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All economic indicators remain strong
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OPINION
by JAIME NETTO
Minister for Family, Youth and Community Affairs
Recently, along with other local parliamentarians from Gibraltar we attended a Commonwealth Conference in Tanzania. Among the topics for discussion were, Climate Change, Fighting Terrorism and the effects of the Financial Crisis on small states.
It was in this latter topic that we heard the testimony of many representatives of small jurisdictions similar to us giving evidence of the impact of loss of revenue, loss of jobs, high level of unemployment, and in some states introducing financial cut-back on front-line services in Education, Health and Welfare Benefits, in order to avoid bankruptcy.
Whilst we listened with great attention and sympathised for our colleagues around the world, we nevertheless felt that the local economic conditions prevailing in Gibraltar, thankfully is the complete opposite. So far we have managed to weather the storm extremely well, due to the stewardship of our Chief Minister.
All economic indicators remain strong. According to the Employment Survey of 2008, we had 21,500 employed in Gibraltar. This is 7,796 more jobs than when the GSLP was in Government. We also have 1,370 more Gibraltarians in employment today than before, and in relation to the local level of unemployment, the average under the GSLP was 580, whilst under the GSD are 358. The fact remains, that under the GSD, Gibraltar has prospered much more, we are better off, and thankfully we have managed to put far more financial resources in developing services in Education, Health, The Elderly and the Disabled than ever before.
Mr. Linares has criticized the Government for increasing electricity charges by 20%. But he does not tell you that in almost every other country it has been increased by two or three times more than us. The Government has therefore done very well to limit the tariff charges to just 20%. This is another example of how the opposition distorts the truth to suit their ends.
Our track record in investing in the Elderly surely must rank as one of the best in the world on a per capita basis. Back in 1996, under the GSLP Government, the subvention to maintain Mount Alvernia was £870,000. Today, it is £7,917,000. This represents an increase of 810%. This massive increase has allowed us to raise services and standards to our Elderly as never seen before in our recent history. Not only is Mount Alvernia fully operational, but more importantly it provides a first class service to our elderly, one that we are all proud of today.
FIRST
In addition to this, it took a GSD Government to be the first to provide a specialised building for the elderly. Bishop Canilla House, is truly a most fitting Home for our elderly to enjoy their retirement years in truly Gibraltarian fashion in the company of their own folks.
Due to the success of this initiative, the GSD has continued to invest in more of these type of dwelling. By the beginning of next year, we will have Albert Risso House opened. This will allow a further 140 pensioners to enjoy the same kind of lifestyle, as their fellow citizens in Bishop Canilla.
Whilst these new provisions are impressive in its own right, they are not the only initiatives the Government is considering for the Elderly. We believe that further new services, are important steps in the overall delivery of services to our elderly. It is for this reason that we are looking at different levels of provision. The next level up from the Bishop Canilla dwelling, will be a Care Assisted Home facility to allow a level of support to those elderly with mild disability.
Another level up from this will be a new nursing/dementia hospital for the ever increasing numbers of senior citizens particularly with dementia. Inclusive of this initiative would be the creation of a unit for younger victims of a debilitating disease. Clearly, all of these strategies put together will undoubtedly provide a thorough and holistic approach to the care of our elderly as never seen before.
Developing and modernising social services is also an important aspect of our work. Here too, investing in our disabled community or in those most needy persons of our society is essential. Back in 1996, the GSLP Government budget for Social Services was £1,000,000, today under the GSD it is £6,338,000 this is an increase of 507%.
BENEFITS
Whilst these figures clearly illustrate the dereliction of moral duty by the GSLP Government towards the most needy groups within our society, it also highlights how the GSD Government has been acutely concerned to provide decent standard of services to such groups. In addition to this, under the GSLP Government, almost all Social Security benefits and allowances remained frozen, year after year after year! We instead have systematically and by substantial amounts increased these support payments, in order to ensure that the most vulnerable in our society also benefit from our economic success.
Many of you will be aware how this last summer, we provided our wheelchair-users with the necessary infrastructure at Eastern Beach for them to enjoy the sea-side in the company of their families and friends. This new service is indicative of the efforts to integrate as much as possible our disabled persons within the community. Furthermore, another important service I am currently working on is the revamping and extension of the Mobility Centre. This will, when opened provide further assistance to local and tourist alike with mobility problems.
One more service we are looking to provide, hopefully next year, will be a day hospital. This will encompass, hygiene care activities, supported by a multi-disciplinary team.
The aim will be to try and provide essential support to people in the community, thereby allowing them to remain in their own home.
MEASURES
As you can appreciate, all of these measures can only be possible if Gibraltar continues to be a secure, stable and prosperous society. The last fourteen years, under the GSD Government we have witnessed a complete transformation for the better, in which every single sector, or groups have benefited from the general wellbeing of Gibraltar.
There is still more to do, and with your continuing support, we will ensure that our community becomes even stronger. Finally, if any of you have any suggestion or concerns, please do not hesitate to bring them to my attention.
*From Party Political Broadcast
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