Opposition Leader debunked

If there ever were any need for confirmation on the Leader of the Opposition's political vision, all one has to do is to remember how Joseph Muscat was on the forefront to explain to the Icelanders that their place was not in the European Union.

Obviously, this was before Dr Muscat went through the process of conversion that today led him, for convenience, to boast how much he supports Europe. Dr Muscat's aggressive campaigning against the EU led him to dwell beyond our shores as he tried to convince the 320,000 Icelanders to also reject EU membership. Bad advice, which was reaffirmed by the present financial crisis that saw Iceland becoming one of the worst-hit nations.

This prompted the Icelandic government to propose EU membership and today the Icelandic Parliament voted in favour of initiating EU accession negotiations and eventually hold a popular referendum. It is pertinent to point out that Iceland already enjoys strong ties with the EU, among which in the fisheries sector that includes a bilateral agreement whereby fishermen from the EU and from Iceland can carry out what is called an "Exchange of Fishing Possibilities".

Now the Icelandic government is proposing the shelter of EU membership after the country tasted the biggest economic storm in the last decades. This goes against the advice given by the same person who is now aspiring to advise the Maltese people on how to move forward! - July 17.

Conserving our heritage

I feel proud whenever I see a derelict place restored. It is one sure way of how we ensure that our future generations can continue to witness the bravery of our ancestors. Last Sunday, I was present for the inauguration of the restored Semaphore Tower at the entrance to the quaint village of Għargħur after extensive works carried out by the Restoration Unit within the ministry with the financial backing of the Għargħur local council.

This tower is one in a series around Malta and Gozo that were used to pass on messages from one part of the Maltese islands to another by using large panels as an indication of approaching enemy. For this reason, this tower, built in 1848, played an important role in the defence of the Maltese islands. It was very appropriate to witness a re-enactment and an exhibition of items related to the defence of these islands by the Malta Command Group.

In the coming weeks we shall be embarking on other restoration works in the picturesque village of Għargħur. As soon as the local feast is over, work on the parish church parvis will commence as well as the continuation of restoration works on the walls of Victoria Lines between Għargħur and Naxxar - July 15.

Taking care of our animals

Animal welfare is becoming ever more important with time, thanks to the work done by volunteers and to the initiatives being taken by the government.

Today we presented another ambulance to Noah's Ark to further strengthen the service that was started on a trial basis in June this year. Today, also, on behalf of the government I signed an agreement with Noah's Ark that is running this 24-hour service paid for by the government.

During this one-month trial period, 100 emergency cases were dealt with. With the help of the Department for Animal Welfare these stray animals were saved in time. Whoever wants to report any case of an abandoned or injured animal has to call the Police Depot on 2122 4001 and the police will then call in the animal ambulance. By means of two ambulances in Malta and another one in Gozo, run by the Gozo SPCA, immediate veterinary attention is being given to those animals that are found injured and abandoned. My appeal is that this useful and important service is not abused - July 10.

Strong social message

I read with great interest the first reports regarding Pope Benedict XVI's last encyclical Caritas In Veritate and I must say that I am satisfied to note that the Church talks about such actual and important topics. The papal encyclical, in fact, talks about ethics in economics and it is relevant especially because of the present financial crisis as well as because it was being published precisely on the eve of an important meeting of heads of the eight strongest states of the world, known as G8.

The Pope emphasises the need for ethics in the workings of the economy and on the principle that the economy has to be based on, and focused around, mankind as well as on the development of the common good. Ethics in the economy is the appeal of a spiritual leader who understands that this present biggest financial crisis was brought about also by a system that was no longer sustainable, a system that, because of the actions of the few, impoverished many. A system that, above all, created a chain of problems that progressed to this present crisis.

In his encyclical, the Pope condemns "exploitation of the poor", "the lack of social guarantees" and "the weak of worker's unions" in the era of globalisation. On the other hand he insists on the right to "decent" work for every human being.

It is good for the Church to focus on these topics and it is my intention to read this encyclical in detail. The values in the working of the economy are not only the duty of every Christian but of all those involved in the different economic spheres around the world. I hope the Pope's appeal does not fall on deaf ears - July 7.

The author is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.

georgepullicino.blogspot.com