Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1196490
OPINION 29 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 DECEMBER 2019 Defending Malta's image abroad Carmelo Abela Carmelo Abela is Minister for Foreign Affairs AT present, Malta is doing the rounds on the interna- tional press for all the wrong reasons. This is not the Malta we know and it certainly does not represent who we are as a people. In my role as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, I meet many Am- bassadors and other Foreign Ministers who ask about what is happening in Malta at this moment in time. My reply to these queries is unequivo- cal: what we are witnessing is the rule of law in action in a country where no one – I repeat, no one – is above the law. As new developments emerge on a daily basis, it is clear that grave mistakes and errors of judgement were made. In response, political responsibility is being shoul- dered, which I believe is a clear reflection of our demo- cratic values. Looking forward, I believe that we must make it clear to the world that the actions of the few are just that: actions of the few. And such actions do not represent what the La- bour voters voted for in 2013 and subsequently in 2017, nor do they represent the Labour Party or the Labour Govern- ment. Economically speaking, our reputation is crucial if we want to sustain the current economic growth. When- ever there is instability in a particular market, investors opt out. Therefore we have to make sure that we return to normality as soon as possible. This is not something to be done at will, but rather it is a necessity if we want to keep on moving forward. To be clear – I fully under- stand and empathise with the frustration and anger of the Maltese. The anger and pain are more than justified, espe- cially coming from working class people who gave a bulk of their livelihood for social justice. Although I believe that we have a lot to learn, I'm sure closure will come and we will get through this. Now, more than ever, is the time to show whether we've grown up as a nation, whether we've moved on from having a colo- nial, tribal mentality. Acts of vengeance from all concerned will do us no good. The problems at hand have clearly manifested themselves. As a country we need to have a serious discussion about the involvement of big business in politics; a discus- sion which is already taking place on a global level. We need to ask questions about how economies are powered, and what is accept- able and what is not, espe- cially in the light of extreme capitalism potentially strain- ing our democracy. It was and still is disgusting to see certain people who feel that they are omnipotent, so much so that they feel they can take out a life while keep- ing business as usual. Responsibilities lie with us all. Why close an eye on the involvement of one big business, while shouting foul at another? Big business involvement in our politics should not be acceptable at all costs – indeed, that is one of the reasons why this La- bour government passed the Financing of Political Parties Act. We need to work with the business community, not be led by it. Although these are tough times, we have reasons to be proud of as well. Democracy has manifested itself to be alive and well in our archi- pelago. The judicial process is moving as well. Yet in order to move on we also need to reform, starting with the above mentioned. In the end, as Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Promotion, I'm more than aware of the challenge ahead of us to restore Malta's im- age. I'm determined to do my utmost in this regard. I am more than confident that if we work together, it will only be a matter of time till our ship is once again steered to calmer waters. The Building and Construction Agency will extend its service to Gozo for the acceptance of bank guarantees pertaining to the Avoidance of Damage to third parties (LN 136 of 2019). Any person who would like to submit to the Agency original copies of Bank Guarantees or their release after certification of completion of works may do so every: Tuesday and Thursday between 8.00am and 12.00pm at: Citybel, Level 1, Triq Santa Marta, Victoria, VCT2551, Gozo www.bca.org.mt