Mariella Rapa, Victoria
New Year's opportunity in the face of adversity
The year 2008 was certainly a successful one for Malta and the Maltese.
New jobs were created especially in the new sectors of the economy. Tecom investments of Dubai set up base in Malta through the SmartCity project which will create a minimum of 5,600 new jobs and several financial services companies set up base or expanded their business creating hundreds of new jobs.
It was a good year for tourism with thousands of tourists choosing Malta as their holiday destination and a record number of tourists visiting Malta by cruise liner.
More students graduated from University, MCAST and ITS, an added bonus to Malta's competitiveness.
The year 2008 shall go down in history as the year when Malta reached its financial and economic targets as required by the Maastricht criteria to join the eurozone which has opened up wide opportunities for investment and the creation of new, well-paid jobs.
The year 2009 will not be an easy one. The effects of the credit crunch and the various countries going through a recession will surely impact our economy. Yet the Maltese are resilient and will surely face the challenges that come our way with courage and determination. So far we have proved able to stand up to any challenge that comes our way, and turn it into a new opportunity. Let's continue doing so!
Popular Stories
In Discussion
12 Comments
Post comment
Please sign in or create your Account to post comments.
lgalea
Jan 6th 2009, 09:11
joe Vella
That's not correct.
For ETC, if a person is making 3 part time jobs, he is counted as three persons.
That is the answer to your number of persons who are working.
Furthermore, people are engaged by different companies of the same owners so that they are made to work for a few hours in each company so as not to avail themselves of leave etc, but they are still made to work more than 40 hours per week without being paid for overtime. This is what your ex Catholic Action Gonzipn is allowing the SCROOGE employers to do.
Re the future, no Joe, the future doesn't scare me.
I am only worried for the youth who are finding their jobs being taken by foreigners and illegal immigrants which your Gonzipn is allowing to stay in Malta notwithstanding that they are ILLEGAL. Illegal Immigrants also include those who overstayed their visa.
lgalea
Jan 5th 2009, 21:35
joe Vella
How could it be otherwise if the population is always increasing?
But that does not mean that the amount of jobs being created is enough for all those who are seeking work and those who are not satisfied with their work because they are not working in the job they studied for.
By the way, part time work which many are doing instead of a full time job because none are available is also a job.
Another example is the number of workers who are employed by different companies of the same proprietors who are employed for a number of hours lower than that which would entitle them to leave and other entitlements but which would still result in them working more than 40 hours without being paid overtime.
If they are employed with 3 companies of the same owners as is usually happening, they are counted as three jobs not one to increase the apparent number of jobs being created.
So you see Joe, there are lies, damned lies and statistics.
joe Vella
Jan 5th 2009, 19:38
@ l Galea
The fact remains there were more Maltese, actual physical bodies, working in 2008 then ever before. Which only means that more individuals entered the labour Market.
Joe Vella
Jan 5th 2009, 17:24
@ Rita Spiteri
Could it hurt so much for someone to state what is a fact.
If it made Mariella feel good writhing it, why not. What is wrong with that?
lgalea
Jan 5th 2009, 16:10
Joe Vella
"The fact is there were more Maltese working in 2008 then there were ever before. "
If a person loses his job and finds a new job, for ETC it is listed as a new job created. If he again loses this second job and again finds another job the ETC lists this as the creation of another job. If he does it again for a third time, the ETC does the same, so that by the end of the year, although it is the same person who has lost three jobs and found new ones, for the ETC the figure of new jobs is updated to reflect 3 new jobs. How's that for job creation?
"Knocking down everything that the Government does or propose, doesn't not give you any credibility either"
Well, your comment looks like the pot calling the kettle black Joe.
P Aquilina
See my comments on job creation Mr/Mrs Aquilina.
m.psaila
Jan 5th 2009, 15:39
Mrs/Ms Rapa ma qalet xejn li mhux minnu!
Joe Vella
Jan 5th 2009, 15:12
@ l Galea
The Past nothing to be proud of, the present scares you, and the future frightens immensely..
Joe Vella
Jan 5th 2009, 12:34
@ l Galea
"Don't count your chickens before they hatch Mariella."
Being pessimistic is the only way you know how to be. It does not do you well for your hearth pressure.
Knocking down everything that the Government does or propose, doesn't not give you any credibility either,
Joe Vella
Jan 5th 2009, 12:27
@ l Galea
"Tell it to those who lost their jobs and being inundated with taxes upon taxes, tariffs and contributions Mariella."
The fact is there were more Maltese working in 2008 then there were ever before. Jobs were created not only to absorb new workers coming on to the labour market, but also to absorb those who have unfortunately lost their jobs. In many instances as has been reported in The Times and elsewhere, laid off workers had Jobs awaiting for them while they were on notice.
Rita Spiteri
Jan 5th 2009, 12:13
Is there a reason for this letter I wonder who she's trying to convince us or HERSELF ?
P Aquilina
Jan 5th 2009, 11:40
@ lgalea
Mariella Rapa stated FACTS!
It seems that these FACTS make you uncomfortable Mr l Galea!
lgalea
Jan 5th 2009, 11:27
"Tecom investments of Dubai set up base in Malta through the SmartCity project which will create a minimum of 5,600 new jobs and several financial services companies set up base or expanded their business creating hundreds of new jobs."
Don't count your chickens before they hatch Mariella.
"The year 2008 shall go down in history as the year when Malta reached its financial and economic targets as required by the Maastricht criteria to join the eurozone which has opened up wide opportunities for investment and the creation of new, well-paid jobs."
Tell it to those who lost their jobs and being inundated with taxes upon taxes, tariffs and contributions Mariella.
Trying to up spirits for your Gonzipn will not change the reality people are facing, know about and are expecting.