Any government that aspires to succeed must be aware of - and pre-empt - the need for change and be proactive in taking the necessary measures with a clear vision for the future.
In his speech last Wednesday Dr Joseph Muscat, 10 years since his election to lead Labour, he reconfirmed his vision for a reformed country that future generations will expect to live in. His constant call for change and innovation since June 2008 made him the catalyst for building a dynamic movement that went on winning the hearts and minds of all well-meaning citizens. The consecutive and outstanding electoral victories since he took over prove that people are attracted to his style of government that has changed the country's political scenario over partisan divisive tactics, thus transforming the party - and the whole nation - into a hard-working and winning generation.
Change versus the status quo
Although some blinkered opponents, stuck in status quo mode, can never admit it publicly, the endless list of firsts achieved in Dr Muscat's first five years in office has transformed Malta and Gozo into a small paradise. At international levels, the country has fast become a success story to be reckoned with, despite the jealousy that such a successful growth may have created for some self-appointed know-it-all investigators.
It has now become obvious that conspiracy theories have been motivating a concerted attack on the truth, dressing it up as a concern for the truth. Although freedom of expression has never been so evidently supreme as under a Labour government, an ever-growing majority has fully understood that unsubstantiated allegations, however inflated and outstretched, are an evident travesty that is only motivated by self-serving partisan criteria.
Nothing else from such quarters will surprise the people, let alone scare them away from a focused and determined government. The country's resolve for well-being and progress has no room for such tactics. Maltese and Gozitans are fast rising above such attempts, and looking ahead to more achievements and innovation.
Commitment for Gozo
It was a most welcome opportunity for Gozitans last week to hear the Prime Minister himself reiterating that the work on the proposed Gozo tunnel link should begin before the end of this legislature, and that the necessary technical and scientific preparatory studies are already well underway. During his speech at Marsalforn - which also commemorated his 10th year as Labour leader - Dr Muscat spelt out Gozo's challenges and the government's commitment to addressing them.
True to our overwhelmingly approved manifesto, he went on to explain that other immediate projects related to the island's connectivity are being actively considered, particularly the replacement of the Gozo Channel ferries and a fast ferry service. In addition, in view of the continuous rise in tourist figures, the local infrastructure on both sides of the channel is being put under pressure, calling for urgent investment to resolve the situation.
Work experience for young people
For the second year, I have this week launched The Work Trial Scheme for Youths, giving young people in Gozo an opportunity to gain a first work experience, through a five-week employment with private entities or non-governmental organisations during summer. The scheme aims to introduce young people aged between 16 and 20, and students attending courses in various academic entities, to a hands-on experience that may be useful for them when choosing a future career.
It is a known fact that the nature of employment and working conditions is changing dramatically and it is important that students are trained and better advised of the opportunities that they choose soon after leaving school. Through the Gozo Ministry scheme, they can opt for employment in the private sector or with a voluntary organisation. We believe that this will give them a better understanding of the value of work, as well as of human respect and solidarity.
The Ministry will assist students with a weekly €75, earning €375 over five weeks in employment between 6 August and 7 September. Applications, available online at www.mgoz.gov.mt or on mobile app mygozo, will be received from Monday, 2 July to Friday, 14 July.
Patients' rights
On Friday I had the honour of inaugurating an interesting seminar on Educating and Empowering Patients, organised in Gozo by the National Patients' Organisation (NPO), attended by officials from Steward Healthcare. NPO is a voluntary entity and I told the audience that voluntary activism is, in itself, an expression of altruism and human solidarity. Thinking of others is great, but thinking of and caring for those who happen to be undergoing any kind of suffering - particularly health-related pain - is a noble deed that stimulates the very essence of good citizenship.
We cannot turn our face away from patients who need friendly attention, but we need to act, while creating structures that alleviate suffering. Patients' rights need to be well known. After years of talk and feet-dragging, two years ago - on 13 June 2016 -the Maltese Government rolled out the much-awaited Patients' Charter after months of public consultation. The government assumes its responsibility for the prevention of ill health as well as timely and appropriate care when it is needed - and this is high on our agenda. It is essential that we are all aware of our rights and responsibilities as patients and the Patients' Charter, the first of its kind in Malta and Gozo, is designed to do just that.
We believe in the provision of a safe and equitable healthcare service that secures health protection, free access to health services, clear communication for an informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, and - above all - full respect and dignity for patients.
Gozo - the land of culture
This weekend, Gozo will again be brimming with cultural events organised by the two Victoria band clubs and fully supported by the Gozo Ministry and the Valletta '18 Foundation. The 11th edition of Leone Goes Pop is presented by the Leone Philharmonic Society, together with renowned Gozitan and Maltese singers and the Aurora Youth Choir, under the baton of Mro Colin Attard.
RockAstra, organised by the La Stella Philharmonic Society directed by Mro Sigmund Mifsud, is another highlight of Gozo's music calendar. It will include an attractive line-up of Maltese and Gozitan talent, together with the Piccole Stelle children's' choir. Both societies are well geared-up to offer another opportunity for local music talent, as well as being a free-of-charge bonanza of music and song for lovers of music.
Also this weekend, Gozo will be reliving its history in the largest re-enactment event ever organised in Malta and Gozo - with 550 participants from 17 countries portraying episodes of Malta and Gozo's history, marking the 220th anniversary of the arrival of the French on the Maltese Islands under General Napoleon Bonaparte.
Other landmark events will illustrate the French invasion of Gozo, the Islanders' rebellion and subsequent liberation, starting with the landing of the French in Gozo at Ramla Bay. The event in Gozo will be centred on Ramla Bay, Victory Square in Xagħra, and the streets and squares of Victoria, including the Ċittadella, which should provide a majestic backdrop to re-living the island's history.
And add to this the Abode on the Rock - held between Tuesday and Friday last week - making Gozo the first Mediterranean destination of this much sought-after party event for which 1,700 tickets were sold, including hundreds of party-goers from the UK.
The Gozo Ministry is totally committed to encouraging such initiatives and providing the support they deserve, while introducing innovative ways to further establish Gozo as a unique destination.