Many of us must be satisfied with what has been achieved during the last few days. In this regard, I cannot but join the people from all quarters who, like a wide stream, flowed to the various events held and expressed their respect and gratitude to a great gentleman who had gained independence for Malta. Prime Minister and PN leader Dr George Borg Olivier became a national hero when, on the 21 September 1964, he secured Malta’s independence.
Unfortunately, for many years this national achievement was used to fuel division among us Maltese. For years, partisan politics led the MLP to downplay the importance of Independence Day. Under its watch, the MLP tried to erase from public consciousness the birth of our nation. On occasions, police officers, tear gas, truncheons, stones and other hard objects were used to disperse the crowds peacefully celebrating Independence Day.
After 50 long years, it looks like we’ve made it. Last weekend it was different. It kicked in on Friday with Dr Simon Busuttil, leader of the Nationalist Party, addressing the crowds gathered on the granaries in Floriana to mark this momentous event. Dr Busuttil showered praise on Dr Borg Olivier for his achievements. Relying on Borg Olivier’s successes, he sounded determined and went as far as to claim that the PN is ready to face its own and the country’s present and future challenges. The crowd responded positively.
This was followed on Saturday by two important speeches. One was delivered by Marie-Louise Coliero Preca, President of Malta, who was reported as saying that: “The story of Malta’s Independence is a kaleidoscope of events which started long before 1964. May the legacy that laid the foundations for the birth of a new nation 50 years ago, continue to inspire us all today, to never give up on any impending challenges which may loom on the horizon".
Then Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat addressed the same distinguished guests at the Upper Barrakka. In his speech he was reported as saying: “I must confess, I have rarely been as proud as I am today, in witnessing one people, united not only in celebrating past accomplishments, but, most importantly, united in the resolve to achieve even greater success for our homeland in the future”.
On that same evening, as was expected, large crowds gathered and participated in the celebrations organised around the harbour area.
To mark Independence Day, on Sunday Archbishop Paul Cremona celebrated the Pontifical Mass at St John’s Co-Cathedral. On the day, all English and Maltese newspapers made reference to the 50th Independence Anniversary in various manners, with some even publishing special commemorative editions. All, that is, except for the PL’s official Sunday newspaper, “Kullhadd”, which consciously failed to acknowledge the event. It could not have been other but a deliberate decision to entertain the hard core of the PL. The “Kullhadd” opted not to follow in the Prime Minister footsteps and reported other news items by far less important. The Prime Minister is expected to show his mettle with the hard core of the PL on this issue.
During the days leading to Malta’s golden anniversary, and rightly so, former and current politicians, historians and others who in different ways have contributed to the process which led Malta to become an independent state gave detailed accounts of the events leading to independence. The broadcasted accounts, penned viewpoints and documentaries must have mesmerised those who, like me, are fascinated with what this small nation has achieved in such a short span of time, notwithstanding the national self-inflicted wounds caused during the passage of time.
The foresight and acumen of Prime Minister Borg Olivier must have been exceptional. And he had the courage to follow his dream. Pushing forward the proposal to acquire independence instead of sheltering our national interests by integration with the UK was undeniably an act of courage and a leap of faith. With no natural resources except the ability of the Maltese to take on challenges of all sorts, Prime Minister Borg Olivier had nothing else to rely on. Notwithstanding, he pursued his dream. It is thanks to him that Malta later became a Republic, celebrates Freedom Day and is now a member of the European Union. Had he failed in his mission, none would have been possible.
While this year’s developments are positive, it is equally important that, in a fast-changing globalised world, unnecessary divisions are not supported for political mileage. People cannot wait for fifty years for politicians to agree on issues of national interest.
After 50 long years Prime Minister Dr Joseph Muscat has shifted the PL stand by giving unconditional credit to Dr Borg Olivier and recognised the importance of Independence Day. Undoubtedly this is a step in the right direction.
Gejtu Vella
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