Economic prosperity
Our nation’s economy has been a catalyst for the creation of high-quality jobs. Over the past decade, the absolute majority of fellow Maltese nation als entering the job market have found positions as managers, professionals, or skilled technicians. This
All this did not happen on its own. This happened because of a Government which worked, works and will continue working hard to provide a better future for all the Maltese and Gozitans.
Prime Minister Robert Abela is distinguishing himself for the way he is overseeing economic growith while at the same time putting people at the centre of everything we, as a Government, do. Take for instance the socalled stability policies which assume great significance in the light of global challenges such as fluctuating energy prices and the disruptive impact of the pandemic.
In addition to maintaining stability, the government has pursued initiatives aimed at improving the lives of thousands of hard-working families, as outlined in its Electoral Manifesto. Measures such as reducing income tax burdens, covering expenses like school transport and exam fees, and expanding access to public transportation demonstrate a commitment to supporting citizens in tangible ways.
Despite criticism from the part of a disjointed Opposition, the government remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering on promises made to the electorate. The increase in children’s allowances, for example, reflects a dedication to investing in the well-being and future of Malta’s youth. The same goes for the continued increase in pensions in so far as our elderly citizens are concerned or the COLA adjustments to assist the families at large.
Politics in Malta serves as a tool for positive change and progress. By fostering stability, implementing policies that benefit citizens, and promoting unity, as a Government we will aim to continue building a prosperous and resilient nation for all its people.
We are totally determined to keep delivering positive change and implementing the thousand pledges which we put forward to the electorate in the last election. We want to repay the huge trust people showed us with hard work and strong results.
A vibrant summer of activities
We proudly announced the launch of the summer events for 2024, featuring the return of four exciting festivals as part of the agency’s diverse lineup. These include the 2nd edition of the Ritmu Roots Festival in May, the Malta International Arts Festival in June, as well as the Malta Jazz Festival and the 3rd edition of Dance Festival Malta in July.
Kicking off the summer calendar is the Ritmu Roots Festival, scheduled between the 17th and 25th of May. This festival aims to engage the community through a variety of workshops at The Splendid and showcase contemporary performances of traditional music at Argotti. Highlighting Malta’s folk singing tradition, known as għana, the festival will feature main events such as Għana Għand tal-Iżgej, IlQagħda tal-Mument, and Duo Ruut, along with Ethnographic Film Screenings.
In June, the Malta International Arts Festival returns with a 10day program of multidisciplinary events, including dance, music, theater, and visual arts performances. Set against historic venues, the festival offers a unique backdrop for both local and international artists. Highlights include the Harbour Odyssey, Underground Valletta featuring clarinetist Simon Reitmaer and Glass Harmonica virtuoso Thomas Bloch, a concert by the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra featuring music from Beethoven and Shostakovich, and a theatrical performance featuring characters from Maltese folklore and legend.
July will see the return of two popular festivals: the Malta Jazz Festival from the 8th to the 13th, and Dance Festival Malta from the 25th to the 28th. The Malta
Jazz Festival promises an eclectic lineup of musicians, including Monica Salmaso, Thom Ollendorff Trio, Something Else – A Soul Jazz Revue, Trio Grande, and Chief Anjuah. Following closely is Dance Festival Malta, which will host artistically and politically charged performances from both local and international artists. The festival’s highlights also include workshops/masterclasses and the youth dance platform, inviting young dancers to present choreographies in a noncompetitive setting.
Year after year, we present a diverse portfolio of events during the summer months, featuring both international and local artists of the highest caliber. As Festivals Malta, we are committed to producing festivals that strive for artistic excellence while offering unique experiences for tourists and locals alike. I eagerly anticipate kicking off our summer calendar with the Ritmu Roots Festival, celebrating our local and traditional folk music scene.
I would also like to emphasize the importance of the Agency’s summer festivals calendar, as it engages artists from various artistic genres. Through the summer festivals, Festivals Malta explores different facets of artistic genres through four unique and distinct festivals. Our aim is to offer diverse forms of cultural activities to different interest groups, and with the positive feedback we receive year after year, Festivals Malta is continually getting closer to this goal. I encourage everyone to attend this year’s summer festivals and experience the vibrant cultural scene firsthand.
I extend my sincere gratitude to Chairperson Aaron Zahra and CEO Frans Agius for their unwavering dedication and tireless efforts. Their exemplary leadership has been instrumental in driving forward the vision of Festivals Malta, ensuring its continued growth and success.
Resources for kids in the Maltese language
The beloved children’s series Peppa Pig, cherished worldwide, is set to enter Maltese households in a collaboration with Ċentru tal-Ilsien Malti, where it will be fully translated into Maltese.
Recognizing the importance of providing more audiovisual resources in Maltese to aid children in understanding, speaking, reading, and writing in their native language, Ċentru tal-Ilsien Malti is dedicated to supporting initiatives like Peppa Pig in Maltese. By offering enjoyable learning experiences in their mother tongue, the center seeks to foster continued appreciation and use of the Maltese language among young learners.
Currently, scripts are undergoing translation from English to
Maltese. The focus is on selecting appropriate Maltese words, including modern terms, to ensure children can easily comprehend and engage with the language they hear from adults. This meticulous approach aims to create a seamless connection between children and the Maltese language, nurturing a stronger sense of cultural identity and linguistic pride.
By bringing Peppa Pig to Maltese audiences, the Ċentru talIlsien Malti, led by Norma Saliba, hopes to provide children with entertaining and educational content that not only entertains but also reinforces their language skills. Through this collaboration, children will have the opportunity to enjoy their favorite animated series while simultaneously strengthening their grasp of the Maltese language.
After all, the National Forum on the Maltese Language, which we held a number of months ago at the Verdala Palace, underlined the importance which we need to place on providing good quality resources for children in the Maltese language.
Ultimately, the introduction of Peppa Pig in Maltese represents a concrete step towards promoting linguistic diversity and cultural preservation, ensuring that future generations continue to embrace and celebrate their heritage in an ever-evolving global landscape.