turn, benefit from the nation’s achievements. Celebrating the anniversary of Malta’s independence this week was, in fact, a remembrance of one of our nation’s political feats, achieved through unity and a solid sense of duty. Such national commemorations should encourage us to move forward together as a nation, aiming at further highs in our achievements.

 

More positive results

This year, the public feast was celebrated amidst more good news regarding the country’s economy. The latest statistics show that, by 2016, the number of people at risk of poverty and social exclusion had fallen from 99,000 to 85,000. This means that, during our first four years in office, we have wiped off almost the whole increase in this section of our society accumulated during the last PN government (2008-2013).

Another positive result was in the average household income, which increased by 5.7 per cent in just two years. It actually rose by 0.7 per cent, compared with a year earlier, and by 5.7 per cent compared with 2014. This remarkable improvement in disposable family income further confirms the right direction a pro-business government is taking to reach out to the average citizen’s financial wellbeing. Since 2013, Labour has adopted bold measures that have seen our economy grow both nationally and individually and this encourages us to strive further and create more opportunities to enable everyone to stand on their own feet. 

 

Social justice – prime mover

Prime Minister Joseph Muscat himself explained the country’s growth during his speech at the UN General Assembly this week. “Malta has fewer people at risk of poverty, following a drive by our government to distribute fairly the proceeds from sustained growth. This is an achievement which is as dear to us as our record-setting economic growth and minimal unemployment levels. This is exactly what we work for, our raison d’être, which we describe as ‘prosperity with a purpose’.”

Dr Muscat declared that “there can be no peace while extreme poverty exists”. This is a finer and closer definition of social justice which Labour governments have always practiced. It also defines this government’s commitment to social mobility, social justice, equality and unity – the four basic principles of our election manifesto. The 2018 budget on 9 October will further expand with tangible measures for the implementation of what the widest majority ever – in Malta and in Gozo – voted for last June.

 

Nearer to home

Social principles for a fair society are engraved in everything we do as a government. They are definitely applied in our daily commitments at the Gozo Ministry, be they planning or implementing projects. They also form the intrinsic thread for policies and initiatives taken within the cultural scenario which is on a fast and qualitative increase in Gozo.

Together with my colleagues Owen Bonnici and Deo Debattista, this week I paid a visit to the Artists’ Residency Programme, currently being run in Gozo. The programme is managed by Spazju Kreattiv in collaboration with the Valletta 2018 Foundation and serves as a place for artists to work together on various projects with the aim of delivering culture to the local communities. Programmes such as this provide the opportunity for an exchange of ideas between local and international artists, due to the range of artists working together on different projects.

We are committed to continue working towards a versatile and varied culture calendar to attract diverse audiences. This will also serve to improve the tourism product and create a platform for both local and foreign artists through various types of assistance provided by the Gozo Ministry. We have to ensure that Gozo is also part of the activities being prepared for Valletta 18 and, in fact, the activity at the Artists’ Residency Programme can be considered an important part of the V18 legacy for Gozo.

 

Qala and Xagħra

The three-day Qala International Folk Festival, organised by Qala Local Council and the Qala Menħir Folk Group, is being held this weekend. The festival is a firm favourite on Gozo’s cultural calendar, with the picturesque village of Qala being transformed into a hub of folk activities that give an insight into how our forefathers thought and lived in these islands and elsewhere. Folk groups from other countries are our guests during this weekend and are participating in this intercultural programme which, every year, attracts more residents and visitors due to the quality of its entertainment.

Another successful event was the Figs Festival organised by Xagħra Local Council last week. The fig tree is synonymous with the Mediterranean environment and the government’s experimental farm in Xewkija is ensuring that the endemic fig tree continues to flourish on the islands. The Gozo Ministry plans to implement new initiatives in Gozo such as solar sensitisation and new cultivation methods in order that farming can continue to progress, as well as an information and assistance service to help Gozitan farmers overcome challenges and improve their produce.

 

Dialogue and its benefits

Meaningful dialogue bears fruit and in many cases can lead to positive initiatives for posterity. I must congratulate Wirt Għawdex for its restoration of the mediaeval chapel dedicated to St Cecilia and Mġarr ix-Xini Tower, in line with a management agreement with the Gozo Ministry. Both places will be open to the public this weekend.

Gozo has a wealth of history and culture that brings past generations closer to modern appraisal in a way that links today’s community with its origins. Restoring past glories and celebrating past and present artistic talents is another way of bringing people to better appreciate the rich social texture of which the Gozitan community is made.