In last May’s elections for the local councils, out of the 464 elected, 191 of them were elected for the first time, and 63 out of the 191 are women. This can be seen as leap forward, when one considers the fact that during the local elections from 2007 until 2009, only 31 females were elected the first-time round.
It was a pleasure addressing the event held last Tuesday during which the elected councillors took their oath. This was the first election which incorporated all Local Councils which were set up in June 1993 and are an important institution in Public Administration as they strengthen local democracy.
Echoing the Prime Minister’s words, I am also certain that work in the respective councils has already started, as many were reconfirmed but even the newly elected have a strong desire to start serving their localities, but more importantly all are ready to be of service to all their respective communities.
This day is however important because it is a reminder of the responsibility, that all of the councillors were ready to take up, a reminder that all were ready to take a step further and take this responsibility to be on the forefront in their respective communities. Being a mayor, deputy mayor, minority leader or councillor is a privilege given by the citizens to take care of the environment that they and their children live in.
The statistics I quoted above show how much this government is successfully working towards achieving more inclusivity within this sector, although more progress needs to be made. Our society is being provided with more opportunities, especially for young people, who have participated actively during these local elections. In fact, it was thanks to amendments made by this government that young people under the age of 18 could vote, and also contest, these local elections.
There is also the reform in this sector, which was brought about by input reform all stakeholders after a wide consultation process. As my colleague Silvio said, the reform in the local government sector can only come into fruition if all those elected give their full contribution for the good of the localities and residents. The central government will continue to work closely with the local government and give the necessary support.
As soon as the mayors take their oath in the coming days, all will be set for the local councils to ‘start’ their work in their respective localities. I am sure that working as a team, all councils will see to the better of our towns and villages, improving the life and environment of all our communities.
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All those who missed the splendid show given by the Belgian group Kortrijk Drumt - a large ensemble of 45 drummers who took to St George’s Square in Valletta last Saturday morning, did miss a breath-taking event! The Belgian group travels across the world sharing a message of cooperation, teamwork, diversity and unity and were in Malta as part of DrumFest Festival 2019.
The innovative occasion was yet another one which saw to the promotion of an inclusive and accessible culture, this time through something which has never been done before in our capital.
Our strategy as a Ministry is to ensure that culture and the arts are truly accessible to all. In this way, we are creating a unique platform for local artists to showcase their talents, whilst also providing the opportunity to festival goers with the possibility to experience established international artists. This was another initiative which enrichens our cultural calendar and strengthens our local cultural product.
But apart from the above, this event ties in with our vision of breathing a new life in our Capital City. We have come to a point where our capital is again thriving and has once more become popular with both local and foreign alike, as a central place to visit, enjoy and mingle – even after the main retail shops close down for the day.
Our work in the Capital city is vast. From restorations to these cultural activities, from regenerating old dilapidated buildings for cultural purposes to enhancing and upgrading our important patrimony.
The Ministry together with the Valletta Cultural Agency will continue to strive to make of our capital, a gem as it was back in the golden days.
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Culture is spreading across the island like wildfire. Activities are not only restricted to our capital, but all towns and villages are nowadays organizing their own, obviously increasing during these summer days.
The 4th edition of the 80’s and 90’s Festival being organised in Ħal Kirkop this evening by the youth section of the Għaqda Mużikali San Leonardu will aid the Inspire Foundation.
These events are important as they aim to create more accessibility towards culture. I thank the local organisations for these initiatives whilst we keep on encouraging participation and inclusivity within the sector. This also ties in with our strategy as a Government, that of providing a rich cultural calendar to our communities. In this way, we are bringing festivals to our localities, something which is becoming more popular each year but also aiding in the advancement of more innovative initiatives such as this one.
This altruistic event, also shows that young people do care, organizing events with an atmosphere they enjoy, but at the same time helping those in need – which I heartily commend.
For the first time ever, Andre and Micha, a tribute band for Modern Talking – known as Modern Talking Reloaded – will perform in Malta. A tribute band with artists who have been in the music scene for quite a while and have had various concerts around the world.
The Festival will be held this evening in Triq San Benedittu Ħal Kirkop, with the participation of popular Maltese DJs Alex Reflex Grech and Renato Vella, playing songs from the popular 80s and 90s.
Entry is free of charge, but a donation in aid of Inspire is highly appreciated. I am sure that all attending will enjoy this event!