Correct and timely decisions

If there was ever any need of proof of how wise we were in adopting the euro currency in 2008, it was given to us by the Prime Minister of Latvia during a meeting held yesterday with Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and myself.

Latvia almost collapsed in the wake of the financial and economic crisis, even because it had not yet joined the euro currency. The Latvian Prime Minister gave us an overview of the drastic measures his government had to adopt to cut its expenditure including deducting the public service employees' wages by 40 per cent and pensions by 20 per cent. Moreover, it dismissed about 12,000 public employees including in public health!

On top of these measures, the Latvian government is also considering other measures since the International Monetary Fund is still not satisfied that these measures are adequate to address the crisis! In fact the government is even considering increases in income tax (from 23 per cent to 26 per cent) and an increase in the capital gains tax.

This is the harsh reality in our fellow European countries and, even though we have challenges ahead of us, we should feel proud at the way we steered our country at difficult times. Above all, faced with Latvia's woes, one should also feel relieved that our government did not heed the disastrous advices of Alfred Sant, Joseph Muscat and Co. who were all out against Malta adopting the euro in 2008. - December 3

It's a matter of fun!

This week, the Malta Council for Science and Technology is holding the Science and Technology Festival on the University campus. One of the primary aims of this festival is to attract more students to the sciences. Exhibits at the fair are presented in a most interesting and innovative way because they enable children to experience science hands-on. As I accompanied the Prime Minister touring the stands, it was fulfilling to see children's eyes sparkle with enthusiasm.

Interestingly enough, some of the exhibits have been in use since the first S&T Fest that MCST had organised in 1995 during my tenure there as CEO. Some of the new exhibits have been set up by a local company, partly financed by the European Social Fund.

I earnestly wish that, in the not too distant future, we will be able to set up an Interactive Centre for Science and Technology. To this end, an area within the Ta' Qali National Park has already been earmarked. And, in the coming weeks, I intend launching a competition for the design of such a centre that will also serve as a paradigm of an energy-saving building. Why Ta' Qali, one may ask. The reason is simple: We wish to present science as being pure fun and, therefore, we wish to set up such a centre in an area associated with fun and enjoyment.

We hope to have more children and youngsters opting for the sizable number of careers that the science options can offer. We find ourselves in an era where technologies are evolving rapidly. In effect, this means that, with the passage of time, there will be a greater demand for individuals specialised in these areas. Examples that immediately spring to mind are SmartCity, the Biotechnology Centre being built in San Ġwann, a number of pharmaceutical companies and clean energy projects that the government is backing. - November 28

Class of '09

Yesterday, I attended the ceremony where my wife, Lourdes, was awarded a Masters in Diplomatic Studies. For once, there was a reversal of roles. Instead of my wife listening to one of my speeches, I was listening to hers because she was asked to deliver an address on behalf of the graduands present. And I'm not saying what I'm about to say because it was penned by my wife... but it was indeed a sound speech. I jokingly commented to the Prime Minister and to those sitting next to me that I had drafted it. In truth, though, I hadn't even heard it once before!

One of the points that Lourdes made during her address stood out: "My plea extends beyond this auditorium... I would like to reach out in a special appeal to mothers who may consider their learning a hindrance to their family life, juggling between children and employment. The investment in higher education is not self-seeking but benefits your family, your children and enriches the society you live in." Lourdes's appeal is indeed a genuine one not only because she is a mother but also because, for many years, she has been an activist working within a political party that always championed education as being the cornerstone for everyone to reach their full potential.

During yesterday's ceremony, I realised how this government had transformed the country. When I graduated as an architect in 1990, only one graduation ceremony was held and very few persons followed post-graduate courses leading to a Masters or PhD. At the end of the 1980s, there were about 900 students following one course or another at the University. Nowadays, 15 graduation ceremonies are held every year! This year alone, there are 2,734 graduands, with 921 of them having successfully read for a Masters or PhD. What a difference!

The truth is that, thanks to the investment in the education sector over these last 22 years, we have managed to change the make-up of our society. We previously had an elitist University where the admittance process was a nerve-racking experience; our University today is one that is not only within everyone's reach but one that is also offering courses that we wouldn't even have dreamt existed some decades ago. Much less so, opportunities to read for Masters degrees and PhD! And we still intend investing even more. Take Noelle Brockdorff's appeal during her oration, for example. She lamented the lack of a University department or programme of cognitive science. Yet, a mere 22 years ago, not even a basic B.Sc course existed. - November 25

To be (or not to be) prepared

One of life's opportunities I regret having missed out on is that of being a boy scout. Although the premises housing the first Sliema Scouts Group HQ (Bernard's Own) were just a stone's throw away from the church, I never got around to going there. It's my loss really.

This morning I attended an activity organised by the scouts to commemorate 100 years since their inception. I wasn't expecting to be asked to unveil the commemorative plaque marking the occasion! I hold the Scouts Movement in high regard because I believe that it instils two important values in our children and youngsters. The first value is a sense of community, where youngsters are made aware that they do not exist in isolation but need to be constantly aware of the fact that they form part of a community. The second value is the importance given to a sense of discipline and to promote respect for the environment.

For this reason, whenever I am called upon to assist the Scouts Movement in one way or another I do my very best to oblige. I believe that it is our duty as politicians to help movements such as the Scouts Group that strive to inculcate a culture of teamwork and mutual respect. - November 22

Mr Pullicino is Minister of Resources and Rural Affairs.

georgepullicino.blogspot.com