Empowering people

Owen Bonnici (Minister for National Heritage, the Arts and Local Government)

"Our biggest regret is that he can never look in the mirror and see how good-looking he is. He will never be able to see his brother and sister, and the world around him." 

This is what Karen and Johann Ellul told The Malta Independent on Sunday, in 2016, about their son Quiven, then a two-year-old, who a year before had been diagnosed with cancer in both eyes and, as a result, lost his sight.

Fast forward to today, and Quiven is now an up-and-coming pianist who recently met one of his idols, the legendary tenor Andrea Bocelli. 

The encounter, made possible thanks to Arts Council Malta, was a powerful reminder that art and culture can ignite hope and that creativity empowers everyone to reach their fullest potential.

Quiven is a remarkable example of a young boy punching above his weight. He has a bright future ahead. Young, and talented people like Quiven deserve our support. Well done, Quiven, your future is bright.

HOPE

Politics is all about improving people's lives. Last Sunday, speaking in Valletta, in front of an impressive crowd, Prime Minister and Labour Party Leader Robert Abela mentioned how the Maltese government, thanks to the Health Ministry led by my colleague Minister Jo Etienne Abela, a leading medical surgeon, supported the medical care of a Maltese new born who has had serious medical complications to the tune of Euro 2 million. 

The newborn is currently in the UK for world-class medical procedures. Euro 2 million is a huge amount of money, but every euro of it, spent to give this adorable young boy a better life, is money well spent, and the reason why we are in politics. 

FRESH START

My parliamentary colleague, Labour MP Amanda Spiteri Grech, will put forward a private member's bill in parliament that introduces "the right to be forgotten" for cancer survivors. 

She has the government's full support, for hers is a noble initiative that addresses an unjust situation with cancer survivors who would have already gone through untold hardships, and the last thing that they deserve, after their successful battle with cancer, is hurdles to get back to normal life. 

Amanda is putting a stop to that, paving the way for a brighter future for cancer survivors. 

In a nutshell, cancer survivors face hefty insurance costs when taking out home loans because they are deemed to be medically high risk.

Amanda is insisting, and rightly so, that the loading on the insurance premium should not be applied if the person has been cured from cancer and years have passed without relapse. I look forward to implementing my colleague's proposal into law.

'Past Forward'

This week, I had the pleasure of inaugurating this year's edition of 'Science in the City 2025'. Themed 'Past Forward', it will take place in Valletta on the 26th and the 27th of this month, blending science, arts and history.

During that weekend, Valletta will be a hub of street festivals, innovative performances, and interactive experiences. There will be the Street Festival lighting up the Tritons' Fountain, and Vjal Nelson in Floriana, as well as the Performance Festival at Sala San Duminku featuring shows such as "From Lab to Table", "Science Machine", and "Mini UrbanLab for Green Cities".

'Past Forward" [what an innovative slogan!] explores how historic research and innovations shaped our world and how they will create a better tomorrow.

'Science in the City' is a fun and educational event for all the family. Let's celebrate the ideas of yesterday that inspire tomorrow's world. 

PRECIOUS STEPS

Ibrahim Mahir Wasfi Wishah was brought to Malta in April after being wounded in Gaza. He was given treatment at Mater Dei for orthopaedic complications, which he suffered in his right leg during an explosion. A few days ago, Prime Minister Robert Abela visited Ibrahim to watch him make his first steps again. The young Palestinian boy looked radiant, looking forward to a brighter future that all young people deserve. Ibrahim's wish to walk again came true thanks to the Maltese government, which provided him, along with several other young Palestinians, with medical care in Malta. Malta has historically been described as the nurse of the Mediterranean - Ibrahim's case is a beautiful example of that - our mission to work for peace and prosperity in the Mediterranean, Europe, and beyond

GAZA

I have had the occasion to speak and write about the genocide in Gaza on many occasions. As I write, Gaza, or the little that is left of it, is still under attack and people kept being killed daily. The international community has made many declarations in support of Gaza, and its people - but it seems none have been bold enough to put a stop to this war. In a few weeks, at the UN Summit in New York, the Maltese government shall be recognizing the State of Palestine. Malta has consistently been a huge supporter of the Palestinian cause, and the need for a two-state solution. We shall continue to be fiercely determined to see an end to the bloodshed in Gaza, and for the Palestinians to have their own state.