“If you value your integrity, then be prepared to take a beating from those who have none.” — Lars Lau Thygesen, Danish academic and media personality

 

My political and professional life has taught me many valid life lessons. However, it is the core values handed down to me by my parents that have kept me strong, true to myself and firm in my convictions: the values of respect, integrity, kindness and –above all – honesty. As a young mother of two, these values have been indispensable constant companions in both my private and my public life. I have worked – and will continue to work – with honesty, integrity and fairness. These are the core values on which I have built my professional career and political mission.

Continued trust

The Gozitan community elected me in 2003, 2008, 2013 and 2017. In all these years of service – both in Opposition and as Parliamentary Secretary and Minister – I have always strived to be loyal to my constituents and the Gozitan community at large, irrespective of their political inclination, loyalties and beliefs.

All those with whom I have had the privilege to work know with what dedication and commitment I have performed my duties and implemented my decisions. It is my belief that honesty is not merely walking in truth, it also means serving the community. Honesty is a tool for achieving the common good.

Integrity and accountability

During my tenure both as Parliamentary Secretary and Minister I did my utmost to be inclusive and transparent, to pursue a pragmatism that is built on solid principles and defended ideas that were perhaps unpopular but right. I believe in a culture of integrity and accountability. It improves effectiveness and generates a respectful, enjoyable and life-giving setting in which to work. It is in this manner that I have always run the Ministry.

The personal cost for adhering to these values and principles lead me to the hardest decision of my political life. However, the consistency of my actions, values, methods, measures, principles expectations and outcomes are the opposite of hypocrisy. I am at one with our Prime Minister in his quest to govern with good intentions and implement policies with integrity. I truly believe that this Leadership’s commitment to integrity, diversity, inclusion and respect are the hallmark of the reforms that need to be implemented in the years to come for the common good.

Changes

These changes cannot succeed unless all politicians, irrespective of their political inclinations, support one another’s decency. It is only when we rise above our political divisions that change can happen for the good. Moreover, political honesty and integrity need to be supported by the general public. They can only take hold in a society that embraces a culture of tolerance, solidarity and equal enjoyment of individual rights. These values are what have cemented this Government's overwhelming election victories time and again.

They are anchors that we must hold on to with determination. As a progressive government, we believe in considering other ideas and viewpoints in a flexible and adaptable way without compromising our core values. This allows integrity in leading and relating to every citizen.

Those who do not believe in honesty and integrity do their utmost to discredit politicians who adhere to these values and, as a public figure, I am a natural target. I have been a victim of unfair criticism and subtle – and not-so-subtle – attacks but have always held my head high because my decisions were taken with the utmost integrity. My decision to step down was taken so that I am not used to taint, even remotely, Dr Abela’s leadership.

I must make it clear that my loyalty towards the thousands of Gozitan and Maltese voters who have shown their support for the Labour Government’s vision for our country remains steadfast and intact. I reached my decision – hard as it was – as proof of my convictions and belief in the values this government embraces. It is therefore my intention to continue representing my fellow Gozitans in Parliament and to proudly submit my candidacy again in the next General Election.

Gozo’s resurgence

The hard work put into Project Gozo, and the successes and unprecedented growth our island has enjoyed in the last few years, have filled me with pride and satisfaction of a job well done. For this, I wish to thank all collaborators, workers and entities and particular thanks go to Team Gozo – the group of women and men endowed with talent and dedication who have made my dream possible.

I also thank the constituted bodies, NGOs, mayors and the Gozo Diocese for the sense of dialogue and collaboration we have built together during my tenure as Minister. Together with them, I have created a space in which everyone’s ideas, opinions, talents and contributions were valid and worked to our advantage, placing Gozo as a net contributor at a national level.

With projects that are ongoing all over Gozo, a record of road works – 80 in less than two years, a record budget, record job creation, record foreign direct investment in Gozo, the fourth ferry and a financially solid Gozo Channel Operation Ltd and much more – my legacy will be quite substantial and will continue to bear fruit in the years to come, when all the projects commenced under my lead will be finalised and inaugurated.

Continuity - the way forward

In the next two-and-a-half years, Gozo must continue to grow through our unified collaboration. This unity has proved to be the secret of our success. This is what Dr Abela augured last week. ‘A few weeks ago, you begged me not to forget Gozo. You have my word that Gozo will be given top priority in my plans. Today, I am affirming my promise to you in person.’ This statement is encouraging and spurs me to continue pushing Gozo to the top of the national agenda as I have done with vigour throughout my political life.

It is no wonder that Dr Abela quoted the successful statistics that we Gozitans have earned together as a team. They reflect the realities that our families and the business community are enjoying today. I augur that these successes will continue to grow and bear fruit through my successor – Perit Clint Camilleri – for the benefit of the Gozitan community at large.

Heartfelt thanks

I would like to thank all my supporters for their belief in me in the last 17 years. I assure them that the decision I took is testament to my continued loyalty towards them and to the profound values that were the reason why they loved and supported me. These values have impelled me to remove myself from the helm, not because of any short-comings on my part, but in order for me to remain loyal to the core values of honesty and integrity.