‘The bad news is time flies. The good news is you’re the pilot. Michael Altshuler, American author

 

Virgil’s expression ‘fugit inreparabile tempus’ is what comes to mind today, 12th January 2020. Time does indeed escape and is irretrievable, but this does not deter us from looking ahead. Positivity and the willingness to change are the key to success. As a nation, we are the pilots of our destiny. Indeed, the last seven years have proved that we are well and truly the navigators of our own future! We have collectively built upon the good, reaped the benefits and look forward to an even better future.

 

Dr Joseph Muscat

In a progressive country, change – like time – is constant and inevitable. No sensible decision can be made without taking into account, not only the world as it is, but the world as it will be. It is also a fact that history has shape, order and meaning. The past has shown that, besides economic forces, it was exceptional people that produced the most change and progress. Dr Joseph Muscat is a shining example of the phenomenal change and unprecedented progress our country has experienced since he took the helm seven years ago, together with the preceding years as Party Leader.  

The legacy he is leaving behind has changed the socio-political landscape of our country. The foundations on which all these reforms were made are strong, stable and visionary – we cannot regress, we can only progress. We have a bright future ahead of us, all thanks to Joseph Muscat who recognised the changes that needed to be carried out for our economic success towards the social needs leading to the betterment and well-being of all citizens.

 

Our new leader

At the time of writing this article, we do not as yet know who the new leader of the Labour Party and Prime Minister is. Both Mr Chris Fearne and Dr Robert Abela are competent, accomplished candidates who will continue in Dr Joseph Muscat’s footsteps and adhere to the mandate given to this Government by an overwhelming majority time and time again in the last seven years.

Whilst congratulating my new Prime Minister, to whom I pledge my full cooperation, my heartfelt thanks go to Dr Joseph Muscat for his belief and trust in me over all these years since we first joined the party structure. His magnanimity and selfless concern for the well-being of each and every one of us, especially Gozitans, has shone like a beacon all through his endeavours and tenure both as MEP, Leader of the Opposition and Prime Minister. His altruistic spirit has permeated all levels of society and has been the basis on which this Government has implemented and advanced its policies with great success.

 

Labour’s core values

Muscat tangibly adhered to the values he insisted upon and which are at the core of the Labour Party’s proposals in the last electoral manifesto. Social mobility: people were encouraged to aspire to achieve more in life. Social justice: where those who earn the least would be getting the support they need.  Equality: where everyone is given the necessary tools to succeed, irrespective of socio-economic status and family situation. And finally, a decent quality of life: enabling people to spend more quality time with their family by giving back national holidays, amongst other measures.

As Robert Kennedy once said: “One of the primary purposes of civilisation – and certainly its primary strength – is the guarantee that family life can flourish in unity, peace and order.” In a nutshell, Dr Muscat – together with his Cabinet and through wide consultation with all stake-holders – has essentially given this Government its raison d’etre: to create an equitable and just society that has the well-being of every citizen at heart.

More importantly, this Government has done – and is doing – its utmost to instil a sense of active citizenship. We are all are being encouraged to make a difference in the civic life of our respective communities and to develop the combination of knowledge, skills, values and motivation to make such a difference. This is a very defined cultural change which, thanks to Dr Muscat, has moulded the nation’s mentality. The Labour Government’s modus operandi is promoting the quality of life in the community through political and non-political processes.

 

Gozo 2020

As Minister for Gozo, I truly believe in this concept and have experienced first-hand the positive and encouraging impact it has instilled in the Gozitan community at large. Proof of this is the unprecedented socio-economic successes Gozo has enjoyed in the past few years. Moral and civic responsibility are fast becoming more tangible. Gozitans are recognising that they are members of a larger social fabric and consider social problems as their own. They are willing to see the wider dimensions of issues, to make and justify informed moral and responsible judgements and to work as one united team for the betterment of the whole community.

I am convinced that the year 2020 will continue to push forward the Labour Government’s principles with a new Party Leader and Prime Minister from our own ranks. As Minister for Gozo, I am resolved to continue to implement the ambitious road-map that we, as Gozitans, have collectively chosen and worked hard for. We are determined to ensure that our beloved island continues to prosper in a sustainable manner. Once again, this new year will see us rise to the occasion as direct contributors to the national well-being.

 

 

Dr Caruana is Gozo Minister