The President of the Republic, Marie Louise Colerio Preca in expressing solidarity with migrants, has become a source of political controversy. Fringe elements of our two main political parties have voiced their disagreement in the social media and in some instances they have even demanded that the Maltese boycott this year's Istrina. Those within the Labour Party were even more vocal but the reaction from the Central Administration was weak. It is clear, that in this issue of migration, taking a stand against xenophobic candidates, Labour stands to lose more than the Nationalist Party, in terms of popular votes. I expect that after the strong words used by the President, in her interview with The Malta Independent, I expect Labour to take a strong position against its xenophobic candidate. The fact that he resigned from being a candidate in the Labour Party is a good move. 

The last thing the organizers of this event want is to have this annual activity marred by political controversy. Ironically, it was a candidate from her own political party that spearheaded such outré ideas, making the President to feel personally offended by his post on the social media.

I stand squarely behind the President on her modus operandi. I do not think that the President should shy away from expressing herself on this matter. It is not only morally but also politically correct to speak in defence of the voiceless, irrespective of skin colour or ethnicity. On my part, I have no problem that part of the donations given to l-Istrina go for the integration of migrants resident in Malta. More importantly, statistics are in her favour.

Now and again, we have news items related to Maltese demographic statistics.  Though such topics do not attract the attention of many, they are vital for understanding a country's social and economic development and remind one also of our ageing population. Senior citizens are becoming an important segment of our society. The over 60s are now over 25% of the population and such figures put pressure on Government in terms of social services, health care and pensions.  

These last three points are the reasons being put forth by those who are opposing migration, and why the Maltese should boycott any activity that contributes to ease the plight of these persons. But statistics are clearly indicating the opposite and demonstrating that these arguments are unfounded. In fact, the above demographic statistics show that Malta needs migrants if our Island wants to continue enjoying its current economic well-being. In their majority, the migrants are young; in their twenties and thirties.

In a situation where births are decreasing (and here we are again safe thanks to single mothers who are responsible for 25% of births) the situation would be even more catastrophic. Migration is helping balance this demographic imbalance created by the increase in the number of our senior citizens. Therefore, until a natural balance is reached, which will take about two decades to come about, migration can have only a positive effect on the demographics of Malta.

Incidentally, there is another reason, which explains the increase in the over 65s. At the beginning of this article, I referred to Malta's low fertility rate that has led to a decrease in marriages. In fact, last year, half those who tied the knot were divorced couples. It would be interesting to learn their age bracket as this could be a additional indication as to the effect these marriages are expected to have on fertility.

There is also the "Mater Dei" factor and the overall improvement that it has brought to our health sector, in particular to the over 60s.  This hospital has definitely helped our senior citizens (but not only) to live longer. Their figure is destined to continue to increase, thanks to the dedication of the staff at Mater Dei and the advance in science thus helping to keep our population figures rather high. But this is an artificial high, creating what is known as the balloon effect. In reality, the old-people segment is now higher than that of the under 16. For this reason, we need migrants to help us bring in some sort of population balance so important to the economic development of Malta.

Therefore, irrespective of the position that the President takes, migration is needed. Perhaps, the issue here is more of colour and race.  In this, the Maltese are under the spell of the late nineteenth-century eugenic theories that spearheaded Nazism in Germany.

Obviously, the words of the President offer another dimension. I am sure that she is not thinking about the economic dimension of migration, but more about the level of social solidarity. Once we lose our sense of solidarity towards the foreigner, we will start to lose a sense of solidarity amongst ourselves. The argument that charity begins at home is a tautology. If we do not show respect towards a foreigner in distress, we cease to show solidarity to our neighbour. As our surnames show, Malta is a nation made of diverse "races" that succeeded in turning this barren island in the middle of the Mediterranean into a Nation-State.  Today, there is interest in reintroducing a new neo-colonial mentality, and this xenophobic discourse is part and parcel of this reality.

Since the dominant Catholic culture is no more, and any homogenous cultural outlook is lacking, this xenophobic mentality of fear is more than likely to erupt on the island. But let us keep it at bay now that the festive season is approaching, which incidentally, is the product of a historical construct related to the Christian presence in Malta for at least, the past 1000 years.

For these reasons, I am going to be one of those who will be ready to open the door of my home to the President, in case she decides to go door-to-door to seek out help for disadvantaged persons.