The claim that the public holidays initiative may restore Malta’s competitiveness is tragically comic. Malta is adorned with the charm of an idyllic Mediterranean life-experience. Yet so many self-generated grievances increasingly render ignoble the lives of so many of us.

The causes extend beyond a few economic paradigms gone wrong. They reach into the bosom of a society that has come to accept injustice, bred by greed and envy, as being an integral component of its fabric.

A society can be competitive when it is powered by the energy and distinction that is generated by its creative forces. Yet, injustice drives creativity into hibernation, letting too many incompetents (who are also able schemers) sour society's substance. Incompetence shackles informed communication, so that the incompetence of the schemers is not exposed.

As injustice breeds injustice, creative forces increasingly protect themselves through passive withdrawal. The more creativity runs for cover, the more the capacity for harmonious wealth-creation shrinks as mediocrity, pain, and ultimately poverty, prosper.

Dunstan Attard

ST PAUL'S BAY