THE “SMARTIES” EGG AWARD

Now I don’t often have too much to say that is nice about our Minister of IT, but if Smart City does really come about, then he and his team do deserve to share a Smarties Easter egg for this achievement... even if it merely generates a tenth of what they claim it will. It is the best news to hit these islands since we took the plunge and opted to become EU members, warts and all. It is true that many of us are now realising, as Alfred Sant did warn us, that with EU membership there are pains as well as gains, too much of a top down prescriptive approach from this increasingly disliked institution, rather than from the bottom up, which reflects the needs of every country. However, nobody is talking about EU membership being a bad decision now. Perhaps I’d better say wait until the euro comes in and prices rise before I’m sure on this one!

THE “KINDER” EGG AWARD

Read this the English way or the German way of that nut free chocolate that is safe for almost all kiddies. Either way this award must go to the PN to prod them into being nicer and kinder to their supporters, and indeed to the whole country, which their representatives are now governing.

Everywhere you go bureaucracy wins over common sense; the little man or woman with no contacts feels totally alienated, and even those with the right contacts are moaning that so much effort is required to open a shop, a restaurant or obtain a permit for anything in this permit infested nation.

And the perception that the powers that be are being weak with the strong and strong with the weak, is a perception that will at the very least either lose the PN the next election, or at best have the kind of photo finish the Italians managed to produce.

THE BASTA BERLUSCONI

EGG AWARD

Well this could have gone to the Italian people for saying enough is enough to man who has been accused of so much, and who likened himself to Jesus Christ. Why does power go to people’s heads so badly? But with this photo finish nobody is the winner, and it looks like the wacky lefty ideas of Prodi and some of the anarchist nutters in his coalition have frightened the Italians of giving any clear message. People don’t like what they have, but don’t like what’s on offer as the alternative either. Are we really basically Italians after all?

THE GOOD EGG AWARD

There are a few potential recipients.

The new Bishop of Gozo whose smile says so much even to those of us who are not as devout as the majority and who has managed to draw so many to his side almost immediately. Kate Gonzi who always looks like a star, particularly when we had those guests from the Commonwealth, and who manages to look vitally interested whether she’s launching the new catamaran service or listening to a schoolchild at some award service or HSBC initiative of which she is the patron. And to Jeremy Boissevain and the many foreigners in our midst, who have taken to this island and love it more than we do sometimes. Some are just born to serve with style, humility and grace, others are not I guess. Too much of the latter around though right now.

THE PROTESTING EGG AWARD

This must go to small group of residents who live in a dust bowl called Sliema, and who have for once said enough is enough to a car park /entertainment complex that will change their quality of life, as there is no national gain at stake at all. By not voting they sent a very strong and powerful message that loyalty cannot be taken for granted and it must be earned every day. This award could also be shared with the protesting French students who didn’t want to be made so easily redundant just because they are under 26, and have forced a humiliating climb down from the powers that be in France, who have now scrapped the youth job law.

THE FOOTBALL SHAPED

EGG AWARD

I hope other footie fans won’t begrudge my award to Arsenal for managing to get as far as they did and beat the stars in Juventus mightily, whatever happens next. It’s been heartbreaking supporting them in the English league this year, but at least their football mastery did dribble out when they played the Italian superstars.

THE CADBURY’S CREAM EGG AWARD

You know the one that is sweet on the outside and even sweeter on the inside. This must go to those kids whose difficulties were highlighted on a recent Bondiplus programme, who spend their lives in institutes and are sometimes abused and who still manage, with no resources and with very few networks, to make the most of their lives, showing us spoilt brats how little we have to moan about in a world where over-parenting reigns supreme.

THE EGG CUM EASTER BUNNY AWARD

This must go to the animal rights stalwart and former beauty Brigitte Bardot who ended her film career in 1973 and is still going strong at 71. She rejected being the sex kitten most women are still desperate to be in a world of blondes, botox and boob jobs, and gave all her worldly goods to her animal foundation. In a world gone mad with political and religious correctness she was attacked for saying it was wrong of Muslims to slit the throats of sheep on Eid feast day. In a recent interview that perhaps explains all our islands, woes she said, “Frankly I prefer to spend my time with animals than with people. Animals are truthful and spontaneous.”