Some odd comments we hear around us, in an attempt to tarnish the successes our country is achieving, remind us of Plato's saying: 'an opinion without knowledge is always a poor thing.'

This wise axiom by the Greek thinker followed his master, Socrates, who had affirmed 'when the debate is lost, slander becomes the tool of the loser'. This is basically what we have been witnessing on all fronts by those who cannot fathom out two of the harshest election defeats in our political history. Worse still, it is so evident that they cannot believe - let alone accept - the unprecedented success in the country's wellbeing.

Divided and divisive

This unfortunate scenario distorts the essence of the democratic process our nation deserves and this despicable attitude denies the very meaning of having an Opposition in its constitutional role of being compact and prepared with alternative policies that should keep the government in check. Facts show that they are broken into different factions, with an array of diverse and contradicting opinions and void of any concrete proposals.

The people of Malta and Gozo deserve much better than this irresponsible political behaviour. If they cannot pull themselves together and join hands with a hard-working administration for the wellbeing of future generations, then they have no reason to expect respect from an electorate that has amply shown time and again that no political party can meet today's challenges with yesterday's solutions. It is worse still that, in lieu of offering some constructive criticism, today's Opposition can only resort to outdated antics of denigrating the country and its democratically reconfirmed government in European fora, where they seem to rally support for their unfounded allegations. Such a strategy - if it can so be called - keeps reminding us how right Plato was in stating that 'an opinion without knowledge is always a poor thing'.

Reality at its best

Our booming economy is still going from strength to strength. Official figures this week have shown that the current year, despite a snap general election, has registered yet another surplus in the country's finances. The latest Government Financial data, published by the National Statistics Office, confirm a surplus of €4.3 million in the consolidated fund balance for the period January to October. This represents an improvement of €109.2 million, turning a deficit of €104.9 million in the period January to October last year to a surplus this year.

Finance Minister Edward Scicluna explained that not only are we registering consistent improvements in the consolidated fund balance over an already successful year, but also that the fiscal performance for the first 10 months of this year remains better than the projections. This ensures that we will achieve our end-of-year fiscal target with ease. Indeed, the significant improvement in the consolidated fund balance is the result of an increase in revenue of €374.9 million, or 12.9 per cent, which outweighed the contained increase in total expenditure of €265.8 million, or 8.8 per cent. 

The big lie defeated

Both employment and consumption continue to grow at robust rates, with all revenue categories recording significant increases in both income tax and VAT. This in itself belies the false allegations of a tax haven as unashamedly spread by local small minds in EU circles and supported only by poor journalism.

The NSO figures also indicate that these results have had a positive impact on debt developments, as gross debt decreased by €73.9 million in October compared with the same month last year. As a result, the interest component of public debt servicing costs fell to €181.7 million, down from the €187.0 million recorded last year. The whole picture shows that a surplus has been achieved at the same time as reducing the national debt and projecting financial estimates for 2018 where, for the first time ever, no new taxes will be introduced.

For the Labour Government, however, it is not enough to achieve healthy finances and sustained economic growth. It is committed to proceed with distributing wealth throughout all of society. It confirms that 'prosperity with a purpose' has never been an ordinary slogan, but a meaningful and tangible line of action overwhelmingly approved by the people of Malta and Gozo and applauded by a whole list of international financial and monetary institutions.

Trust and leadership  

Such results continue to confirm the innovative way in which the strong and compact government led by Dr Joseph Muscat has succeeded in earn the trust of the people. When trust is high, the dividend received is like a performance multiplier - elevating and improving every dimension of the country's performance. 

We have shown the way forward since 2013, seeking to make progress in key areas by building a multi-stakeholder process, harnessing the appropriate energies from all operators within the national economy. Not only the government but also businesses and the wider society have a contribution to make. This healthy concept is seeping down in a collective culture that when we act as major stakeholders in all sectors we can then reap the positive results we would expect as shareholders.

The Gozo Ministry

It is my constant commitment to adopt that same concept at the Gozo Ministry. We have to keep in mind that, in all the tasks undertaken, there are multiple stakeholders including employees, customers, business partners and the communities within which we operate. Our community is not just another stakeholder but is, in fact, the very purpose behind all our work. When we take ownership of initiatives and projects and work together as stakeholders, innovative and collective efforts have a greater chance of taking root and succeeding.

We are well aware that Gozo is an island with particular geographical limitations and opportunities. In an age where everything and everyone is linked through networks of glass and air, no government entity is an island. Whether carrying out daily commitments or planning major initiatives, we need the shareholders' spirit to think of ourselves as stakeholders in securing the wellbeing of the Gozitan community as a whole.   

Whether they are infrastructural or social, all projects start off with the diligent planning of feasible proposals, followed by consultation phases that are aimed at bringing together the expertise and opinions of all concerned. The Ministry's latest proposal for a safer and more accessible new building for Gozo's law courts is a case in point. Only a week after launching the initial designs and details, consultation is well under way, drawing keen interest from various quarters and stakeholders, thus ensuring that our island-region will have what its community actually needs.

Gozo - your choice for Christmas

On Friday we launched the packed programme of Christmas festivities in Gozo. The vast variety of events deserves the holistic title of 'The choice for Christmas is Gozo" as it includes a myriad of festivities and special events with something to suit everyone's taste, and it is set within a pleasant and friendly environment. The long list of events has been prepared by a purposely created team in the Gozo Ministry which, over the past few months, has strived to ensure that the programme brings together government and/or public entities as well as the private and voluntary sectors. Here again, it was tangible proof of how the stakeholder approach can succeed.

We have introduced additional events this year in order that the true meaning of Christmas is experienced in every part of the programme, be it a concert, an exhibition, a festivity or any other form of cultural event. There will also be special events for children who we consider as the first protagonists of Christmas. We must valorise everything Gozo can offer - traditions, music, typical local products and the great cultural talent we have on this island. Through this programme we reiterate our commitment to make Gozo an all- year-round destination.  

Whilst thanking all those who have given their support to this programme, I wish to heartily welcome everyone to visit the island for the unique experience of Christmas in Gozo.