[WATCH] Economic development useless if it doesn’t improve people’s quality of life – Church

The Church’s Justice and Peace Commission has stressed the need for a revaluation of the way in which the country views progress, arguing that economic development is only one aspect that must be considered.

In its pre-budget recommendations to the government, the church, quoting Pope Francis, said that “technological and economic development which does not leave in its wake a better world and integrally, higher quality of life, cannot be considered progress”.

“We need to change the way we consume and the way in which we treat the environment; the way we make our daily decisions, and how we invest,” the church said.

It called on the government to assist in changing these behavioural traits through further investment in the educational system and by ensuring that education does not only focus on exams. Students, it said, needed to learn to think critically, for them to grow into “mature discerning adults and therefore responsible citizens”.

“Only in this way will be able to make sure that the economic benefits will truly lead to a better quality of life for all, including current and future generations,” it added.

In its recommendations, the commission highlighted five “major focus areas”: transport, the environment, health, affordable housing and migration.,

On Transport, it called for more long-term solutions rather than quick fixes. It called for more improvement to the country’s infrastructure that would better allow public transport, carpooling, walking and cycling to truly become valid alternatives to private cars.

As regards the environment, the commission said it was necessary for a circular economy model to be set up, while stressing the need for authorities to work for a cleaner island through the introduction of green areas.

“Forward planning for efficient land-use and the protection of our environmental heritage should also be ensured,” it said.

The commission noted that acting on environmental and traffic issues would go a long way to making citizens’ lifestyle healthier but added that more concrete actions were also necessary.

Such actions, its said, included increased physical activity in schools, a limit on unhealthy food and incentives to walk and cycle. “Resources should be directed towards mental healthcare to provide quality services to both patients as well as their family members or carers.”

The problem of rising rents and the unaffordability of housing is by now well-documented, and few would argue that the number of people struggling has not increased in recent years.

In this regards, the church is proposing that government look into different schemes such as: shared ownership housing schemes, a government mortgage guarantee and a deduction of the loan interest from taxes.

Finally, on migration, the church said government should ensure optimal working conditions for all, irrespective of their nationality.

It said this could be done through the setting up of a legal advice office that would provide third-country nationals with information about their rights and obligations.

Moreover, it said local legislation should be amended to include effective protection of migrant workers who report abuse. The commission also encouraged the setting up of more integration programmes.

In the case of asylum seekers, the commission said it was “renewing” its plea for the respect of the humanity of these individuals.

“The government should invest in the Initial Reception Centre where such individuals are first welcomed. Further efforts should be invested in family reunification of such individuals, both recognized refugees and beneficiaries of subsidiary protection.”