Comments are free, facts are sacred

In serving the people through public projects, each phase is a step forward in the implementation process of a set goal.

Locally, periodic achievements are more welcome when aimed at the completion of what had been already necessary and promised decades ago. The endless number of parliamentary questions tabled over the past year served to remind us how much had been promised by previous administrations and how it had all been neglected or postponed. Basically, such questions are intended to demand details of work currently being carried out on such long-awaited requirements, with those tabling such questions apparently disregarding – or conveniently forgetting – their own or their colleagues’ chronic inertia for many years.

The price of past inertia

Camouflaging past lethargy by pointing fingers will never absolve bad practices. It is unbelievable how some have the cheek to repeat nauseating questions which they habitually ignored when in office until five years ago. On the other hand, I have in fact enjoyed a 30-minute grilling in Parliament this week, replying with facts and details in hand, to a series of unexpected supplementary questions on a variety of ongoing projects by the Gozo Ministry. In itself, tabling such questions implies that current works are real, effective, undeniable and being reckoned with by all – including those same people who still wish to criticise for the sake of justifying their seats on the other side of the House.

Notwithstanding such pressure, on particular sensitive issues, I do – and always will – stick to the basic principle of divulging certain details when the time is ripe and only after all ongoing appeal procedures are completed, during which – in my books – caution and prudence will remain imperative. Obviously, facts remain sacred, while comment is free as long as it does not twist the facts or present a deceitful picture of things, when indirectly portraying stealthy or veiled support for any of the parties involved. As part of a hard-working cabinet I am adamant that the least said is best and I will take all such criticism in my stride.

Work in progress

Preparatory work is underway on the second phase of the Għajnsielem Learning Hub project – my baby when – until a year ago – I held the portfolio for the disability sector. Once all phases are completed, the Learning Hub will provide all the necessary services under one roof – acting as a one-stop-shop for all Gozitan families having members with a disability.

Together with my successor in the sector, Anthony Agius Decelis, I visited the Hub to view the ongoing work being carried out by Gozo Ministry employees who possess a wealth of trade knowledge and dedication. The completion of this project will improve the quality of life for people with disabilities and their respective families in Gozo through an increase in services, conveniently provided from modern premises that are equipped to the highest standards. The Gozo Ministry is committed to complete the work required for the building to be operational in the shortest possible time.

The industrial sector

This week, the Ministry has also taken on additional tasks within the industrial sector. The upkeep and maintenance of common areas in the Xewkija industrial zone and Ta’ Dbieġi Crafts Village will now be the responsibility of the Ministry for Gozo. The relative agreement was signed between Malta Industrial Parks (MIP) and the Ministry for Gozo, while I toured the area together with Economy Minister Chris Cardona. The agreement will continue to build on the considerable investment in industrial areas across Malta and Gozo over the last five years.

Strengthening the industrial infrastructure will put Gozo at the front to attract new investment which depends on efficient service and better accessibility. The Gozo Ministry will ensure a cleaner and more qualitative environment for both the workers and the surrounding residents. It will also include the first exercise in the forestation of Gozo’s industrial zone with open spaces for families and the upgrading of streets surrounding the area for better accessibility.

Assisting students

After listening to a suggestion by some Gozitan students, I have this week launched the first ever innovative ‘Independent Living’ preparatory course for Gozitan students who will be continuing their studies in Malta. It is a known fact that Gozitan students face several challenges while following further studies in Malta, particularly that of independent living. Apart from carrying on with their study commitments, like all other students, they have to run their own apartment, do their shopping, prepare their meals and keep the place in the best standard possible. This requires diligent time management in order to avoid falling short of time required for lectures and research.

The innovative 14-session course will also prepare students in various aspects of independent living and housekeeping, including simple ways to prepare nutritious meals and useful basic hints for the running of the place in which they live for weeks and months on end. Applications for this course, which is being offered free of charge, are available on www.mgoz.gov.mt or mobile app ‘mygozo’.

Gozo’s festa season

Summer brings with it a packed calendar of village feasts around Gozo, with a wealth of culture that express the faith and passion of the people. Over the centuries, our ancestors erected magnificent churches that still dominate village skylines and form the island’s heritage of sculptural masonry, architectural charm and artistic decoration.

For many years it has been part of my public commitment that I attend major functions in all the village feasts around Gozo. It is my way of showing appreciation to the hundreds of volunteers who, all year round, work to preserve and embellish traditional celebrations. Festa time provides an opportunity to admire the church’s artistic imagery and the colourful street decorations. Gozitan village feasts provide a full week of celebrations, with church functions complete with sacred music by local composers for well-rehearsed choirs and orchestras.

Festa time is an important component of the island’s attractions, with thousands of people crossing over to Gozo to join in the celebrations. Not only do I fully support initiatives directed towards strengthening these events, but I keep pressing on to achieve UNESCO formal recognition of such feasts as our national intangible heritage.

Qala, Ker`em and Xewkija

In line with this, the Gozo Ministry has joined hands with Qala Local Council and the Għaqda Briju San Ġużepp to organise a feast with a difference – Il-Festa Għawdxija (the Gozitan feast) – to be held next Sunday. This special event, which is being held for the first time in Qala, brings together various groups from different villages across the island in a collective presentation of the different cultural aspects that give an identity to our local communities.

It is also meant to give due recognition to the hundreds of volunteers who work tirelessly and are the backbone of every feast. We should all be grateful to those who work incessantly to sustain and upgrade our village festivities.

Another popular event supported by the Gozo Ministry is the second edition of Kerċem’s fireworks festival: Flames across the Meadows – a spectacular pyrotechnical display by the village’s fireworks society, in collaboration with the Local Council. The event, to be held on Saturday, 7 July at 11pm, should be another showcase for anyone who has the traditional Gozitan feast at heart and a special attraction to fireworks enthusiasts. When celebrated in an orderly and reasonable manner, all such events can be a real pleasure for the whole family and a vivid expression of community spirit.

Last but not least, I wish to convey my heartfelt wishes to my fellow Xewkija residents for this year’s village feast. Here, too, the Gozo Ministry is supporting the local fireworks enthusiasts in their initiative to promote further health and safety measures. Whilst appreciating the skills involved in pyrotechnics, we are all aware of the indispensable precaution required. For all our feasts, it may be worthwhile echoing Bishop Mario Grech’s exhortation last year for moderation and respect in all aspects of our village celebrations.

On a personal note, a very happy birthday to Fr Emanuel Cordina and his team at the OASI Foundation of Gozo for their hard work all year round. They will be celebrating their 27th anniversary this week, coinciding with the World Day against Drugs marked by the United Nations.