Articles - Independent

2009
2008

Jul 09
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Jan 09

Cautiously forward with a sure pace - 11 ta' Lulju 2009

It is not only commendable but also necessary for the government to meet and listen to the social partners and local stake holders as part of the pre-Budget process especially amidst the metaphoric desert the world’s finance and economy are crossing.

In this desert of negative news from around the world, it seems that a couple of extremely fragile green shoots have been sited – a sign of hope that the worst is over, and that the world’s economy’s worst patch in recent years is approaching its end. However even such news have been rubbished, and the olive-leaf-bearing dove shot down, as others are claiming that yet more long months will need to lapse for the crisis to be over. Its incredible how in just over eight months, the economic world’s roof collapsed bringing down with it so many once mighty crystal palaces.

Government and the Finance Minister in particular need to navigate the upcoming Budget within such circumstances. The message everyone took home from Minister Fenech’s presentation during last week’s meeting with all involved in the pre-budget process, was one of great political realism. A great impending need is evident for the balancing of our fiscal sustainability with the adverse effects of the removal of extraordinary aid and incentives offered by the Government due to the recession, once the same recession is over.

There is no doubt that Malta is in a much better position economically than other greater European countries such as Latvia, Spain, Hungary, Ireland, the United Kingdom, and Greece thanks to the Euro as well as the sound steering of the local economy in the past years. However no one can deny that in the last year we have suffered a severe blow. Tourism in this year’s first 3 months suffered a 12% decline that is 40,000 less tourists. Unemployment, though on a much lower level than other EU states, climbed by nearly a 1,000 over April of last year.

On the other hand, facts and figures show how resilient to the surrounding turmoil our economy is. Thanks to the task-force of the Finance Ministry in the past months, the government has saved over 2,000 jobs. The number of Maltese citizens travelling outwardly has increased, instead of decreasing, by 5%. In such a time of crisis more Maltese travelled abroad, clear signs of a strong economy. In the first trimester of this year, employment has increased by 1%, much to the contrary of the 0.8% decline of the same, in the EU on average. Efforts by employers and the government for incentivising such a reality are praise-worthy to say the least.

It is all a result of the strength the local economy managed to retain in 2007 and 2008, resisting the international gale force that hit it. In this sense, we are inviting the industry to grab the opportunities to secure further competitiveness, in order to further create the conditions in which the economy can flourish and produce more.

Our competitive advantages are our sound taxation and financial infrastructures, advanced information and communication infrastructure, well educated and highly skilled workforce. All these knit a healthy network that attracts foreign direct investment. Let us continue building on our strengths.

Today’s world is definitely not suitable for the faint-hearted or the undecided. Only the wise and strong can survive. That is how we always were, and that is how we shall remain.

Beyond Statistics - 13 ta' Gunju 2009

The result of the European Parliament election of last weekend needs to be analyzed beyond its statistical value of percentages and numbers. It needs to be analyzed well in order to understand why people decided to vote the way they did, or refrain from doing so. The message behind the discrepancy in the amount of votes obtained by the major parties, though worse than hoped for yet better than expected, should be useful information in mapping-out the political program for the coming years.

This result in fact needs to be analyzed within a wide-ranging context of circumstances that can shed light on what lead to it. One major factor that characterized the Government’s endeavors in the last year was the global financial crises. The reality through which our country passed and is still going through, together with the rest of the world, has been described as the worst economic and monetary downturn of the past hundred years. This reality has forced itself onto the agenda of priorities of the Government threatening employment amongst others. All this at the expense of projects which had already been set and targeted to take place in the very near future, taking second priority.

The party going for an election from the opposition bench has the advantage of commenting and criticizing the Government’s track record, while keeping an arm’s length distance from the situation. The Government’s responsibility dictates otherwise. While ailments need to be high-lit in order to be faced, one doesn’t appreciate the flaunting and exaggeration of such ailments, without suggesting one single medicine. The responsibility that binds the Government makes it far more difficult to be popular with the electorate; there is even the possibility that some will even get to dislike said government for taking certain steps. However this is every serious government’s responsibility, to take decisions that will benefit the long run.

This Government gives all due importance to the European Parliament elections because they are truly important. This party in government is the same party that campaigned wholeheartedly to give Malta its deserved place within one of the world’s strongest economic and political blocks of the world. However this government also has the reins of the country to think about, within a context of hardship for the coming four years. The challenges ahead are great, and the political map ahead needs to be designed within this context, and not to safeguard popular acclaim.

This result needs to be taken seriously because it may mean that certain decisions could have been taken in a better way, or that the method used could have been a little unsavory. The result can also mean that the Government did not manage to get its thought behind the decisions through to the people, or in the ideal way. This could have lead to certain decisions to seem isolated from the thought behind them. The responsibility for any successful communication always lies with the sender of the message and hence the government needs to shoulder responsibility and improve said process to communicate better with the public.

Having said all this, I am optimistic that the Nationalist Party will once again read the signs of the times and understand what the people are saying even in this occasion. Reflection on this result is paramount, and so the government needs to invest the remaining four years of office to improve its operation and the way it is communicated.

A compass of morality to show the way - 16 ta' Mejju 2009

Often we don’t realize how particular a certain patch we’d be going through would be, only to learn the intensity of the events soon after they’re over. When in the thick of things, one dedicates strengths and attentions to take action about what is happening in the present tense, often without realizing the intensity of certain events. The crisis the world is going through at the moment is a perfect example of this. If we had to examine this crisis analytically, we would say that it started off as a financial crises which developed into an economic one, and which in turn is now painfully threatening to become a social one. We will come to realise the gravity of these events, as always, when they are over.

They are indeed chilling moments, when one hears representatives of fellow European States at EU Ministerial Meetings, like the one I attended last week, saying how their respective economies have shrunk in the last months, and what harsh measures they are about to take to mitigate the effects. Truly sad moments, not only because the world is going through one of the roughest patches since the industrial revolution, but also because back home, there are some who are trying to lessen the extent of the crisis which is hitting the world economy so ferociously, distancing it from our reality.

In certain instances in our country, we also encountered moments where those representing the worker waged a crusade that ultimately can never bear any fruit. While in other countries, workers are choosing to invest in their collective future and foregoing benefits and bonuses, locally the short term seems to be the only concern of some. Representatives of workers seem to have abdicated from their moral responsibilities and have engaged in a ridiculous struggle against windmills not in anyway different from Don Quixote.

It seems that we have lost the sense of responsibility that sometimes it is better to forego an argument today and earn so much more tomorrow. It is sometimes far better to collaborate for a common goal, in order to gain more in the longer term.

Moreover every decision needs to be inspired by a deep sense of morality which should govern everyone’s decision making process, including that of unions. It is a compass of morality which should dictate the direction, in which anyone who has the common good at heart should travel. Whether the Government, the Opposition, a Trade Union or an NGO, it is the same compass of morality that should show the way – because together with every right, there is a duty that should be observed with the same and equal zest.

Unfortunately sometimes I get the unpleasant feeling that locally, certain sections of civil society are going through a leadership crisis. I often fear certain leaders are too interested in beautiful oratory and the crowds’ applause. Certain leaders of ours seem to suffer from the Napoleonic Syndrome, whereby not without a deep dose of narcissism, they use their organisations to satisfy their personal egocentric needs.

Obviously, it is very important to have a strong representation of our workers. We truly need unions that can argue in favour of their members, whenever they deem that their members’ rights are being compromised. However it is equally important for these organisations to understand that senseless pique can never bear any fruit of any kind. The compass of morality should enlighten these decisions as well.

A small country in size, but a giant in vision - 25 ta' April 2009

As part of his official visit to Malta, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon addressed the House of Representatives in a special morning sitting, where he spoke about Malta’s giant contributions on an international level in the past. He said that Malta might not be the greatest country in terms of population or square-mileage, however Malta transcends these limitations with very important contributions it does on international fora.

Ever since our Independence in 1964, Malta had an astute outlook on the international level, an outlook that left its mark, giving the honourable reputation Malta enjoys nowadays. Arvid Pardo, Malta’s ambassador in the UN back then came up with the seminal idea in 1967 that resources at the bottom of the sea should be considered as common heritage of mankind. The Maltese revolutionary idea came very early before its time, especially when one considers that the concept was diametrically opposed to the basic concept of the Cold War which dominated world politics at the time. The two major blocks of power were more likely to be geared up to extract all resources possible from anywhere they could their hands on. This resolution resulted in the much celebrated United Nations Convention of the Law of the Sea.

Another revolutionary concept came out of our small island in 1988, and also had a ground breaking effect on an international level. Foreign Affairs Minister Censu Tabone, brought to the fore Prof David Attard’s concept of Climate Change being a Common Concern of mankind. In today’s reality, Climate Change is a scientifically proven concern which is threatening humanity on various different levels. Back in 1988 this was not the case, as no one spoke about the subject matter in the least. Once again Malta persevered in its vision, and the resolution was approved unanimously, resulting in Rio de Janeiro’s 1992 Conference about Sustainable Development – yet another idea kindled by Malta’s proposal of ‘88.

Nowadays Climate Change affects the decision-making process globally, as it is a great concern universally. Nowadays we understand that climate change is also one of the contributing factors to illegal migration. Countries of origin of asylum seekers and immigrants, are often victims of changes in weather patterns, which are deteriorating due to climate change. Addressing this issue, is also addressing indirectly the problem of migration.

Achievements on an international level could only be possible thanks to the sound leadership and spot-on vision of the Maltese political class that always strived ahead no matter of the limitations imposed by geographical segregation or limitations of size. Malta always recognized its strength points and focused on them, knowing that the size of the quality of the idea is far more important than the size of the country it comes from.

This is the underpinning concept of Malta’s importance in the European Union. The very same idea the Nationalist Party convinced the electorate with back in 2003 prior to the EU accession referendum. Malta’s contribution on a European level, also transcends our limitations as the smallest nation-state of the Union.

In conclusion, it is honouring to experience a speech like Mr Ban’s in parliament on Wednesday going to the extent of describing Malta’s contribution and reputation as giant. Mr Ban’s address is not only right and proper, but also encouraging for future contributions.

Sustainability for the good of the community - 29 ta' Marzu 2009

A year on from the last general election, March of this year brings with it an opportunity of reflection about the work we carried out in the past twelve months, in order to evaluate and examine the Government’s track-record. For this reason, the Government has launched an informative campaign where Ministries and Parliamentary Secretariats are publishing detailed reports for the first year in office of their respective portfolios, and how they plan to face the future twelve months.

My Parliamentary Secretariat in the past year has worked vibrantly in order to carry out the Prime Minister’s mandate, that public land should be managed in better synchronization with that which is financial, in order to mirror a policy of sustainable development.

This principle was cardinal in the decision making process of the past year. From the very first days we believed that it’s useless to have a resource like land, if we don’t do our utmost to protect it and use it in the best way possible, while turning a blind eye towards abuse.

In the same way, we believed that land in Malta should be used at its highest potential, and for the good of the community. Having said this, just after twelve months, today we speak about 2 million Euro which the Lands Department has passed onto NGOs, Local Councils and other Sports Organizations through devolutions of public and Government Land. All this was possible because the Secretariat encouraged and fast-tracked the passing on of land and property at nominal charges, which far from reflect the commercial going-rates of said sites – in order to help these organizations that contribute to society. This helps puts these organizations in a better position to gear up their operation. We have decided to help these organizations so boldly because we truly believe in the civil society, and in the service it renders the public. We truly believe in the groups and societies that contribute to our social fibre. We truly believe in our NGOs that protect our national heritage, while enhancing our touristic product. More property is planned to be devolved to more entities in the coming weeks.

Work in the past year also focused on other sectors within this Secretariat. The reform in the Joint Office ground-rent redemption scheme, which was launched in the past weeks was well received because it is truly striving for a better practice of sustainable development and social justice. This scheme is now being strengthened by way of farming out for Notarial service in order to address the backlog which was created as a result of the great success of the same scheme. Thanks to this farming out into the private sector, the waiting time will be diminished in order to redeem one’s ground rent.

At the same time, the Government Property Division is investigating and taking action on more than 585 reports which were filed through the 1577 Free-phone, regarding abuse of public property. At this point it is only legitimate to thank the public for the success this free service has enjoyed in the past weeks.

The Government Property Division is at the moment carrying out discussions with the Malta Tourism Authority in order to launch a master-plan which will regulate tables and chairs used by catering establishments in touristic localities. This master-plan will see to a uniform and high level plan that will favour a better touristic product without hindering access within the same localities. Other discussions are also underway with the same MTA in order to better the management of beaches in the summer months.

All this goes hand in hand with discussions which the Parliamentary Secretariat for Revenues and Land is having with the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs in order to guarantee rights of passage in the countryside to sites of scenic beauty in Malta and Gozo. This exercise will allow the public to access locations of natural beauty which till nowadays are still not accessible. This also compliments an exercise which is being carried out to create legislation which will regulate camping in Malta for the very first time.

The past year for this Secretariat meant that public land should be enjoyed truly by the public, while its value would be maximised. Empowered by the very same public’s enthusiastic support, we shall persevere in this road.

Land and sustainable development - 28 ta' Frar 2009

In Malta we can speak of two main resources on which our country depends. The first and most important is the human resource which has always been at the centre of this Government’s actions. However coming in at a very close second is the most precious natural resource we are equipped with, land. With the Government owning and controlling around 60% of Malta and Gozo’s territory, the Government is faced with the responsibility of being the country’s largest ‘estate agent’.

In 1991, the Maltese Government and the Holy See signed an agreement by which a vast amount of Church owned property would be passed onto the State under a set of conditions and circumstances. Around 80,000 units of property were passed on according to this agreement, which substantially increased the Government’s responsibility to manage and control all its land within a socially sound frame-work.

The property passed onto the state is administered by the Joint Office, which is one of the three departments that make up the Government Property Division together with the Lands Department and the Estate Management. Several of these properties are regulated with contracts of emphyteusis.

In 2001, through the Joint Office, the Government launched a scheme by which anyone having a temporary emphyteusis would be able to redeem their ground rent, hence becoming owners of their own homes. This was a very successful scheme attracting thousands of applicants. The success of the scheme was so great that a long waiting list materialised for the said ground rents’ redemption to be processed and concluded. This is mainly due to a long process of research and verification that has to be carried out in every single case.

One of the cardinal principles by which this Government is directed is sustainable development. This principle is especially important as it guides the Government’s drive towards development in a way that is not damaging to future generations. Moving forward is important, but at a careful pace. Same applies perfectly well to Government land, and hence the direction taken by the Joint Office.

The concept of sustainable development is also an important factor within the changes announced earlier this week with regards to the 2001 scheme of redemption. This scheme had been issued to aim for a higher level of social justice while people would be given the opportunity to become the owners of their own homes. The decisions announced this week are designed to stop speculation at the expense of the social principles which furnish the Joint Office.

It is my firm belief that the use of Joint Office, and hence government owned, land should reflect the principles of sustainable development. This can be a vivid example of how our values are reflected in our political decisions.

Sustaining NGO's - 31 ta' Jannar 2009

This Government has always believed in Non-Governmental Organisations. It has always been a healthy relationship that dates back years, and that always bore fruit. This relationship has this week been confirmed once again, with the signing of the biggest Guardianship deed ever, to Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna. With this deed, on Monday, more than seven kilometres squared of land have been entrusted in the capable hands of FWA, from the Lands Department, the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage and the Ministry responsible for the regeneration of the Grand Harbour.

Apart from being a fine example of inter-Ministerial coordination, the Valletta Heritage Park project is designed to open to the public, areas which to date have been restricted. This unique attraction is planned to better Malta’s touristic product substantially.

Land Department often makes the news with enforcement actions taking place, however enforcement needs to be balanced with devolution initiatives similar to the several we have carried out with Local Councils and Sports associations recently. For public property to be enjoyed by greater portions of society, the Lands Department has engaged in a number of devolution exercises, were public property is passed into the hands of an organization or entity that will in turn develop it into a project that will benefit the community.

in this sense, FWA is an NGO that can only be lauded for its valuable work in the sector. FWA is nowadays one of our country’s foremost authorities in Military Heritage, and for this reason the lands department has already entrusted the NGO with the St Thomas Tower in M’Scala back in August of last year. The St Thomas Tower project is a perfect example of how a building of very significant historic value, which in the past was not being used for the most dignified of purposes, is being turned into a specialized museum for the benefit of M’Scala residents, as well as the Maltese and Tourists who visit.

Same goes for the Valletta Heritage Park. The Guardianship deed signed last Monday between Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna and the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage spans over 7473 metres squared. The Heritage Park will cover Malta’s military history from the building of Valletta in 1566, up to the early 70s in the heights of the Cold War. The park is planned to include the bastions right underneath the Upper Barrakka Gardens, the Nato Headquarters, Lascaris War rooms, the St Peter and St Paul Counter-Guard, and a network of tunnels that link these rooms together.

This is yet another step in the right direction, where devolution of public land is hold hands with the protection of Cultural Heritage. A right step for better, rational use of land in Malta. An important link in the chain of sustainable development.

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Common Challenges - 6 ta' Dicembru 2008

The Competitiveness Council I attended this week, dealt with several different aspects, mainly due to the fact that it is the last one for the French Presidency and also due to the present economic and financial crisis is spreading and affecting several EU member states and nations world wide alike. The Council is in fact tackling issues regarding the internal markets and industries like the plan for economic regeneration, a patent system for the European Union, as well as a legal structure that will better regulate and manage gambling and betting.

Taking into consideration the international scenario of Economic difficulties, Malta is arguing that consumers and businesses alike need to regain confidence in order to create stability in a time that is characterized with a slower economic rhythm. That is why Malta is joining the other fellow member states in order to set a plan that will revive and regenerate the economy. There’s also need for structural reforms, specially designed according to the necessities of every member state. The member states are facing different situations according to their particular reality, however an appropriately coordinated plan and common strategy between member states will better the economic rhythm, that will eventually lead to a better situation than today’s. Such a plan will also undoubtedly generate more employment.

Innovation and ideas are the motor behind enterprise, through which the economy develops. The one coming up with the idea needs to have a legal framework that gives rest of mind. For this reason, a creator or innovator needs to make use of patents that will protect the hard work. In this line, the European Union is working on a system of European patents that will facilitate the protection of ideas, as well as offer a remedy in case of conflict.

The French Presidency also presented an updated report regarding policies and rules that apply to member states in connection with the gambling and gaming industry. In Malta this industry provides employment to about 5,000 families through the over 270 operators in the sector. For this reason, it is extremely important that this sector is regulated in an effective way that ensures responsible gaming and protects the young from harm, however in the same time, there must be a sound dialogue between the regulator and the operator to assure that the provisions in the Treaty are adhered to and that there aren’t any violations of the internal market.

After every EU Council of Minister meetings I realise how true it is that politics is the art of compromise. Every nation will try to defend its own interests, while the Commission will try to guide the Council forward. In this light its only worthy to show my appreciation to the hard working colleagues in our Per manent Representation in Brussels, and in the particular Ministries, to protect our national interest.

A Budget that capitalizes on the strenghts of the Maltese - 6 ta' Novembru 2008

In Politics, we are often faced with times of trial. These times will distinguish the seasoned politician and sound decision maker, from reckless abandon to the winds of the storm, devoid of vision or direction. This past week, we have once again witnessed yet another moment that will add to this Government’s proven track-record. In the Budget 2009, we can clearly see this Government’s vision of responsibility, in a sustainable practice, within a frame-work of solidarity.

Finance Minister Fenech rightly outlined the three principle measures by which this budget has been weighed – Responsibility, Sustainability and Solidarity. Before each and every step taken in this budget, the Government asked itself three basic questions: How responsible is this step? Secondly, will this be a sustainable step? And thirdly, will this step ensure a better future for everyone, especially those who particularly need help? This way, responsibility, sustainability and solidarity are no longer three lovely words that form a catchy tag-line to the budget speech, but a rigorous test by which all the reforms and proposals in this Budget had to stand.

The world is not going through an easy patch. In times like these, we more than ever need a clear vision that steers our way. In these times of trial, everyone’s contribution is required, and it’s in this sense that Minister Fenech called for a true effort from the political, economic and social powers of our nation. This is not the first adverse situation Malta is going through, however unparalleled in its intensity; history teaches us, that whenever this nation united, there was no stopping it. The same can happen again. We are being surrounded by gale-force winds, and heavy thunderstorms, and this is the perfect occasion if there ever was one, to make responsible choices.

The Nationalist Party is renowned for its sound decisions, even in adverse and somewhat unpopular conditions. However after every episode is concluded, the history books are always on our side. Nowadays no one doubts the validity of past decisions taken regarding the country’s Independence, the liberalisation of the market, Local Councils, VAT, the privatisation process, the reforms in the educational system, Malta’s entry to the European Union, and into the Euro Zone. These were all difficult decisions, and great challenges, but in each and every one of them, we were proven to be right.

Today we are once again faced with two alleys to choose from, two alleys that will write a fresh page in this country’s history books. We can choose the easy way, that doesn’t lead to anywhere, or else we can choose the up-hill road, that leads us to our goals in the long run. Together we can truly overcome the challenges that we are being faced with.

This budget capitalizes on the strengths of the Maltese. This budget looks at today’s reality with responsibility, plans forward to guarantee a sustainable tomorrow, and a budget that addresses the needs of those who most require it, guaranteeing solidarity.

SME's, the backbone of the Maltese Economy - 11 ta' Ottubru 2008

This week I had the pleasure to be invited for the opening of a conference which revolved around the importance of Family Owned Businesses in Malta. Family Owned Businesses, which make-up an integral part of local SMEs and are often described as the backbone of the Maltese Economy. Such a statement is as bold as it is true especially in the light that the Government has always kept this very important sector of the Economy in the forefront of its policy.

The Government is well aware that 96% of Malta’s enterprise is made up of businesses that employ 10 people or less. The vast majority of said businesses are family run, and family owned. These 30,000 businesses employ more than 67,000 employees. In this light it is obvious that a great portion of our population depends directly or indirectly on SMEs. The Government’s attention has been focused on small business for quite a while, and has already legislated several incentives to help this ever-growing sector.

Having a close look at the composition of our family run businesses one could immediately note that a substantial portion of such businesses make use of the services provided by family members which would not necessarily or formally get remunerated for their work. Rather they earn their living from the salary of the remunerated party. This has lead to services going unremunerated, social security contributions not being paid, and more tax being paid on what’s left at the bottom line. A resulting problem from all this would also be an eventual un-entitlement to due pensions. This situation has been addressed by the Government in the Budget for 2007. A scheme was launched addressing specifically this issue concerning family run businesses, whereby the opportunity was given to officially employ spouses and thus enabling social security contributions to be paid, and the deduction from profits of the allocated salaries. This has the basic advantage of reducing the applicable tax rates to the individuals staggered tax brackets and not taxing such profits at the maximum rate.

In creating the right environment for the business community we recognise the important role that Government plays. I say this with reference to the ever increasing commitment to fight bureaucracy and stringent regulation which leaves adverse effects on the smooth running of every enterprise. Thus whilst recognising the importance that bureaucracy has at the right doses, it would be responsible to recognise that unnecessary red tape has to be addressed. As opposed to this we have to create an environment which is characterised by red carpet treatment for who ever takes the risk to invest. This can also be achieved as we have always believed by making ICT more accessible to ever growing portions of society.

Once mentioning regulation, I can’t go on without mentioning an exercise which I am currently presiding. The current mechanism of income tax and VAT penalties and interest is being thoroughly scrutinized to identify areas for improvement and proposing fair and reasonable revisions. This will not only ease the financial burdens on the tax person, but also reflect the extent of the omission or misstatement, stimulate voluntary disclosure of any such while more importantly encourage voluntary compliance with present legislation. Hopefully we shall be in a position to announce such reform at a later date.

Our commitment goes beyond our shores. I must say that when representing our country at the competitiveness council along with fellow Ministers and Junior Ministers from all over the European Union I always stress the importance of nurturing the right environment for small businesses particularly through better regulation.

It is the Government’s vision that by 2015 Malta excels in seven particular areas. The success of Family Owned Small Businesses is intrinsic to the achievement of such vision.

Law and Right - 13 ta Settembru 2008

Ever since my days as a law student, I’ve always been fascinated by the concept of Law and Right. Back in those days, I had always thought that law is intrinsically fair. It has to be fair. Studying great authors and thinkers like St Thomas Aquinas I realised however that this is not always the case.

Law and Justice don’t always go hand in hand. One can have a law that legislates freedom, while it protects the people from the State’s excesses. On the other hand, one can have a law that authorizes the State to infringe basic human freedoms, or legalize discrimination. They are both laws, but one is fair while the other isn’t.

But what is fair? What is Justice? Everyone acts in the name of Justice. Even the greatest dictators of our time like Hitler, Pinochet, Massera and Videla (during whose time in power in Argentina thousands from the opposition mysteriously disappeared) always acted in the name of Justice. One of history’s greatest ironies is how the Nazi soldiers had inscribed on their uniform buckle the words “Gott mitt uns” (God is with us).

Various are the schools of thought that debate the origins of Justice. I tend to agree with a school of thought that argues in favour that everyone one of us has the capacity to distinguish right from wrong. This is confirmed in basic norms and values which transcend cultures. One doesn’t necessarily need to be Catholic to understand that murder, incest, theft or rape are intrinsically wrong.

Lately I read Gherardo Colombo’s book, an ex Italian Judge, which deals with “Rules”. Colombo is remembered in cases that made history like Loggia P2, Mani Pulite, Tangentopoli and others that shaped the Italian political scenario of the the 90s. He resigned from the Bench last year as he intends to lecture and write about the subject of Justice and Law, after as he admits himself, he felt disappointed by the administration of Justice, and how he didn’t manage to improve it from within.

What truly struck me in his book, in which he argues about what is Right, what is Justice and the differences between societies that either protect or violate human dignity, is the importance that the citizen should know why he or she should abide by the law. In his own words: “La giustizia non puo funzionare se il rapporto tra i cittadini e le regole e’ malato, sofferto, segnato dall’incomunicabilita’. La giustizia non puo’ funzionare se i cittadini non comprendono il perche’ delle regole.”

And this is what we need to stress. We need to educate and inform why Law Enforcement takes place. An informed public will collaborate further in the upkeep of the rule of law.

And without the rule of law, there isn’t democracy.

The Zaragoza EXPO 2008 - 16 ta' Awissu 2008

Wednesday 6th August was Malta’s national day at the international EXPO of Zaragoza. For this reason Finance Minister Tonio Fenech asked me to lead the Maltese delegation that visited the Malta’s pavilion at the same occasion. The EXPO is an age-old event organized biannually in a different country each time for which countries from around the world participate fervently. This year’s edition which is taking place in the Capital of the province of Aragon in Spain has water as its main theme.

During my visit, I couldn’t help but notice the great links between Spain and Malta. These links are even more evident when one thinks that Malta formed part of the crown of Aragon for almost three centuries right before the reign of the Knights of St John in 1530. All this was underscored during a brief meeting I had with the mayor of Zaragoza who agreed with me that Spain and Malta have several commonalities. We agreed that Spain and Malta go a long way back, but there is need for better links between the two European countries in today’s world. In a bid to bring our countries closer, the mayor asked me to hand a recently approved resolution of the local government of Zaragoza to the Local Council of Mdina, in order for these two towns to be twinned.

At the EXPO convention centre, we were welcomed by Dr Emilio Fernandez-Castano, Commissioner for the Zaragoza EXPO 2008. During his speech he yet again underlined the great relations between our two nations, as well as praised Malta for the very efficient use of potable water it makes. He spoke about the scarcity of water in Malta and how the government invests a great deal in desalinization technology. He also spoke about the cutting edge technology Malta operates in detection of water leakages.

In my reply, I confirmed Malta and Spain’s great relationship but as I did with the Mayor of Zaragoza, I noted how these can be bettered. Great opportunities of investment must be taken advantage of, especially in niches like research and renewable energies. It is in such occasions that we realise the great potential of our country, no matter how geographically small we are. Precisely for this reason, forming part of the delegation were Chris Falzon CEO of Malta Enterprise and Mark Azzopardi Head PR & Environmentfrom the same organization who held meetings with other commercial delegations for investment purposes. It’s also worth mentioning that a couple of weeks ago the same Malta Enterprise led a business delegation in Zaragoza with several Spanish Companies. The said companies showed great interest in reciprocating the visit by coming to Malta next year. Having said that, both countries can make use of potential EU funding for social, cultural as well as infrastructural development.

A visit to the EXPO couldn’t have been complete without a tour of the Maltese pavilion. In this regard, I only have words of praise for Charles Galea Malta’s Commissioner in this EXPO and his team, who for almost a year have worked hard to represent our country in such a prestigious exhibition. This pavillion which is being visited by an average of 25,000 tourists a week, uses state of the art technology, where the visitor is able to see landscapes and scenery from the Maltese islands in a 360 degree point of view. We also visited the pavillions for Cyprus, Monaco, the Vatican and Spain. At this point I asked the Commissioner for the Spanish pavillion to make arrangements for the educational part of the said pavilion to be brought to Malta once the EXPO is over. This section of the pavilion deals with climate change and energy issues in an interactive way, and would be of great benefit to Maltese students and adults alike. To this request the Spanish Commissioner was happy to oblige.

Words of great praise also go to the String Ensemble from the Maltese Philharmonic Orchestra who in more than one occasion during the national day, made every Maltese present proud. It was indeed great seeing this group of talented musicians excel in the art of classical music, to the great appreciation of the numerous crowds that gathered.

Zaragoza 08 was a great experience. In a brief visit of less than 24 hours, I could see first hand, the extensive effort the government is making to increase Malta’s visibility in the international sphere. All this can only be of benefit to our country.

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