When my friends reminded me that a fortnight ago was the second year since my appointment as Parliamentary Secretary, I instantly thought of what we have accomplished and how much more work we have ahead of us. 

I admit I was hardly thinking of anniversaries, but half-way through the legislature time is ripe to review the results achieved and learn how better we ought to face forthcoming tasks. We are half way through this five-year phase of a longer plan to build a fair society. Results are showing locally and are further certified by international sources, confirming the steady growth of the national economy, surpassing European levels and leading to an optimistic future for our people.

Delivering and achieving results

It is unfortunate, but nonetheless not surprising, that the positive outlook is looked down upon by those who had all the time in the world to deliver but did not. It is equally evident that it all proves their mistaken forecasts of bailouts and all their malicious outbursts of doom and gloom. Tomorrow’s no confidence debate in the House is yet another expression of despair by whoever cannot admit past scandalous weaknesses and arrogance leading to their current trail of barefaced negativity.

As it happens, tomorrow’s marathon session brings on a very welcome opportunity for the country to evaluate our Prime Minister’s vision and his skills in implementing Labour’s ambitious manifesto. The hard work at individual and team levels may taste of sour grapes for those who perceive being in government as an end in itself, not as a means to serve the country. While we will be engaged in debating for a 13-hour long session, the country will move on with its usual business to prosper, irrespective of the destabilising tactics of what should otherwise be acting as a responsible opposition.

It may sound rather ironic, but I thought of all this pettiness on Thursday when I met a Danish group of persons with disabilities at the Arka Foundation. It is always a great pleasure meeting these people as they are always inspiring me with further ideas of securing the rights of our own persons with disabilities. Little could I worry about the no-confidence motion, when I witnessed the group’s appreciation of all that we have achieved so far in this sector. As a matter of fact, they purposely travelled to Gozo to use the facilities offered by the hard-working Arka organisation. This is in itself an acknowledgement of how far the Gozitan Foundation has grown in serving the disability family, attracting people from other countries.

A national heritage

Their experience is so enriching in that they come from an educational institution purposely training persons with disabilities - some of which are quite severe and challenging. Learning and training is given to these people together with their carers or personal assistants in a way that they grow together to secure a normal life, whatever the challenge. Our meeting was so enticing that I have been invited to visit their organisation and learn further about what could be adopted locally for our own people. The exchange of ideas and experiences is always very beneficial as it builds on what we have already in place and induces further initiatives in a sector that I take pride in calling a national heritage.

Similar sentiments came along when I visited three schools in Gozo during the week, in our fight to create more awareness about the autism spectrum. It was indeed heart-warming to witness the innocent enthusiasm with which the young students participated in what their respective teaching staff had purposely organised. It was all meant to encourage them, as from their infancy, to nurture support for their peers with an autism condition, rather than the usually, cold co-existence. 

Acknowledging, not granting

It is, in fact, a reality where disabilities themselves produce such an admirable resilience with a wealth of abilities and solutions which may have been otherwise ignored if not faced with the immediate courage. Time and again, persons with a disability teach me further, and we should all be taught such practical lessons. This is precisely where the very concept of equal opportunities assumes major importance and takes a leading role.  It further develops the other important principle of accepting diversity within an equality-oriented society. 

Through personal experience acquired over the years, I strongly believe that this is the dignified manner through which the whole community can evolve and grow into an intrinsically fair society. It goes far beyond the conventional attitude of “granting” something, but basically “acknowledging” intrinsic rights, irrespective of the various levels of ability. It may be utopian to dream that one day we won’t need to stress the concept of “rights” any further, but society needs to move in that direction if it wants to avoid further cracks and divisions. It is encouraging in fact that our achievements in this sector are yielding the desired results, inducing us to work further with greater determination.

From lethargy to commitment

Two years since my appointment as Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of Persons with Disability and Active Ageing, I look back at what we achieved so far and feel boosted up to work even harder and reach higher targets.  The kind of events within my remit in the disability and elderly sectors help me rise over all obstacles or challenges, including those coming from an Opposition that would use anything and anyone to score points in their obsession to grab power. 

Indeed, two years on, and with thirteen years of parliamentary experience to date, I heartily thank my Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat for entrusting me with this portfolio.  I am fully aware of his keen interest in what we are delivering in both sectors and feel grateful for his wise direction and guidance. It will necessarily lead me to reject tomorrow’s no confidence motion, in the sense that I consciously approve and rationally confirm his leadership in governing the country from strength to strength. It is the only way forward - building a fair and strong society led by a great and true leader.