"White Rocks Project will generate employment and investment"-Gonzi

Gonzi stated that when the time comes he will move a parliamentary resolution on the White Rocks project. The project will generate high levels of employment and attract foreign investment, enhancing Malta’s economy.

“We will have to bow down to MEPA’s rules just like everybody else,” said Gonzi, “It is my duty to be transparent, and we will publish all documents relevant to the project in due time”. He also said that the project is intended to be developed into the best Sports Complex on the island, attracting international sports competitions to the island.

The Prime Minister also discussed the importance of Malta- EU ties. As a result of the Council Summit meeting held last week in Brussels, a number of key areas are expected to improve.

The Strategy Europe 2020: A strategy for smart, sustainable and inclusive growth, was the subject of discussion in the Summit.

Malta will be focusing on five areas, namely the Economy and employment, Research and Innovation, Energy and climate change, Education and Social Inclusion.

With reference to Social Inclusion, Gonzi said that vulnerable people with low income who depend on relief, as well as families, employers and students, stand to benefit.

On the subject of energy, Gonzi said that “We are very weak in this respect because we depend on something that we have no control over.” The pressing subject of energy and climate change means that the country has to make some difficult decisions, namely on the topic of windf arms, photovoltaics and the Delimara Powerstation.

The issue of pensions was also raised, with Gonzi adding that the government offers the maximum pension possible (of LM4500 a year) for good standards of living.

“We are giving maximum pensions. Is this good enough? No.” He said that shortly, the pension system which was adopted 5 years ago will be reviewed. Gonzi will be calling on the help of the World Trade Organisation and the World Bank, to help process and evaluate the situation and the effects of the system’s changes.