Yesterday evening I attended a meeting for Nationalist Party activists during which the Prime Minister gave an overview of the first year of the new Administration since it was returned to power in the last general election. During his presentation, the Prime Minister analysed the main achievements of the past year and also dealt with the main future objectives. He touched upon an impressive list of developments and achievements of the past year, which included the commencement of 20 consultation processes on important themes such as the rent reform, climate change, waste management, local councils, Gozo, Mepa, public transport, justice and education.

Notwithstanding the international turmoil, brought about by the unprecedented financial crisis, last year saw the Maltese economy generate 7,000 new jobs, primarily in the private sector while the public sector continued to experience a drop among its workforce. Last year, we also had foreign direct investment to the tune of €420 million.

While listening to the Prime Minister, I wondered what would have been his speech had we not opted to become members of the European Union or if we had not adopted the euro. The Prime Minister is perfectly right in urging the opposition to make a public statement wherein it admits its wrong choices. It is now an accepted historical fact that, whenever our country was at a crossroads, the opposition always advocated the wrong option.

This year's achievements are another step in the implementation of this government's programme. We committed mistakes too but I am confident that when decision time looms the people will be able to judge and appreciate that this country has continued in its reforms and would be ready to face new challenges. The PN remains the party which acts and looks ahead with courage and wisdom - March 13.

Hardly child's play!

Yesterday, I spent a couple of hours with the children participating in the first Kids Eco Summit that the ministry organised in collaboration with the EkoSkola Programme. One of the objectives of the summit was to listen to children air their views about the Climate Change Strategy and the Solid Waste Management Strategy that are up for public consultation.

I must say that both the Prime Minister, who popped in to have a chat with the children during some of the workshops, and I were totally bowled over by the children's overwhelming enthusiasm. They certainly spoke their mind, without beating about the bush! Many of them spoke out in favour of the eco contribution levied on plastic carrier bags and went as far as to say that a similar one should be imposed on paper bags! When I asked why, I was told that, "although they don't actually pollute, they still generate waste".

I was pleased to see how aware children have become about environmental issues that, until recently, were barely given any importance locally. Credit here surely goes to organisations like Nature Trust and individuals like Paul Pace, who coordinates the EkoSkola Programme, for their commendable efforts.

It was great listening to children putting forward their points of view, backed by concrete suggestions , about what could be done! We often refer to future generations - yesterday, I thoroughly enjoyed seeing these same generations discussing their own future. No one can be keener than they to shape the future! The Kids Eco-Summit must become an annual event - March 8.

Preti special

This morning I attended the signing of an agreement between Bank of Valletta and Fr Gino Gauci, the curator of the church dedicated to St Catherine of Italy, which will ensure the completion of conservation works of this prominent church in Valletta, adjoining Auberge de Castille. In 2001, a restoration project, funded by the Italian Protocol, had renovated the façade of this baroque church. Now, works on the church interior will be commencing.

The dome, divided into eight segments, is decorated with scenes from the life of St Catherine, according to the artistic suggestions given by Mattia Preti. During this morning's event, I mentioned that, in my opinion, it would be worth considering erecting two monuments in Valletta - to honour Mattia Preti and Grandmaster De La Valette.

I appreciate the fact that, as part of its corporate social responsibility, Bank of Valletta was supporting the conservation of one of the artistic gems in our capital city. I also welcomed the fact that the Italian restorer invited the press and students to view the works undertaken so that they would be in a better position to understand and appreciate the techniques involved. One augurs that these renovation works will fulfil Fr Gino's dream of restoring the church to its original grandeur! I hope that within the next two years his dream will come true - March 5.

Cabinet with a twist

Last Friday, I was at Castille, together with my Cabinet colleagues, meeting the Prime Minister in the Cabinet Room. At one stage, the Prime Minister said: "You will have to excuse me for a couple of minutes because I need to receive a group of boys from Stella Maris College who are paying me a visit". I quipped: "Let me join you because the likelihood is that many of them are from my electoral districts!" On his way out, the Prime Minister said: "Join me". I told him: "As if! I was only joking!" So the Prime Minister left the Cabinet Room to meet the children in the Ambassadors' Hall.

After a short while, the Prime Minister re-appeared at the doorway of the Cabinet Room, accompanied by some 60 school boys and their teachers. It was the last thing we were expecting and we were quite taken aback. With his tongue firmly in his cheek, the Prime Minister turned to the children and said: "Have a look, this is where we do our homework!" The children were firing questions at the Prime Minister, who was evidently enjoying his time with them. As they were about to leave, I interjected and asked: "So, in which areas do you think the government can work harder?" Many children raised their hand. "Work towards peace", "More cleanliness" and "Rid us of the pot-holes" were some of their forceful suggestions - March 1.

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.

georgepullicino.blogspot.com