The gonzipn campaign last year promised a lot of things. Now that gonzipn has disappeared from the scene, at least for the time being, the Nationalist administration is trying with all its acolytes to give the impression that in spite of the crisis it is business as usual. I am not blaming the government for the international crisis which, of course, affects our islands but it is up to the government to take all the measures to make up for the economic downturn that Malta and business are encountering.

The government through Malta Enterprise took some good measures to help the larger companies, especially those which were on a four-day week. We as an opposition praised this initiative and asked the government to help also smaller companies which have an impact on our economy and employment. Until now it seems that this is not the case. In the newspapers we are still reading news that companies are opting for a four-day week to try and cope with this crisis. These are begging for assistance, especially to try and avoid redundancies.

Some days ago I met with the president and other board members of the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. It was a very cordial meeting and both sides talked frankly about the current situation. We agreed that smaller industries and companies should also be helped. So I once again appeal to the government to implement this to safeguard jobs.

Another topic which was discussed between the chamber and the Labour Party was the need of a stimulus package. The Prime Minister spoke against this kind of additional help to the Maltese economy since he believes that the budget for this year has enough measures that should serve as a stimulus for the economy.

It seems that the chamber and also the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association are not of this opinion. In fact towards the end of January of this year, that is two months after the budget for 2009 was announced, both entities agreed that there is the need for a stimulus package. We as the Labour Party believe that this should be in place to serve as a stimulus for the economy as was implemented by other governments. In this situation the economy and safeguarding jobs should be of utmost priority.

The government has to admit that Malta is in a recession. Therefore measures need to be in place to try and tackle this in the best way possible. Positive speeches will not improve the situation. Action and effective measures need to be taken. As yet the budget for 2009 is not effective, and we still need to see its fruits which according to the Prime Minister should be enough to counter the international turmoil. In this respect I am more than convinced that as last year the country needed a new beginning, the current situation also deserves this.

New presidency

Saturday, 4 April marked the beginning of a new presidency. Dr George Abela took the oath to become the eighth President of the Republic of Malta. This can also be marked as a new beginning only if it is corroborated by other actions that the government and other people in authority should take. We know that for years now people of Labour tendencies are being discriminated at their place of work while others are encountering a number of difficulties. This should stop and a more just society should prevail. While of course it is a good sign to appoint a President in a different way to what happened in the previous six appointments, all Maltese citizens should feel that they are equally treated by the Maltese government. I wish the new President and his wife all the very best in the next five years.

‘Gensna’

To celebrate the 30th anniversary of Freedom Day, the national opera Gensna was performed at the Mediterranean Conference Centre. Thousands of people attended a good number of performances however it seems that more performances are going to be performed since more people would like to attend. Producing Gensna one again proved to be a great effort. It was the first time that I saw this rock opera live since I was very young when this was originally performed. I must congratulate the organisers and all those who took part in this event which highlights the recent Maltese history that should make us all proud to be Maltese.

‘Stabat Mater’

Another occasion which I had the opportunity to attend was the Stabat Mater by Gioacchino Rossini performed by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra conducted by Mro. Emanuel Spagnol at the St. John’s Co-Cathedral.

This performance was a confirmation of the talent that the people of these islands have. Well done to the choir, the soloists, the philharmonic orchestra and last but not least, to the conductor.

Carmelo Abela is deputy Speaker and Labour main spokesperson for industry and foreign investment

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