I've just got back from the US election breakfast organised by the American Ambassador to follow the results of the Presidential elections. In truth, I had been up since 4 a.m., following the latest updates on television. It was evident from the start that Barack Obama had won, and won comfortably.

In a night that will go down in history, Mr Obama has been elected the first black President of the United States.

In his victory speech today, Mr Obama stated that the magnitude of the US must not be gauged by the might of its arms but by the ideals it embraces: democracy, liberty, opportunities and unyielding hope.

The most moving part of his speech was when he referred to a black elderly woman, Anne Nixon Cooper, who cast her vote yesterday at the venerable age of 106, but who had been barred from voting for many years of her adult life. She had lived in the hope of seeing a changed America and she did!

"And now, if my children should live to see the next century, what change would they see? That change is in our hands, this is our moment... To those individuals who try to dishearten us and dissuade us from bringing change, we respond with that timeless creed: Yes we can!" - November 5.

Budget 2009 - Biting the bullet

A little while ago, Minister Tonio Fenech concluded his budget speech. This was his first budget as Finance Minister and also the first budget for this legislature - a budget intended to ward off the effects of a global economic slowdown; a budget that offers incentives to encourage the use of alternative energy sources and to curb wastage; a budget that includes additional measures to implement the "polluter pays" principle.

The government has honoured its electoral promise and introduced a voucher scheme for free energy-saving bulbs for all households. Furthermore, there are cash grants and other refund incentives offered to households and businesses that install solar water heaters and photovoltaic panels. These initiatives will be complemented by a trained team of individuals who will be visiting households to raise more awareness about energy-saving measures.

On the other hand, an eco contribution charge will be introduced on commercial leaflets and other publicity material that periodically inundate our doorsteps and letterboxes. The eco contribution on plastic carrier bags is to become €0.15 each to discourage their use.

Retail outlets handing out these bags will be obliged to include the cost in the fiscal receipt or risk being fined to the tune of €500.

With this budget, we have shown that the environment is an important pillar of the government's policies towards our country's sustainable development - a development that strives to stimulate economic activity while safeguarding environmental concerns - November 3.

Tower Road - A shining example

When I visited the works underway in Tower Road, Sliema it was gratifying to see how, when a job is done well, in spite of the inconvenience that could have been caused, compliments and not complaints become the order of the day!

Passersby, who stopped me along the way, had only words of praise for the way workers carried out the project.

We are all aware of the need to put Sliema's commercial core high on our priority list, not only for the benefit of the Sliema community but also for the sake of the throngs of Maltese and tourists alike who frequent this popular area.

A lot of work remains to be done but we'll get there - October 30.

Not just a face-lift

At the end of the week, I addressed a workshop organised by the group of students of the Faculty of Built Environment, formerly known as the Faculty of Architecture. This was the third time I had been invited to do this. To be honest, I really enjoy being there because it brings back fond memories of my University years!

In my speech, I emphasised how important it was not to remain insular on Campus but to strive to be more receptive to the public's viewpoints and to generate a public debate, thus winning the public's confidence. At the same time, I also appealed for a sense of adventure and innovation in students' designs.

I believe that at the University there is a constant supply of fresh ideas that is not always effectively tapped. It was for this reason that a couple of months ago I mooted the idea to faculty dean Alex Torpiano of seeing more synergy between architecture students and the Works Department in public projects. I was delighted that Prof. Torpiano not only took my suggestions on board but also contributed many of his own! Clearly, Prof. Torpiano is gradually transforming the faculty not only cosmetically but, more importantly, in the way one communicates and works with students - October 29.

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.

www.georgepullicino.blogspot.com

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