Before we even dreamt of local councils my vision was always to see our localities more organised and more disciplined. I always imagined we could one day care not just about the way our houses look on the inside but also how beautiful and well kept the surroundings could be.

If every small household and every locality could work to achieve this aim, our country could be a true gem. This is why I truly believed, and still do, that local councils are an important part of our life in Malta.

As a nation, we have many merits, pluses and strong points. But it is always a good strategy to study what happens abroad and adopt and, in certain cases, adapt good practices.

Today, this is more important as we are part of the EU and we constantly need to keep improving the country. We must look around us, and beyond our shores, and make sure we develop our natural talents and refine our situation to be on a par with others. Indeed, we should always strive to be even better than the rest.

Years ago, the concept “patria” (our nation) used to inspire me and a vast number of people to reach out for the greater heights we could achieve as a nation.

Local councils have instilled a stronger civic sense among all residents

That great leader, George Borg Olivier, used the word with unfeigned emotion. And he did this not only within the context of international politics in relation to independent Malta. He made it amply clear that our country belongs to all of us Maltese people because we are all one blood, all brothers.

This idea was further used and developed by Eddie Fenech Adami. We all remember, or must have heard of, his clarion call in the 1980s that we should be one people, one united Maltese people. I could see continuity in the lines of thought of these two leaders, in the political as well as in the social context.

These pivotal ideas were in full harmony with what I felt back then... and now. When I lived abroad, broadening my studies and horizons, I empathised perfectly with these ideals. I longed to come back to Malta to see how I too could play a part in making these ideals live and take root in our beloved land.

When local councils were introduced in 1993, the aim of the Nationalist government was to improve the situation of the entire population in every locality. That was, and is, the central idea behind each council decision. And to achieve that aim, all the meetings, all decisions, all the work and all projects undertaken by each council have to have as their reason for existence the wish to be of service to the whole community.

Local councils function with money that comes directly from the people. Thus, councils have to work for all the community, keeping residents continuously informed. Of course, there has to be prioritising.

It is a known and unavoidable fact that 22 years after their inception, local councils have not solved all the problems in the localities.But it is also a tangible fact that these councils have instilled a stronger civic sense among all residents. People in different towns and villages now observe many of the rules introduced by the councils.

The biggest problems remain egoistic acts of vandalism which show lack of respect to the other residents. Sadly, these vandals do not seem to realise that the money has to come from people’s pockets, including theirs.

The motto chosen by Nationalist leader Simon Busuttil for the forthcoming local elections is very apt and fitting: we can make a difference.

Such a difference is in the way we operate, better than we have been doing so far, with more attention and responsibility towards the whole community.

The motto sums up the basic ideals of the local councils - solidarity among all the residents in all localities to live a better life together. This will also ensure a better environment everywhere.

I have always believed in team spirit. In my political, sporting and social and work environment I have always believed that we move on if we act in harmony with all around us.

In all that has been entrusted to me over the past half a century, I have always worked not for my own benefit but for the benefit of all those around me.

When we are voted into any office we have to work and adminster in the name of those who elected us. I have always believed that we are part and parcel of the same country and the same locality.

I can never forget when, in 2012, I was nominated to the National Order of Merit.

I looked proudly at the medal and couldn’t help thinking that this honour was bestowed on me thanks to those who gave me the privilege of serving them in various fields throughout the past half century.

My solemn pledge is that I will continue working and serving humbly to the best of my capability in all I am entrusted.

Herbert Messina Ferrante is a PN local council candidate.