When the CVA system was implemented, the government had clearly stated that the need for the famous parkers was no longer there. In fact, after receiving a number of complaints about several parkers who insisted on taking money, it had taken action and the complaints stopped. However, there is still one persistent individual who switches between Freedom Square and St George’s Square, asking drivers for money and even offering to wash their cars.

There has been a concerted effort over the years to make Malta a prettier island. One of the most fruitful ideas was to landscape central strips, roundabouts and other green dividing areas. However, all this is in vain when one passes through certain roads that are sprouting masses of weeds at the sides and through boundary walls. They look rather unsightly.

Our wardens do like having a cigarette on the sly. One is not sure whether it is in their terms of contract to not be seen smoking in uniform, but surely, even if it is not – it looks unsightly on a person in uniform and does not really reflect well on them. Same goes for policemen really.

Shoppers are complaining that the measure in place to prevent theft of trolleys is not yet euro compliant. People have remarked that the coin slot to free up trolleys at certain supermarkets have to be released individually by staff as it does not accept euro coins. We’re into the eighth month of using the currency now, get up to speed.

The parking situation in Sliema is simply horrendous. Business must be lost on the weekend as many people agree to meet in Sliema and simply turn back and go somewhere else due to the severe parking shortage.

There’s still something wrong with Google.com.mt. We again ask the ministry and local providers concerned, why can you not log into Malta’s google without having to take a spam test. It’s cumbersome and google is the staple search engine everyone uses. It really should be looked into.

We have heard so much about the buses and taxis during the strike. Many people asked whether there was finally going to be a crackdown on dress code, service, driving standards and fines for bus drivers who disobey traffic regulations. Here’s a better idea, clamp down on emissions – the belching black smoke does no one any good.

It’s well into feast season. When petards and fireworks are let off at night, some dogs can be heard yelping and howling. A message to pet owners, animals hate the noise and while it is hot – for their wellbeing – they should be put to settle in a quieter room in the house where they can hide under a bed or in a corner. Dogs don’t howl for no reason – they are either bored, pining or scared.

Another one about animals – its blazing hot outside. Do not leave pets in cars that turn into ovens – even with the windows open. It’s dangerous and can kill them.