Compiled by Rachel Zammit Cutajar, Nestor Laiviera, and Miriam Dalli

Lawrence Gonzi

Prime Minister

Grandfather of three, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi wishes he can find more quality time to spend with his family. However, “the satisfaction one gets out of politics in seeing positive improvements being made to the country for the benefit of both present and future generations, goes beyond any resolution.”

With 2010 seeing the death of his father, Gonzi admits it was not an easy year for him. “Although it is not an easy moment to go through, it is in moments like these that one really treasures childhood memories.” However, 2010 has also seen the birth of two grandchildren. “With three grandchildren in the family, family gatherings took a new and noisy dimension,” the Prime Minister said.

Confident that 2011 will be a year of opportunities to improve the country, the Prime Minister promises that through the New Year the Cabinet and the parliamentary group shall work together to further implement the electoral measures. “2011 will see the continuation of several infrastructural projects as well as the start of other projects including road infrastructure as well as further regeneration projects in Valletta and in parks and open spaces. Our focus remains anchored on jobs and job creation.”

Tonio Fenech

Finance Minister

Describing 2010 as challenging would be an understatement. It’s Christmastime, and surely it’s not my intention to dampen spirits by reminding readers of crisis periods! But we can look back with satisfaction over what Malta achieved.

We endured tough times… it establishes the right confidence to build on these foundations and achieve better results next year. My hope is to continue to build on this positive momentum and see the benefits of growth trickle down to the wider population.

For 2011, I would like to see a spiritual revival – we seem to forget too easily that Jesus is the reason for this season. We need to see healthy growth around us, and be prepared to grasp opportunities that arise. More importantly, we need to also appreciate that success is not exclusively about prosperity. I hope we continue appreciating the good things that forge our society: our families, traditions, history, climate. Let’s work hard to improve ourselves – let’s also cherish all the good things that we share.

Joseph Muscat

Opposition leader

2010 was a special year for my children because they started primary school – an experience for Michelle and I as parents. Waking up early in the morning to prepare the twins and drive them to school (I drive them myself when possible), and chatting with them about their day were special moments I will treasure.

Politically, this was a year of consolidation for Labour, which opened itself to a base beyond its party supporters. Our movement wants to see the country advance with a plan, not simply having ‘a party in government’ bungling its way from one election to the next.

There are many problems which I would like to see solved in 2011 – one of the most pressing is air quality. This is not a North/South issue. There are pollution problems all around the island from Sliema and the Grand Harbour area, to Fgura, Zabbar, Zejtun, Marsaxlokk and the rest of the South of Malta. We need to drop the idea that improving our environment harms the economy. In fact, better environment leads to better quality of life, healthier people and less strain on our health sector. For 2011 I will also make sure to find more time to spend with my children and be more present in their lives.

Anglu Farrugia

Labour deputy leader

2010 for me personally was a good year as my daughter Caroline, a lawyer, graduated last month in Magister Juris in international law (magna cum laudae) and is now one of my partners in my law firm.

Politically I feel that Labour went through important reforms and that it is now fully prepared to govern this country.

On the other hand I feel 2010 has clearly shown how corruption in Malta under the Nationalist government is ripe and this is worrying me once the government of the day is obstructing the true due process of law in this regard. I will work harder in 2011 to ensure the Maltese come closer to the true values of a clean society for which my party is working. I would like 2011 to see a change in government that my country truly deserves, if hopefully a early general election is called.

Michael Briguglio

Chairman, Alternattiva Demokratika

2010 was my third year as a Dad – one of the most rewarding experiences in my life – and my first year as AD chairperson, another challenging experience which I cherish. I’m also a sociologist and drummer, so you can imagine how precious time is for me!

Politically the most significant thing is the fact we have a government which has been alone in power for too long, and an Opposition doing everything possible to get to power by aiming to please everyone at the same time. Cheap populism might win elections, but won’t change things. I am convinced more than ever on the need for something that goes beyond the stagnant duopoly of the Nationalist and Labour parties.

In 2011 I aim to be better in all I do, and to be more relaxed at the same time. Indeed, sometimes anxiety blocks one’s personal development. If 2011 shall really be the year of the divorce referendum, I hope that the ‘yes’ campaign will emerge victorious. Malta will finally join the rest of the world in the achievement of this basic civil right, which can only help strengthen family life.

Evarist Bartolo

Shadow education minister

2010 was a happy year: my two daughters graduated – Katrine in law from the University of Malta, and Louisa in social and political science from the University of Cambridge. I have also spent another happy year with my wife Gillian, celebrating 33 years of marriage on 27 December.

But I was struck by how families are finding it harder to make ends meet because of utility bills. We should strive to build a new economy and create more wealth and jobs, taking concrete steps towards a more open and democratic society where diversity is celebrated – not just tolerated. We should also take steps to hold government more accountable. I was saddened by the parody government made of the Public Accounts Committee, castrating it and weakening its role in scrutinising government.

For 2011, I will work to have responsible divorce introduced in the coming year, and I hope the Gender Identity Bill will become law, granting full human rights to transgender persons. I will also work to make One News a national news service which is interesting, reliable and close to the people – and put public broadcasting on the national agenda, bringing about necessary institutional changes.”

Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando

Nationalist MP

I hope the Maltese vote in favour of the responsible form of divorce. This will mean an end to unnecessary suffering and injustice many of our fellow citizens have been forced to accept up to now. I’m sure divorce will be debated in the House of Representatives in the coming months. I hope the New Year also sees an improvement of political discourse. It is worrying that at times it is reduced to something which is more akin to a slinging match. 2010 was a good year for me and my family, and I plan spend even more time with them. There is nothing I value more.

Marco Cremona

Hydrologist

2010 was out of this world. For five months I lived in tents at an elevation higher than any mountain in the Alps. My wife and I also had a belated honeymoon in August, when we crossed 11 times zones across Russia, Siberia, Mongolia and China by train.

2010 was also a watershed of national water issues; interest and awareness in Malta’s water problems increased exponentially, not least after the record-breaking storm on 26 October.

My priority for 2011 is to overcome the bureaucratic hurdles preventing my wife and I from adopting two children from Ethiopia (already a two-year project), and carry out volunteering work in Africa. I’d also like to commercialise my HOTER sewage-to-potable-water project for hotels. What I’d like to see next year is more action and honesty (and less talk) on the political front. I’d like to see more people speak up in the national interest and have the courage to call a spade a spade.

Gabi Calleja

Malta Gay Rights Movement

As far as MGRM is concerned, with Joanne Cassar’s victory in the Constitutional Court and the tabling of the proposed Gener Identity Bill by Evarist Bartolo, it has been a great year for transgender rights. Starting the year in the San Francisco’s gay district, Castro, 2010 has brought much change with it.

Personally, 2010 involved settling into a relatively new job, getting over the breakdown of a relationship and refurbishing my apartment. I’m not one for resolutions, but if I had to choose, I’d opt to enjoy more the special moments of life. If I had to settle for one, then it would be to make the most of each day and to enjoy the important things in life: time with family and friends, a walk in the countryside, a long swim in the summer heat, a good meal and a job well done.

I hope 2011 will see the enactment of the Gender Identity Law in Malta. If I were to let myself dream then I’d also add marriage equality for same-sex couples.

Vanessa Macdonald

di-ve.com editor

I started out 2010 with a plan, but life conspires to turn those plans on their head so 2010 has been a year of adjustment. What matters is whether you see change as a negative thing or the blossoming of new opportunities. I choose the latter.

We are now halfway through the legislature – the first half always being the ‘bad news’ part - and we should begin seeing the start of the ‘good news’. We were caught up in storms that were not of our making, from Icelandic volcanoes to Greek debt, but just as in one’s personal life, what matter is whether you turn challenges into opportunities.

For me, 2011 is going to be all about my daughter’s wedding in June (my son already graduated so I already cherished that proud moment), not only every little girl’s dream, but every mother’s dream too. For 2011, I’d like to see fewer studies and policies and strategies, fewer white papers and green papers, consultation documents and development briefs, and more action.

John Bundy

TV presenter

I am a positive person and always look for ways to lift myself up when things go wrong - but 2010 was not all roses. Early on, my family and I suffered two big blows. First, my dad was diagnosed with cancer and had to immediately undergo serious surgery, and a second shock came with discovering my father in law dead at home. This wasn’t easy for us but we managed to make it through, and the rest was fine.

This year, I launched my new TV show Affari Tghna - a major success from the start. My breakfast show Bongu Bundy also received audience viewer-ship high percentages, as the most-watched morning programme. I don’t make resolutions, if I have to do something I don’t wait for a new year’s resolution, I just do it. I aim to achieve more professionally, and look forward to digging into something new - also related to media.

For 2011, I would love to see more political correctness and transparency, a better economy, news of an oil ‘strike’, divorce law, more cultural and religious reasoning, less poverty, strengthening of family values and more inclusion and less pressure on the citizen.

Tiffany Pisani

Winner of Britain’s Next Top Model 2010

2010 has been an amazing year for me as I have done many things I never thought I was capable of doing. It has been a big learning experience for me and I have truly enjoyed it to the fullest. I think the clip of Malta that was shown at the final was very good for Malta as it was shown in a very good light. Many people have told me how beautiful Malta looks and how they would love to go, so hopefully with the help of that advert it will attract more tourists.

My personal resolution for 2011 is too work as much as I can and push myself. Since the fashion industry is very tough, I want to try my best and make the most of out this opportunity. I would like to secure as many campaigns as I can, and to walk in the fashion weeks. I would like animal welfare to improve in 2011, Malta is a beautiful country and its a shame to see beautiful animals being neglected.”

Chysander Aguis

Actor and comedian

2010 was yet another busy year for me. With four big shows and daily commitments on TV. It started off well with loads of new projects but I must say the year finished with a loss of a friend, Claire’s father which event made me realise how short our lives are and how important it is to try and make the most out of your days on this planet.

Financially it was also a tough year with many clients being late on payments, bills etc. It was a disastrous year for my car as well. She’s been on the road for 12 years now, and it’s time to change it, as it’s getting embarrassing, stalling at places crowded with people saying ‘dak taz-zoo....waqaf!’. So thumbs up for the government scheme... I’ll be buying a new one and scrapping the old one!

I need new challenges and new vibes when it comes to performing. I would like to venture into new theatre thrills, maybe less TV. A good film perhaps? My resolution this year is to spend more time with my family, some quality time with my wife and parents. I would like to see a bit more business going on. At the moment especially during the Christmas period, business was slow from our end, compared to years before. Also I am happy we are finally getting down to business on many issues such as public transport and revamping the fortifications.

I am hoping that crimes will go a bit down this year as lately they are on the increase. Hope that winter will be on at least till February since I hate summer and heat! I would love to see Valletta and Paceville better at night. Hope for less traffic especially in the southern part of the island! I am hoping Inter get better scores and that Malta gets some points in the European qualifiers.

Joelle Cortis

Miss Malta 2010, athlete

Personally I’m very happy with 2010. I went to compete in the Lisbon Half Marathon in March and I ran a personal best of 1:24:28. In July I went on a cruise with my family, which was the best cruise I had ever been on! I won the title of Miss Malta 2010 November and three weeks later I won the Malta International Challenge Marathon.

Regarding issues concerning the country I personally agree it is something very positive that a national sexual health policy is finally being discussed and proposed. I would also like to see more interest in athletics as I believe there is a lot of potential out there.

This year is going to be an eventful year for me. I am looking forward to graduating as a Doctor of Laws in November 2011 and sitting for my Notary Warrant Examination. I am hoping to make it as the first woman to run the full marathon in under three hours in February. I am also launching my website www.joellecortis.com and organising and run a fund raising event for a charitable cause.

There are many things I would like to see happen in Malta in 2011, mainly increasing laws to protect the weak and vulnerable, like children and animals, and to keep retired people active in the community for as long as possible. I would like to see more support for marathon runners in the upcoming events this year. I also like to see a reduction in time cases at our law courts are left pending as it is the duty of magistrates and judges to give a verdict within a reasonable timeframe.

Talitha

DJ and singer

I’ve done so many things I can actually say that my lifestyle almost changed completely. I’m currently reading a course in Graphics Design at MCAST, and I have finally found a course which is artistic in different ways. 2010 has also seen me establish myself as a make-up artist and has brought an exciting opportunity along the way. Another big thing was accepting a job opportunity at 89.7 Bay. I must say I am really enjoying being a drive-time radio presenter with my co-host Nathan.

My New Year’s resolution is to choose the best opportunities and to not take more than I can handle. In the past I have had many opportunities and I always hate turning down things, only to end up not focusing on the most important. So next year I’m going to try and choose my priorities. My wish for Malta in 2011 is for an Entertainment Company to extend their company to the island. It would also be interesting to have a professional school which offers professional Graphic Design/Photography courses. Times are changing but I still feel we don’t have enough teaching on the matter.

Steve and Errol

Airport Impressions

Airport Impression’s frontman Errol Sammut and drummer Steve Farrugia cannot complain about 2010. The year has seen the launch of their first album “Minutes of a Lifetime” and the three awards they took home from the Bay Music Awards 2010. With Airport Impressions at the centre of their lives, Errol and Steve look forward to a 2011 filled with new opportunities for them and the rest of the band.

“My resolution is to take the band abroad and strengthen our gigs both in Europe and outside Europe,” Sammut said, admitting there are talks going on. “I cannot reveal more, however I can say that thanks to the help we are receiving, I guess I’m going to keep my resolution this year.”

Asked what he’d like to see happening in Malta during 2011, Farrugia says he’d like to see an improvement in the festivals artists in which artists take part. “I want all musicians, singers and other artists to really believe in their work and not waste money, time and energy on useless festivals such as the Eurovision Song Contest,” he states. “We have enough local talent to make a spectacular local festival as one.”