This evening, the traditional Independence celebrations, organised by the Partit Nazzjonalista on the granaries, reach their peak as we commemorate the golden anniversary of this historic event. It is, and should be, a celebration of liberty. So it has come as a shock to me, and my colleagues, to learn that some people don’t feel quite free enough to celebrate it.

Thank God, we no longer have political violence on our streets but, for one reason or another, the last year has seen the return of something which I had thought was obsolete – fear of political reprisals.

Yes, in 2014 some people have rediscovered the meaning of political fear. Many have privately expressed – with me or my colleagues – their fear of attending tonight’s celebrations because, if they are spotted at the event, they are convinced they would probably get a vindictive work transfer.

Of course, there will be those who will stick their heads in the sand and say that I am exaggerating. Sadly, I am not.

Here is just one example from my personal experience, although I assure you all my colleagues can come up with their own. This week a lady contacted me on Facebook to explain why she will not attend tonight. It is for the same reason that she created a false profile to disguise her true identity. She simply does not feel free to express herself without fear that her husband will become a political victim of intimidation and vindictive decisions which will affect his career.

How sad. How truly, truly sad.

 

Liberty

It’s particularly ironic because the Independence our leaders obtained fifty years ago was not just political independence, which turned Malta into a sovereign state. Independence brought with it a bigger sense of freedom. The artistic, literary and economic movements which came to be after Malta’s Independence are proof of this.

Today, we should all remember that fear is one of liberty’s worst enemies. Civil liberties in an atmosphere of quiet intimidation are no liberties at all.

In my old age, I would like to tell my grandchildren that, in the 1980s, with many others, I challenged fear; but for the 50th anniversary, once again with many others, I celebrated our freedom.

 

Celebration

We shall do it by flocking to Floriana to listen to Simon Busuttil address us all, those present and the nation. His speech will be followed by the raising of the flag and the national anthem.

These celebrations are a political legacy of independence and liberty. 

For many years, supporters have made it a point to attend the Fosos events because their presence was a statement. At times when political violence in our country was rife, when the thugs were well known but the then Labour government did nothing, Nationalist supporters were daring enough to challenge all odds.

I vividly remember attending these meetings, which were disrupted routinely by gangs of thugs while the police stood by at a distance. When things got too dangerous, we would run, literally, to save life and limb.

Now, many years later, we actually open the celebrations (as we did on Tuesday) with a good run towards the Fosos and not away. We run for our health and not for our safety.

Things changed dramatically over the last 25 years. Let us hope that what we gained is not eroded.

 

A Scottish affair

By the time you read this article it will be known whether Scotland has voted for independence from the United Kingdom. While writing this article I am following how close the polls are (48% Yes; 52% No). It all seems to be in the hands of the undecided. Analysts are showing deep concern that such a close result might split Scotland in two, giving rise to an internal conflict.

It’s a Scottish affair but it is sobering and invigorating to observe people debate national independence. Let us not take ours for granted. Not our national Independence. Not our personal one.

Claudette Buttigieg MP – [email protected], twitter: @ButClaudette