While watching the debate between Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Opposition Leader Alfred Sant during the programme Bondiplus on 1 October, I was stunned by some of the comments made by the Prime Minister. At a certain point in time, the debate shifted on the issue of education, more precisely on the VAT paid by parents on educational material, books and uniforms. At this moment, Dr Sant produced a series of receipts showing purchases of books on which VAT had been charged. Among these books one could find, Lejn il-Missier (Religion textbook), L’Italiano allo specchio (Italian textbook) and the atlas. Dr Gonzi, cornered with this proof, uttered “An atlas... An atlas is not education”. No one can say I am inventing stuff as I was extremely attentive to what was being said throughout the programme. Well, Dr Gonzi, so according to you what is education? Should we send our children at school without books?

Dr Gonzi was also trying to belittle Dr Sant when the latter said that uniforms, stationery stuff and other educational services have to be considered as education and therefore no VAT should be charged on them. For Dr Gonzi, uniforms, PE kits, stationery material, school bags and other things have nothing to do with education and therefore VAT should be charged on them. Who do you think you’re kidding, Dr Gonzi? If Dr Gonzi doesn’t want to admit his mistakes because of his pride, I am more than confident that those parents who every year have to purchase educational material for their children know that that Dr Sant is right! It’s time for change and change for the better. It’s time that we elect a government that actually listens to the people. It’s time for Labour!

Carmelo Vella

Paola