To make news clear and comprehensible, with the ever-increasing lack of time and space, it is often necessary to subtract or condense. Done without care or responsibility, such subtraction may not truly portray endeavours and their scope. Furthermore, apart from imparting information, dialogue is crucial.

This is the basic rationale for the Labour Government to embark on periodic listening sessions. Government delivers and citizens evaluate the effectiveness of deliverables, coming up with ideas to ameliorate and upgrade. The current sessions of Gvern li Jisma’ is in itself an ongoing exercise of a two-way dialogue. It is a commitment we have taken up since March 2013 to lead the country without imposition and deliver what the people and country need and voted for.

Gozo’s citadel

The unveiling of the €14.5 million restoration and rehabilitation project of Gozo’s historic Cittadella was one of our electoral deliverables. The completion and inauguration by the Prime Minister on Thursday of the architecturally majestic national heritage site realised yet another leap forward in promoting Gozo as a prime and diverse tourist destination. The EU co-financed project is indeed a priority axis for sustainable tourism.

The main scope of the project was to restore and repair the ramparts of the Cittadella and to consolidate the fragile face and mediaeval ramparts on the northern part of the enceinte. It must be noted, however, that this highly professional work encountered a large number of archaeological findings that had to be properly excavated, recorded and – in some instances – incorporated into the project design in order to remain visible. The project now includes a new entrance, the restoration of façades and historical buildings, a visitors’ centre and new infrastructure. 

As Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with Disability, I am personally pleased that measures have been taken to ensure accessibility to all those who wish to visit the Cittadella. We should all be proud of having restored to its original magnificent glory one of the country’s four main fortifications which form an integral part of the Maltese landscape and are important architectural and cultural monuments in their own right.

While congratulating all those involved in such a massive project – which has taken years and spilt over more than one legislature – one cannot ignore the fact that, after long years of talking about it, it had to be the Labour government to work on it and successfully finish it. It is a case where fiction was surpassed by real facts. By any comparison, it is one of the biggest projects accomplished in Gozo for many years.

Fiscal and economic policy objectives

While the people of Nadur were preparing their basilica and its surroundings for its titular feast, work was proceeding as usual in Parliament and its standing committees. This week I attended a very fruitful meeting of the Public Accounts Committee with the Malta Fiscal Advisory Council (MFAC). The Council, consisting of three well-versed people within the financial and economic fields, was established by the Finance Minister in January 2015 under the terms of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2014, Cap 534.

It was most interesting to discuss its findings and projections in reviewing and assessing the extent to which the fiscal and economic policy objectives proposed by the government are being achieved. It explained how these contribute to more transparency regarding the aims and effectiveness of Malta’s economic policy.

The MFAC is an independent body in the performance of its functions and does not seek or receive instructions from the government, public authorities or any other institution or authority. In terms of the Fiscal Responsibility Act, the MFAC monitors and provides an assessment of – whether a government obligation regarding the budgetary rule or a Commission warning – is being complied with.

The meeting turned out to be very useful as the Council members provided information and projections, advising the government and the Public Accounts Committee on legislative proposals for the maintenance of fiscal discipline and the transparency of the budgetary policies and processes. Their presentation included long-term care for older people as one of the topics given priority by this government which acknowledges the challenge and is addressing it. That is why, in the last budget, we saw a substantial increase in the budgetary allocation to enable us to strengthen the services we provide and introduce new ones. This year we will again present our budgetary proposals to further enhance community-based services and quality of care.

Sign language and other projects

This week I also visited the Gozo Association for the Deaf during a ceremony to award certificates following the first sign language course ever held in Gozo. As a Parliamentary Secretariat, it was a privilege to finance this course and I truly hope that we have more of them both in Gozo and in Malta as they complement our endeavours towards the deaf agenda.

Following recognition of the Maltese Sign Language, we have established the first government interpretation service which we now want to strengthen. We also reached an agreement with PBS to have the Strada Stretta serial broadcast with subtitles. We have already begun discussions to proceed further with this initiative, while finalising discussions on a new project for a loop system.

Dar tal-Providenza annual marathon

Fiscal policies and solidarity are intended to provide the basic ingredients of a fair society. My role within the disability sector keeps me close to all events leading to the progress at id-Dar tal-Providenza. Without any doubt, the annual volleyball marathon, year after year, illustrates the dedication and determination of those who actually work for the wellbeing and rights of people with disabilities and those who contribute with generous donations.

On Friday, I was happy to attend this year’s opening event together with Mrs Michelle Muscat, Fr Martin Micallef and Archbishop Scicluna. Three hundred volunteers will be assisting 40 athletes who will play volleyball in a sporting spirit non-stop for 53 hours. Together with similar initiatives throughout the year, this is a feast of generosity at the peak of the traditional festa season. The money raised is not only crucial, but makes the significant difference so that residents continue to be given their appropriate dignity.

It is also an opportunity to publicly salute all those who give their valuable service at the Siġġiewi home and in other areas for the rights of people with disabilities. Thanking them is a given, but appealing for people’s generosity is a duty I can never ignore. This is together with tangible collaboration with Dar tal-Providenza via service agreements we have in place whereby the government pays for services delivered to clients. Such agreements also include the recently opened home in Żurrieq that was included in the government's project Soċjetà Ġusta.

Challenges for Gozitan university students

I had another interesting – albeit informal – meeting this week with Gozitan sixth-formers, planning their way to the University of Malta.  It brought back memories of my own cross-over to the Alma Mater with all its challenges and opportunities.

Needless to say the inter-connectivity between both islands and the traits of securing periodic or permanent accommodation in Malta, took centre stage during our conversation. Despite all the challenges, I trust in the resilience and determination of these young people, facing their academic quest with everything that it entails. For my part, I promise my wholehearted help in all the initiatives that can be taken to support them. They deserve every encouragement, fully aware that – through perseverance and commitment – they will eventually be entrusted to take on leading roles within the local and national communities.