Since we as Maltese took over the total administration of our Islands, thanks to one and all in the political and administrative posts, past and present, our Islands have achieved progressive miracles.

Our Islands have moved so much forward that we can proudly say that we are living much better off than under foreign our previous masters and occupiers.

Whenever abroad representing my country as a delegate of the Former Members of Parliament, I boast of the many things that our Islands have achieved. When I mention the vast social and health services that we have, the free child care centres, free university and student stipends, as well as no new taxes introduced during these few past years. The excellent policies during Covid and the financial assistance given to the general public and industries, the continuous increases of pensions and social care, many remain bewildered that all these can be possible.

The thousands of free plots distributed to the married and engaged couples and then the Lohumbus Loans. The 40hr week reduced from the previous 48hr week, with equal pay for equal work for one and all. The reinstatement of women governmental workers. First the asphalting of roads instead of watering the dirt roads, then later the tarmacking of them.

Banking facilities, Air Malta, Sea Malta and so many other innovations. The touristic and industrial aspects which bring so much financial clout to our Islands.

The Social assistance for electricity and industry have elevated people from going into recession.

This when their own countries are far more industrialised and wealthier than our Islands but are suffering from the recent Covid and Ukrainian conflict much more than we are thanks to the heavy subsidies that our government is helping with.

Negativity

The only things which are greatly irritating the local citizens are the building frenzy that is destroying our local habitats and also greatly increasing the costs for new house buyers, as well as the additional general costs of items with no control whatsoever.

As a staunch Labour believer, I find this irritating and confusing. The general public has long been protesting against this, but sadly I must say that no one in authority is listening or even wanting to listen.

The Labour Party has shifted from the left to the investors. It is very fast becoming far too much business friendly. This I and many others from old Labour do not like one little bit.

One other item which for me is disgusting is the fact of workers being introduced to work by agencies. These workers are on a temporary contract and are not receiving the full pay themselves, but are having substantial agency fees taken from their pay. This is daylight robbery which is akin to forced labour.

This is something which is totally unacceptable for our democratic Islands.

Past and Present

From public telephone boxes, animal driven carts, telegrams, cable and aerials, to mobile phones, internet and free communications, and the numerous modern appliances.

From public water taps, limited electricity, to heating, air conditioners and water reverse osmosis.

The Maltese population is living a very good life and enjoying a better way of life than many others in different countries.

If one can persuade our leaders to not let this totally rampant building exploitation continue, then we can really say that we have the best country and living conditions compared to all the others.

Lino DeBono

File photo/Gozo News

Permalink: Our Islands’ Progress, by Lino DeBono