From firsts to historic results

The increasingly evident well-being across both islands, and an economy that grows from strength to strength, year after year, belie all the half-truths that some are so vehemently obsessed with disseminating wherever they set foot.

Unemployment rates and economic growth are closely inter-related, since unemployment figures are an important gauge of the economy’s growth rate and never has this principle been so evident in Malta and Gozo than during the past five years.

In December, the number of people registering for work stood at 1,765, a reduction of a stunning 402, or 18.6 per cent, compared to the corresponding month in 2017. The number of people registering for work fell compared to December 2017, irrespective of for how long they had been registering for work. This is the lowest unemployment rate since such statistics have been available in the early 1960s.

With increasing job mobility in various sectors, it is useful to quote a comment by the hardworking head of JobsPlus, Clyde Caruana, who explained that the majority of those unemployed – 1,400 – is what economists call the “frictionally unemployed”, namely those who are in-between jobs or on the way to jobs, leaving only 400 who are, pragmatically speaking, not employable for various reasons. This notwithstanding, we are committed to aim for securing all possible opportunities for those seeking an independent living.

A historic low

It is even more impressive to note that, in March 2013, 7,350 people were unemployed, proving that the current rate is only a quarter of the one inherited by the first Labour Government. It is indeed encouraging to note that we currently have 5,685 fewer people seeking a job compared to March 2013.

It is even more heartening to observe that young people feature among the largest number of those who found employment, with around 1,100 fewer on the unemployed list than in March 2013. This too proves that the various measures taken, primarily the youth guarantee that was derided by the Opposition, have brought about an amazing 84 per cent reduction in youth unemployment over the past six years.

The latest statistics also show that of those in the 40+ group, we now have only three unemployed for every 10 as at March 2013. This also indicates the desired results of the many incentives and schemes for those who, for various reasons, had left the labour market to reintegrate and access employment opportunities. Free childcare for all was one of the boldest measures that encouraged more women to resume or seek new employment.

Best results

Looking back to my years of service in the disability sector, including the Bills I piloted and the related policies and schemes introduced, it is admirable that the latest statistics show that the number of people with a disability on the unemployment registers has been brought down from 564 in 2013 to 225 last month. Without any doubt, this is a direct effect of enforcement measures for more inclusivity and accessibility in the labour market.

Another most welcome indicator is the fact that Gozo has registered the lowest unemployment rate since statistical data was first processed over 50 years ago. The latest official figures are undeniable proof that, since taking office, the Labour Government has succeeded in bringing down the number of 742 unemployed Gozitans in 2013 to a minimum 198 as at the end of December 2018. More significantly, in just one year – December 2017 to December 2018 – unemployment in Gozo went down by an impressive 42 per cent.

Indeed, the latest figures are clear proof that both Gozo and Malta are moving from a long list of firsts to historic achievements. In fact, the lowest unemployment rate is a historic triumph for Gozo and goes to show that, given the necessary investment and incentives, Gozitan workers bravely grasp the opportunities offered by the country. It is also clear proof that our island-region is home to resilient people who can perceive and make their own the growth of optimism injected by consecutive Budgets. As Minister for Gozo, while hailing the success achieved so far, I look forward to even better results through the many innovative projects and initiatives on the Government’s agenda in the years to come.

Celebrating Gozo

Statistical figures should always be understood as referring to real people, and each and every national or regional success reflects the well-being of everyone in our community. It explains the prosperity with a purpose that both the first Labour Government and the current one, are committed to spread around both islands. Fully aware of this principle, the Gozo Ministry strives incessantly to translate success among Gozitan families, not only in the economic and infrastructural sectors, but also by cultural and celebrative events.

In my quest to add further attractions that secure Gozo as a distinct, year-round destination, the Gozo Ministry continues to increase thematic festivals, with the first event this year being organised around the popular St Valentine’s Day. For the second year, throughout the first two weeks of February, Villa Rundle gardens and other popular spots will present a different image, with this year’s chosen theme #inħobbok (I love you) showcased in the various events in the programme.

Among other highlights, this year we are introducing a oneoff, drive-in movie theatre, where families and loved ones can watch films from the comfort of their cars on Saturday, 9 February. The films featured are classics in the love-theme universe, perfect for the Valentine’s Day mood of the week. Another popular event is a grand music concert, featuring Ivan Grech and other Gozitan artists, that will be held in Independence Square on the following Saturday, 16 February.

These popular thematic holidays are achieving the desired results, with statistics showing that an increasing number of people are choosing to spend their quality time in Gozo. It is another way to create further economic activity throughout the year and the results are there for everyone to see!