The way people live and the possibility they are given to live in the way they expect and at the standard they are used to, is becoming threatened by the day.
Despite all the noise and dust, heat and stress around us, we have generally always sought to reserve a place of sanctuary in our home, where we can relax and recuperate from the outside pressures such as traffic and dense population. We are people who seek the middle road, who choose whenever possible the path of non-confrontation. In the past people put up with electricity cuts, water shortage, political strife and aggressive attitudes, bad roads, poor service and limited choice. Sure, we grumbled. And still do. But now not so much. It is as though we have skipped a level and jump straight to the red button instead of grumble. Anger and frustration are just below the surface. Inaction is no longer an option and tolerance is measured. With persistence, positive action can lead to the change we need.
Road rage is on the rise. Just last week we saw two blokes get out of their car and have a punch up before returning to the car and carrying on with their journey. Although it was amusing in its way, it could have been worse had, for example, one of the two been carrying a knife. Attacks on Police Officers are also more frequent as they deal with all sorts of unruly behaviour and unfamiliar situations.An exaggerated response is also a factor that can add to the aggression projected. Riot police are not the best solution for a local skirmish.
Criminal activity is certainly on the rise and maybe we are sensing our vulnerability and this creates a fear in us. High rise buildings are closing us in whilst on street level the scene is becoming more dangerous than ever.
As a country we are more and more exposed to the kind of criminal activity that other countries, such as Italy, have had to deal with for some decades now.
In the background we are now aware of a mafia-style underworld criminal life as we hear of cold blood killings without reason or explanation. The list of victims is long and cannot just be left to gather dust. People need to know what is going on and what is happening under our very nose. Italian polizia just need to show up at Pozzallo to pick up the latest Mafioso, crossing over from Malta which more and more looks like becoming their second home. This week’s capture of Vincenzo Locorotondo is one such case where investigations led to money laundering activity.
On a recent diving expedition, a box containing cannabis was lifted from the seabed and another box with cocaine washed upon shore from the sea in Marsascala. This could be a coincidence but it could also mean that some drops are taking place at sea, away from the eyes of the law enforcement. Is there an operation going on? Was someone forced to dump the drugs to avoid being caught or are they dropped into the sea for collection later? In the TV drama, The Affair, the drugs came off a fishing boat in a picnic cooler, along with the daily catch. It’s quite plausible that something similar is at work here.
The large consignment of counterfeit whisky discovered in the containers at Malta Freeport complete the party. Of course, any country with a free port can be exposed to the handling of such illegal imports but the picture emerging is one of serious crime which can give a very bad name to Malta and have bad consequences on our tourism industry and economic investment. If the country is seen to be lax with crime and at the same time to harbour serious criminal activity, we will either attract the wrong kind of people and our problem will grow or else we will see investment dry up and the quality of life on our island will deteriorate rapidly. Loss of innocent life cannot be excluded.
Even on a daily basis and at community level people are beginning to react and protest. This week we saw the residents of Swieqi organise a peaceful protest march over concern for their safety and their property. The excessive influx of locals and foreigners into a residential area is having a negative effect on the character and life in this populated community. The local councils are weak to act and implement preventive schemes to protect residents because they have little or no power. Even removing bill boards blocking a pavement requires police intervention. The residents said they had some proposals which could help them. We hope that something can be done to allow them more peace of mind and to sleep at night. It is unjust for people to have to sacrifice so much for the sake of the economy. Business is not the holy grail and many other considerations such as liberty to live as one is accustomed to, without fear of crime or abuse, be it noise or vandalism, is a right which people have come to value and which has been threatened.
Another protest was held in Valletta by the black community who feel they are often victims of excessive antagonism. Left without attention this segment can smoulder into more deliberate attacks and cause a rift between people.
Respect is needed in both cases, for all suffering people.
Other criminals have been caught and charged with rape and trafficking or stealing from elderly citizens. The possibility of fraudsters operating amongst us is also present and we have to be continually alert to such scams in all spheres of business and private life.
We have reached a stage where a full and proper assessment of the tools available to law enforcement, local councils and individuals is examined and a comprehensive plan or overhaul is required to deal with the new reality. Specialised police work is needed to deal with the type of international crimes taking place, whilst a much greater police presence is needed in towns and villages, especially those with a high level of entertainment venues, such as St. Julian’s and Swieqi with Paceville, Bugibba and Qawra, Mellieha and where ever there is high tourist activity or night life. The Police Stations cannot simply continue filling out reports and never having the time and resources to dealwith the causes of the problems. More power is needed for the local councils who could act on a problem in real time but who do not have the legal resource to do so. The courts also need to do their part by considering the victims of crime as well as the defendant because being soft on crime will only kick the can down the road and discourage the police from doing their job. If the message spreads that criminals and vandals can get away with their illegal activity, then things will certainly escalate further than they already have done.
We must also consider our elderly citizens who are constrained to home more than ever, due to the physical threat of aggression they are facing and also the inadequate amenities around them, such as parking. Is it fair that people have to weigh up whether it is worth losing a parking space before going out? This is part of the well- being of society and the right to enjoy your property and to a social life.
There is need for a serious evaluation of the way people are living their life with concern to their safety and well- being. The system needs a proper regeneration and values brought back into their right place, with people being first and foremost. The recent arbitrary permit for porn shops is a typical case in point. As it is, your next door neighbour can now open such a place, with all the ancillary influx of shady business that can ensue.
Having senior ministers rubbing shoulders with doubtful characters in bars sends a message of laissez faire. Anything goes. People are sensing that they do not have the support of the government and will take the situation into their own hands if nothing is done to curb the attitude and arrogance of some around them. Order is failing and those who want to act are compromised and cannot do their job. Foreigners are quick to find the path to success. They smell an opportunity and go for it, whether it is fraud, duping a confused man, drugs and people trafficking.
It is also vitally important for Malta to protect its good name in the financial sector and gaming industry. We really cannot afford to lower our standards and following on the case of the rogue inspectors who were responsible for this sector, a thorough investigation of companies should take place sooner rather than later to eliminate any possible money laundering or unlicensed activity. The seizure of companies in Malta from the Italian ‘Ndrangheta are evidence of such illicit trade. And such an exercise should not be restricted to the gaming industry but can look into other trades and business too.
The continuous corrupt deals that are being exposed are fuelling the minds of those who have long harboured such a way of doing things. This adds to the perception of Malta as a gateway to corruption. That the Bank of Valletta are now also complicit in accommodating the government’s idiosyncrasies, has struck criticism as well as disdain and cast good governance into the bin. If the Government will not inform the public about the €88 million loan guarantee for security for Electrogas, then the bank should do it with their shareholders. After all, it had no problem in making public confidential information about its ex-employees.
Are we being spied on and are our conversations being eavesdropped? The air around is becoming heavy and the insecurity faced by ordinary citizens is subtle but real.
Finding the right balance for Malta is never going to be easy but encouraging the wrong impression by the political class should stop immediately and moral and social values should be part of a holistic approach to creating a more amenable and safe society, home and country. We should not become a refuge for criminals, be they rich or poor, legal or illegal.