More cooperation and collaboration is needed in Parliament to complete the work without undue delay, said Speaker of the House of Representatives Anton Tabone yesterday during a commemorative activity marking what is known as the Sette Giugno.
Malta yesterday commemorated the four victims of the 7 June 1919 uprising. The riots were sparked off due to the exorbitant rises in the cost of living, particularly due to the increase in the price of bread.
Those riots paved the way to self-government in 1921, the first time that the Maltese could elect Maltese Members of Parliament.
On the day, four young Maltese men were shot dead by British troops during the uprising that took place. The men killed were Lorenzo Dyer from Vittoriosa, Giuseppe Bajada from Gozo, Emmanuele Attard from Sliema and Carmelo Abela from Valletta.
The official programme of activities was organised by the National Feasts Committee within the Maltese Council for Culture and the Arts and the Tourism and Culture Ministry.
The first activity took place on Tuesday with the laying of wreaths at the monument in honour of the Sette Giugno victims at the St Maria Addolorata Cemetery, Marsa.
A commemorative ceremony was held yesterday morning at St George’s Square in Valletta in front of the Sette Giugno Monument.
In his address, Speaker Tabone spoke about the importance of bringing Parliament closer to the people.
‘It is not enough that the debates are aired on the radio and streamed on the internet,’ said Mr Tabone. ‘Closer contact is needed with civil society and with organisations who can help make decisions for the good of Maltese society.’
A year ago Mr Tabone gave both political parties a report compiled by the Management Efficiency Unit on the issue of Parliament’s autonomy.
“However, a year down the line I still am waiting for the official reaction of both parties on this report and on the report about the amendments to the House Orders.”
Mr Tabone called for more facilities and better services to help MPs carry out their responsibilities.
“Not only do they need additional space, but more importantly they need more time to prepare themselves adequately for their duties.”
He also mentioned the constant participation of Maltese Parliament in international institutions such as the Council of Europe, European Parliament and the Organisation for Security and Cooperation in Europe.
“To enhance the effectiveness of Malta’s participation in these international fora, a study is needed to establish the back-up Maltese MPs need,” he pointed out.
Mr Tabone also called for upgrading and modernising Parliament’s administrative structure to increase efficiency and productivity.
“The longer we take to implement these measures, the harder it will be for Maltese Parliament to reach international standards,” he said.
The Sette Giugno activity continued with the playing of the Last Post by the Police Band and the laying of wreaths by Mr Tabone, Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg, and Opposition Leader Alfred Sant, followed by other political representatives and organisations.
The official activity came to an end with the Maltese National Anthem and the Police march along Republic Street.
Moviment Graffitti held a silent protest during the commemorative ceremony against speculators and land developers in Malta.
They said they will continue to work in favour of environmental protection, “while remaining active against the destruction carried out by speculation and unsustainable development.”