Maltese inherited wisdom stresses the sea of difference that exists between words and facts. There is no better reflection of the truth of this adage than that between the regular delivery on commitments by this government, and the hollow promises which had become the order of the day under the previous administration. Our track record with the uniformed services speaks volumes by itself.
Just over three months ago, I presided over the inauguration ceremony for the first of two Augusta Westland helicopters commissioned to augment the Maltese Armed Forces’ capability as regards its flight operations. This, like so many other projects dependent on EU funding, had been placed at risk due to the foot-dragging and lack of direction which had become so symptomatic up until March 2013.
The commitment of my ministry, and that of my colleagues in the government, amplified by the new sense of direction and enthusiasm which filtered down through the ranks, led to that ceremony.
Then, we were commissioning equipment which, in the air and out at sea, meant a great improvement in the equipment that armed forces personnel have at their disposal while carrying out their risk-laden and crucial duty.
Helicopters and aircraft are not, however, permanently in the air. They cannot operate at all, let alone operate efficiently and safely, unless they are backed up by ground servicing capability that ensures they are maintained at the highest levels of operational readiness possible.
Another project, successfully completed and inaugurated last week, is the purpose-built hangar for our Armed Forces’ Air Wing. It has all the facilities necessary for its role, and is the final product of the project based on the refurbishment of the former RAF hangar, intended to improve the Armed Forces of Malta ground support facilities at its Air Wing. This completed and commissioned project, which was funded through the EU’s General Programme Solidarity and Management of Migration Flows at the co-financing rate of 75 per cent EU funds and 25 per cent national funds, cost a total of €1.7 million, of which over €400,000 came from national funds.
The overall objective of this project is to improve on the existing infrastructure and supporting facilities at Air Wing, enhancing aircraft parking facilities and aircraft maintenance space. This involved many various elements, including the full refurbishment of the adjacent aviation warehouse and the construction of a new dedicated building equipped for avionics management. It also allowed the increase of the office floor space and storage capacity of the base.
Wherever possible, in the course of these works, due respect and care were shown towards the historical relevance of the buildings being restored, and while modern requirements were all catered for, the structures erected involved the incorporation of new steel structures with the existing old Maltese stone.
We shall not be resting on our laurels
The completed project thus houses all that is required for modern flight operations to take place – from fire-fighting, to avionics, to maintenance and to the information download direct from the aircraft while in flight, to the control centre in real time.
This hangar can guarantee that our aircraft are in optimum condition during their operations. The people needing rescue deserve no less, as do the brave members of our Armed Forces who daily risk their lives in such operations. This is a material investment in the welfare of our personnel.
Last week we also implemented another investment in uniformed personnel’s welfare that, albeit not made of steel and stone, is just as vital. In Parliament, we passed the second reading of the Bill giving these people the right for association in a union of their own choice. This is no mean feat. Something which had been a vain promise in previous years, discussed endlessly, fruitlessly and in circles, has, in these past months, become a reality as tangible as the steel and stone structure of the ground facilities inaugurated last week.
We shall not, however, be resting on our laurels, even though we have already notched up a significant number of achievements in the form of promises kept. The momentum we have built in the relatively short time we have been in government will be maintained, and even increased.
Just like our helicopters and planes are supported with physical structures as ground assets, our words will not be left in thin air, but will be substantiated by concrete actions and tangible results, as has been amply proven so far.
Manuel Mallia is Minister for Home Affairs and National Security.