Parliament’s busy schedule came to a short break this week after approving the Bill for Standards in Public Life. This bold legislation, pushed forward by the Labour government, is a clear breakthrough. It imposes strict standards of behaviour on Members of the House of Representatives, including Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, together with employees in a position of trust and those engaged as advisors or consultants to the government or to any statutory body.
No double standards
We have imposed on ourselves very clear and strict regulations to do away with double standards in politics and replace them with standards of excellence and accountability that can finally raise politics to new heights. People will now know that those who appear on television debating from their green seats mean what they say. They will also know that, apart from plenary sessions in the House, Ministers, Parliamentary Secretaries and other Members are busy attending other sessions of select committees and carrying out other related official tasks.
It should be pointed out that, as part of the country’s executive, Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries are still expected to attend such parliamentary meetings for no extra pay, over and above their salaries. I cannot help recalling that this is a far cry from the scandalous and stealthy manner in which the previous PN Cabinet gave itself an extra €500 weekly rise. As a matter of fact, it was one of the Labour Cabinet’s earliest decisions to scrap that offensive and secretive increase.
In clear contrast, we have now the right mechanism to ensure that Members, including Ministers and Parliamentary Secretaries, will be fined for not attending sessions, unless they are carrying out official duties abroad or are on any other government or Parliamentary business, for which they are not given any extra remuneration. This proves that the empty green seats that may be seen on television screens indicate that Cabinet members or deputies are attending to other tasks while the plenary session is under way. It will also assure people that those they elect to Parliament are regularly carrying their duties as expected – yet another assurance of responsibility, transparency and accountability.
Brutality for disability
Late on Monday night I was shocked to hear about the brutal attack on Japanese people with disability at their residential home in Sagamihara, south of Tokyo. My first reaction was to consider our intense efforts to secure a quality of life for these people worldwide. While governments around the world, including Malta, are striving to ameliorate the lives of these people, such sad news is cause of great concern and sorrow. Notwithstanding the distance of this attack, for an instant I saw all our endless efforts crumble as a result of the insane violence that killed 19 and seriously wounded more than 25 residents.
Such shocking events act as a spur to all of us to work harder towards increased care and protection for people with disabilities and to endeavour to change the local – and world – mentality to further accept diversity and embrace inclusivity. Early on Tuesday morning I publicly expressed my condolences for all the victims and extended my solidarity with their families and the care workers who serve the disability sector with admirable dedication.
On behalf of the Government of Malta through diplomatic channels, I immediately conveyed a message of solidarity with the Government of Japan, condemning the brutal attack without reservation. I also wished a speedy recovery to those who were severely wounded, and expressed the hope that public awareness grows further towards having an inclusive and fair society.
IT accessibility – a vital tool
The sad news from Japan reached me only hours after a very positive event at which Minister Evarist Bartolo and I presented certificates to more than 40 people with disability for their skills in information technology. The training course organised by the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility (FITA) was another step forward in the government’s endeavours to combat digital illiteracy, knowing that the digital divide badly affects those with disabilities in their quest for an independent life. The course is undoubtedly an important tool for them in overcoming any discrimination they may have to face.
Such training can be a useful way of helping this sector of our society achieve their aspirations of having accessible and inclusive communities within the labour market. It is encouraging to note that, according to FITA’s surveys, 95 per cent of people with a disability have information technology skills, hence encouraging us to spread such training further.
It is also encouraging to note that, now having a National Policy for Disability in place, we are fast reaching the conclusion of the consultation process towards a National Strategy in the sector. We already have around 80 new proposals to be implemented over a five-year period, which is yet another leap forward in translating written initiatives into tangible measures.
Talents and sportive events
John F. Kennedy said: “All of us do not have equal talent, but all of us should have an equal opportunity to develop our talents.” In the field of the elderly, active ageing plays a very important role and my Parliamentary Secretariat is continuously committed to organising programmes to encourage older people to remain active in their later years for their own benefit and that of society.
Dozens of elderly people participating in our ongoing programme at the Kerċem Ajax sports complex had their first of what is intended to be an annual sports day on Friday, which turned out to be an enjoyable field day. Months of weekly physical training by qualified coaches proved to have been fruitful from the various competitions held over the weekend. The event also demonstrated the benefits of the joint venture on which my Secretariat embarked last year with the Kerċem organisers. Such events encourage older people in Gozo to follow sporting activities on a regular basis, thus supporting a healthy lifestyle. It is amazing how sports can bring out dormant talents and develop them even at the later stage of one’s life!
Village feasts and community growth
Village feasts are an expression of what community life can offer and display in its many aspects. Today’s feast at San Lawrenz brings to mind that, together with the Local Council, last year my Parliamentary Secretariat embarked on a pilot project to have the first dementia-friendly community in these islands.
As was intended – this is turning out to be a model community that implements good practices for the benefit of those who suffer from this condition. As well as being mentioned at European levels, the initiative has achieved positive appreciation by the World Health Organisation, Alzheimer Europe, Alzheimer International and the World Dementia Council.
Two special mentions
A big ‘well done’ goes to a young lady musician – Megan Saliba – who last Sunday overcame her disability and, in her wheelchair, participated in the band marches at the Our Lady of Mt Carmel feast in Żurrieq. Megan and her father Godfrey proved – once again – that we find talent and ability in whatever we may consider as disabilities! People like Megan are wonderful stars in their own right and set an example for others to follow by transforming their challenges into opportunities!
Last, but certainly not least, it is my duty to recall the centenary of Dom Mintoff’s birth on Saturday, 6 August. Mr Mintoff’s legacy is a wealth of social reforms that lifted our nation from poverty and illiteracy to self-respect, social justice and true freedom. Everything we do today in the social, educational and health sectors is the result of the solid principles of human solidarity laid down in the long and chequered political career of Malta’s greatest statesman ever. Deep in the hearts of the people of Malta and Gozo, Dom Mintoff will be treasured as the greatest reformer of all time.