I refer to the article entitled The child slaves from Malta by Daphne Caruana Galizia (TMID, 2 August).

The article reflects the increased consciousness that Maltese have of this period, which almost slipped through the metaphorical floorboards and was forever lost to Malta. The Child Migrants of Malta (C-MOM) takes pride in playing a dominant role in ensuring this does not happen.

C-MOM has played almost a lone hand in bringing the story of the Maltese former child migrants to the attention of the government of Malta, the Maltese Church and the Maltese public. It has always attempted to present a balanced and truthful perspective of this era. C-MOM consistently maintained that the motives of the architects and operators of this experiment in social engineering were entirely honourable but that the outcomes were mixed. It acknowledges the opportunities the scheme offered the child migrants but also recognises the tragedies it brought to the lives of some. C-MOM also notes that the behaviour of those placed in the institutions to care for the children ranged from the saintly to the criminal.

Understanding both sides of the scheme’s complex coin requires an appreciation of the values and attitudes of the day. This does not mean one ignores the sad realities of the scheme, neither does it excuse those who abused it. But it is a necessary consideration if a balanced view of the era is to be obtained.

C-MOM’s initial petition to the government of Malta was for a plaque to recognise the former Maltese child migrants and to acknowledge the unforeseen and unfortunate consequences of the scheme. The

government of Malta has been sympathetic and supportive of the C-MOM’s endeavours, to the extent that it considered the plaque too modest and suggested a more substantial monument.

C-MOM is delighted with the design and the proposed location of the monument.

Seeking compensation for the victims of the scheme has never been part of C-MOM’s brief. It does not see it as its role to take a position on any individual claim for compensation.

C-MOM’s objectives were always to achieve recognition for the former Maltese child migrants and to preserve the era as part of Malta’s history. It feels the proposed monument handsomely achieves these objectives and consequently C-MOM will cease to exist after the monument’s unveiling and blessing.

The only disappointment C-MOM has to this point is the failure of the Church to give the Maltese child migrants an expression of regret for the unfortunate consequences of the scheme.

This limits the success of C-MOM’s initial objectives but, more importantly, it casts a dim shadow on the image and reputation of the Church. My hope is that this shadow will be removed at the unveiling ceremony.

C-MOM welcomes the public’s interest in the child migration issue. Those wishing to know more are directed to www.geocities. com/frans311/ or google BUILDING VIRTUAL BRIDGES – Malta and Australia.

Paul Calleja

Founder and secretary of the

Child Migrants of Malta (C-MOM)

Bedford.

Western Australia