From Prof. J. A. Muscat

The recent notorious incident involving a young woman lawyer cum journalist, and a macho director of a leading building contractor firm, which culiminated in a slap in the face on the Balluta esplanade, seems to be heading for the Law Courts. As expected, allegations and counter allegations have followed the unfortunate encounter.

Unprovoked and loud calling of “drug baron” on one hand, and the simple passing remark on the company of “a baron” to a friend on the other; what is one to believe? And who may be considered to form part of the species “baron” in present day Malta, excluding that is, our ancient, quiet nobility.

Besides “drug” barons what other types of barons are there? Perhaps contractor barons, hunters and conservationists barons, bus owner barons, burdnara barons, GWU barons, GRTU barons, MAM barons? One could go on and on; and what is it that all this lot have in common? Are they all “untouchables”?

I confess I do not know. I can only remember that always, even during times of authoritarian and draconian rule, we have been difficult to govern. A sui generis republic, with too many hell bent on self interest and too few with the courage, honesty and public spirit to keep in mind and have at heart the overriding interest of our little island State.

Joseph A. Muscat

TA’ XBIEX