Labour youth discuss hot issues, lament lack of creativity

The Labour Youth Forum (FZL) are a proud bunch, and they’ll proudly tell you why.

Under the current administration, the country experienced “unprecedented” economic growth, as well as social and environmental successes, the Forum’s Secretary General Georvin Bugeja said.

Speaking at the Annual General Conference where each member took to the stand, Bugeja balanced his speech out with a number of ways the country could improve.

For instance, while recognising Malta’s efforts in the area of cryptocurrency, he thinks more importance should be given to innovation and creativity.

Indeed, the idea that Malta is a pioneer in the digital economy was also picked up by information officer Jake Seracino, who praised the new Blockchain and Fintech industries which have graced our shores.

Maria Sara Vella earnestly announced that there is no time to reiterate the economic and financial success the current administration brought about, and indeed many of the young speakers refreshingly brought about a number of different issues: IVF, the environment, education.

In a striking speech, Vice President Kearon Bruno delivered a sober critique of the previous administration and lauded the efforts of the current government at dealing with the difficulties it inherited.

But financial officer Wayne Dimech expressed concern at the obesity rate in the country, and the amount of cars on the road – issues which he said are not being addressed properly, but is nonetheless hopeful.

Bernice Farrugia brought up the issue of development, and urged delegates to safeguard the agricultural sector.

The same sentiment was expressed by Maria Ellul, who also listed the government’s various advancements in education, health, and equality.

Matthew Chetcuti brought up the topic of disability;
hailing the government’s success at improving the lives of people with disabilities, and addressing the need for further accessibility and emotional inclusion.

A brief flicker of the party’s grassroots spirit was felt across the hall when political officer Brendan Zerafa spoke of the opportunities awarded to the working class youth, and the concern that a fast-growing economy could negatively impact the most vulnerable.

Zerafa succinctly echoed two sentiments often expressed as a response to turmoil in the country: “we are becoming victims of our success,” and “others seek to divide us”.

But not all hope is lost. Far from it, Zerafa said they should  be proud of who they were, and that all those seeking to be catalysts for change should, indeed, unite and join the movement of change.

The Forum’s President, Naomi Cachia, delivered a powerful message: FZL members are proud of the party, the government, and of who they are – for as long as their hearts are in the right place, no degree of intimidation will push them to stray from their collective path.