Lawrence Gonzi
Lawrence Gonzi born in Valletta on the 1st July 1953 is the current Prime Minister of the Maltese islands and the leader of the Maltese Nationalist Party.
Gonzi was educated at St. Joseph School, St. Aloysious College, The Archbishop’s Seminary and in 1975 graduated from the University of Malta as a lawyer. He practiced law in a private firm and later with the Mizzi Organisation as a company lawyer and as Group Chairman.
Lawrence Gonzi also actively participated in aiding the rights of people with physical and mental disabilities. He was appointed as the first Chairman of the National Commission for the Disabled in November 1987, a position which he held all the way through 1994.
Lawrence Gonzi’s Political life
He had his first go at national elections in 1987 but was not successful at this stage. The following year he was appointed Speaker of the House of Parliament and again in 1992.
In 1996 he tried his luck again at the general elections and was successful even though the Nationalist Party was not elected into power this time, with the majority of votes going to the Malta Labour Party (now PL). Gonzi served as an opposition Member of Parliament, Shadow Minister for Social Policy and general secretary of the party among other positions.
In 1998 when the Labour government collapsed due to internal conflicts within the party, Lawrence Gonzi was appointed the Minister for Social Policy and in May of the following year became the Deputy Prime Minister and the Leader of the House. This position was held through the 2003 elections as well.
In March 2004, following the resignation of Eddie Fenech Adami, Gonzi was appointed Prime Minister also keeping the post of Minister of Finance.
Malta joined the European Union on May 1st 2004. The newly appointed Prime Minister attended the ceremony held for the EU enlargement in Dublin Ireland. This was the first time that the Maltese flag was flown alongside the flags of the other 24 member states.
Dr. Gonzi hosted the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta as the head of the Maltese Government.
His government’s future looked a bit shaky during the National election held on the 8th March in 2008 but at the end Gonzi was re-elected as Prime Minister and leader of the Nationalist Party.
Dr. Gonzi is credited with the restructuring process he adopted in order for Malta to fulfil the required economic criteria to be able to adopt the Euros as Malta’s national currency in 2008. He also placed a large part of his attention to the correct management of public finances, making Malta more competitive in the international market, and the ongoing restructuring of the public sector.
On a seperate note, we’re trying include in this post as much information as possible, so if you happen to find out Lawrence Gonzi’s email, official website or facebook account details, please feel free to comment and list them below.
November 12th, 2009 at 11:27 am
With the swine flu in mind, and the instructions given by the health department to wash our hands frequently for 30 seconds with hot water, don’t you think that this should be taken into consideration when you have a family and the upcoming water and electricity bills growing bigger. Could the electricity and water bills NOT be increased until this scare is over?
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:30 pm
I would like to inform you that i have five shops to rent out in Qawra. They are all class 4 and I have applied for one of the shops to change from class 4 to class 6 since July 2009. One month running from MTA to Tourist Board (Mr. Lanzon), but nobody knows from where to start to apply for a take-away. MEPA promised me that by October 2009 I will have the permit in my hands, however today, the 22nd November 2009 I am still without it. As I told you, I have five shops and one of them has been closed by the police because it was rented as a gambling shop.
Some of my clients who used to come frequently now they go to bars instead up to 5am to gamble. Is this fair? I invested money, because Dr. Fenech Adami promised us justice with everybody will be the same. I have bank loans to pay, how can I explain to the bank that there is no justice with me?
I even thank your brother Dr. M. Gonzi as he tried his best to help me with the MEPA permit. Just to make it clear, I am not trying to get a permit that I have no right for. Are we going back to Dom. Mintoff’s time? Please can I have a reply, so I will know that you have read my comment. My application number is PA 3199/09.
November 23rd, 2009 at 9:48 pm
Hi Martin,
Please note that this is just an article about Dr. Lawrence Gonzi and that his excellency will most probably not be around to read your comments. Having said that, since this is arguably the most popular Malta blog, we hope that your concerns will reach those responsible.
January 2nd, 2010 at 7:55 am
Dear Dr. Gonzi, I wish you and all the family a Happy New Year 2010! I am in the Police force and would like to thank you for what you are doing for Malta. I think it was one good Christmas for all the Maltese.
January 8th, 2010 at 1:08 pm
Onorevoli, is-sena t-tajba. Ghandi zewg kummenti xi nghid fil-qosor. Nr 1 meta gejja dik l-imbierka taxxa li kull min ghandu garage irid ihallas talli qed jigi akkomodat u qed juza spazju tal-gvern? Nr 2 lill Dr Demarco u Dr A. Gatt nghidlu jien li jekk irid it-turizmu jirpilja, l-ewwel ma jibda iqaccat nies kriminali (taxi drivers) u jgibhom li min ikun taxi driver jidhol bl-ezami, biex jaqta l-hmieg ghax niggaratilek jien kolla illetterati.
Grazzi talli smajtni,
Joseph
January 26th, 2010 at 9:27 pm
Ghaziz prim ministru, jien ghandi hija ilu bla xoghol iktar min sena. Interviews ghamel ukoll, imma mid-dehra hawn Malta jekk ma jkollokx xi qaddis ma timxix. Hija kien wegga id-dockyard u baqgha b’disabilita bil-bastun, ghadu jbati il-konsegwenzi ma jistax jahdem kulimkien. Nixtieq li tikkunsidra dan kollu.
Grazzi hafna, Mariella Scicluna
March 15th, 2010 at 4:43 pm
I’m a mother of a son who has a disability, he’s blind. I applied for a computer from the Community Chest Fund and am still waiting for a reply. Whenever I phone, noone helps me out and my husband is still unemployed. Secondly, he goes to Handaq College and whenever he does something wrong even if small, he gets expelled for a week. You should consider applying different punishments, cause this way he will never learn anything. There’s a lot of complaints about the head master, please look into it.
Thanks a lot and hope you can reply to me.
Best regards,
Anna Xerri
March 26th, 2010 at 11:49 pm
Dear prime minister, I invite you to visit and see our exhibition which is a very spectacular set at the parish hall, Immaculate Conception in Hamrun. You are always welcome. I can assure you that you have never seen anything like it and the atmosphere is wonderful.
April 6th, 2010 at 12:58 pm
Dear Prime Minister – Mr Gonzi
I would greatly appreciate a response to this request. Would the government consider having another Mobile Home site on the Island other than the sham at Malta campsite? The reason for us asking is that several English own Mobile Homes on the site but the director is far from a honest business man – I and other Mobile Home owners on this site are being taken for a ride – an English expression! We would all like to move our homes onto new ground but as yet there is no-where else for us to move them to. And under the circumstances we feel no-one will buy them from us because of the scams he runs. It is all about money with him – he is a cheating all of us – always cash – obviously never pays tax or probably VAT either come to that. We have never had any VAT shown on any paperwork!
The other issue is health and safety onsite. When I first went on the site it was winter time – very few customers – however as the season progressed – we all noticed electric wires trailing all over the site to tents and many of these were extension cables with burnt out sockets!! Water – it isn’t even fit for washing in! He collects the rain water and supplies that down to the washing up sinks. The toilet facilities for motor home campers is open to access where children can get to easily, with no cover or safety area – in fact it leaks! And it is next to the pool table where the children play!
Firstly the director of this site comes across as a very decent guy – but he moves the goal posts to suit his self and is far from honest. We can list many many areas that he has crossed the line with all of us. Even the company he had originally to supply Mobile Homes for his site refused to pay him the commission on the Homes they sold onsite (12000.00Euros) and with good reason we find out at a later date.
We (English) have invested large amounts of money and we really need to have government support please. We desperately want to move our homes to new ground – we are prepared to pay our ground rent and all our running costs, but not to Malta Campsite. We understand that the permits have only just been issued for the Mobile Homes on this site and this was something we were not aware of when purchasing!!
Please please – help us – we are honest work English people who just want to be treated in an honest reliable way – we sincerely hope that the Maltese Government will support us as we love to visit your Island as often as we can. It isn’t really healthy only having one site for these homes – in light of our experience!! Any suggestions you may have or possible assistance would be greatly appreciated.
April 15th, 2010 at 12:43 pm
Ghaziz Prim Ministru,
Inhossni iddisappuntata hafna minhabba id-decizjoni li hadtu fuq dak il-purkerija ta’ monument li hemm Hal Luqa. Jiena zaghzugha, mohhni miftuh, u ma naccettax li, skuzi ghall-esprezzjoni, bezaqlu ta’ artist jigi irrispettat, u il-Papa, li huwa xbieha ta’ Gesu Kristu mhu irrispettat xejn. Mela il-kunsill lokali, Nazzjonalisti u Laburisti inghaqdu u hadu decizjoni tajba u biex ma tiksruhiex ma l-artista se thallu dak l-imsejjah monument. Ma nistennihiex minn pajjiz nisrani. Jekk trid ghadek fic-cans, Prim Ministru. Wara il-bumbardament li ghandu l-Papa bhalissa tahseb li se jiehu pjacir jara xi haga bhal dik?
Nispera li tahsibha sew qabel ma jghaddi aktar zmien u toghgob lil Alla u mhux lin-nies.
April 27th, 2010 at 8:24 pm
Dear Dr. Gonzi,
I have just returned to the UK from a trip to Malta, and was horrified at the illegal slaughter of birds going on there. I witnessed birds of prey and migrating birds being shot indiscriminately, quail lures being used openly and nets laid out in readiness to catch migrating birds. All this activity is illegal and yet the perpetrators seem able to act with impunity. I have also witnessed the intimidation of foreign visitors by the hunting brigade. You are surely aware that the hunters are criminals and as such should be brought to justice. At the moment they are giving your island a reputation for illegal slaughter, violence and thuggery, a reputation which you, as president, can surely only find shameful.
October 14th, 2010 at 7:18 am
Dear Mr. Gonzi,
I am really disappointed being a ping pong ball to get my kids’ social benefits. I have two kids, one of 7 years and a 1 year old baby. I quit from my job on July 2009 as I had no one to take care of my baby. My problem is that after 1 year I still did never receive any children’s allowance. I’ve been to the offices to check out what’s happening and no one is giving me an answer. My husband’s wage is not above quote, so I am entitled for benefits. The clerks’ answers are that they are very busy and that they are in lack of workers. So I ask that this is not my problem.
Do I have to go fortnightly to check about my benefits that are mine by right? This comes to an end that there is an inefficient service and by right the prime minister has to be informed about this situation. I am really frustrated with this service, clerks that promise me that they are going to inform me about their answer, but no one calls back. This is not a good service and they are putting a dull shade on the government services.
Mr. Gonzi, sorry that I have added my problem as I’m sure you got a lot of work to do, but I had no one to tell about my frustrating situation. Thanks and good day.
October 19th, 2010 at 3:31 pm
Dear Dr. Gonzi,
Kindly take note that I have a pending application at MEPA with a PA No 01010/06. I think many can tell that the No. states that it has been pending since early 2006. As well I have’nt heard anything from MEPA pertaining to this application since 2007. Although I know that this piece of land was included in the rationalisation scheme (approved by parlament), MEPA seems to be very reluctant to work on the file, let alone approve such a permit. Your attention on this matter is needed as if this permit is officially approved than a number of small enterprises can benefit from such a project.
Regards and thanks.
November 5th, 2010 at 1:30 pm
I want to let everyone know that the Malta campsite (Adventure Camping) is now “Malta Caravans Camping”. Nothing has changed, just the name.
April 7th, 2011 at 9:51 am
From Vince Vella on his own behalf and on behalf and in representation of Malta Camping Site Limited of Dahlet ix-Xmajjar, limits of Mellieha, Malta.
To all concerned,
In both my personal and professional capacities I categorically deny any and all allegations and negative remarks being mentioned in my regard and in regard of my business which is the only legally registered Camping Site in Malta. Such allegations and remarks emanate from a failed relationship the perpetrator wished to have with me and which never materialized.
In fact all such negative publicity is very similar in its details wherever it appears as it is being circulated by the same person who signs by the name of Margaret on Facebook. In this regard I reserve all rights including the right to recourse in order to safeguard my civil and legal rights including that of enjoying my property and business fame both locally and internationally.
Vince Vella
Malta Campsite
May 5th, 2011 at 7:03 pm
Dear Prime Minister,
Why in Malta there is very little respect for the people with special needs? Why the Goverment cars always block ramps and entrances for people with wheel chairs? How do you expect the general public obey the law when they see this bad example? I will mention a few, went to Hamrun Local Council there is a nice expensive ramp, but there was a car parked. My wife needed to go to the bathroom in Girgenti Gardens in Floriana and a government car was blocking the only entrance. The police leave the baricaids blocking the ramps after an event. I went to buy insurance from Middlesea and the entrance was blocked by a Jaguar. I had to go back after half an hour, then I found the entrance blocked with a BMW. Samison by the Labour party club cars parked on the sidewalk. One of them by the zebra crossing and the traffic lights. Why sidewalks have a ramp on one side and no ramp on the other? I have to go on the street.
June 6th, 2011 at 10:55 am
Dear prime minister, I am Mario Scicluna from Marsascala. I worked at Malta shipyard for 20 years, I have a family and still not working I need a job. Before the election you told us that I am going to earn more money for my family, but and you put me and my family in very difficult situation without a job now. Please this is not political, I need a job immediately for me and my family. Hope you can help us.
June 26th, 2011 at 7:49 pm
Dear Prime Minister, I was shocked to hear about the data that Air Malta Pilot Union published. How can the government accept this gross negligence by the relevant authorities and accept that in Malta we have the world’s most expensive air freight and courier service (due to agreements with MIA and Air freight providers)? It is much cheaper to courier a parcel from Italy to China than from Malta to Italy! Should we need to fly for a couple of days to visit a customer, it is much more expensive than any other European country! This places us SME at a huge disadvantage against other European competitors. Someone has to try to help the industry to improve the situation! I do not mind the competition, but if it is only on level grounds. Thank you.
October 20th, 2011 at 4:05 pm
Dear Prime Minister, can you please help me find a job. I am 51 years old and when I apply for a job, because of my age nobody will employ me or even try me. Thanks.
October 29th, 2011 at 12:29 pm
When will we get the 25% income tax you promised us? 4 years legislation are nearly over. Will you do it on the eve of the election? Is this being responsible?
January 22nd, 2012 at 2:48 pm
Hon Prime Minister,
I have suffered discrimination for the last 7 years. You have received several emails from myself giving you details of whom abuse and till today you have not offered a solution. I have the intention to communicate with you through this blog so everyone can see for himself the way my family was treated.