Losers usually resort to making random promises in order to survive. Winners make  commitments they know they can keep, fully aware that facts are what distinguish them.

 The Labour Government has provided ample proof that managing the country does not mean sitting down and talking about trust or making fancy promises. Actually, what has rebuilt national trust and achieved overall success since 2013 is the diligent planning and doing things differently, keeping our feet on the ground and inspiring the whole nation in its own resilience. This kind of administration has led Malta and  Gozo to better and, indeed, the best times, making all the difference from previous governments.

 

The importance of change

Over many decades, the country was steadily growing accustomed to complacent and incompetent governments, lethargic as they were to react to immediate challenges, let alone those around the corner. March 2013, and again June 2017, not only brought about two unprecedented massive election victories for Labour but indeed changed – or, even better – converted the nation’s perception of politics due to the ability to realise the concept of choosing the government that could actually deliver on everything that  matters for the nation’s livelihood and welfare.

 This has been enhanced by Labour’s public acknowledgement – time and time again – that we are not perfect and that we are ready to listen and make changes along the way – as has, in fact, been the way. We are fully aware that, constitutionally, our democracy expects that we have an Opposition that is critical and comes up with alternative proposals. We expect an Opposition that is compact and consistent and, above all, is very clear on what it stands for; certainly not an Opposition that is devoid of innovative ideas and  consequently rides on any issue to cover up or exculpate themselves from known past scandals.

 

Rising above the heckling

Nor should there be a maliciously organised conspiracy to bring down a legitimately and overwhelmingly elected government through fabricated allegations for which, as yet, there has been no concrete evidence, apart from fraudulent documents. The rules of democracy should induce those who have suffered two massive defeats to review their stand and consider a repentant, positive way forward. It is sad that, in this day and age, the Opposition party – or maybe some parts of the many fragments they are in – continue with their traditional tactics of character assassination manoeuvres.

 

This is, however, a responsible government – one that puts the nation’s wellbeing first and foremost and rises above that kind of heckling. Serving as Ministers is not as easy as seeking popularity through wishful-thinking lists and paying too much attention to the periodical approval rating as if on a roller coaster. What is important, I believe, is that we really act on our election commitments and ensure that they leave results. Day in, day out, our aim is to accomplish a positive track record and show our people that, together, we are all a winning generation. Winners do not only achieve success for themselves but they also build a healthy future for generations to come – tomorrow’s Malta and Gozo.

 

My commitment

 Over and above the continuous international certifications of success, the most evident mark of the current administration is that it is increasingly keeping to its election commitments. I speak of my own remit as Minister for Gozo, with the many infrastructural projects all around the island, particularly those that have been awaiting some action from previous administrations for many long years. We have more than doubled the funds for such work and, together with the Gozo Ministry’s hard-working experts and staff, I personally ensure that everything is done in a correct and lasting manner, doing away with the traditional  cosmetic traits that have, for decades, wasted public funds.

As if some people are faceless and shameless they point fingers at why this or that project is not yet completed in the bare eighteen months since my appointment. Those same fingers belong to the same hands that had stood idle and procrastinated for years on end. It is not only the new projects that we are energetically realising but the heavy repairs for most of the little that had been done. Many times it is truly frustrating that we cannot move on with ameliorating on works carried years ago, but indeed  need to rebuild from scratch.

As already said, we are committed to work for today with a view for the future, with all the challenges that the best times we are living can be a solid foundation for future generations. This is the kind of difference that I am resolved to make in running the Ministry for Gozo, including all the directorates,  departments and all other entities within my remit.

 

The permanent link

Talking of commitments, this week we had the news that an international call for tender for construction of the Malta-Gozo tunnel will be issued in six months’ time. Environmental studies are also being carried out, while the relative tender for project management was issued some months ago and a geological model for the proposed tunnel was also completed. All this shows that the tunnel between Malta  and Gozo which, for a very long time has been a dream, is now becoming a reality.

The call for tenders was published a few weeks ago for companies interested in offering professional services for project management and the supervision of construction work, as well as the services of architects and engineers needed by Infrastructure Malta in order to implement the final planning and  construction of this project – which is as massive as much as it is essential for both islands.

As in all other commitments, we need to ensure sustainability because this project will eventually positively transform the lives of Gozitans by facilitating the way in which they travel between the two islands. All along, we need to include new employment opportunities and economic growth in  Gozo, particularly for the services and tourism sectors.

 

Gozo channel

The Gozo Ministry looks forward to the completion of such an unprecedented project, but is likewise committed to more efficiency and high standards Gozo Channel is providing. We are proud that the company has, in the first nine months 2018, has already ferried 4.4 million passengers, with no fewer than 6,764 trips – a considerable increase of 6.8 per cent during the same period last year.

For the purpose of increasing the company’s standards, last June I appointed a Change Management Review Board, led by David Spiteri Gingell, to explore and implement the changes necessary to ensure that the service provided is up to international standards. The new e-ticketing system that will soon be introduced is one of several measures that will lead to better  management of services in view of the new challenges brought about by a high demand.

 

Congratulations

This year’s Republic Day investiture ceremony saw Gozitan Monsignor Joseph Farrugia being appointed a Member of the the National Order of Merit. Mgr Farrugia, a former archpriest of St George’s Basilica, is a well-known academic with a flair for cultural promotion. He was a co-founder of the Fondazzjoni Belt Victoria that created the Il-Ħaġar Museum.

I am happy to join all Gozitan art lovers in congratulating Mgr Farrugia for the national recognition he has been awarded.

A new emergency on-call service has recently been launched by the Gozo Branch of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services – FSWS, and will be operative after office hours, at weekends and public holidays, with services provided by social workers and other employees of the Foundation. I sincerely thank everyone involved and the excellent work carried out by Mgr Dr Joe Vella Gauci and his  team.

Animal Welfare Gozo has this week opened new exercise/play facilities for cats and kittens in their Gozo section at the Xewkija Experimental Farm. In my opening speech, I referred to the fact that if you choose a pet for a present during the festive season, it is important to know how to keep them healthy. This new facility can be conducive to looking after the pets we adopt as a personal commitment.