For all that has been said about the financial crisis and the possibility of another recession, we should be categorical and acknowledge that Malta has actually done well.

We have retained our credit ratings while others such as Italy, Spain and Greece have seen their bond values go to junk. Our banks are solvent and they are doing relatively well. In the meantime, the government continues to work towards the 3% and 60% of Gross Domestic Product benchmarks in terms of deficit and public debt. We are by no means insulated from goings on in the eurozone and on the continent. But while others are implementing new taxes and austerity measures, Malta doggedly continues to stick to the policy of creating jobs and supporting workplaces which are in need of immediate help. It’s not looking all rosy, but it’s a better situation which we have here than we see in other places in the world. Let’s stop being pessimistic for a change and actually acknowledge that we are performing well.

John Attard

Swieqi