Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1421642
Roderick Galdes is minister for social housing 16 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 24 OCTOBER 2021 OPINION AROUND 750 Maltese youths aged between 16-39 listed overdevelopment, the quality of the environment around us, followed by the economic pros- pects of the country as their main immediate concerns in a survey published very recently. The publication of this survey could not have come at a more appropriate time as it coin- cided with a budget intended to lay the foundations for the country we would like our chil- dren to inherit. It is a budget that tells a sto- ry. A story of a country which has grown and experienced a significant rise in the economic status of many but which still faces a number of challenges. Some of these challenges are triggered by COVID-19, in- cluding those emanating from the disruption of international markets of raw materials and transportation of goods, but some of them aren't. This budget tells a story of progressive economics which seeks to face global economic challenges with a sense of belief and optimism in its population, as the State once again opts to trigger growth by strengthen- ing the economic and social stability of the most vulnerable elements of society instead of pursuing a policy of austerity. This budget represents the best possible answer to the concerns of those youths. It built on the preceding con- cerns in a way that transcended the superficial when it came to environmental action. Considering that since the fateful switch to natural gas in the production of energy, road transport is currently the top- most contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in the country, the measures for 2022 are by far the strongest ever incen- tives to replace a fossil-fuelled powered vehicle by an electric one. With more charging bays installed, the use of clean elec- tric vehicles is vastly becoming more practical. However, we all know that when it comes to road trans- port, the elephant in the room is not much what type of car we drive, but whether to drive it at all. It is clear to most that the smartest and most efficient choice would be to turn to a clean reliable public transpor- tation system. This budget addresses this determinately by voting funds to make Malta only the second European member State to en- sure the use of public transport free of charge for every resi- dent. This is at heart, an environ- mental measure, but one would be mistaken to overlook the strong social purpose behind the measure, which shall also ensure universal connectivity in a fast lifestyle that treasures accessibility. No modern country worth its salt could boast of a good quali- ty of life without a good quality public transportation system. The latter being free of charge makes it all the more admira- ble. The phenomenon of vacant dwellings that came to the fore when the staggering numbers emerged from the last census 10 years ago, has dominated the discussion on the property sector for quite a while. It is undeniable that vacant dwellings distort the property market. At the same time they have a damaging environmen- tal impact which is not merely optical. In the last four years, the Housing Authority provided alternative investment meth- ods and supported restoration to breathe new life into much of these dwellings. This budget builds on that and goes a further stride by slashing tax due on the pur- chase of old vacant proper- ties, and in giving a significant cash grant to first-time buyers opting for dwellings in urban conservation areas. There is a strong environmental charac- ter to these measures, coupled with a social one that is making housing more affordable. Housing affordability is cer- tainly necessary to render the country prepared to meet the aspirations of the new genera- tion. Government support in home-ownership is being sus- tained through the renewal of social loans and home deposit schemes, but new needs are al- so being attended to. When the famous Equi- ty Sharing scheme came into force in 2019 it was directly re- sponding to an emerging trend in our society – persons who at around the age of 40 are left with some assets just short of being able to secure a decent home loan. Extending the eligibility to such scheme to accommodate persons aged 30 and over is once again a piece of data-driv- en policy that will address the growing trend of persons post- poning home-ownership and possibly going into it on a sin- gle basis. It is a budget that tells a story of a progressive country that wants to become better. One that does not shun the chal- lenges before it. It is a country that will look better and feel better upon the implementation of this budget and will be one which the new generation deserves. A country worthy of the new generation Roderick Galdes Pre-publication offer €85 €65 info@kitegroup.com.mt 9993 2592 www.kitegroup.com.mt I would like to order _______ copy/copies of The Darmanin Artists: Decorative Marble Production for the British Empire, at €65 each. Name & Surname Address Email Mobile Send the order form together with a cheque payable to Kite Group, 13, Triq il-Franġiskani, Ħamrun or order your copy online www.kitegroup.com.mt 3-7 November Available also at N e w T i t l e 325 x 240mm | 320 pgs | Hardback + Jacket The Darmanin family of artists were the most prolific marble-producing firm in nineteenth-century colonial Malta. Besides carrying out diverse decorative art commissions for the local market, they secured many others from distinguished patrons outside Maltese shores. Being masters of their art, the Darmanin marmisti thrived and remained relevant throughout the century. Their work garnered the admiration of the British royal family, colonial officials and also attracted international acclaim. This publication takes a look at the marble output of these local artists and reveals the compelling impact that the British Empire had on their artistic production. THE DARMANIN ARTISTS DECORATIVE MARBLE PRODUCTION FOR THE BRITISH EMPIRE by JESSICA MUSCAT