The government’s strong belief in the healthy contribution of the private sector to the national economy is confirmed by the fact that, nine out of every 10 new jobs last year were generated by private enterprises.
Out of a total of 9,900 new jobs created during 2017, 8,690 were generated by the private sector. This means that out of every 10 new jobs created, around nine were generated by the private sector, while only one was in the public sector. Although being an election year, such figures continued to confirm the government’s belief that the private sector can truly sustain long-term economic growth. The employment trend in recent years has led to a decline in the share of public sector employment from around 30 per cent in 2011 to 23.8 per cent in 2017. This effectively results in a reduction in the tax burden for the country’s taxpayers.
The growth in private sector employment was broad-based, with most sectors recording an increase. The highest increases were recorded in administrative and support service, the arts, entertainment and recreation and the professional, scientific and technical activities sectors. Other notable increases were recorded in the accommodation and food service activities, reflecting the remarkable developments in the financial services and tourism sector in both Malta and Gozo.
Statistical figures confirm the feel-good factor already witnessed around all employment sectors and proves the upward trend in local and foreign trust, despite ongoing locally manufactured attempts to tarnish the country’s reputation.
Gozo Channel
The ferry service between Malta and Gozo was suspended for a few hours this week after an anonymous bomb threat. Despite the act of cowardice that caused delays and long queues at both ends of the channel, I must thank the Armed Forces of Malta, the Police Force, the Civil Protection Department and Transport Malta for their immediate action to secure safety – our basic aim in providing the service to thousands of Gozitans and visitors. I must also express my appreciation to Gozo Channel employees who restored the situation back to normal and resumed service within a relatively short time.
Such threats – and any other attempt for that matter – will not discourage us from moving ahead with our plans to strengthen and enhance Gozo’s attractions for the enjoyment of our own families and an ever-growing number of visitors. As it happened, this week only two ferries were operating, as the MV Malita had been scheduled for a regular maintenance service.
It has to be noted that all three vessels have been in full operation since being built at Marsa Shipbuilding Yard in 2002. Despite the high rate of daily use, together with the expected wear and tear of over 16 years, there was never a plan by the previous administration to increase, replace or upgrade the fleet. This government, however, is pro-active and we are looking into alternative solutions. As I announced earlier this year, we have already commenced discussions about increasing the fleet. This is not simply a choice or discussion because such discussions have to be carried out within the ambit of EU rules and regulations.
This is indeed a sensitive moment for Gozo Channel, in view of the Public Service Obligation tender in process and the appeal procedure from one of the bidders. For the moment, I will only say this much, so to not jeopardise or in any manner impinge on or affect the whole process.
It is opportune to point out that Gozo Channel has to bid and be successful in the PSO outcome to continue delivering its service. Unless and until this happens, the plans for the strengthening of Gozo Channel are stalled. In full respect of the tendering process provisos, we have to wait for the outcome before any decision can be taken in the context of the contractual obligations that Gozo Channel has in respect of the services it has to provide in accordance with EC regulations. I strongly believe, however, that in full respect of established procedures, in the very near future we can move diligently ahead to effectively implement everything that needs to be done in this sector.
EU Funds for Gozo churches
As Minister for Gozo, I welcome the good news that €2.16 million is to be given from European Funds to the Diocese of Gozo, which is earmarked to be invested in various Gozitan parishes and communities. Churches around the island are in themselves precious works of art and require continuous preservation and restoration work.
The Gozo Ministry and the Gozo Diocese are fully aware that cultural tourism is an important ingredient in this important field. It is also known that the Diocese is carrying out a plan to improve its cultural portfolio, thereby contributing towards strengthening the Gozitan cultural product. The funds were presented to the Diocese this week by my colleague Dr Aaron Farrugia, who is responsible for EU funds and social dialogue.
Among other works, the plan includes the restoration of seven architectural gems dating back hundreds of years in the heart of a number of Gozitan villages located close to each other that are visited by thousands of tourists every year. Cultural and religious tourism will also benefit from the restoration of invaluable works of art in several churches across Gozo: the Cathedral, the Basilica of St George in Victoria, the parish churches of Kercem, Għarb, Xagħra, Għasri, Fontana, Qala and Sannat, and the communities of Santa Luċija and Marsalforn.
The € 2.16 million project, which has just been approved for EU funds under the European Regional Development Fund – Operational Programme 1 (2014-2020), also includes a cultural inventory of these artistic treasures, as well as related promotional initiatives.
Bilateral relations
My daily schedule at the Gozo Ministry also includes meetings with ambassadors and foreign delegations. Although they may appear to be normal courtesy calls, I always engage in discussing possible and feasible cooperation between the island’s and the respective country’s interests. Such meetings can eventually kick-start potential investment, always aiming at creating more jobs in Gozo for Gozitans and enhancing business opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
In the last few days I met a Saudi delegation which was in Malta for the third Malta-Saudi Joint Session. Another meeting was held with the Head of Post Flanders Investment and Trade, Ms Sophie Massagé. With both representatives I discussed various areas of possible trade cooperation, while exploring untapped niche markets.
Happy Mother’s Day
Today we celebrate and honour all mothers around the globe. We recognise their distinct expression of sacrificial love and concern for all family members and their vital role in the community. Mothers have a natural gift for being a rock to society and role models, always determined to serve and coordinate the lives of others, and always putting family needs first.
Authors and poets worldwide have written volumes about motherly love, but to my mind – as a mother who is also committed to public life – mothers set a fine example in being good listeners – showing respect and compassion in all circumstances. Through my own experience since childhood, I know that a mother is a source of moral strength when it comes to character-building, never giving up and striving for what is right and for what we believe in.
We usually think of the word ‘mother’ as a noun, referring to those who bear or adopt children. But it goes far beyond that natural consideration. In reality, it is a mission that – within the family precincts and beyond – moulds the whole community. The various bold initiatives taken by the government towards further involvement of women in all that concerns the nation are precisely inspired by that motherly instinctive mission.
On this special day, may I also salute all those who, for biological or health reasons, cannot have their own children. Over and above the ongoing efforts by the government to provide all necessary medical and social assistance for procreation through IVF legislation, let us also claim motherhood for unique bright ideas, defined products and systems and everything that contributes to humanity. Be they mothers or not, women have the capacity to conceive, nourish and deliver so much value to and for others in our lifetime!