Victor Scerri

Riding on the crest of a wave is a metaphor that indicates that one is at the height of success, with a forward movement that is heady and exhilarating. To me, it brings to mind the image of a surfer riding the breakers with skill and dexterity, avoiding the tumbling action of the wave, and harnessing its power to achieve a forward movement with balance and style.

Our country is enjoying such a moment right now. We are riding a wave of success that is impacting on the various aspects of the daily lives of each and every one of us. Maltese and Gozitan families are reaping the benefits of the hard work and applied wisdom of the Nationalist government through a momentum that is being felt in:

• The health sector, with a state-of-the-art hospital, offering a premium service to whoever needs it. Improved working conditions for health care professionals and doctors further contribute to the quality of service being provided

• The economy, with our country joining the euro, one of the leading currencies of the world

• Our personal finances, with a budget, which on the basis of input and participation by all, has guaranteed more money in our pockets and more spending power for the family

• Our country’s international reputation and trust has been enhanced after signing the Schengen Treaty, which allows people travelling between Malta and other Schengen countries to travel freely, without the need for controls

• An impressive rate of employment opportunities generated

• Increasing opportunities for furthering the education of our children and young people, both domestically and in international centres of repute

• Tourism has reached a record high this year, sustaining a sector that is one of the main drivers of our economy

• The continuous development of our country for a better quality of life, for more wealth, prosperity, peace of mind and security for all.

I could go on and on listing the success stories of this government, but am convinced that there is really no need to state the obvious. We all have the ability to assess and compare the track record of this government and how this has impacted positively on our day to day life at work and at home.

However, it is worth remembering one thing that highlights the fact that the current success we are enjoying is no coincidence. The analogy I drew at the beginning of this short piece is also no coincidence. It is true that our country is at present riding high on this wave of success, but this could be very easily taken for granted by those of us who have become used to enjoying the quality of life and the levels and standards we have reached. Just like in the image I referred to earlier, riding the wave of success depends on the will, energy, and sense of balance and direction of the surfer. The wave itself is not enough, as without a competent surfer, the board will flounder and bob around at the mercy of the currents. Our country needs, and has such a surfer! Prime Minister Gonzi has repeatedly proved himself in the relatively short time he has been in office that he is competent and capable of maintaining the wave and guiding the country to ride it for the benefit of all. It is in the mutual interest of each and every one of us, our families, employers and employees alike, teachers and students, that we continue riding the wave. The confirmation of Lawrence Gonzi as Prime Minister is a guarantee of this.

Dr Scerri is president of the PN General Council, and a PN candidate for the 4th and 11th electoral districts