Speaker Carmelo Abela has been on an official visit to Gozo, during which he held meetings with former Speaker Anton Tabone, Bishop Anton Teuma, youth representatives and the OASI Foundation.

It was explained that the purpose of the visit was to exchange views with different sectors of the Gozitan community on matters of social and democratic interest.

During a courtesy visit to former Speaker Anton Tabone, who served in this office between 1998 and 2008, they discussed the experiences, responsibilities and challenges associated with the office of Speaker of the House of Representatives, the third-highest office in the country.

Speaker Carmelo Abela and Anton Tabone shared reflections on the management of the House and the evolution of parliamentary work over the years. Speaker Abela thanked Anton Tabone for his service to the Parliament of Malta, while the former Speaker wished him every success in the performance of his duties.

At the Gozo Curia, the Speaker was welcomed by the Bishop of Gozo, Mons. Anton Teuma, and met members of staff who serve at the Curia. During the meeting, they discussed Gozo’s social realities, the challenges affecting families and young people, and the importance of collaboration between institutions for the common good.The Speaker also met representatives of the Gozo University Group, Kummissjoni Djocesana Zghazagh Ghawdex and Agenzija Zg?aZagh. The discussion focused on several challenges considered important by young people, including employment and careers, volunteering, interest in politics, the environment and accommodation. The need for existing schemes benefiting young people to be better known and more accessible was also highlighted.

Speaker Abela praised the commitment, skills and talents of young people in different fields and encouraged them to continue developing and using them for the benefit of others and the community. Describing young people as the ”present and future of society,” he thanked the organisations for their work and reiterated his willingness, as Speaker, to continue listening to young people and supporting initiatives that bring them closer to Parliament and democratic life.

At the end of the visit, the Speaker visited the OASI Foundation, where he was welcomed by its Chief Executive, Noel Xerri. During the meeting, they discussed the Foundation’s work in preventing and treating addictions, as well as the support it provides to affected individuals and their families. The Speaker thanked the staff and volunteers for their valuable contribution to society.

The Speaker expressed his appreciation for the Foundation’s work and reiterated his readiness, in the performance of his duties, to continue raising awareness of these realities and recognising the valuable contribution made by organisations such as OASI to society.

Photos: DOI

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