A resolution for more solidarity

Dr Caruana is Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with Disability and Active Ageing

This comes to mind at the beginning of a new year, when the familiar resolutions become very popular. Individually we may have a list of things we would like to do for the first time or perhaps like to do better and very often, those things involve habits such as exercise, sleep, having fun, eating and relaxing. It takes work and sometimes falling down and getting up again to create a good habit.

We need to rise above things that can come in our way, such as misunderstandings or unfair criticism. Determination entails taking action to address everything that needs to be done and avoiding the multiple names given to hidden fear, such as procrastination. Basically, it is a matter of attitude and certainly the kind of approach in my line of work all year round.

Resolutions and challenges

Making New Year resolutions is also a familiar concept to the whole nation, although widely recognised as a tradition, rather than something to keep. Perhaps if our culture and society took resolutions to be a more serious matter, it would be easier for us to keep them. As amply proven in the past three years, the Labour government is focused on working hard without expecting to be perfect.

When focusing on progress over perfection, one builds momentum that gives the energy and spirit one needs to keep striving to face challenges. It is a way that a guilds mentality allows us to stumble and get up again because we are heading in the right direction. It makes no sense trying to solve troubling issues just by perpetuating the thought of them, but by admitting it and taking immediate action which are the keys to being credible and getting the best levels of recovery and success.

In real terms, faltering pauses are normal along the path of a committed government – the only type of government that can master them and move on to an excellent performance. The first years of this government have shown that its policies and strategies are based on a clear vision of creating wealth with an economic and social purpose that places the country as one of the best among bigger partners. In this sense, its resolutions for the New Year have long been set through the foundation work out carried so far.

Malta’s EU Presidency

Some may envy us taking up the EU Council’s Presidency in the coming months, but in reality it is an honour for the whole nation. I dare say that, over and above the chronological schedule of member states taking on such a task, Malta deserves to take such a lead with excellent credentials that feature very highly among the European Unions’ 28 members. In a short period of time – since 2013, in fact – we have had repeated top placing in various sectors which add confidence in our country’s resilience to take up the challenge of leading an agenda that embraces security and social inclusion.

As expected, social issues and their remedies are of great interest in my work as Parliamentary Secretary for the Rights of People with a Disability and Active Ageing. The past months were packed with bilateral and multilateral meetings in preparation for what we have on schedule during the presidency. EU counterparts, together with other European and international organisations have repeatedly shown great interest in our performance in both sectors.

The long list of specific laws enacted and projects realised for both the elderly and disability areas are proof of our commitment and performance. Malta and Gozo have featured very actively in the international community, and since being entrusted with my portfolio I have spared no effort in supporting binding decisions and measures in the international bodies governing the sectors for which I am responsible. The rich experience gained will strengthen our position in adding further impetus to the EU’s on-going process to establish its legislation on accessibility as a basic law with which all member states will have to comply.

We are resolute regarding more projects in 2017

Despite the presidency’s busy programme of high-level discussions, we will proceed with our plans and implementation of further initiatives and projects full of determination. Our gradual but successful transformation of elderly care into active ageing will continue to develop through further measures of high-quality services.

Our ongoing programme of revamping local learning daycentres and further public-private agreements for additional accommodation will go ahead during the New Year. We feel encouraged with the progress made so far and, while building on it, we endeavour to upgrade services provided, introduce new ones and ensure that the national standards we have established last year are fully implemented.

We are determined to enhance community services with educational courses for those involved in the sector, enriching them with accreditation by the University of Malta. I never cease to maintain that our trained and committed workforce is the country’s brave face that delivers everything that my Parliamentary Secretariat plans and decides.

Over and above the customary New Year’s resolutions, we are constantly committed to attaining greater accessibility for the disability section and 2017 will be no exception. Perfect goals will never deter me from moving ahead with my determination. I strive to give my utmost to secure the best quality services, although I am fully aware that the best measure of success is achieved when seeing those we serve fully enjoying what they expect and deserve.

Solidarity is not seasonal

The traditional l-Istrina last Sunday once again proved the country’s great sense of solidarity, bringing in a record €5.5 million by way of donations in support of the Malta Community Chest Foundation. What strikes me most at such mass events is the presence of people with disability and their families who show their own commitment in encouraging the whole community to show its tangible support. The event itself shows the trust that our nation has in the President’s tireless work for those who deserve the nation’s care and assistance.

I must admit that such occasions give me additional encouragement in my line of duty. They inspire me to work harder for a vast section of our population that merits our best support.

Today, 1 January, marks an equally important effort for us all to show our support for idDar tal-Providenza. Throughout the past year, I have had the honour of working closely with this entity to further realise our Soċjetà Ġusta programme. Dar Shalom in Żurrieq is a joint venture to host people with disabilities within the community – the second of four opened in recent months.

As one ‘New Year’s resolution’, I suggest a generous thought for id-Dar tal-Providenza today. Like many others, I have witnessed the invaluable service they provide to so many vulnerable people, but it is never enough and we must do all we can and more to support them. The kind of help we give today and throughout the year ensures further care and love that only those really dedicated to this mission can give.

May this be the nation’s way of wishing ourselves a Happy New Year!