From A. Brincat

It was Sunday the 28th of August and the people of Birkirkara were celebrating the feast of their patron saint, St Helen. The procession was over and the statue was back in place on the big pedestal for all to admire and perhaps pray to.

The pontifical Mass was about to start and hundreds of people were making their way out of the Basilica while hundreds of others were making their way in. I was with the former group when all of a sudden I found myself face to face with the President and Mrs Fenech Adami going in the opposite direction. Having known them for more years than I care to remember I saluted, stepped back to give them space, and went on my way. Suddenly it dawned on me. They are the highest dignitaries of our country; should they be making their way to the front with nobody clearing the way for them? Should they push their way through with the rest of the public to the place of honour reserved for them?

I didn’t see anybody step back and make way for them nor did a couple of police officers who were walking out of the church take any notice or move a finger to make it any easier for them to get to their place. I was later told that there was a single person walking in front – a sort of bodyguard, whom I hadn’t noticed, to be honest – but is that supposed to be good enough to escort the President and the First Lady? I very much doubt it even though I am aware of the low profile they like to keep.

I think we take things very much for granted nowadays and we do not seem to have any respect towards anybody for that matter. It is about time we changed our attitude as I think this is the cause of many an unpleasant situation on our islands – lack of respect.

A. Brincat

BIRKIRKARA