Transparency in animal welfare

Reports on alleged fraud are invariably destined to make the headlines, especially when these concern widely-known figures. This was the case after The Times reported on the ongoing probe into the operations of a well-known animal welfare volunteer.

Interest in animals, and their welfare, has increased significantly in the past years. This is due to a number of reasons, not least the ever increasing number of volunteers who dedicate their time and energy in favour of animals, especially strays. The government has also invested in this sector, building an Animal After-Care Centre in Ta' Qali, financially assisting the upgrading of animal sanctuaries and the neutering of strays. Moreover, it invested in administrative capacity building.

Given the recent relevations, it would be highly foolish if one were to generalise and to point fingers at all volunteers and voluntary organisations. It is also worth highlighting the importance of verifying and auditing all assistance given to these organisations to ensure transparency and accountability.

My heartfelt thanks go to Mario Spiteri and his staff at the helm of the recently-set up Animal Welfare Directorate who are working around the clock and going out of their way to help strays.

Viability

I am now used to the fact that criticism is part and parcel of doing politics. I am one who accepts criticism but expects that this criticism is based on objective and realistic argumentation.

In this context, one cannot but comment on the recent outburst by Alternattiva Demokratika's Arnold Cassola on the government's plans for the setting up of wind farms in Malta. In itself this is already bold, given AD's supposedly Green credentials and their readiness, time and time again, to be on the forefront whenever environmental projects, of national importance, are being debated.

Before arguing on the project's viability or otherwise, AD's officials should wait for the environment impact assessment process before expressing themselves. This is even more so on a project that is fundamental, given the fact that we are bound by stringent targets, not least the fact that 10 per cent of our energy has to be generated from clean sources by 2020.

It is easy to criticise but, seemingly, AD's officials are forgetting the context of the difficulty we are operating in, such as territorial limitations and other geographical restrictions. While defending AD's right of criticising, I also appeal that they come forward with proposals. The government is not intent on proceeding alone, as has been demonstrated by the fact that it has sought the advice of environmentalists in finalising its proposals.

If we fail, it would be the whole country's failure and not just a government issue. Above all, our environment would be the major loser.

A humble approach

"Allow me to express myself in one word - humility. Humility is what I feel today". This was the way in which President-elect George Abela chose to commence his maiden speech soon after taking the oath of office as Malta's new President. I think these words indicate the new President's personality, which will invariably leave its mark on the Presidency in the next five years.

Another excerpt of his speech which struck me was when he stated: "A small nation, democratic and republican, independent and free, believing in its capabilities, committed to be an instrument of peace, which operates proudly within the European Union on the fifth anniversary since membership, and its policies aim to be relevant in Europe, the Mediterranean and the world". He had no qualms in reminiscing the historical choice taken by the people five years ago notwithstanding that this might have not been the position of the political camp he traditionally embraced.

Dr Abela's choice as President is another proof of the Prime Minister's wisdom, which led him to propose a political opponent to the country's highest office. This was also reiterated to me by Fr Hilary Tagliaferro who said he never expected to live the moment when this would happen, however Lawrence Gonzi positively surprised him.

Dr Abela enjoys the respect of many due to his humanity, moderation and rationality. His was a successful and varied career taking him into various sectors such as sports, the legal profession and trade unionism.

I wish President Abela the best of luck.

Exporting Malta's produce

We must diversify - this was one of my first appeals to Malta's potato exporters soon after my appointment as Agriculture Minister. Until then, our potato exports depended solely on one Dutch company. That was beneficial to the sector but the interests of our exporters demanded that our interests should be spread.

Our potato produce is hugely popular in mainland Europe, not only for its goodness but also for the early maturity, whereas the continent would still be enduring the last strokes of winter. Competition is fierce, not necessarily in terms of quality but on the basis of price such as with the potatoes harvested in Cyprus and other North African states.

I was honoured to be in Berlin, next to the Brandenburg Gate, to witness the symbolic handing over of the first bag of Maltese potatoes by the German broker Jansen Dongen to representatives of Germany's leading supermarket chain, Edeka.

It was one of the local cooperatives which introduced the German broker to the local market and now, five years later, they are exporting up to 30 per cent of Malta's early potato produce.

Mr Pullicino is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.