Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1511356
communications should take place. Very simply, the chain of command should work as follows: 1) UNESCO communicates its concerns, not 'directly to the PA'… but to its own ambassador here in Malta (who happens to be a Gozitan by the name of Joseph Vella Gauci). 2) It is the responsibility of the lo- cal UNESCO office to forward those concerns to the PA… and naturally, it is the PA's job to take all the neces- sary action, in accordance with UN- ESCO recommendations (being, as I said before, the only authority that actually CAN do that, to begin with). But what actually happened, in this case? Here, I am indebted to journal- ist Victor Paul Borg (who saved me a heck of a lot of time, by doing most of the digging himself). On October 15 of this year, Borg published excerpts from two letters sent by the director of UNESCO's World Heritage Centre, Lazare Eloundou, to Joseph Vella Gauci. This is an excerpt from the sec- ond [Note: and the word 'reiterate' should give you all a hint as to what the first letter had said, too.] "I would like to reiterate that, again in accordance with the Oper- ational Guidelines, an HIA should be carried out as a pre-requisite for development projects and activities that are planned for implementation within or around a World Heritage property, and that such assessments should serve to identify potential negative impacts on the Outstand- ing Universal Value of the proper- ty and to recommend mitigation measures against degradation or other negative impacts on the cul- tural heritage within the property or its wider setting." Doesn't leave very much room for interpretation, does it? Contrary to the impression given by Camilleri last Thursday, UNESCO certainly DID convey its concerns to the PA, through all the proper channels… and in no uncertain terms, too! It seems, however, that the local UNESCO embassy did not like- wise fulfil its own obligations in the matter. And it was this dereliction of duty, that allowed the Planning Authority to simply ignore its own legal responsibilities … for all the world as if they just didn't exist, at all! This brings me to Camilleri's third statement – i.e., that the 'Superin- tendence of Cultural Heritage never withdrew its consent for the project' - which, once again, only succeeds in placing its finger squarely on the very crux of the problem. Sorry, but… the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage should NEV- ER have given its consent, to what can only be described as an illegal project, which spectacularly fails to meet even the most basic 'pre-req- uisites' for development in a World Heritage Site buffer zone. So the fact that it did – in defiance of all UNESCO's concerns – only proves that neither the Superin- tendence, nor the PA itself, is even remotely interested in doing the one thing that it supposedly exists to do, in the first place… … which, last I looked, was sup- posed to be: 'PROTECTING Mal- ta's cultural heritage'; and NOT 'facilitating its destruction'! (I mean, come on. It really isn't that hard to understand…) THE Maltese are known for their im- mense compassion, and the latest budget truly exemplifies this quality as it is inherently a budget created by the people, for the people. It encapsulates the profound generosity of our nation. This budget is more than just a financial plan; it is a testament to our nation's un- wavering dedication to supporting those who are most in need, even amidst the challenges and uncertainties gripping the world. While debate has revolved around critical policy measures like increased pensions and children's allowances, it's imperative to shed light on some lesser discussed yet profoundly impactful poli- cies. I'd like to start by emphasising a meas- ure that is significant to me. Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) play an indispensable role in our society, touching the lives of the most vul- nerable, safeguarding our environment, and advocating for animal welfare. Start- ing next year, companies that generously donate to NGOs will receive a tax credit of €500. This heart-warming incentive is poised to ignite a wave of corporate gen- erosity, channelling much-needed funds into the hands of these organizations. The impact of these donations will be monumental, providing NGOs with the resources they need to continue their in- valuable work. I'm happy to say that funding for animal health and welfare programmes has in- creased to €8.2 million, almost one-eighth more than the previous year. While this might seem modest in comparison to the €350 million committed to stabilise en- ergy prices, it represents a genuine step forward in improving the lives of animals and vulnerable communities. The same principle extends to the allo- cation of half a million euros for distribut- ing free menstrual products to girls in our schools. Findings from studies conduct- ed in the United States, show that in the richest economy globally, girls frequently miss school due to the unaffordability of menstrual products. Our budget takes a stand against this injustice, ensuring that our girls are supported, and period pov- erty is confronted head-on. Another heartfelt initiative is the exten- sion of social security credits. Previous- ly, mothers had to have been employed before giving birth to qualify for credits when caring for their newborns. This left teenage mothers and university gradu- ates without the support they deserved. The budget rectifies this injustice, en- suring that all mothers receive credits toward their pensions. The allocation for personal assistants to disabled persons is increasing by nearly a quarter, while social assistance for reha- bilitation programmes is also receiving a significant boost. The tax credit for par- ents of disabled children to cover therapy expenses will more than double. Addi- tionally, free access to medicines for IVF, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, and mental health conditions is being expanded, highlighting our commitment to well-be- ing. The budget also places a strong focus on sustainability and community. It encour- ages investment in sustainable finance, such as green or blue bonds, and identi- fies areas in need of economic and social regeneration. Investment in inner har- bour projects and community-led green- ing initiatives promises to rejuvenate our neighbourhoods, returning 80,000 square meters to the people. Capital allocations for new green projects have more than doubled, while maintenance budgets are significantly increasing. For example, the maintenance budget for Ta' Qali Nation- al Park is quadrupling, preserving these vital spaces for generations to come. Simultaneously, the budget introduc- es initiatives focused on bolstering our communities. Police Patrol and Commu- nity Support Officers will increase patrols in areas requiring more security, serving as vital links to neighbourhood watches. Community Policing services will expand to all localities, and a new Roads Policing section will improve accident response. The budget is taking a crucial step to- wards addressing the pressing issue of do- mestic violence by establishing a regional centre dedicated to supporting victims. This initiative signifies more than just financial allocation; it symbolizes a col- lective societal commitment to breaking the cycle of abuse. The provision of pan- ic alarms, linked to the police's central emergency system, ensures not only im- mediate assistance but also a lifeline for those facing distressing situations. This goes beyond policy; it's a compassionate response, acknowledging the need of aid- ing victims and offering a tangible sense of security and support. These initiatives, and many more, form the foundation of a budget born from the heart, with the lives and well-being of the people in Malta and Gozo at its core. It is a profoundly human budget, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for our citi- zens in countless and diverse ways. maltatoday | SUNDAY • 12 NOVEMBER 2023 OPINION 11 Lydia Abela is a lawyer and the prime minister's wife A budget from the heart Lydia Abela