Job creation in Gozo

Employment is the best way to safeguard human dignity in that it secures an independent living, based on a person’s ability to contribute to his/her own fulfilment and to the wellbeing of society.

Recent statistics in the working population, as positive and historic as they are, reflect a truth that, with each person obtaining a job, we are securing a better spread of the national economical strength that is now reaching more people. For the Labour government, however, periodic or annual figures are only a measure of real results, although the status quo is never enough, nor is it acceptable for this government. We keep forging ahead with additional impetus – both in Malta and in Gozo, to secure better and more reliable jobs, through training programmes together with local and foreign investment.

Gozo in the national economy

As early as 2011, Dr Joseph Muscat said that the cornerstone of Labour’s policy for Gozo had to be the creation of jobs. He also reiterated that Gozo should not depend on leftovers but could, and should, contribute to the national economy with people improving their quality of life without additional hardship caused by our double insularity.

We had to work hard and be prepared to take tough decisions in the interests of job creation. Together with Gozo’s typical environment – an attraction in itself – decisions for sustainable job creation needed to be taken in the interests of the people of Gozo. From the outset, we laid down the basis for bringing about a change of direction in the context of stability, because this was necessary for private enterprise. The island had been witnessing a very long list of promised projects that had not been realised and, indeed, the capital investment in Gozo under the previous administration was a fraction of what had supposedly been planned.

The lack of vision and willpower characterised the previous government and this led to an unstable situation of postponing a freefall – which actually came about in March four years ago. Gozitans would have never imagined the €200 million investment by Barts Hospital for a brand new medical school in Gozo and a revamped general hospital. It is, in fact, great news that this mega-project was given the green light by the Planning Authority board last Thursday.

New era, new strengths, new jobs

Four years ago we inaugurated a new era for the people of both islands. The drastic reductions in utility tariffs gave an initial breathing space to all families and the commercial community. Consecutive high international credit ratings attracted foreign investment in amounts that had not been seen for many decades. The optimistic outlook brought about the feel-good factor associated with a robust economy with a growth rate that was double the average among the 28 member states in the European Union. The time soon became ripe for extending the national economic success to each and every family, primarily those who, due to old age or disabilities, deserved additional support.

This is precisely where my remit as Parliamentary Secretary responsible for both sectors upgraded its determination and implementation through the various financial, fiscal and numerous social initiatives and projects. We had, meanwhile, diligently planned the way forward through the indispensable structures declared in the national policies and strategies in both the active ageing and disability fields. This was accompanied by specialised induction and refresher courses for all employees, with the added value of University of Malta accreditation, thus ensuring high quality and professional services at all levels.

We have introduced many new services for both the elderly – at community and residential levels – and for people with disabilities. With each of these services there comes the ability. And of course, there is also the sheltered employment programme we are running along with JobsPlus. There are no words to describe what people feel when they see members of their own family achieve independent living.

Empowerment initiatives saw more than 300 people – including Gozitans – already benefit from funding that enabled them to widen and increase their participation in society. The Personal Assistance Scheme and other measures announced in the 2017 Budget Speech provide further possibilities of employment for in services that are cofinanced by the state.

New services for the elderly in Gozo

Regular home-care services for older people who prefer to live with their families have been introduced for the first time in Gozo. Apart from providing such long-awaited services nearer to home, all these initiatives have created job opportunities for more carers, social workers and paramedics who can now earn a living among their fellow Gozitans.

Other initiatives have also been introduced in Gozo in the last three years, particularly the live-in carer project by which the State contributes a maximum of €5,200 for each carer employed. Our public-private partnership scheme to provide more beds in private homes for the elderly was not only the first of its kind in Gozo but would indirectly create additional jobs and further investment in this sector. This can also have a multiplier effect on other initiatives such as the night shelters, dementia centres and respite services we have introduced through public-private agreements. For the first time, the elderly sector is becoming attractive to the private investor.

I am proud that my Parliamentary Secretariat has been steadily contributing to more job opportunities in Gozo as a fair share of what the whole country has achieved. Indeed, it proves Dr Joseph Muscat right, in that “Gozo should not depend on leftovers.” Ageing is indeed a challenge but we have transformed this challenge to an opportunity and over these last two years have addressed needs and created jobs.

Dwejra as aa World Heritage site

For many years I have been stressing the importance of Dwejra and its azure window as an outstanding example of Gozo’s national and environmental heritage. It is therefore most welcome news that my colleague, Minister José Herrera, has provided a committee of experts with special funds to explore the possibility of this magical site being granted Unesco World Heritage status or a national geopark. As far as my remit within the Cabinet is concerned, I firmly believe that accessible tourism is indispensable but, as a Gozitan, protecting our natural environment for world appreciation is definitely paramount!