Many people say that the end of the year is also a beginning, but for me it is a continuation, a time to reflect and recharge the necessary energies for what lies ahead. In my books, continuity – and quality – will remain basic requisites all along.

While most people are partying and focused on how best they can celebrate, responsible politicians and administrators are somewhat involved with drawing a balance and planning the year ahead. We not only evaluate our performance over the past year and check for any possible flaws but – and most importantly – we review our potential and resolve for everything that needs to be done and whatever lies ahead, particularly the commitments we have made to ourselves to serve the nation.

Gozo for Christmas

Celebrations are, however, also in place and during the past few weeks Gozo has again manifestly established itself as the place to be at this festive time of the year. The packed calendar of events coordinated by the Gozo Ministry has, once again, attracted thousands of Maltese and visitors from other countries.

All those involved in the hospitality sector have recorded full activity, while the Gozo Channel ferries are providing a long shuttle service. The need for a fourth ferry has been felt for many years and in the past year we have taken serious action to see this happen, but few people realise that the context within which Gozo Channel Company operates. This is a Public Service Obligation contract signed in terms of EU rules in which the service provided is regulated by a contract and where the harbour infrastructure was designed and built according to the existing fleet.

There is also the fast ferry issue which is currently sub judice. Fully aware of our healthy legislation, I have full respect for its procedures and therefore adhere to the necessary time for conclusions to be eventually reached. We are, however, determined to resolve all the issues involved with better connectivity in the best interests of everyone concerned, particularly the Gozitan commuters who constantly need to overcome the challenges of our double insularity.

Our legacy from 2018

In my Sunday piece, week after week I often quote official statistics that confirm the successes that Malta and Gozo are achieving in most sectors. Over and above the tangible reality of the current feel-good factor all around, statistical figures stand to prove the efficacy and efficiency of our vision and policies, as well as serving as eye-openers for necessary alternatives or fine-tuning.

The past weeks have again confirmed further results, with the Eurobarometer stating that the Maltese government is the most trusted government in the European Union. This, in itself, piles rather more pressure on the Government because people are putting more faith in it. Indeed, we are here to serve the country and such results encourage us to work even harder.

The European survey also said that 95 per cent of Maltese and Gozitans believe that the economy is doing well, while 94 per cent feel that employment is on a healthy increase. Likewise, 92 per cent of the Maltese population feel that they are financially stable. Since there has also been a reduction in the national debt, the government has to pay less interest so that we can spend more on pensions, transport for schoolchildren, free childcare and a thousand other measures.

National prosperity is being distributed equally and this success is also being strongly felt in Gozo. Statistics also show that the growth in the Gozo economy exceeded the growth in that of Malta, which is certainly a most encouraging fact, being fully aware that, for decades, Gozitans were accustomed to relying on left-overs from the national economy. We now want to ensure that this will be a sustainable increase, and the latest investments and developments augur well for long-lasting sustainability.

Promoting our past

Although it might have gone unnoticed, this last week I have inaugurated the restoration work carried at the Loggia del Palio, known as il-Barrakka, in the higher part of Republic Street. This was one of two restoration projects on historic sites in the heart of Victoria I announced last February. It involved close collaboration between the Ministry for Gozo and Wirt Ghawdex, with a total investment of €50,000. The other project is the World War II shelters in the Citadel.

Situated at the top of what was known as Racecourse Street, the Loggia del Palio building is a platform from where – during the rule of the Knights of St John (1530-1798) – the Governor of Gozo presented the prizes during the horse races on the annual occasion of the Santa Marija feast. Its historic value stems from the fact that the present structure was built in 1733 and was probably designed by François de Mondion. It replaced an earlier, probably late mediaeval, balcony overlooking Gozo’s main thoroughfare.

Such restoration work is a constant commitment of the Gozo Ministry, with financial support to several NGOs and Local Councils towards the preservation and restoration work on various historical sites in their respective villages. As well as inviting our current and future generations to better appreciate Gozo's heritage, we aim to enrich the island’s historical and cultural wealth for tourism purposes.

A Happy New Year!

This year, the Gozo Ministry has again prepared a very attractive programme for the New Year’s Eve celebrations. I and my people in the organising committee have been working hard to ensure that the event will be bigger, better and more spectacular than ever! The main attraction will be top international DJ Jonas Blue, who will be gracing the stage in Independence Square. Jonas Blue has attracted over two billion YouTube views; his music has been enjoyed by millions all over the world and it is indeed our pleasure to have him in Gozo for this year’s celebrations.

The event – in Independence Square and St George’s Square – will also feature The Travellers, Gianni Zammit & The Crosswalk Gang, Wobis Duo and DJ Joy. From 9.30pm until 2.00am, Victoria will come alive to welcome in the New Year. It is another way for the Ministry to send its  best wishes to Gozitans and many others for a healthy and prosperous 2019.

Everyone will certainly be further supported by the various social, fiscal and financial budget measures that will come into effect as from Tuesday. Apart from the particular reforms and initiatives for Gozitan families, this will be Labour’s second Budget without any new taxes, its third consecutive one with a surplus in public finances and the fourth that will increase old age pensions. While living along the success we have secured for the country, we can all look forward to the New Year as another period of continuity and quality that should lead the whole country to a brighter future.