During an official visit to Dar tal-Providenza, Siġġiewi, on the occasion of the home’s 50th anniversary, Opposition leader Simon Busuttil said that although a huge advancement had been made over the years to improve the lives of people with disability there is still more to be done. Dr Busuttil added that: “in the case of refugees, we have to move on from words to action”. He was replying to a welcome speech by Fr Martin Micallef, director of the home.
Dr Busuttil said he would support any government action that will continue to improve the lives of persons with disability. He said that 50 years ago, Dun Mikiel Azzopardi sowed the seed of inclusion and now, 50 years later, we are reaping the fruits of his actions even though there was still a lot to be done for people with disabillity to feel really equal.
In a reference to the present refugee migration issue Dr Busuttil said he fully supported the initiatives announced these past few days by European Commission president Jean Paul Juncker and Pope Francis for equitable and effective solidarity.
In his welcome address, Fr Micallef said that notwithstanding the positive laws that have been enacted, there was still discrimination, knowingly or unknowingly in various sectors of Maltese society, including the labour and employment sector.
He said there was need to continue building wisely and improve upon what Azzopardi started 50 years ago so that people with disability would truly enjoy respect, dignity and rights.
Accompanying Dr Busuttil were Paula Mifsud Bonnici, Shadow Minister for Social Policy and Nationalist Party candidates Graziella Schembri and Albert Buttigieg.
Dr Busuttil met the residents and support workers as well as administration officials and was later taken around various areas intended for the use of the residents.