Christmastime is perhaps the best time of the year to appreciate the sterling work accomplished by thousands of dedicated people in the many voluntary organisations with which Gozo and Malta are blessed.
Since my early years in public life, I have never hidden my admiration for all those who dedicate precious time and resources to help others. In various fields – both social and cultural – they live up to Aristotle’s axiom that the essence of life is to serve others and do good. That principle was complemented by none other than Winston Churchill, who noted that we make a living by what we get, but we make a life by what we give. Volunteers are, in fact, the highest expression of human solidarity which is essentially the strongest aspect of our character as a nation.
My admiration grew considerably during my years serving the country in the elderly and disability sectors, where several voluntary organisations led the way in creating public awareness of the challenges of vulnerable sectors within our society. The plight of some of our people and their families would have otherwise remained unknown to the rest of the community. Most of the new laws and other legislative measures I piloted were formulated after long consultations with these organisations and I am proud that I was part of the silent revolution we have brought about after long years of hesitation or inertia.
Voluntarism in Gozo
In my new role as Minister for Gozo, I have immediately given due importance to voluntarism on the island. The voluntary assistance scheme launched by the Gozo Ministry last August came up with several positive results in that many NGOs suggested very useful community projects, while others took the opportunity to reform and comply with the necessary structures and provisos of the respective regulations.
On December 5, we celebrated the United Nations International Volunteers Day with a regional conference organised by the Gozo NGOs Association at the Ministry building. I stressed the importance of volunteering in Gozo, with the Ministry helping the local sector in several ways, not only financially but also by allocating staff to various NGOs, so that they can operate more efficiently. It is imperative that there should be greater accountability and visibility of the contribution of allocated workers. In this way we are also able to quantify how much the Government is really assisting, so that we are able to strengthen the voluntary sector allowing it to cater for future challenges.
Assisting NGOs
Encouraged by the success achieved through our first scheme, we are now preparing for the second phase of the Gozo NGO Assistance Scheme that will enable more Gozitan voluntary organisations to benefit from funding to carry out their projects. I reiterate that the entire selection process will be carried out to the highest fair and transparent standards, fully aware that public funds will be assisting the most rewarding projects and their respective proponents.
One of the organisations that benefited from the first scheme was the Emergency Response and Rescue Corp (ERRC) in Gozo, after they submitted two projects, both of which were selected because of their importance in the field of rescue. The first was to have a public defibrillator located at the Citadel, which was inaugurated a few days ago, while the second project was the purchase of drones, together with training on flying them, for rescue purposes. Training on the use of drones was also given to several groups, including members of the Police Force and the Civil Protection Department, as well as the ERRC volunteers. Congratulations to ERRC are also due for their professional training initiative, with experts specifically brought over from Ireland.
An all-inclusive experience
The festive season also brings out the deeper sentiments of an inclusive society, believing that the joy of Christmas is for everyone to experience. It is indeed very appropriate that, as a community inspired by so many volunteers, we create the opportunity for everyone to take part, irrespective of abilities. It is a most welcome move that, at this year’s Bethlehem f’Għajnsielem Christmas village, people with disability are being included as actors during the live animation sessions.
The Gozo Ministry wanted to give everyone the opportunity to visit and participate at this special time of the year. We have therefore invited Aġenzija Sapport, the management of the St Vincent De Paul long-term Care Facility, and the Department of Active Ageing and Community Care to ensure that elderly and disabled people are also able to enjoy and be part of the captivating experience of the Nativity Village.
True solidarity goes beyond empowering or entertaining these people at such traditional events. It is an both a desire and a duty for me to appeal to all readers to express their generosity for L-Istrina on 26 December and also on New Year’s Day in support of Dar tal-Providenza. The Christmas spirit should remain alive throughout the year, as we know full well that these organisations are faced with extraordinary expenses in serving and supporting such a noble purpose on behalf of the whole nation.
Recognition of Ramla l-Ħamra
Gozitans – and the thousands of summer visitors – are well aware of the natural beauty of Ramla l-Ħamra as a major tourist attraction. The internationally renowned Travel and Leisure magazine has recently named the beach and its environs in Gozo among the World’s 7 Most Beautiful Red Sand beaches.
This prestigious and influential travel publication is recognising the initiatives taken locally by various entities – not least the Gozo Ministry – to preserve the island’s environment. Over the past few months, the Ministry has been committed to improving the standard of the island’s beaches through a series of exercises, such as at Ramla – where our workers have cleared huge quantities of seaweed. This work had to be carried out manually, in full compliance with the scientific and expert directives that do not allow the use of any machinery due to the sensitive nature of the environment.
Plans will soon be underway regarding a masterplan for Ramla, which will ultimately be discussed with stakeholders and other organisations. A programme of work is to start to improve facilities at Ramla and to make the beach more accessible, at the same time respecting the environment and the surrounding area. Related projects are also in the offing to include the cleaning of valleys and a series of improvements to government-owned pathways and tracks for local farmers, as well as the installation of a panoramic camera near Calypso’s Cave overlooking Ramla.
Republic Day events
The Gozo Ministry marked the 43rd anniversary of the day the country became a republic with a programme of activities. We had a classical concert in the main hall of the Ministry building, under the distinguished patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca and with the participation of Gozitan singers and musicians, performing a repertoire based on the works of Nicoló Isouard.
This year we went a step further by exhibiting Mattia Preti’s Daniel Interpreting Nebuchadnezzar’s Dream in its first public viewing on the islands. This 17th-century painting was acquired by the Ministry for Gozo earlier this year to form part of the Gozo Museum project, which is being undertaken through European funds. We considered that this important work of art, which was acquired through public funds, had to be enjoyed by the public on this anniversary.
Two honoured Gozitans
The annual Republic Day celebrations also include honouring those who have distinguished themselves over the years in various fields. Those honoured this year included Gozitan artist Paul Camilleri Gauchi – an established artist in the genre of sacred paintings whose works of art adorn parish churches both in Malta and Gozo and also in other countries.
Comino resident Salvu Vella was also acknowledged for his service to the Republic, in that he is considered the custodian of the island of Comino. Salvu is a key person when it comes to maintaining the captivating beauty of this pristine island against the increasing pressures caused by tourist activities and environmental threats.
On behalf of the Gozo Ministry and the people of Gozo, I wish to congratulate both fellow Gozitans for their national recognition and hope that more Gozitans will follow the good example set by Paul and Salvu, although in different walks of life.