Over and above the merits and demerits of particular issues, the unfolding of recent events prove that the Opposition party is returning to its old tactics of opposing everything at any cost. The rallying of crowds, with a tumultuous and defying outcome, is reminiscent of the times of civil disobedience and passive resistance.

God forbid that the 1980s’ history repeats itself all the way with the economic boycotts, sabotage, bombings, hate-inducing ‘black-lists’, violence and intimidation. Nevertheless, one should never forget how far those hate campaigns went, and their destructive results on the country’s economic wellbeing. One should never ignore the mean on-goings with the “Malta File” doing the rounds in those dark years, and – to add insult to injury – stealthily moved through Malta’s own embassies in the European capitals! 

History lessons never fade

I was still a young student then, but could still form an opinion about what went on in my own Gozo. I can fully evaluate now each time I listen to some experienced elderly person who lived those dark times. It happened this week when I had the opportunity to listen to the veterans of the Labour movement as part of this year’s Labour annual general conference. Observing recent events in the local partisan campaigns, I would not put anything past today’s campaigners – more so when we compare the same hate language being echoed nowadays.

Those were the years when the real seeds of hatred and division mushroomed and sprouts of vindictiveness became the order of the day. Joseph Muscat’s concept of rallying a movement was precisely intended to curb those tribal habits. It is now clear, however, that the Opposition cannot live without their conventional divisive attitude which, unfortunately, is seeping into social hatred that destroys all the country’s moral beliefs, with a politically-charged crowd shouting names and unkind words at a young person with a disability. Not only do I condemn the vile and inhuman attitude of the purposely hired crowd, but I consider it as a personal offence to everyone who works hard and strives to secure the full dignity that people with disabilities rightfully deserve. 

Rights and opportunities

After two years in office, serving the country as Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with Disabilities, I tended to believe that such offensive mentalities and attitudes would be unheard of today. Together with my team of hard-working collaborators, I am constantly committed to paving the way for further legislation, standards and structures to secure full rights and equal opportunities in the disability sector. I feel honoured to be involved in this task at national level – something that lights up my day each morning that I cross over from my native Gozo. It is also the abiding thought when I take a late-night ferry back, after a long day of incessant efforts to add further layers to the building of a fair society.

Most definitely, in all aspects and phases of my duties, there is not the least idea of looking at people’s faces, nor do I ever care about their political beliefs or otherwise. I do, of course, look into their eyes to perceive further their needs and aspirations, and I cherish their heartfelt smiles each time we manage to set their minds at rest in respect of what they deserve. Over and above all the statistical results, those are the precious moments that really justify the long hours of planning solutions and further progress – both for individuals and for the whole community.  

A third community home in Żurrieq

With this in mind, on Friday I inaugurated a third community home providing independent living for people with disabilities in Żurrieq. This is another tangible example of the government’s partnership with the church or the private sector. In respect of the Żurrieq home, we worked closely with Dar tal-Providenza, so that Dar Shalom becomes a home where people with disabilities can lead a normal independent live in a residential area, in the heart of the community. 

With the first one in Siġġiewi and a second in Victoria, the Żurrieq home will be the third of the 10 planned for completion by the end of this legislature. In fact, work is in hand for two others in Żabbar and Pembroke. The process itself may be lengthy, as we have to go through the proper procedures of calls for expression of interest and the rest of the necessary PA permits. I am, however, committed to moving on at a steady pace to ensure further places in the community where people with disabilities can live independently and feel fully involved in normal community life. These are tangible examples of the way in which we are proving our commitment to full inclusion.

Such initiatives move ahead with those in the other sector within my portfolio. Again, in this last week I was pleased to inaugurate another Learning Centre for elderly people in Paola, in collaboration with Paola Local Council. Learning and training has always been my aim when dealing with the concept of Active Ageing, and what used to be known as ‘day-care centres’ are fast becoming learning hubs for those making use of them, with courses in crafts and life-skills, including ‘active citizenship’.  

Moving on and delivering

At the half-way stage of this government’s five-year programme, we have accomplished a great deal, especially considering the poor stage from which we started. We never stopped to cry over the inertia and lethargy we found, but steadily moved on with the implementation of our plans and the realisation of further initiatives for the wellbeing of the elderly and those with disabilities. 

We have walked our talk through these first three years and we will proceed along that same path, irrespective of the disruptive and destructive socio-political scenario created by a power-hungry Opposition. In the administration of the well-being of our country, people need work and deeds, not desperate calls for revolt!