For those like me with a soft spot for the peaceful duties of military forces, the Malta Armed Forces’ parade on Independence Day was a bonus. The guard of honour in front of St John’s Co-Cathedral in Valletta and the thundering sound of the AFM’s artillery 21-gun salute were executed with precision. The gun salute followed an earlier warning shot fired by Mgr Charles J. Scicluna, Archbishop of Malta.
Archbishop Scicluna, in a serene manner, delivered a stern warning to the distinguished congregation attending the Independence Day Pontifical Mass. During the homily, he delved into the need of good governance. His Grace advocated the Church’s rich teaching for unity, goodness and honesty as the core values to serve the community with justice. Archbishop Scicluna spiced his homily with adjectives that are common parlance, and therefore could not escape the ears.
I am sure that a good number of the distinguished congregation could feel the earth moving under their feet. Some tried to hide their discomfort others coughed or fidgeted, while a smaller number probably toyed with the idea to walk out, but made an extra effort and stayed. Mgr Scicluna’s words of wisdom must have been very painful to take in. The homily struck a sensitive nerve of the current administration and others.
I take the liberty to interpret Mgr Scicluna’s homily as a suggestion to society not to lose heart, but to take action and light a candle, rather than curse the darkness.
On the eve of Independence Day, Opposition and Nationalist Party leader Dr Simon Busuttil delivered a speech which fitted like a glove to a Prime Minister in the making. He was confident, assertive and his message was inspiring. He did not resort to political rhetoric and clichéd fillers during his speech. He started his speech on the right foot when he referred to his loved ones. He proceeded to voice the growing concerns of many who, until some months ago, were hopeful that this administration will address their grievances.
Dr Busuttil committed the PN to higher levels of transparency, accountability and meritocracy. He went a step further and promised that injustices will be addressed and that those responsible will be held accountable. He promised to introduce doable financial measures to alleviate the hardship that those vulnerable have to endure at the end of every month. He ended his speech with a clear suggestion to party supporters and others to work collectively with one common objective. Rightly so, individual interests should be suppressed. Dr Busuttil came across as a leader worth his salt.
Other speakers made attention-grabbing points during the various activities organised by the PN on the Floriana granaries. But Mr Martin Camilleri, a former PL activist, emerged head and shoulders cut above the rest. He picked up courage and, of his own free will, took the microphone and addressed those present. Many would find public speaking difficult in any situation. To make statements as those expressed by Mr Camilleri takes more than a small measure of mettle. He referred to the high level of arrogance which has gripped this administration. If one had to think with an open mind, Mr Camilleri has, unknowingly, done a great deal of good to the PL. Whether the PL administration is able to take the cue, clean the mess and mend bridges with Mr Camilleri and the rest of society is a completely different ball game. Most likely, the PL administration reckons that it can continue to run rough-shod on Mr Camilleri and society at large.
One could see that Mr Camilleri was deeply miffed with the attitude of those who, until some months ago, were working closely with him to bring down the former administration. He amplified on various issues, but the alleged corruption cases and political scandals are also reaching the faithful supporters of the PL. He also referred to the difference in treatment he received: from current ministers, abrupt and abrasive, and from Dr Busuttil, cordial and productive.
Ministers and aspiring ministers should ensure that their constituents are treated with the respect. Ministers and aspiring ones should, without fail, commit to allocate reasonable time every week to meet their constituents. Fulfilling ministerial duties is a taxing responsibility, no doubt, but it should not be at the exclusion of the party grassroots. It is unreasonable to give an appointment to a constituent to see a minister three months later.
Like Mgr Scicluna and Dr Busuttil, Mr Camilleri will be subject to injurious comments for taking the microphone, but it is thanks to these and others that the national good can be shielded from the few privileged elites.
Gejtu Vella
[email protected]