In its first five years, the Labour Government led the country’s economy from strength to strength and encouraged the nation to look ahead with trust in itself and optimism about its own future.

Over and above the repeated positive statistics and statements by international credit agencies, our people are themselves experiencing – in real terms – Labour’s success in the fields of finance, the economy and social well-being. Each of our budgets has been proof of a diligent sequence of annual financial plans that have led to a solid national prosperity that is to be further shared by all, primarily the low income earners and pensioners, to further avoid the poverty line for thousands of people.

The high rate of economic growth – the latest being 6.6 per cent – outshines that of more renowned economies within the EU, resulting also in financial surpluses without adding any new tax burdens. Having saved Enemalta from its €800 million plus downfall, which during the nationalist administration was dabbed as a one euro worth entity, to a healthy profitable entity – notwithstanding the promised reduction in utility bills – has been a major springboard for robust family budgeting. It has all been a prosperity-with-a-purpose exercise that has ensured equal opportunities across the nation for a dignified livelihood, with supportive equality measures for vulnerable groups in line with Labour’s strong roots in social justice.

 

Serious criticism is welcome

We have stated time and time again that this government does not expect to be perfect and is, in fact, always open to different views and constructive criticism. We have modified or changed our approach on various issues and have never shied away from corrective measures or alternatives. Recent decisions about the Bulebel area and the Mellieħa by-pass are clear evidence that we mean what we say.

One thing is sure, however, and that is that we have maintained our focus on leading the country towards a better standard of living. I do not say this as a form of political rhetoric or a way with words for partisan gains. Like many others, I regularly meet families and – irrespective of their traditional party affiliations – they confirm that they are better off than they were five years ago. Delivering results has, all along, been Labour’s response to all forms of negative criticism.

 

Delivering is the best response

This has, in fact, been my rationale throughout my first 15 years of representing my fellow Gozitans. Inevitably, a fair amount of criticism came by way of the habit of making mountains out of molehills. Unfortunately, even when such criticism actually makes some degree of sense, it is obvious that the lethargy of previous administrations haunts them and turns into sour grapes in respect of what we have achieved in such a short space of time.

Some people need to understand that effective success is not achieved through pompous words or colourful promises. The best ideals can never be realised by the authors of decades of vacuum. Knowing the job, acknowledging the real facts, facing up to the challenge, consulting all those involved and having the will-power to implement the necessary measures on time, are basically what it takes to deliver – along with making every effort to ensure that due diligence and quality take precedence over quantity at every stage.

 

Job opportunities – young for old

This week I visited the KSU Careers & Research Expo 2018 at the University of Malta – an excellent opportunity to connect students with market demands. We are already witnessing a shortage of professionally trained personnel in the tourist industry which, together with care of the elderly, is an assured sector for job security and mobility. The constant increase in the number of tourists and specific niche markets demands better professional preparation, and this has been stressed by all stakeholders in recent months.

On the other hand, the number of older people is increasing quickly and we need more hands on deck to provide the various services they deserve. I am sure that, through the necessary academic and practical training, many students can enrich their own knowledge and enjoy a very fulfilling career.

Through experience, I know that, apart from the thousands of older people who prefer living with their family in their community, there are many others who, for various reasons, opt to live in one of the many state, church or private homes for which we have laid down minimum standards. Considering the fast growth in the ageing population, coupled with longer life expectancy – particularly evident in Gozo, we are committed to providing a continuum of service at the best levels possible. Tertiary education should be the right path for our young people to ensure a career that offers personal job satisfaction.

 

Choice of careers

Having said that, and despite Labour’s success in providing hundreds of new jobs for Gozitans on their own island in the tourism and other industries, one cannot disregard the appeal for young people of other job opportunities in Malta and beyond. These also have to be encouraged and the Gozo Ministry is working incessantly to provide the necessary connectivity measures for those who are ambitious to reach higher levels of academic studies.

At the same time I cannot ignore the wide array of services I have personally endeavoured to introduce in Gozo for the very first time to address the needs and expectations of an ageing population. We have been transforming challenges into opportunities through the creation of hundreds of jobs on the island in the elderly care sector. The Home Assist Scheme is only the latest initiative taken by the Gozo Ministry. The situation has been also encouraging private investment in Gozo for the very first time and this will ensure a continuum of service provision in the years to come. Our aim to ensure our target of 500 beds for the elderly through the completion of the home at Dar San Ġużepp, along with other projects in the pipeline, should further encourage many to seek their future fulfilment and empowerment in this employment sector.

 

Job opportunities in Gozo

We are aware of the challenges in these and the disability sectors, and I have tackled them head-on during my first term in office, through legislation and national policies and strategies, as well as through partnerships with church and private entities. We have realised a new scenario by which Malta and Gozo have been witnessing a silent revolution in the social and civil rights field. Needless to say, we have also worked incessantly to bring our values in these areas into the European sphere, not least during last year’s one-time stint at the Presidency of the Council of the EU. Constant demographic changes and Labour’s commitment to address the situation should further encourage job-seekers to take up their opportunity to be part of a fair society that cares for everyone – as well as their own job security.

Under my watch the Gozo Ministry will leave no stone unturned to ensure that all useful service industries benefit our people and our families. Gozitans are characteristically friendly and helpful people, and both the hospitality sector and the care of the elderly provide excellent paths that further ensure Labour’s long-standing target of providing secure employment for Gozitans on the island.