Rent-a-priest

Young people do not expect the Church to change its values in order to accommodate or satisfy their needs, but they do expect the Church to be flexible, not to point fingers, not to condemn. Moreover, certain members of the clergy should pull up their socks and be in touch with the needs of the present-day modern society. Communication is the keyword, and here the Church is lacking. The emphasis on doing things the traditional ancient way is still too strong, is not in tune with today’s society and does nothing to make the Church and Mass attractive especially to young people. Some 2,500 Catholic priests are available for rent on a Web site known as God’s Yellow Pages. Many Roman Catholics are using this “service” usually for a fee, and it is picking up fast. Many of those who seek such services cite intransigence, outdated rules and regulations as the reason why they no longer participate in their Church. Something has to be done, now.

Ripping them off

If I were in charge of tourism I would put up billboards all over the island cautioning tourists to be wary of those restaurateurs, hoteliers, and taxi/bus/cab – drivers, whose mission is to rip off tourists. Malta is far too expensive and the fault lies squarely on the above category that seem oblivious to the fact that high prices mean less tourists, which in turn results in less profit. We are not giving tourists value for money, we are simply scaring them away. Discipline, that’s what we really need. Blaming it all on the government is just an excuse for us to persist in our irresponsible behaviour.

Take off

The adjudicating committee appointed by the government to evaluate the proposals submitted by Ryanair and Easy Jet finally said yes. Seems the pressure exerted by opinion makers and businessman in the catering and hospitality sector has been successful and now we look forward, hopefully, to more tourists. I do think the government has dragged its feet on the issue a bit too much. The adjudicating committee should have been appointed ages ago. Sometimes you just can’t afford to wait; swift decisions have to be taken. Whatever, the least we can say now is “better late than never”.

Trees at Castile

The government seems to have backtracked on its idea of removing trees in Castile Place. Trees at Castile should stay; we need more and more greenery and less, much less concrete. So Government, just leave those trees alone.

Moaners

We are fast becoming a nation of moaners. Just look at letters to the editor pages in our dailies and weeklies and you’ll find it jam-packed with complaints. Now we are not perfect, and there is a lot to complain about but please let’s do ourselves a massive favour and try to be a little bit positive. And by the way, when I’m abroad I see a lot of flaws, but I do not write to their newspapers and tell them or their government what to do. If I don’t like it I just don’t go back, period.

Women in high places

Congrats to Abigail Lofaro and Anna Felice, Malta’s first women judges. Congrats also to Lawrence Gonzi for promoting women to high posts. When he became Prime Minister he appointed three women to Cabinet level. The example set by the Prime Minister should be followed by employers in Malta, including trade union chiefs where the presence of women in trade unions is very, very poor.

Go Tony, take Geitu

The GWU is in deep, very deep crisis and the only solution is for Tony Zarb and Geitu Mercieca to call it a day. But I know that they will not, they will hold on to their posts unless and until the Union’s delegates decide to get rid of them through a vote of no-confidence, which I highly doubt will ever happen. That the GWU is in such a mess is definitely Zarb’s and Mercieca’s fault, they have only themselves to blame. If he truly has the GWU and the workers at heart, Tony should choose the honourable way out and resign. He is no longer fit for the job; there is too much tide against him. The GWU is crying for change. When the curtain falls it’s time to leave the stage they say, and your curtain fell and even the audience is leaving dear Tony. Do yourself and the union a big favour and leave. On your way out take Geitu, do make sure he doesn’t stay behind.

Tell us why

Smart City is by far the largest foreign direct investment ever to reach our shores. It will employ thousands of workers especially young people. Everyone should be happy and looking forward to the day when things get started. But no, the Labour Party, for reasons I fail to understand, is trying its best to rubbish the whole project. This is insane, totally insane as if Smart City will employ Nationalists only. They are crying foul because they say that instead of one hotel there shall be two. Excuse me, doesn’t that mean more job opportunities? What does Labour really have in mind? What is its hidden agenda? Does it really want this investment, does it really care?

Birzebbuga

Three weeks ago I criticised the Birzebbuga Local Council for the shameful state of the promenade, dog-pooh galore. I would have expected some sort of reaction from the council. To date I have received none. Today I shall add one more thing. The state of the waterpolo pitch, which is no longer used, is disgraceful and a big eyesore. Is the local council still there? Pity that this beautiful locality, which during the weekend is sought by hundreds of people in the south, is being left in such a shambles.

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