“Working for a cause is no guarantee for applause” may be a variation on the known saying, but could very well describe the reality for many of us engaged in public life.
There are certainly instances – fortunately many – when the results reward all the hard work over a period during which you simply want to do your duty, even if some think you want to impress. Of course, good results impress the hard-working and the well-meaning. Locally, however, we have become used to such achievements over the last five years which the low-minded try to ignore or, at best, divert attention to issues of far less importance – or none at all. Notwithstanding such negative attempts, excellent results keep pouring in on a regular basis.
Such is the case with Eurostat’s latest figures for unemployment across all 28 member states. Malta had the fifth lowest unemployment rate in May 2018, 3.9 per cent, in sharp contrast to the 7.0 per cent average in the EU. Compared with May last year, there was also a considerable reduction in youth unemployment which stood at 4.8 per cent, compared to the EU average of 15.1 per cent. In fact, the lowest rate was observed in Malta, which contrasts significantly with the highest recorded in other EU countries such as Spain (33.8 per cent) and Italy (31.9 per cent).
Incentives for more jobs
Such results do not happen by chance but are achieved through diligent planning and a focused strategy. After all, for the well-meaning that is the purpose of an election manifesto. This week we have embarked on another election pledge for Gozo. Together with my esteemed colleague, Prof. Edward Scicluna, we have launched a scheme aimed at creating more jobs in the private sector in Gozo. It will see the Government refunding 30 per cent of the salary, up to a maximum of €6,000, to employers offering workers a three-year contract.
The sustainable development of Gozo depends on the private sector and the Government is to incentivise the private sector to enable the economy to continue moving forward. Gozo has experienced unprecedented growth in recent years and the new scheme should enable the private sector to offer more quality jobs with better conditions. It also sends a strong signal that Gozo has the potential for productive investment in both existing and new sectors. It has been designed and implemented following discussions with the Gozitan business community and the Finance and Gozo Ministries.
I am confident that this measure will help create more employment opportunities and good quality work for Gozitans in Gozo. Applications are available online from the Ministry’s website www.mgoz.gov.mt or mobile app, mygozo.
Regional Development Strategy
Another election measure began its journey towards implementation this week when I presented a motion in Parliament for the first reading of the draft law for the establishment of a Regional Development Authority for Gozo. The Bill will become law after it has been presented for consultation with stakeholders and the general public, following which it will be discussed in Parliament.
While compiling proposals for Labour's manifesto last year, we recognised that development in Gozo needed a fully-functional organisation that is purposely backed by formal legislation. The new Authority will be responsible for implementing and updating the regional development strategy for Gozo and will include representatives from various local stakeholders. The Ministry will soon be announcing the dates and related information for the public consultation process.
‘New water’ for Gozo
The government is determined to continue supporting agriculture – which provides a livelihood for many Gozitan families. The water-polishing plant opened in Gozo years ago, will finally benefit the agricultural sector. Through the endeavours of the Water Services Corporation, ‘new water’ is highly polished reclaimed water that can be used for agriculture, industry, landscaping and other applications. It will breathe new life into the agricultural sector in Gozo, with the production of very high quality water.
Cabinet colleagues Joe Mizzi, Aaron Farrugia, Clint Camilleri and I together launched this new initiative and, after many years of waiting, Gozitan farmers will now have free water. The agricultural sector has great potential in Gozo and in the context of the EkoGozo vision is a key pillar of the strategy of regional development on the island. At total of 1,250 Gozitan farmers received some kind of assistance from the Gozo Ministry last year, proving that our farmers are keen to improve their operations and invest in local, high-quality produce.
Sustaining Gozo's tourism
The latest statistical figures, issued this week, confirm significant increases in our regional tourism last year. The data shows that Maltese residents who visited Gozo and Comino for at least one night in 2017 accounted for 52.4 per cent of total tourist arrivals and contributed to an estimated €40 million, 8.9 per cent more compared to 2016. The number of ferry trips also increased during 2017 to a remarkable 260,763 trips, a 10.3 per cent increase over the previous year.
Such successful results should only spur us on to work harder, sustaining our output and avoiding the idea of expecting a good return overnight. We must be fully aware that we are all responsible for the tourist sector in Gozo. All the Ministry’s directorates, each and every single public official or employee, entrepreneurs, the business community, employers, employees and residents alike, are expected to conform to a collective effort in sustaining our product and level of service together with the expected fair costs to our clients.
Welcoming visitors should entail full respect in all aspects, well aware that the best form of advertising comes from those who visit Gozo and who – depending on the way they have been treated – will speak well of us to others, as well as happily returning to the island as repeat holiday-makers.
Further summer attractions
The Gozo Ministry is regularly taking the lead when it comes to organising attractions for residents and visitors. This summer, Marsalforn and Mġarr are hosting various cultural and entertainment activities, following consultation with various business communities. It was unanimously agreed that these will be held every Monday in Marsalforn and every Friday in Mġarr, with a wide range of events that can be enjoyed by everyone.
We are committed to highlight Gozo as a quality venue for cultural celebrations and popular entertainment throughout the whole year. Such events and other festivals are also designed to add value to these key strategic locations and further support the Gozitan business community.
While on the tourist sector, I salute the memory of Gozitan entrepreneur John Portelli, a man of great pioneering spirit who passed away this week.
The social sector
The past week also saw the opening of a new Pharmacy of Your Choice (POYC) office in Victoria which I attended with Health Minister Chris Fearne. The new office will undoubtedly strengthen POYC’s service to some 12,000 patients who currently make use of it in Gozo through the 19 pharmacies in Gozo. This investment ties in with the rebuilding of Gozo General Hospital, the construction of the Barts Medical School and the new Health Centre. All such projects are intended to ensure substantial improvements in the quality of life of Gozitans.
This week the Gozo Ministry also launched an updated Meals on Wheels service in Gozo, run by the Ministry’s Community Care Services Office for people aged 60+ and those with special needs, who are served daily with a two-course meal and dessert for only €2.30 per meal. We have introduced new practices in the processing, packaging and distribution of the meals, ensuring good quality food and conforming to health and safety standards. Expertly selected menus will cover individual chronic conditions and include lactose and gluten free meals and diets for diabetics. We intend to encourage the elderly to stay active and live independently within the community.
I must sincerely thank ‘The Friends of the Sick and Elderly Gozo’, the NGO that has been providing this service over the years.