GREEN JOBS FOR GREEN GOZO

On Sunday Tuesday 15th March 2009, Arnold Cassola, the Malta Green Party leader and candidate for the European Parliament elections of the 6th June accompanied one of the farmers member of the Ager Foundation and a group of German tourists on one of his farms.

Prof Arnold Cassola and myself emphasised the importance of a government strategy for the development of rural and alternative tourism niches that would also create innovative employment in this region and for which the European Union allots considerable funds. On the way down the citrus garden, the German delegation could notice the destruction going on the pristine land the construction of the new Nadur cemetery and they wondered how such a project copuld take place on thjis pristine land!

We said that Government continues to brand Gozo as an eco-island, and, unbelievably, this has not yet been substantiated by an eco-tourism plan that would highly benefit Gozo and the stakeholders within such sectors.

Rightly so, Arnold Cassola declared that Alternattiva Demokratika (AD) maintains that a sustainable ecological tourist strategy for Gozo demands clear consolidated planning rather than random ministerial declarations with no end in sight. MEPA has a legal responsibility to safeguard Gozo’s environment. Public opinion believes that this environmental watchdog is increasingly becoming complacent with monied applicants and then toughens its stand with the weaker ones.

Alternattiva Demokratika strongly believes that Gozo has an inherent basis for such innovative tourism niches. It observes the futility of government and local authorities attempts to promote Gozo as a distinct tourist destination when professional training leading to entrepreneurial initiatives in eco- and agri-tourism is nonexistent in our University and Institute of Tourism Studies. Consequently these sectors lack qualified personnel and any such investment is disabled from its inception stage.

Prof Cassola added that the Government needs to recognise the financial potential of this tourism sector for our islands’ domestic product, and its special significance to Gozo where tourism suffers seasonal downturns. Such niche tourism projects fit Gozo’s low tourist season when paradoxically it is during such winter months that nature blesses its valleys and hills in an abundance of green scenery.

Alternattiva Demokratika has for years been reiterating that Gozo could be the model for the development of niche tourism and its innovative employment opportunities.

AD's proposal three years ago for Gozo to become an eco-island was meaningful and realistic and certainly not a promotional exercise. The Party believed then and now that Gozo and its residents deserve a clean environment, rich in its traditions and offerings for the benefit of the islanders and its guests. Gozitans and environmentally-conscious individuals want decisive implementation of such tourism projects instead of repeated monotonous declarations and promises.

Last article by Dr. Harry Vassallo on The Times as the AD Leader

Friday, 13th June 2008

Give them the tools

Harry Vassallo

It appears that many people too easily assumed that my promise to resign my post as chairman of the Green party was to be taken with a pinch of salt. It appears that power is intoxicating and not a few make fools of themselves in the end by clinging on too long.

Perhaps I have the advantage on them because the power and glory that is the share of the leader of the Greens is just a tot and not enough to inebriate anybody. It is time to go and I am going.

In this too I believe that I serve the political party I have co-founded and served as soldier, staff officer and general for almost 19 years: Alternattiva Demokratika, as all political parties, will contest the European Parliament elections this time next year. In order to present a fresh proposal, it would be best to have a break with the past, a new image. And how better than by having somebody new flying the flag?

There is not much time available to make all the necessary changes and to establish the leadership in the public mind, not a day to spare. Judging by the report prepared by the commission engaged to analyse the general election results, AD will have to start from scratch. It seems there was nothing there at all. Certainly no money to speak of and the handful of people involved were obliged to multitask to breaking point. It's all true.

It has been a matter of keeping up appearances for a very long time. The age of volunteers is long gone, our socio-economic model has changed over the years and people expect to be paid for work, not least for hard work and often unrewarding of itself. The few who do it gratis are overburdened twice over because they are so few and because they too have to survive in the rat race.

It is poor consolation that AD may be the only political party with its books in the black and its soul intact. The commission's report certifies the Greens clean. But clean and unable to communicate one's vision is also a betrayal of a sacred trust.

Although still out in the cold, the Greens have positioned themselves evenly between the PN and the MLP, sitting astride the centre with a support exceeding the difference between the main contenders. The fact that the PN and the MLP together with the mainstream media avoid this fact as though observing a taboo only serves to underscore the Greens' potential for themselves, for a possible political ally and for all those seeking a radical change and able to invest time, effort or money to achieve it.

Tomorrow's extraordinary general meeting is billed as a changing of the guard and as the start of the discussion on the clinical dissection which the commission's report claims to be. Nobody will be asked to take a vote; there is nothing to be decided on; no official document before us to approve or otherwise, so nobody will check whether one's subscription is paid up. Party members, old and new, as well as interested bystanders, will be most welcome.

I do not expect that there will be time for everybody to have their say on each of the very many issues raised in the commission's report, so the event will be something of a media ritual, but this does not make it any less a watershed in our history which should be attended by those who have watched our progress with interest.

It will also be a farewell and a time to augur the new leadership the strength and persistence it will need to address the many shortcomings pointed out by the commission as well as the wisdom to weigh up and decide on the policy and strategy issues raised. I certainly hope that, in the coming weeks, it will have the benefit of many contributions from the party grassroots and not only the good wishes of all concerned. It is time to look forward, for me and for the party. I confess that I am looking forward to charging realistically for my services once more: no more free legal advice, no more environmental consultation gratis, no more political lobbying as an unpaid public service, no more articles, policy documents or even formal correspondence written without significant financial reward. At last it will become politically correct for me to accept the tempting eco-business proposals I have puritanically refused by the dozen.

It may not be a bad idea for the party to work out something on these lines itself. With no public financing of political parties available, how can all those who turn to the Greens for support continue to expect them to campaign for them with no resources? Perhaps the commission's report will make the matter more easily acceptable.

The Greens need almost nothing more than this: the commitment is there, the vision is clear, their relevance grows by the minute. They do need support and encouragement. It is Malta that needs the Greens and not the other way around. Perhaps we should all stop taking them for granted.

Dr Vassallo is the outgoing chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green party.

www.alternattiva.org.mt, www.adgozo.com

The Gozitan Acting Prim Minister

Maltastar reported that:
"In a move that smacks of political abuse of power, Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono who was Acting Prime Minister on Thursday, when Lawrence Gonzi was away, shockingly approved the expropriation of a strip of land in Nadur, Gozo, right in front of her own driver’s and relatives’ houses."
Need I comment further?
NO. Yet, I can proudly say again: "Not guilty" so should be the 300 Gozitan AD voters.

Reservoir and boundary walls

During one of the home visits in Nadur, a Naduri took me in the back of his apartment overlooking the beautiful valley of Dahlet Qorrot, specifically area at, Il-Buskett, L/O Nadur Gozo.

He was asking questions related to the way some people are treated differently under the law.

The case in point is:00395/05: Proposed water reservoir and boundary wall.

Meeting first time AD voters

Had quite a busy week.

Monday: the debate on Bondi+
It was my first time experience to debate with opposition leader Dr. Alfred Sant
Not the first time I met Georg Sapiano. He once invited me for his TV programme when he was a presenter on NET.
During the programm I felt that I could relate with many voters who are fed up of the bi-partisan politics of 'everything wrong vs everything right' approaches. Did my best to be moderate. I received positive feedback especially from new people saying that they liked it when I told the PN and MLP reps. that they 'ipappuwa flimkien'.

Tuesday: Press conference organised by AN
The subject was Transparency.
As expected the discussion was totally out of subject. The PN representative Dr. Tonio Borg and the MLP representative Leo Brincat were more interested to attack each other rather than discussing how their parties are proposing to create a transparent administration.
On the other hand I talked about what AD is proposing: A freedom of Information Act, a Whistle Blower Act and a law controlling political party finances amongst other proposals.
Many Gozitans called to say they were happy that I mentioned Ta' Cenc, Ramla l-Hamra and Hondoq and how these beautiful spots will be destroyed if AD is not elected to parliament next election.
Viewers also liked it when I explained that the vote belongs to the people and they can vote freely to whoever they want.

Wednesday:
I dedicated this day to home visits. At one point, we noticed a car following us while in Kercem. The people in the car thought that I am stupid. Of course I realised that one of the men was calling people via his mobile instructing families not to open the door. This was confirmed later by three families excusing themselves for not opening since they are 'afraid' from the three men in the car. How funny. The three men in the car were helping me acquire some new votes :)
These tactics are of old.....and self-destructive. When will these people learn?

Thursday:
Another day for home visits. Very inspiring. I am learning a lot why people are voting AD for the first time. Very encouraging.

Tomorrow is another day.

Cheers

Victor

A democratically elected Gozo Regional Council

A section of the AD Gozo Manifesto talks specifically about Gozo public administration towards a full democratic and transparent participation in decision-making. (Read more here)

Our interest in the island-region of Gozo comes before that of party politics.

Nowhere more than in Gozo has it become so clear that the ‘special favours’ political culture directly undermines the confidence ordinary citizens, business operators and their employees need in order to develop a strong and healthy local economy. This was my main contribution during a public debate I was invited to yesterday at the Circolo Gozitano.

Gozitans want and deserve better. We know that transformation can happen for the better.

Today, even those who have materially gained from the feudal favours system, crippling Gozo, realize that they are sliding downhill with everybody else. Gozo is ripe for a reform, which will propel it from an abandoned periphery of Malta to its most successful region. Although not yet represented in parliament, Alternattiva Demokratika, is already significantly influencing government policies for Gozo.

The greatest reform would be for Gozitans to be represented in Parliament by AD, a party characterized by long term, consistent commitment to the benefit of Gozo and the welfare of Gozitans.

Alternattiva Demokratika is committed to supporting Gozitans in safeguarding their island home from private greed. This also shows that AD has Gozo at heart and cares for it and all Gozitans.

Moreover, The Greens will endlessly work to increase Gozitan participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the electorate.

Once elected to parliament, Alternattiva Demokratika will embark upon a number of initiatives among which several administrative and organizational affairs will be addressed:

1. AD proposes the set-up of an inclusive Parliamentary Committee for Gozo Affairs made up of all Gozo’s MPs. The Standing Committee will ensure transparent and serious governance by the Ministry for Gozo;

2. Eliminate once and for all the prevalent stagnant clientelist nepotism and in its stead institute an administrative framework to inform and to guarantee the inalienable rights of all citizens and economic operators;

3. Set up an administrative structure to which Gozo residents can address their complaints and through which they can be informed on matters related to construction industry sites affecting directly their everyday life;

4. See that meritocracy replaces the prevailing practice of exclusive selection of ‘‘jobs-for-the party-boys-and-girls’;

5. Demand the enactment of the Whistleblower Act to ensure that those who have the courage of speaking up are not victimised;

6. Demand the enactment of a Freedom of Information Act – to ensure that all citizens are informed of the manner in which government through its politicians and civil servants is acting on its behalf;

7. Endeavour to set up new forms of political organisations aiming to expand the evolution of participatory democracy for Gozitans through direct citizens involvement in the decision-making process. A democratically elected Regional Council is completely in line with Green Politics;

8. Institute a legislative function, drawn from the Local Council Act, modified to eliminate reference to byelaws of government departments. This enables the Gozo Parliamentary Committee to raise issues regarding conflict of remit;

9. Based on effective democracy for Gozo and Gozitans, the executive of this Gozo Regional Council will appoint a 'head of ministry', to effectively administer the annual budget allocated to the Gozo Region.;

10. Formulate the legal framework for a Regional Status for Gozo. The concept of this Regional Statusis intended to gain more autonomy for Gozo as well as to acquire the legislative and executive potential based on effective democracy;

11. Encourage the close collaboration between the Gozo MPs of different leanings to optimise existing local human talent as oppose to wasting such resources simply because of varied political creeds;

12. Insert effective review mechanisms to ensure constant transparency. Gozo has inherent promising opportunities but also threats emanating from the omerta’ symptom and the structural weakness of social aggression. These challenges shall be explicitly addressed by AD for a better life and work environment in Gozo;

13. A Regional Institution to include a Public Registry, a Regional Police HeadQuarters with lock up cells, a fire brigade and Rescue Centre, Regional Attorney General office, Regional office for Local Government and any other departments which fall under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs;

14. Ensure a full manpower of police officers for Gozo;

15. Ensure all police stations are manned;

16. Guarantee the right of a fair, impartial and effective police protection for Gozitans in the course of their daily activities;

17. Certify that all ranks in the police force are entitled to modern training techniques, to be supported and equipped with the latest technological apparatus to provide a service of excellence;

18. Strive to obtain a fair, proportionate representation for Gozo voters in that the quota of Gozo’s MPs reflect the number of Gozo’s registered voters This means that Gozo should be allocated a sixth elected MP to its current five representatibes.

Difiza ta' l-ambjent ghal Xoghol ta' kwalita'

Il-Billboard tieghi f'Ghawdex qieghdha ezattament hdejn it-traffic lights tax-Xewkija - taht il-Mithna.

Sa' ftit jiem ilu l-messagg kien ' juzawk u jarmuk - ahna nistmawk dejjem'.

Ftit jiem ilu inbidel f'dan:

B'wicci minn quddiem nista' nghid li Alternattiva Demokrtika biss ghandha policies cari dwar il-futur ambjentali f'Ghawdex.

Kemm ilna nezistu bhala Kumitat Regjonali ta' l-AD Ghawdex, iltqajna ma mijiet ta' Ghawdxin fuq bazi individwali u qasmu mieghi esperjenzi ta' ngustizzji minn naha ta' Awtorita' li suppost tiehu hsieb l-ippjanar. Mijiet ta' Ghawdxin li sa ftit ilu kienu jxejjru imkatar homor jew blu' avvicinawna ghax jafu li ahna ma ninxtrawx. Jafu li l-fondi tal-partit taghna m'humiex gejjin minn ghand xi hadd b'sahhtu. Jafu li ahna genwinament jinteressawna nies li m'ghandhomx vuci, jew li l-vuci taghhom ma tinstemax jekk m'ghandhomx ir-rih fil-qala'.

Ghalfejn difiza ta' l-ambjent?
Ghax l-Ghawdxin jixirqilhom xoghol f'Ghawdex u xoghol ta' kwalita'

Ha nispjega ftit:

Kulhadd jaf li Ghawdex jigbed eluf ta' turisti u Maltin propju ghax Ghawdex sabih. X'fiha hazin allura li nzommu lil Ghawdex sabih?

Inzommu lil Ghawdex sabih mhux billi nehduha kontra kull tip ta' zvilupp jew kull tip ta' kostruzzjoni. Irridu li jsir zvilupp f'Ghawdex - imma rridu li jsir zvilupp bil-ghaqal. Ma rridux li Ghawdex jibqa' presepju imma lanqas irridu li Ghawdex isir Manhattan fil-Mediterran.

Minflok inkomplu innaqqru mill-kampanja taghna, hemm bzonn li nikkonvertu bini li huwa abbandunat u mitluq u jigu mibdula f'residenzi sbieh li jaqblu mall-karattru Ghawdxi.

Qatt rajt turisti jiehdu ritratti ta' faccata ta' xi dar sabiha tipikament Ghawdxija?

Qatt rajt turisti jiehdu ritratt ta' xi blokka gebubi ta' flettijiet vojta li ma joqghod fihom hadd hlief li jinkrew ftit jiem fis-sena lil xi erba' Maltin f'Santa Marija?

Mhux dan it-tip ta' xoghol irridu noffru lill-Ghawdxin, xoghol ta' seftur/a tahsel xi par lozor wara li alla jaf kif wiehed kera xi week-end lil xi familja Maltin.

L-ideat taghna ghal xoghol ta' kwalita' jinstabu fil-proposti taghna ghal Ghawdex. Nitolbok taghfas hawnhekk biex issir taf aktar.

Ilna s-snin nitkellmu dwar li Ghawdex ghandu jkun gzira ekologija b'holqien ta' mpjiegi godda u morderni. X'gara s'issa?

U nirrepeti dak li qed jistaqsuni n-nies:

X'ser jigri mir-Ramlaq, Ta' Cenc u Hondoq wara l-elezzjoni?

u jien nghidilhom: "Jiddependi mill-vot tieghek siheb"

Kampanja ta' gideb u biza', issa f'Ghawdex ukoll

Mhux biss fid-djar tan-nies li jghixu fl-10 u d-9 distrett izda issa wkoll fit-13-il distrett, voldieri f'Ghawdex.

Marru fuqu l-familjari ta' wiehed mill-kandidati tal-PN u tghidx xi priedka ghamlulu biex ma jmurx jaghti xi vot lili.

Qalli: "Gabuni tifel zghir. Qaluli biex lanqas it-2 jew it-3 jew il-4 ma naghti lill-Kandidat ta' l-Alternattiva"

Jien: "Veru jew?"

Qalli: "Xejn... anzi qaluli biex jekk jien imdejjaq bin-Nazzjonalisti, ahjar nivvota lil xi hadd minn tal-Lejber milli naghti xi vot lil ta' l-Alternattiva"

Jien: "U x'ghidtilhom"

Qalli: "Ghidtilhom li int tigi minni u kont qed nahseb li almenu jhalluni bi kwieti"

Jien: "Nahseb li nhasdu x'hin ghidtilhom li tigi minni"

Qalli: "Lanqas xejn ma nhasdu. Kienu qed jistennewni nghidilhom hekk anzi, ghamluli priedka biex nivvota lejber basta mhux lil ta' l-Alternattiva."

X'tahsbu eh? arroganza jew perswazzjoni?

Stejjer bhal dawn jaghmlu l-politika mahmuga. Minn servizz igibu l-politika hmieg. Minn banda tajjeb tohrog il-verita' minn qalb certu nies li jilghabuha tal-martri quddiem l-interess ta' Ghawdex.


Isma d-diskors taghna kemm hu differenti. Il-Vot tieghek mhux ta' l-AD jew il-PN jew l-AN jew l-MLP. Il-vot tieghek m'hu ta' ebda partit, lanqas m'hu tan-nanna jew tal-buznanna.

Int taf li jekk tivvota lili, jien ser nahdem ghall-interess ta' Ghawdex u mhux ghal tal-qalba. Jekk trid hekk, nirringrazzjak tal-vot.

Jekk tahseb li hrigt ghonqi niddefendi lill-diversi residenti u setturi f'Ghawdex matul dawn l-ahhar snin, ghamilt dan ghal xi gwadann personali; allura tivvotalix.

Ivvota u gib bidla fil-mentalita'. Grazzi hafna tal-vot tieghek.