'Neither the life of an individual nor the history of a society can be understood without understanding both.' - C. Wright Mills ( American sociologist)

The Labour government’s belief in the capabilities and potential of us Gozitans is amply reflected in the 2021 Budget. The whole document presented by Professor Scicluna on 19 October, confirms the continuous injection of funds, investments and incentives for the coming year. They all build on the enthusiasm and hard work put in by the Gozitans, keeping Gozo as an important contributor to the national economy.

I am proud to have been instrumental in this change in fortunes and am happy to observe that this budget will continue to strengthen Gozo’s strive for socio-economic sustainability. Despite the Covid-19 crisis, Gozo was not side-lined. In fact, and notwithstanding the unjustified and malicious propaganda to the contrary by a tiny fraction of particularly ill-intentioned individuals in our midst, Gozo remains top of this government’s agenda. 

OUR INPUT

The timely input by the Parliamentary Committee for Gozo Affairs, which I chair, has been taken on board and the numerous entities that I had enrolled within our proposals can safely pride themselves of having been net contributors to the economic plans for the island during 2021. We can rest assured Labour’s vision for Gozo will be honoured. In fact, new and varied measures were introduced in this budget that continue to build on the successes of 2020.  

A dream-come-true for me is the funds the previous and this budget has injected into the setting up of the Gozo Regional Authority. It is proof of the government's belief in Gozo’s potential and the capabilities of us Gozitans. The guardianship of the character and beauty of Gozo is now in our hands! I personally tabled and pushed forward the legislation that set up this Authority and can now note with satisfaction that the official opening of this entity is already underway.  

GOZO'S SUSTAINABLE GROWTH

Incentives for the creation of more jobs on the island have also featured highly in this budget and improvement in structural and virtual connectivity remains a key priority. Labour's vision for a socio-economical and geophysically sustainable island is clear and well defined.  The efforts I put in my various roles to ensure that this goal is achieved with planned time-frames, are paying off.  

There is still much more work to be done but the foundations are there. The involvement of the Gozitan people in the decision-making processes – a first in the history of our country -  will ensure that our future is secured. Continuity will push us to greater autonomy and greater heights! We are resilient, innovative, and secure in our identity as Gozitans. It is now up to us to strengthen our fortunes. We have this government’s backup and the tools and encouragement to succeed.

CARDINAL MARIO GRECH

The elevation of Bishop Mario Grech by Pope Francis to the rank of Cardinal is a proud and historic moment for us Gozitans.  The College of Cardinals is the highest Church body within the Vatican and is the closest to the Pope.  Cardinals serve as principal advisors in the central administration of  Church affairs.  Their consultative role is particularly important when it comes to doctrinal updates and the decision-making process on all major issues that crop up regularly in the day-to-day running of the Church.

OUR FLOURISHING DIOCESE

It proves that despite all odds, Gozitans from all walks of life have gained international recognition and respect in diverse sectors and fields and have been important contributors to our nation’s culture, history, and advancement. Why is this so?  It's because we are inherently resilient. We are able to understand and recognise our geo-physical and socio-economic disadvantages and have the courage and determination to surpass all obstacles and fight for our right to improve our fortunes on our own terms no matter what.  

A case in point is the Gozo diocese. Thanks to the foresight, wisdom, and respect enjoyed by the Gozitans Bishop Pietro Pace and Sir Adrian Dingli, Pope Pius XI established Gozo and Comino as a separate Diocese in 1864 and subjected the island to the Holy See. After decades of setbacks, our forefathers were able to highlight the hardships created by Gozo’s double insularity to their advantage.

As Rev Doctor Joseph Bezzina aptly put it, ‘It is indeed an honour for Gozo that the initial words of the Bull declared the papal love for the Gozitans.  Singulari Amore – with remarkable love. Our wish was granted and today, despite being one of the smallest dioceses in the world, the spirit of Evangelisation that gives our diocese its raison d’etre lives on.

THE CARDINAL'S NEW ROLE

Indeed, Cardinal Grech is proof of this! Last Friday, upon his first visit to Gozo as Cardinal, when asked about Pope Francis’s stance on same-sex marriages, he stated, ‘We are all called to proclaim the gospel and all that he (the Pope) did was simply to put the person at the centre of the message in our effort to bring people closer to God and make them see God’s immensity. We’d have to ask the people who reacted that way to see why. I think it’s all a storm in a teacup.’

Cardinal Mario Grech’s role within the Universal Church now supersedes by far the responsibilities placed upon his shoulders as Bishop of tiny Gozo. I am convinced that the spirit of Evangelisation with which he has commenced his mission as Cardinal, will in the years to come, continue to prove to the world that true greatness of a nation is not measured by the vastness of its territory, or by the multitude of its people, but by the extent to which it has contributed to the life and thought and progress of the world.

Cardinal Grech, as a true son of Gozo, will most certainly, continue in the footsteps of his forefathers and show the world that with courage, determination, and resilience anything is possible. It all hinges on being true to oneself, knowing one’s abilities, and striving to make the world a better place to be.  He will certainly prove that furthering his role from an excellent bishop to an eminent cardinal is naturally evident for a Gozitan!

FREDERICK AZZOPARDI

Gozo has lost one of its most respected and well-liked politicians – Frederick Azzopardi. Although from opposing sides, I have always admired and respected Frederick. He was a true gentleman. Courteous, respectful and driven by his love for Gozo, his departure will leave a void that will be hard to fill. I extend my sincere condolences to his family, relatives, and friends.

Mature gentlemen like Frederick do set defined standards for political behaviour for anyone seeking to make it to the House.  Party politics is a natural bias for us all, but our goal reaches mature and patriotic levels when representing the country anywhere in the world, as Frederick has proven in the various instances when he formed part of parliamentary delegations overseas.

FINAL NOTE

On a personal note, I wish to thank the Circolo Gozitano for bestowing me with the prestigious honour of Ġieħ Għawdex. Ever since its inception in 1913, the Circolo Gozitano has strived to develop Gozo’s identity by means of educational, cultural, and artistic activities.  The Ġieħ Għawdex awards persons and institutions that contribute to the socio-cultural and economic development of Gozo and the preservation and promotion of the island with its distinct identity.

In all my public commitments, I have always strived to treasure Gozo’s human and cultural heritage to the best of my ability. This award will be a constant reminder and encouragement in my role both as a politician and citizen to do my utmost for the betterment of our beloved island.