The Coronavirus pandemic has disrupted our daily routine, upending our whole way of life, from social encounters to social distancing, from face-to-face conversations to virtual ones, from hugging our loved ones to hesitation in making this very significant yet simple gesture.

We might be interacting differently, but profoundly we still embrace the values that define us as a nation. Before embarking on my role as an economist for today’s article, allow me to first encourage you not to forget other gestures which we are lucky to still be able to pursue through technological development.

Don’t forget to check on your next-door neighbour through a simple call or a WhatsApp message, help out that old married couple from across the street who need to have their shopping delivered to their doorstep, your grandma whom you haven’t spoken to in ages. On another note, don’t forget that recipe you’ve been meaning to try out for months. As difficult a situation as this is, we need to make an even bigger effort in staying positive and somehow find the proverbial silver lining in the doom and gloom that currently surround us. After all, positivity is the very essence of perseverance and while it may seem remote, yes, this too shall pass.  It is also in times like these when the heart of gold this nation is known for is once again beating against all odds. 

This week was a rather particular one for me in my role as a minister and the rest of the secretariat, who I thank here publicly for their dedication and work in these challenging times. It was not just any other week and definitely not business as usual by any stretch of the imagination. As a government, we presented to the public the fruit we reaped from our decisions in recent years. Our past economic strategies allowed us to inject stimulus during such challenging times, times when the world is experiencing a global slowdown. The aim is to keep the whole country afloat notwithstanding such dire circumstances. This is what motivated us to immediately roll up our sleeves to ensure that those who are mostly impacted, will be supported.

It is with great satisfaction that we can state that with the implementation of the announced economic support measures, more than 60,000 jobs have been saved. We duly recognise the urgency of the situation and therefore have ensured that the payment process is as smooth and as rapid as possible, satisfyingly leading to the first payments being issued next week. Several were the countries that amid COVID-19 circumstances announced their economic support measures, however, it is with great satisfaction to say that Malta will be amongst the first in the world to start issuing the disbursed package.

I am very well aware that those who have been severely affected by these dire circumstances do not need grandstanding or sermonising, but the delivering of immediate and effective assistance to counteract the crisis they are facing. And this government, which has never during the past seven years shirked its responsibilities, has unfailingly delivered once again, rising up to the challenge despite operating within unprecedented parameters.

Notwithstanding this very positive outcome, we believe that we need to remain wholly receptive as we are acutely aware that each sector is burdened by its own intrinsic issues. Most importantly, our main message is comprehended and fully adopted by all stakeholders; that is for everyone to do their part and pull the same rope.

This situation also highlighted the importance of a national airline, especially for a small state like Malta. Air Malta has played a crucial role in bringing back home Maltese citizens through repatriation flights, as well as the transport of cargo and essential medical equipment. In view of the decisions we have taken as a government, along with the easing of EU regulations, we have ensured that Air Malta will stay on the radar and not lose precious flight routes.

As a government we are committed to seeing our national airline fly high, but sacrifices need to be made now from all sides. It is no secret that Air Malta was struggling to keep afloat, and now that it is facing a situation beyond its control, with all airports closed, and the tourism industry which has ground to a halt, our next steps are crucial and must serve as a means to protect its future. This shall be in everyone’s best interest.

I am sure, that in the not so distant future, our history books, will once again honour our nation for demonstrating exceptional courage in the face of adversity. At such a precarious time, when uncertainty inevitably reigns, government’s unity with the people is the ultimate constant which will provide valuable peace of mind. At a time when sensitivity is key, a helping hand is the comfort and security the country seeks.

The applauding of our beloved medical heroes from our balconies and streets, represent that glimmer of hope which energizes us to keep on going, because after all, we all know that the darkest hour is just before the dawn. And we all know that despite everything the dawn will come, and the sun will rise again on our nation, and if history is to be believed, we will prevail once again.

From the bottom of my heart, I thank everyone who is doing their part, from the bottom up, for supporting each other in the midst of such unprecedented circumstances. Courage is key. Determination is our belief. We will come out stronger and more united than at any other time in our nation’s history.

Silvio Schembri is Minister for the Economy, Investment and Small Businesses