“The price of greatness is greater responsibility” – Sir Winston Churchill

It has become imperative that the successes we have achieved in such a short span of time must be sustained to serve as a pathway for future generations. Besides the clear vision of the goals Labour has set for the whole country, we need to monitor progress and constantly update all policies. Each budget proposes the necessary measures to ensure that the country’s prosperity has the defined purpose of reaching out to every citizen in our community.  

Monitoring progress

Statistics are a vital tool for such monitoring: their importance for the economic and social development of a country is immeasurable. The World Bank stresses the importance of statistics in the social development of a country in this manner: “In simple terms, they are the evidence on which policies are built. They help identify needs, set goals and monitor progress. Without good statistics, the development progress is blind: policy-makers cannot learn from their mistakes and the public cannot hold them accountable.”

As H.G. Wells forecast, statistical thinking will one day be as necessary a qualification for efficient citizenship as the ability to read and write. At the end of the day, however, the most important statistic is the final score that proves constant monitoring and updating.

The Labour government’s ongoing economic and social successes bring with them great responsibilities. People want a grounded government: a government that is responsible to them. It is therefore our aim to improve, strengthen and push forward policies and measures that improve the lives of each and every citizen, feet planted firmly on the ground, and with the principle of good governance high on our agenda.

Booming tourism

Progress is measured in the feel-good factor among all sectors of society across both islands. Gozo has fast become a main protagonist in the national scenario. The latest statistical figures for Gozo indicate encouraging economic growth, particularly in the tourism industry. This summer, Gozo Channel (Operations) Ltd ferried one million, eight hundred and seventy two thousand (1,872,000) passengers and five hundred and fifty thousand (550,000) vehicles. In all, 8,386 ferry trips were operated over the months of June, July and August.

The impact that the fourth ferry has had on our domestic economy is tangible and encouraging. The Gozo Ministry’s efforts to promote Gozo as a unique and distinct destination have also proved to be successful. Our calendar of cultural events and activities spread throughout the year, and the promotion of our island as a distinct and unique destination, have helped no end. Today, we can boast that Gozo’s seasonality has been virtually eradicated. Repeat visitors and an increase in first-time travellers have made our island well and truly come alive. Proof of this change is the encouraging, positive and complimentary feedback that my Ministry has received from the Gozo Tourism Association.

‘Together we stand, divided we fall’ is a motto that is close to my heart. Gozo’s current successes and determination to excel, to grow and to flourish stems from the joint effort of our erstwhile and resilient Gozitan entrepreneurs, NGOs, government entities and foreign investors. They continue to support and collaborate with the Gozo Ministry with an enthusiasm that is unparalleled. Gozo is rapidly living up to its name as the Island of Joy.

Employment

National statistics issued this week regarding unemployment are also very encouraging. They indicate a reduction in unemployment across the board, Gozo included. This downward trend is the fruit of the diligent and continuous efforts of the Labour Government to address this issue with determination and foresight.

A clear vision and long-term solutions have proved to be successful in this regard. After all, positive employment statistics are key indicators that the economy of a country is on the right track, particularly because – in our case – it stems from the fact that more people are joining the workforce willingly and enthusiastically. This is all thanks to the numerous incentives to businesses, families and – most importantly – to women and people who have never been part of the workforce or, due to disability, could not be productive members of society.

Unemployment in Gozo has fallen by 8.7 per cent compared to August 2018. This does not, however, mean that we have reached our optimum. Initiatives and incentives implemented by the Government over the last seven years are having a positive impact. An initiative to businesses introduced this year is the Gozo Employment Scheme, through which 80 new jobs have been created in the private sector. Economic activity has increased to such an extent that we are now being faced with a shortage of workers.

This means that we are now at the point where our focus is on attracting more people to seek employment in Gozo. This is why we launched the Gozo Employment Scheme, with the intention of offering more high-quality and financially stable jobs that will ensure improved working conditions and more people joining the workforce.

Young and old

My dream as Minister for Gozo is to create quality jobs in Gozo for the thousands of Gozitans that have to travel every day to the mainland to earn a living. Enticing our young people to come back to Gozo to live and work, apart from easing the daily burden of travelling and the waste of precious time away from loved ones, would ensure that the quality of life of the people is enriched and enhanced.

We need young blood, fresh ideas and innovative solutions in order to flourish and our young people are more than capable of providing these. By living on Gozo permanently, they would eradicate the brain drain that has gripped the island for decades and generate enough manpower to keep the economic wheel turning, improving and expanding.

A healthy balance between an ageing population and young families is the goal that will see Gozo become a dynamic sustainable island and maintain its contribution to the national economy.

The Budget

In the last two years, the hard work and persistence of my Ministry has paid off, with Gozo now enjoying a substantial increase in its annual budget allocation. In fact, in the last two years, my Ministry has received a 40 per cent increase in its allocated budget. Careful and diligent planning is ensuring that these extra funds are being used for the benefit of Gozo and its people.

The impact this increase in budgetary allocation has had on the island is tangible and the people are appreciating the change Gozo has been experiencing of late. Improved road networks, capital projects, restoration work, cultural activities and business incentives are a few of the benefits that are being reaped, thanks to these extra funds. I am confident that the Minister for Finance, Professor Edward Scicluna, has noted the input given by the Gozitan community during the preparatory meeting recently held in Gozo and am convinced that the coming budget for 2020 will be another positive budget for Gozo and for we Gozitans.

The Labour Government’s vision for a Gozo that is a sustainable and healthy contributor to the national economy is definitely taking shape. We are now at a stage where decades of neglect and inertia by previous Nationalist administrations are a thing of the past. Gozo and its people are being given the importance, encouragement and tools to reach their full potential, prove their worth and live fulfilled and productive lives on Gozitan soil, knowing that they are an integral part of – and no longer isolated from – the rest of the nation.