Many say that we have arrived at the end of the first half of our current legislature. A time to pause, see what went on in the first half, adapt, propose and make changes in the second half. The second half is when, generally, the match is won.
The reading of the first half is that a lot of ground work has been done, important decisions taken, and the foundations for the future now set. Some decisions that were taken may have caused some pain, but the medicine was necessary to cure the passing illness.
Available figures show that steady progress was registered in all sectors in the past few years, and this trend has clearly continued in the first months of 2005.
Judging by the forecasts we have, the country is not facing the doom and gloom scenario that has become a notable part of the oppositions’ weekly speeches.
To move ahead, a concerted effort by all sectors is needed to succeed, as we should in this competitive and global world – notwithstanding the continuous rise in the price oil. The price has again increased since the last budget and the implementation of the surcharge on energy consumption.
Government is once again carrying the extra burden. Do you hear any more sermons on the matter from the labour camp on the fuel price? Hardly, because even the much-debated forward buying rate would work out at a higher price than what it actually is. Therefore, the oil price has, as yet, not reached its peak. Surely an important point one has to contend with.
There are some facts that the public may not be aware of. For example, the public sector accounts for 33 per cent of the gainfully employed. So what, some may ask. Yet, when you consider that this is the lowest percentage in the last 20 years, it is quite an achievement.
Various measures have been taken to streamline the service and any complaints that public money is being squandered are easily refused when you look at the figures.
One hopes that battles cries from the General Workers’ Union will not affect Malta’s advancement. Recent statements do not bode well for the country, especially when details emerge of golden handshakes given to employees in certain establishments, employees that may include high officials of the same union, are very… no… extremely generous and run into thousands of Liri.
No wonder most employees want such a fantastic sum; so why rock the boat again?
Elections may loom ahead for important posts in the GWU, but such personal elections and agendas should not hamper the country’s progress, that of the people who work, or those who may be willing to invest and create jobs.
A word of appreciation must go to those who are involved in cleaning, restoration and embellishment of our promenades. The Xaghjra promenade, once a disused area, is now a truly lovely spot.
An initiative that has been silently successful is the TESS programme, under the patronage of the ETC, and that caters for the unemployed over 40 years of age. These individuals take a course with the aim of integrating them into the workforce once again. Some 300 persons have been successful and found a job.
This scheme is, by the way, funded from EU funds. Yes, the same EU which was the subject of so much debating, and on which so much time and energy was lost. Today all Malta feels, after a significant U-turn, that we are part of one Europe, all, except, the Malta Football Association.
This shows one thing. That at half time, this government has been working overtime to reach its goals and has built a good, solid base for the future.
This government can and will deliver a better life that people are accustomed to under this very government, doing away with the fears that political opponents stir up every now and then.