“We choose forward. We choose inclusivity. We choose growing together. We choose economic strength.  We choose to empower an ever-growing middle class.” –  Senator Cory Booker

The budget debate in the House is in full swing, with morning, afternoon and evening sessions. Prime Minister Joseph Muscat’s speech on Tuesday was positive, assertive and encouraging. His opening remarks encompassed the Government’s vision for a country that is sustainable, cosmopolitan and inclusive, with the fundamental principles covering this budget to reward and respect industrious Maltese families and help the most vulnerable in society. Particular attention is being given to pensioners, people with a disability and others who, for one reason or another, cannot be part of the workforce.  In itself, this is a basic requirement if we mean to include everyone’s access to national well-being.

Sustainability

The principle of sustainability is a major highlight of this budget. Rather than distributing all the country’s wealth, we invest its surplus in diverse sectors, which ensures that future generations continue to build on Labour’s economic successes and enjoy a dignified standard of living.

It is undeniable that the country’s economic success is phenomenal. Our 2020 budget was approved by the EU without reservation and we have been recognised as top performers amongst all the EU nations. For the fifth consecutive year, Malta will, in fact, register another budgetary surplus – the second highest in the EU.

Dr Muscat explained that the country’s economic successes stem from this Government’s openness to both local and foreign investment, albeit with all the necessary due diligence processes.

For the second consecutive year, Malta has been classified as having the most stable economy in the world. Outgoing EC President Jean-Claude Juncker told Dr Muscat:  ‘It is because of this openness that your country is also resilient. The Maltese economy is proving to be more resilient than most in Europe. In fact, it is projected to grow faster than any other this year: three times as fast, to be precise. Unemployment and youth unemployment are both well below the EU average.’  Such a statement belies all the doom and gloom of the Opposition which – surprise, surprise! – cannot fathom out Labour’s success story.

Gozo – net contributor

Our Prime Minister made special reference to Gozo’s economic growth – a far cry from Gozo being an afterthought which, incidentally, was the case for many years. Gozo has risen from the ashes and is now part and parcel of this Government’s economic successes. Economic growth on our tiny island is at par and growing even faster than that on mainland Malta. In fact, Gozo’s economic growth is two per cent higher than that of Malta. Whereas new jobs on the island averaged a 100 a year in the past, today there is a 90 per cent increase in job creation. This is indeed encouraging and exciting and I am proud to be part of the team that has made such a success of Gozo’s positive reversal of fortunes.

Such is the importance of Gozo to the country’s economic growth that the budget for 2020 has increased Gozo’s allocation by 20 per cent. Initiatives started in previous Labour budgets are to continue. New and innovative measures and investments have been highlighted, particularly a further injection of funds towards the island’s infrastructure and more help for businesses to set up shop on Gozo using the latest technology and business strategies.

It is my aim as Minister for Gozo to further collaborate with the Gozitan business community, the tourism sector and our rich and diverse NGOs to push Gozo to the fore and continue our economic successes for the benefit of all. This budget ensures that Gozo will once again prove that with hard work, a team-spirit and a positive outlook we can – and will yet again – prove ourselves to be a resilient, innovative and inclusive island, open to new concepts and ready for new challenges: an island-region that, if given the opportunities it deserves, rises above and beyond all expectations and is proud to be a net contributor to the nation’s economy.

Mr Louis Grech

I was struck by our former Deputy Prime Minister Louis Grech’s post budgetary speech last Sunday. His wise overview and mature words of encouragement encompassed what the Labour Movement is all about. It is a Movement in which power translates into humility, with feet firmly planted on the ground, a constant listening ear and disciplined and united teamwork. Each and every member of this movement is on the same footing and works for the benefit of society at large. It is this sense of unity that makes the Labour Government so successful in its endeavours and ensures that Labour’s vision for the country’s better future comes to fruition.

Economic success means that national debts or deficits are eradicated and this Government is well and truly on track in this regard. However, a government’s success goes beyond economic stability. It is measured holistically and includes the creation of a just, equitable society that addresses each and every citizen alike – particularly the most vulnerable. This is the true meaning of Professor Scicluna’s budgets slogan all along: “Prosperity with a purpose”. It is the raison d’être behind Labour’s continued approval and success since taking the helm in 2013.

As Minister for Gozo I fully embrace all of Mr Grech’s wise yet humble words and strive to do my utmost to ensure that our island well and truly advances – both economically and socially – in the spirit of the Labour Government’s vision. I cannot help but quote Mr Grech’s parting words when describing Labour’s budgets: serenity rather than tension, energy rather than inertia, positivity rather than negativity, hope instead of fear, serenity rather than worry, stability instead of uncertainty. These words of encouragement, together with our Prime Minister’s intention to ensure sustainability, will pave the way for a better future for years to come.

Gozo’s October events

The Gozo Ministry also ensures that all its plans and operations are sustainable towards better living for the Gozitan families and businesses in line with Labour’s vision. As well as major projects and ongoing roadworks, our calendar of events has now established itself well and truly both locally and internationally. My Ministry, together with countless NGOs, local councils and church and business entities, have ensured that seasonality has been eradicated for good.

Highlights for October included the International Kite and Wind Festival at San Dimitri, surrounding the open countryside of the quaint village of Gharb, which for the second year running was a resounding success. A second edition of Gozo’s Opera month, together with our main musical societies of La Stella and Leone and other stakeholders, turned out to be another success with excellent performances of La Boheme and Il Trovatore. 

Seasonality has become a thing of the past. Gozo is now also the place to visit in the winter months as well.  It is green, lush, tranquil and equally buzzing with activity. Its old-world charm, inclusivity and welcoming atmosphere will please even the most seasoned of visitors. My Ministry, together with the Gozitan community, do our utmost to provide our guests with the highest quality events and activities. We welcome all visitors with open arms and encourage them to interact with us Gozitans. We aim to be sustainable and to give our guests an experience they will never forget and so return to our shores time and time again in the knowledge that they have come back to a home from home – the Island of Joy.