By the time this opinion piece goes to press, Malta will have vaccinated more than 300,000 of its population. The remarkable success story of our country's vaccination rollout is indisputable. We now have the highest percentage of vaccinated people in the world, surpassing even Israel's vaccination effort, which has been lauded globally.

The intelligent and unfaltering effort by our health authorities has brought us to a propitious point wherein after vaccinating all the priority groups within our community, like the clinically vulnerable, the over-30s, 40s and 50s, the elderly, as well as front-line and essential services workers, we are now in the process of offering the vaccine to our youngest eligible demographic, the 16+. And, if the numbers are to be believed, the end of this devastating pandemic is finally in sight.

Unquestionably, this favourable scenario further empowers us as a government to focus even more extensively on the regeneration of the economy and the success we can anticipate ahead. It is now the opportune moment to, as they say, 'go big or go home', and this is exactly the stance that we as a government have adopted. This week, we can say, is dedicated 'voucher week', wherein we have implemented one of our most anticipated budget pledges - the €300 voucher for free internet for post-secondary students.

Since the very beginning, throughout the implementation of all our policies, we have employed the ethos that investment in education always pays the highest returns. And investment in our students has never been as essential as during the past year. These adverse circumstances have forced education to shift rapidly online and while technology has been a godsend in ensuring continuity, it must also be said that it is a great misfortune for our younger generations to miss out on the student experience itself. Our commitment as a government to guarantee free education for all, including providing all that is required to ensure a level playing field for all our students, regardless of background, status, or financial means, remains steadfast.

This week, we have also announced the launch of the much-anticipated €100 Covid Voucher measure; a measure which will positively inject our economy with a staggering €50 million. That is without taking into consideration the multiplier effect this will bring about. This being the €100 Vouchers' second rollout, we have perfected the process even more and eligible Maltese citizens or foreign residents now have the choice of downloading their vouchers digitally - a much quicker and more secure process.

For those who are perhaps not as tech-savvy, the vouchers will automatically reach their homes by registered post. This time around, we have, in full consultation with all the relevant stakeholders apportioned the €100 voucher in four red vouchers of €15 each to be used in hotels, accommodation, restaurants, bars and diving schools; and four blue Vouchers which can be redeemed in retail shops, hair and beauty salons, sports clubs and gyms, museums, arts and culture centres, band clubs and other venues. We shall ensure, as we have done in the past, that no individual or entity is left behind. It would be worthwhile to remind that last year's scheme resulted in a €90 million economic boost which generated substantial economic activity, creating a strong ripple effect throughout our business community which lasted months.

Here, I cannot fail to mention one of the main pillars of our economy, tourism. That 2020 has been the annus horribilis for global tourism is an undisputed fact. However, it is remarkably interesting to point out that despite the global economic impact that the pandemic has brought about, for our country it has not all been gloom and doom. In 2020, Malta was the second European Union member state with the largest increase in domestic tourism.

This was announced by EUROSTAT, as it noted that our country has seen a 15% increase over 2019 on the number of nights spent in local hotels and accommodation. The European average suffered a decrease of almost 40% in domestic tourism. This effectively means a difference of about 55% between Malta and the European average. Extremely encouraging figures, which further confirm that with our continuing regeneration plan, launched last year at the height of the pandemic, we are definitely on the right track. Yes, it has been a turbulent year of epic proportions, but together, through the necessary aid, when and wherever it was required, as well as specific investment targeting sectors which we believe will now hit the ground running, we have managed to not only keep our heads above water but are primed for the next level of our economic success.

All this brings me neatly to my final musings and I have to conclude my article with a political slant, something which I usually avoid. However, I must comment that I find certain rantings claiming that as a government we have nonchalantly squandered money, extremely offensive. Hand on heart I can say that this Government has invested considerably, in our workers, in our families and their livelihoods, in businesses, in our students, including the most recent investment of almost one million euros in free internet, because we believe in our people and most of all in the generations of tomorrow, who will be the main contributors to our country's growing wealth. While these types of comments beggar belief, I'd be the first to admit that if squandering money means ensuring that not one single individual is left behind, then squandering it is...