Whilst thanking Joe Gerada for his services for the past nine years as Chief Executive Officer of the public Social Welfare Sector, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Arnold Cassola said, “Mr Gerada has been outspoken on many issues that affect our society particularly those concerning people who need help or are unable to speak for themselves. The fact that more than one in five children in this country are at risk of poverty and that some are still denied the right to have a family is something that this society needs to address immediately. He brought up the risks of issues such as gambling, legal drinking age and adoption amongst others. It appears that there is no strategic approach that aims to protect citizens from the powerful gambling and other lobbies. Adoption is another issue that calls for a reform in the system to make it efficient and person centred. He was able to propose projects where the person is treated in a holistic manner.”

AD supports the concept that the provision of social welfare and health services are provided in the community where local resources could be mobilised to support those in need and at the same time build the local capacity. Unfortunately in the case of health services the opposite has happened with the centralization of health services and the lack of investment in state health clinics.

AD spokesperson for Health and social protection, Mary Anne Zammit added, “Our society is facing economic challenges and a change in values which are all shaping our community. The social work sector is very important and needs good leadership. The first responsiblity lies with the Government who should show leadership in the face of the current social issues but more so in preventing emerging risks to society and giving social workers the resources they need. Secondly we augur that Government appoints a successor who is able to ensure that the good service provided the current team of social workers continues.”

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