Hammer blows
When George Abela, then deputy leader of the MLP, resigned from his post, it was a big blow to Labour and its credibility. He was, together with Lino Spiteri and Alfred Mifsud, one of the finest people on board who the party lost due to its intransigence. Dr Abela has since kept a low profile, until recently that is when he broke his silence with a Sunday newspaper. George Abela did not mince his words; he described Labour as “anchored in its negativity campaigns”, and accused its leadership of lack of positive thinking and ideas. The former MLP heavyweight accused Labour of being “passive, distracted, unprepared and poor in thought”. He also gave his views on the pensions issue and said that Labour was failing its supporters and the electorate. The former deputy leader said that Labour “seems to have abandoned its grassroots, mainly the ordinary worker, and all this because the MLP has no clear policy about the issues, or rather it is distracted with too many frivolous issues”.
Former secretary general Jimmy Magro, another MLP heavyweight, was of the same opinion. “Labour, he said, “is failing repeatedly to be the alternative government.” As for pensions he added that “the people are disgusted at the way the MLP is handling the pensions issue, and will not be taken for a ride about it”. Such declarations coming from former MLP heavyweights should strike hammer blows at Labour’s conscience. Genuine Labourites are deeply concerned, and you can’t blame them, especially after such declarations coming from the man many hoped would succeed Alfred Sant as Labour leader.
Stop that boat
The EU joint border patrols off Malta will oversee an area reaching just outside Libya’s territorial waters. The operation named “Jason 1” will be financed by up to 80 per cent from Frontex’s budget and this year alone it is expected to cost some e3 million. Hopefully this operation will serve as a deterrent to traffickers who so far have found it easy to carry on with their business. Unfortunately Libya has procrastinated on this problem and has so far refused permission to Mediterranean countries from entering its territorial waters. The Commission had enough and has now decided to go ahead. Even we as a country have had enough. Boat loads of illegal immigrants continuously land on our shores and we can’t keep up with such an influx. The latest controversy regarding that Spanish trawler full of illegal immigrants and the way Malta stood firm won the admiration of many EU countries. We dealt with the matter in a firm yet humanitarian manner. The EU as well procrastinated for far too long in giving us help and it is thanks to the sterling work of MEP Simon Busuttil and Ministers Michael Frendo and Tonio Borg that finally the EU has decided to help us in sharing this big burden. Labour spokesman Gavin Gulia too should be commended for having adopted a non-partisan approach to this problem.
On the right track
Lowering the tax burden to ensure more money in people’s pockets is one of the main targets in next year’s budget. What a relief! After two years of administering bitter medicine it is evident that the government has now reached most of its targets and can provide citizens with a refreshing change. The pre-budget document makes a number of proposals including that of a sustainable environment and a much needed energy strategy. Creating the right environment for business, investing in research and innovation (where we have fared badly so far) and ensuring a better standard of living for all is what the government seeks in order to secure our future. We are on the right track; now it depends on all those involved to give their worthy contribution to ensure that these targets are reached, for our benefit.
Black spot
Josephine Attard Sultana took her union to court after Tony et al tried to orchestrate a conference to oust her from the union. The court described such ploy as undemocratic, but Tony and friends weren’t ready to give up so they called another conference during which Ms Attard Sultana was vociferously attacked and anonymous letters against her were distributed. When Josephine Attard Sultana tried to make her voice heard to defend her reputation she was refused by the administration, which prevented their colleague from speaking. A motion was then moved by the administration asking for Attard Sultana’s removal, which was subsequently approved by the national council with a tiny majority. To add insult to injury, Tony and friends refused Attard Sultana the right to enter her office and pack her personal belongings and, when she managed to do so, they called the police to make sure she left the place! Together with Attard Sultana, Francis Buttigieg who worked in the union for over 40 years was also removed from the post of president of the union’s public service section. Both Attard Sultana and Buttigieg expressed their disappointment at the way the union was being led, saying that “this is not the Union we know”. The majority of the union’s section delegates chose the honourable way out and resigned in support of Attard Sultana and Buttigieg.
This incident will go down as a big black spot in the union’s history. The GWU needs a breath of fresh air but will not get any with the present administration.
The GWU has, in the past years lost some of its best people, George Abela, Manuel Micallef and now Josephine Attard Sultana and Francis Buttigieg to mention but a few. The question now is, who’s next? What a pity! This union deserves much better.
Family matters
A few weeks have passed since Labour MP Justyne Caruana made that hysterical speech during the MLP conference in which she spoke about “members of the family” (Labour), and those who did not. Coming from a young MP who represents young people in her party it was a shame. To date Justyne Caruana has refused to apologise to the younger generation. We’re waiting dear Justyne.
Birzebbuga
Can the Birzebbuga Local Council wake up and take action against irresponsible dog owners who walk their dogs on the promenade without carrying a plastic bag to remove their poo. It is indeed a pity that you have to watch every step you take while walking on this nice promenade. In Birzebbuga wardens have been prohibited and the results speak for themselves. The state of the promenade shames the local council.
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