We have now reached the end of the World Cup and have all noticed the importance of teamwork, not individual stardom. The Labour Party’s electoral manifesto made many ambitious commitments to the people and the series of successes registered in the first 15 months of Labour government bears the mark of professional teamwork. This is in spite of the many hidden unhappy situations we inherited from the previous government.
What is worth doing is worth doing well, which is why I want to start by airing my disappointment at the negativity shown by the Opposition in their reaction to our announcement that the kitchen at St Vincent de Paul Residence was to be totally replaced. At the press conference at the time, I gave the facts in a very direct and honest manner. I assured our employees that none of them was going to lose his or her job because I knew they might have heard some scare-mongering when we brought in the temporary contractor for the interim period.
The massive work involved in a complete change and the temporary arrangements required until the contracts for providing an entirely new kitchen are properly approved by the Government Contracts Division was discussed with our government colleagues in Cabinet as well as with the workers’ unions. When the government’s initiatives are so clearly for the good of the people, the Opposition should stand shoulder to shoulder with us and not start scratching around to find a fly in the ointment.
Shame on those who last looked at this major problem 20 years ago, when they put up a plaque after doing some maintenance and refurbishment. The reports I was given was that this kitchen had suffered “decades of neglect” and is classified Grade F with a 61.3 per cent risk of contamination and therefore represents a health hazard. We identified the problem and acted promptly. Ostrich time is over.
On a happier subject, I visited another member of our team or rather the University of Malta and initiated preparations for a Memorundum of Understanding between my Parliamentary Secretariat for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Aging and the Faculty of Geriontology and Geriatrics to strengthen our relationships and collaboration. We had an extremely cordial meeting with the Rector, Professor Juanito Camilleri, the Faculty Dean Dr Maureen Cole and Professor Troisi. I thanked them all for their cooperation and promised to continue helping the university in the interests of our students and society at large.
We discussed further collaboration apart from the arrangements we have in place for enabling the students involved to have the practical training and work experience in the government’s homes for the elderly. My secretariat is already sponsoring the Third Age University senior citizen students in the Cottonera area and will soon be starting a similar project in Mosta.
Another happy occasion for me was when I presented the certificates of proficiency to the newly qualified team of the Active Aging Unit at St Vincent de Paul. These are the pioneers in a scheme that we will be extending to other homes for the elderly. Their responsibilities include the organising and conducting of worthwhile activities for the residents both in the home and on tours and visits outside. I thanked their trainers for their high standard of professionalism and dedication and encouraged them all to aim for an improvement in the quality of life of our residents.
Still on a pioneering tack, I had a meeting with the NGO Amputees 4 Amputees. It was a privilege to be addressed by their leader, Amy Zahra, who explained that their members were not born disabled but became so due to circumstances and incidents in their lives. They presented me with a list of topics they wish to be addressed by government. Although their plight does not fall directly under my secretariat, I praised their initiative of self-help and promised that I will be their voice with the rest of the government’s team.
Another teamwork initiative was when Gozo Minister Anton Refalo invited me to address those attending the introduction of the Caremark Service on my home island of Gozo. Caremark, which is already established in Malta, supplies highly-qualified carers who are available 24/7 for the aged in the community or in private homes to give comfort and companionship when needed – for example, after they have undergone surgery. Caremark carers are trained to ensure active domiciliary services to encourage older people to be as independent as possible while still living in their community.
Another example of strong collaboration with a team member is with Transport Minister Joe Mizzi. This week we initiated a scheme for repairs and maintenance at several Agency Sapport’s premises. The Marsascala Day Centre for those with disabilities is a priority and there is a long list of such centres that need our attention after years of neglect, starting with those at Hal Far and Isla.
We can do all this because we are a good team and because our fellow citizens who are disabled or elderly merit our full attention and endeavours.
Dr Caruana is Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Aging