Independence: The real meaning

September 21, 1964 marked a historic achievement. Our small country, under the leadership of then Prime Minister George Borg Olivier, gained independence from the British Empire, an achievement that gave our people the right to set their goals and make their choices to reach them.

When Dr Borg Olivier struggled to attain Independence for us, he believed in the potential of this country and worked hard to see the Maltese people free from any foreign power that controlled us.

He could see that the abilities of Maltese workers would lead our country to success in an open market, making it competitive among larger states.

Dr Borg Olivier had a vision for this country and 43 years later, we are reaping the fruits of that vision.

Some might think that it took quite a long time to achieve these goals. But one must consider how for a period since Independence the Maltese again saw their rights neglected and their personal independence suppressed. Only, this time it was by fellow Maltese.

Can anybody nowadays imagine that one needed a permit to buy a television set? Can anyone imagine how, not very long ago, one risked political discrimination when applying for a phone line?

Alas, people who did not believe in the abilities of the workers, and wanted to control everything, even personal lives, led the country. Those were the days when violence reared its ugly head. The Curia was attacked, as was the residence of the then Leader of the Opposition, The Times offices, and many PN clubs.

Today we know and understand the real meaning of living in a democratic country. And that is all thanks to the Nationalist Party, which resisted oppression.

But however strong respect for our rights is now, nothing should be taken for granted.

Once again, we are witnessing threats of discrimination by established politicians within the Malta Labour Party, declarations that have reminded me of the dark days of the 1980s.

Once again, we are hearing speeches about "us" and "them". Jason Micallef, the MLP general secretary, in Alfred Sant's presence, declared that a new Labour government would be a government for Labour supporters.

Clearly the Labour Party has no plan for the country. Its only plan is to push the clock back to the time when what counted was not one's abilities, but political affiliation.

The people of this country worked to achieve their freedom so that they could live without fear. Independence gained in 1964 has given today's generation the opportunities to set high goals and achieve them.

The same applies for the country, as long as its leaders have a vision, a set of goals, and confidence in the people.

EU membership was one such vision. With Malta's accession to the European Union in 2004, we put our country in another league, an association that is leading our country to better opportunities for present and future generations.

The vision announced by Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi is leading our country to develop its potential and generate prosperity for the Maltese.

We know through experience that only the Nationalist Party can guarantee peace, security and prosperity for all. The Nationalist Party freed our people from oppression and suppression and paved the way for development and prosperity. Once again, thanks to Dr Gonzi's government, we are experiencing achievements that will strengthen our common successes.

Mr Casa is a Nationalist member of Parliament.

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