Things do not happen – they are made to happen. Change is the law of life and we call it progress or development. Inertia kills the whole process which is why being diligent in politics means there is no room for laziness or complacency.
None of us pretends to re-invent the wheel but being creative is a human gift that no one should ever waste or ignore. Being responsible for any activity one needs to be creative and leading the overall administration of an island-region requires a good sense of drive through being innovative and inspiring to the whole team on board. This is basically what gives me a deep sense of satisfaction in my new role as Minister for Gozo, while moving ahead and making things happen. Add to that the expertise of dedicated collaborators and, through their good will and loyalty, we can make things happen faster and more efficiently.
My agenda
My to-do list is tailored along the same lines as the manifesto proposals, which are quite ambitious, together with the completion of other projects that were in progress before my appointment. Together with my team, I am in fact revisiting each project and, while evaluating the work already carried out, I am laying down specific instructions with a view to being more productive in completing everything that needs to be done within feasible timeframes.
Over and above the long hours of discussions and planning at the Ministry, visits to work sites are a must for me to take stock of how things are being done and review work practices towards better efficiency. Having said that, I must record my appreciation for what has been done so far, and through the tangible input of everyone involved I will eventually be able to rely on their full collaboration. This is not a culture change but a sure way to avoid being complacent or resting on laurels. Progress is the name of the game.
Among many visits I met the Project Management Committee at the Cittadella where we evaluated the progress made so far and discussed the way forward. I am closely following the continuing work, including that of the Citadel Scheme workers who are undergoing the necessary training. Discussions are underway to develop the project further within the rich framework of the Gozitan cultural and historical heritage. This is a very important project for Gozitans and for the thousands of Maltese and foreigners that visit the landmark complex to admire the wealth of historical heritage, as well as the professional work that has been undertaken to restore and preserve its original glory.
Gozo’s Coast Guards
One of the most useful services provided by the Emergency Response and Rescue Corps (ERRC) is providing a lifeguard and rescue service at beaches in Gozo and Comino. They provide medical treatment to an average of over 2,000 swimmers a year, collaborating closely with Gozo General Hospital, the AFM and the Police.
It was very interesting to visit the ERRC headquarters in Xewkija and be able to praise the work they do, which I consider to be the main point of response and rescue on our beaches. The importance of their members is not only evident in an emergency or rescue sense but also while they are supervising our beaches. In real terms they are serving the community as the Gozo Coast Guard.
The Emergency Response and Rescue Corps is a voluntary, charitable and non-profit organisation whose main purpose is to prevent emergency situations that may put people at risk and provide assistance when they do occur. They also provide a number of services such as first-aid training, fire-fighting and a medical presence at large gatherings, as well as training children and young people in the cadet section in various skills that are needed for first aid and other activities.
The ERRC services have been extended to Comino and now Dwejra will also have a representation from the ERRC, so that swimmers in that particular area will have protection. The Gozo Ministry will be financing the facilities in Dwejra to enable the ERRC to operate better. I consider it is a duty for the Ministry to support the organisation to enable it to continue to expand and develop its services.
Prestigious yachting destination
It was a pleasure welcoming and congratulating the participants in this year's Trophée Bailli du Suffren yacht race, hailed as the Mediterranean’s most renowned classic yacht race. The 16th race came to a close at Mġarr Marina in Gozo, where 10 yachts completed the 580-nautical mile race, which started in Saint Tropez with stopovers in Porto Rotondo and Trapani before finally reaching the Maltese Islands. For the first time in the race’s history, the finish destination was in Gozo.
Gozo’s idyllic features go part and parcel with Malta’s overall prestige for sailing and yachting. The government’s strategy is to ensure that more high-ranking events, such as the Bailli de Suffren choose Gozo as part of their route. This was another opportunity to appreciate the importance that visitors give Gozo as a unique destination that should inspire us even more to evaluate more diligently and responsibly our own respect and care for all that our island has to offer.
Such high-quality events should remind us that quality is not an act, it is a habit. Excellence is an art won by habituation. We do not act correctly because we have virtue or excellence, but rather we have these attributes because we have acted rightly. We are what we repeatedly do. This applies to my constant appeals to all Gozitans and those residing on our island to appreciate the Ministry’s efforts in providing cleaning services in various public areas. Excellence can become our habit, not just a random act, and it will eventually attract respect from everyone who visits Gozo.
Work trial scheme for young people
During the past week I have launched a Work Trial Scheme for Youths, through which young people can avail themselves of gaining useful work experience with private or voluntary entities during the summer. The scheme is open to those aged between 16 and 20, including students attending academic institutions, and will provide them with a clearer picture when choosing their careers.
This is another direct investment by Government to attract young people to the labour market and support them at a delicate stage when they need to decide what type of employment is appropriate for them. They can select summer employment with the private sector or voluntary organisations, thus acquiring stronger values of solidarity. While making better use of their holidays, they can earn €75 per week or a total of €375 for the five-week period between 7 August and 7 September. Applications will be open from tomorrow, Monday 10 July, until Friday 14 July, or can be downloaded from the Gozo Ministry’s website www.mgoz.gov.mt
Wi-Fi on Comino
A new Wi-Fi service has been installed at Santa Marija Bay in Comino that will later on be extended to the Blue Lagoon. I was pleased to announce the new service while visiting the popular tourist spot where I met operators and workers. Specialised teams have been engaged on the project to strengthen the free Wi-Fi service offered on Gozo Channel ferries and in the vicinity of Santa Maria Tower on Comino.
My visit to Comino also provided me with the opportunity to thank those engaged in clean-up work on the island’s main beaches, including the removal of seaweed and the installation of roping to protect Comino’s sand dunes.
Justyne Caruana is Minister for Gozo