In a global age, where everything and everyone is linked through unlimited technological networks, no family, business, organisation, government or country can consider itself an island.
Gozo is geographically an island-region where we are all stakeholders in its wellbeing. It is our call to create value as shareholders in what we have and what we aspire to. One thing is sure: no single entity can succeed if it is dissected and ignores the rest. Each one should be constantly aware of the inter-relationship among all operators and ensure that each individual programme and its outcome are synchronised within the collective framework of Gozo's development and progress.
Leading agent - Regional Impact Assessment
The Ministry for Gozo is the principal actor and leading agent in the planning and execution of an integrated strategy that involves the contribution of all well-meaning entities that strive within their own sectors. With hands-on experience, supported by technological data and statistics, we listen attentively in all the consultative stages. It is then our remit to decide and implement the necessary initiatives, whilst constantly monitoring their effects on the wider scenario, humbly rectifiying whatever needs to be modified towards better efficacy.
It is my responsibility to promote, coordinate and implement policies and initiatives that will address the socio-economic development of Gozo, whilst protecting the inherent and distinctive natural features that distinguish the island. This will be achieved through more organisational measures in all sectors, providing the necessary tools and structures to reach our targets on time and within budgetary forecasts.
We focus on Gozo's immediate and future needs and seek to provide support on a sector-by-sector basis. A new initiative that we pushed forward is the Regional Impact Assessment. The purpose of this is to ensure that Gozo's significant economic, social and environment characteristics are factored into national strategy, policy design and planning. As such, an assessment in the context of Gozo's regional characteristics must be made of proposed policies and actions and Gozo is to be incorporated within the implementation targets and actions of such national strategy, policy design and planning. Whenever a Ministry, department, authority, agency or any other form of government entity undertakes any one of the initiatives mentioned, this work must be complemented by a RIA and therefore Gozo's needs must not only be considered but addressed.
Gozo's Regional Plan
Another election proposal pledged a regional plan for Gozo spread over 10 years and tailor-made for Gozo by Gozitans themselves. Such a plan, which is already at the drafting stage, will include clear measures that help Gozo contribute towards and participate further for greater economical and social success. These goals have to create more secure jobs for Gozitan workers on the island and aim for better infrastructural progress whilst preserving Gozo's natural and environmental beauty. We need to address the specific realities of Gozo and incorporatee its potential and concerns. Through this perspective, the regional plan is to encourage a coordinated approach towards the ongoing socio-economic development of Gozo.
The Labour Government, through the Gozo Ministry, is committed to taking up this task of contributing towards the maximisation of economic, social and environmental benefits to the island. We base our workings on data collected through various consultation phases with the stakeholders involved. With the collaboration and involvement of everyone concerned, the Ministry will not only fulfil its duty in compiling such a plan with a clear vision for the years to come but will also see to the implementation of its recommendations. In real terms, it should be a clear way forward for Gozo and its people, their wellbeing and their aspirations for the future.
Diplomatic visits
My earlier reference to Gozo being an island-region is another attribute that drives me further in building more direct and fruitful links between Gozo and the rest of the world. Not only do I cherish the good name our island acquires through the thousands of visitors who come to Gozo, but I intend bringing Gozo's potential in various fields to the attention of all accredited ambassadors and high commissioners to our country.
Gozo is not only a unique destination for visitors, but also the home for feasible cooperation at international level. I insist that the frequent courtesy calls by senior diplomats to the Ministry are not merely ceremonial visits. They provide us with an excellent opportunity to explore various initiatives for direct collaboration that can be initiated through diplomatic channels.
This week I have met the Australian High Commissioner and the new Italian Ambassador, in continuation of a long list of visits by senior officials of the diplomatic corps during the past four months. Since taking up office at the Gozo Ministry, such visits at ambassadorial level have been an occasion to explore and discuss the island's potential for growth in various sectors. I have always believed in Gozo's potential and the resilient skills of my fellow Gozitans. In my role as Minister, I want to be a driving force for instilling greater trust in our own abilities and creativeness. Through such ambassadorial meetings, I intend to make this known further to the rest of the world.
True facts above all
In a joint statement, FinanceMalta, the Institute of Financial Services Practitioners, the Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry and the Gozo Business Chamber said they acknowledged that the PANA Committee's report had confirmed that Malta was not a tax haven. This confirmation endorsed Malta's position to remain committed to the international standards of transparency and effective exchange of information amongst jurisdictions. In this regard Malta's public registry was open to scrutiny by everyone. The local constituted bodies maintained that, through the Pana report, Malta's tax regime has been internationally certified to fully respect the relevant OECD standards. This had been asserted in the OECD's 2013 report confirming that Malta's tax authorities have broad access to information for the purpose of exchanging information in accordance with income tax law, including bank and accounting information.
Such an important statement and the PANA Committee's own conclusions clearly deny all the malicious attempts to denigrate Malta and its financial and fiscal systems and safeguards. I cannot agree more with the constituted bodies' call on all stakeholders and the media to work together for the common good of the industry at the service of our healthy economy. This was another case where true facts defy cheap and irresponsible talk that can only harm Malta and Gozo!
Recent Gozo events
I am very pleased that ŻiguŻajg, the Arts Festival for Children and Young People, is coming to Gozo with two special productions. This very popular festival is going from strength to strength in Gozo, bringing culture and art to children and young people with a view to further fostering a sense of cultural appreciation. Whilst thanking everyone involved in the Festival for enabling it to also be held in Gozo, I reiterate that the Ministry for Gozo has increased the budget for next year in respect of funds devoted to culture. Above all, accessibility to culture is most important. The fact that the festival will see the participation of children attending the Special Unit of Sannat Primary school demonstrates the inclusion of everyone through culture.
The inclusion of children in our programmes is intended to create a greater sense of responsibility for future generations. The Broxkinu campaign during the summer is another way of educating our children to help keep Gozo clean. Such programmes include opportunities for better development of cultural and sporting talents. Our investment today leads to more active citizenship in the future. The inter-generational aspect of our events is a very useful ingredient in the way the Gozo Ministry reacts to current and future expectations. A love for our own island-region starts with an early involvement in its upkeep and development.
Another opportunity this week was the meeting I had with delegates from the Association of Former European Members of Parliament, led by their president and fellow Gozitan, Lino Debono. Whilst recording my appreciation to the former Gozitan parliamentarian for organising this visit, I also want to thank him for giving the group the opportunity to enjoy a tour of the island, showing Gozo's wealth of historical and cultural heritage. Such opportunities are proof of our love for our homeland and, directly or indirectly, stakeholders in promoting its uniqueness!