Nutrition, animals and finance

It was my duty, as minister responsible for agriculture, to reiterate Malta's support to a European Commission proposal for the distribution of free fruits and vegetables to primary schoolchildren.

The Commission's proposal envisages that it finances up to 75 per cent of the costs involved in implementing this proposal. The remaining fraction is to be financed by national funds.

I feel this is a concrete proposal that can be used to teach future generations on the benefits of a nutrition based on intakes of fruits and vegetables. Unfortunately, our country has a high rate of obesity among schoolchildren and a more aggressive programme between all authorities concerned needs to be drawn up.

In my address to the Council of Ministers' meeting, I emphasised the need that, in the implementation of this scheme, there is enough flexibility for member states to ensure that particular realities are taken into account. I also stressed that the funds should be distributed among those countries with higher obesity problems.

In my view, this scheme should also help instil greater appreciation among our younger generation on the process involved in the production of food and I augured that the discussion on this proposal is finalised without any unnecessary delays.

October 5: In favour of animal welfare

I had the pleasure to present funds to NGOs working in the animal welfare sector on the occasion of the feast of St Francis, which is also commemorated as Animal Awareness Day.

The presentation of funds was the result of a scheme announced last May whereby the government allocated €175,000 which had to be taken up by NGOs to cover any costs incurred in upgrading their sanctuaries.

The various projects submitted by the voluntary organisations underwent a thorough selection process by an adjudication panel chaired by Austin Sammut, an animal lover himself. We have made it clear, with the approval of the NGOs, that we want animal sanctuaries to conform to higher standards within two years. After that, we will intervene to ensure conformity.

This presentation is only one of various initiatives aimed at assisting the NGOs working in this field. Another €175,000 were in fact committed to finance a neutering programme for stray dogs and cats and this has led to the neutering of about 1,500 animals.

In my opinion, this aid is the best way in which the country can thank these hard-working volunteers who are doing a sterling job in caring for our animals.

October 8: Financial turmoil

The world is experiencing troubled and testing times. All adjectives have been used to describe the current ongoing financial crisis and I think they all suit the financial turmoil. The effects of the financial crisis that gripped the United States are spilling over onto the rest of the world with potentially devastating effects.

Most of you know the details, maybe even more than I do. Basically, all was well in the US property market with low interest rates, a thriving economy and increasing property prices. However, the first problems came to the fore with the increase in the interest rates coupled with an economic slowdown. This meant that borrowers were finding it difficult to meet their obligations, hence the vicious circle caused by a lack of liquidity, which meant that the banks, in turn, couldn't meet their obligations either.

I must say that the response to the crisis by governments worldwide, central banks and financial services authorities was decisive as much as it was immediate. The news that major central banks announced interest rate cuts was a rare show of unity that indicates the level of seriousness with which the world is tackling this problem.

Closer to home, the Maltese financial system seems to be quite shielded and well placed to weather the storm.

As the Finance Minister correctly put it this evening in Parliament, this does not mean that we should stop being vigilant and cautious. It was a pleasure hearing him explain such a complex issue in simple words. I cannot say the same of MLP deputy leader Anġlu Farrugia who alleged that Tonio Fenech's statement was simply a smokescreen for the government's economic failures!

October 8: The power of Voices

Once again I had the pleasure to attend, with my family, the Voices concert.

Even though the presence of international superstar singers has become quite normal, this 200-strong choir still manages to attract the crowds with their powerful and excellent performances.

The fact that their shows actually raise funds to be used in socially-just cases makes Voices even more appealing. During a quick chat with the organisers during the interval, I was informed that this year's revenue will be used for a number of causes, among which is a learning centre for about 50 San Blas residents and which will be managed by Caritas.

Well done to Voices!

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.

http://georgepullicino.blogspot.com/