Prime Minister visits Rotary Club Malta

The Prime Minister, Dr Joseph Muscat, during his visit to Rotary Club Malta on the 15 May 2015, in his speech to the members congratulated the Club on their continued service to the community, particularly in the Club's support of Dar il Kaptan, a respite home for disabled and also overseas, with the Government's support, the building of the first school on an Island in Lake Victoria, Uganda. Cohesive, supportive and caring  communities was very much one the aims of the Government.  

 

This was Dr Muscat's second visit to the club, the first being several years ago, when he first became Leader of the Opposition. The upbeat speech highlighted the booming economy of Malta, being the fastest growing nation, along with Ireland, in the European Community. "I am glad that I do not have to worry about unemployment, the shortage of skills to meet the demands of industry and commerce was, however, a major focus". Out of the many jobs created last year, 50% had to be filled by foreigners, as local skills were unavailable". The increase of the country and citizens wealth and wellbeing meant that in order to keep growing we would need to import outside talent. The Maltese are also moving up to take the higher paid and skilled jobs.

 

Dr Muscat highlighted some of his major initiatives, such as the Gozo Medical School, White Rocks development and American University which would improve the health, quality and diversity of life in Malta, to ensure that growth would increasingly help identify Malta as a "good" country.

 

He took time to answer a number of members questions dealing with the migration issue, the environment - he favoured high rise, as it utilized a lower footprint of the limited land. He also answered questions on education, where his government were carrying out "a silent revolution" in increasing the training of the young  and encouraging training with jobs instead of benefits. The Mount Carmel shooting range project was also mentioned as decisions still being open.

 

The President of the Club, Alfred Caruana Galizia,  thanked the Prime Minister for his interesting speech, which pointed to good times ahead.