We are just two weeks away from bidding adieu to 2016 and getting ready to welcome in the New Year. A year with potentials but also much uncertainty. It is a natural uncertainty that characterizes everything yet to be revealed. Thus, the least we can hope for is that events will benefit us all.
However, we are the builders and drivers of our own future. Even we are at the mercy of events. There is still a great deal that depends on our actions or lack of them, on our vision and aspirations, and our hopes that motivate us to achieve better things. This applies both on an individual level as much as from a policy-making and administrative point of view.
A glance at this ending year is almost obligatory. As administrators, we have been actively improving the social and economic environment of Gozo in order to raise the standard of living for all Gozitans. We have supported initiatives taken by various organisations across the whole spectrum of Gozitan society. We have launched new initiatives that in the coming year will offer more opportunities to those living in Gozo. I believe we have put the right infrastructure in place that should permit Gozo to make this quality leap.
Generally, indicators are used to have some sort of quantitative indication of the success and achievements. There is a very broad, almost a consensus, that all indicators point to a general and notable improvement in the various aspects of our life, be it economic progress as well as social. The number of people working has gone up, the number of people registering for work went down, the number of tourists visiting Gozo has been up while business operators are optimistic for the future. Optimism among businesses is essential for the generation of work because it is the expectation of more activities that will trigger new investment and new employment.
There are those who say that success in terms of economic activity should not be the ultimate aim but is just a means to an end. They reason that growth should be sustainable and set at the right pace that allows communities to adapt to the changes. A rapid and uncontrolled expansion in economic activity will most likely impinge negatively on the social fabric of Gozo which has so far retained its distinctive characteristic.
What should really count is prosperity, and prosperity is more difficult to measure. Prosperity has more of a qualitative dimension to it. It brings with it a sense of freedom and peace of mind. It brings a degree of certainty where people can plan for their future and that of their dear one. Prosperity and security should not be limited to financial terms. One needs also the sense of community around him – a sense of belonging, a degree of self-awareness.
As Gozitans we are quite lucky. Over the years, we have managed to build this strong sense of communal identity. We are no more than two degree of separation from one another. Most of us knew each other or have a common friend. It is something that we almost take for granted and sometimes might even seem a bit suffocating; however, it lies at the heart of the Gozitan character and way of living. Lending a helping hand is more than just doing a good deed; it forms the building block of our community.
This sense of belonging and the urge to help each other have remained strong despite our differences. We might have different views and opinions, we might disagree and argue aggressively with each other but when we are faced with a problem or threat, we rush to help. Nowadays, an increasing drive towards individualism might endanger this culture. It is our duty to make sure we keep these characteristics strong. While, it might not guarantee prosperity, it will remain a necessary condition for it.
Dr Refalo is Minister for Gozo