There certainly seems to be a sense of change in Malta at present. We have always been a nation that seems to struggle with ourselves in searching for our national identities. It’s a bit of a strange situation actually.

We look back on our history and although it is a marvel study, to say the least, the Maltese have always been “fighting someone else’s battles”. Although the major historical turning points we have been involved in have made heroes out of us, we have never really done it in our own name. Take WWII or the Great Siege of Malta – our forebears did us proud and although we were under the command of foreigners, it was still our fight. We were still involved, we had to fight.

Since independence, and subsequently becoming a Republic, Malta has really struggled to find its way. Granted, we did not suffer some of the strife that engulfed other nations that were colonised, but we had our moments. Malta’s situation never degenerated into a state of civil war, but there were times when it could have gone either way.

As a result, we have suffered years of infighting, one political party against the other. You were either red or blue, and that was pretty much it. That was the demarcation line and you were either on one side or the other, the only alternative was to go seek another life abroad.

As a result, we became an insular society, not too aware of what went on beyond our shores, not caring for our national identity – merely sticking to our own backyard partisan politics.

Yet lately, we have discovered that although we are a society of self-pitying, moaning, pessimistic people – our lot really isn’t that bad. In fact, we have it rather good. We have good employment rates, a fantastic climate, good food, low crime rates, a booming economy and much, much more. The feeling is palpable, Malta is finally finding its identity. Is it coincidence and down to low-cost carriers alone that we are attracting more tourists again?

No. It is also down to the X-factor. What exactly is the X-factor? Cast your memory back 30 years – we used to attract English tourists who came here because it was still an imperial model country. We spoke English, served English breakfast, had cheap and good beer and had the sun. Then from 1990 onwards, Malta really began to develop and everyone got lost in their own little world and it reflected badly on this little rock which we call home.

Many will ask what we mean by a surge in pride. Well, watch any cabbie proudly explain about the bastions, watch a boat tenant explain the history of Valletta to the people on board.

Before people used to berate Malta and we would actually agree! We would even go so far as to agree when people say it was a cess pool. Yet look at us now, you see Maltese abroad singing the praises of our islands, just watch the crowds at the Malta rugby and football matches. We are finally burning with pride and passion. And it’s about time too.

If only we believed in ourselves just that little bit more. This country has so many opportunities at its feet and they are all there for the taking – we just have to reach out with both hands and grab them. Nationalism in the regimented sense of the word can be dangerous. But national pride is something we had been severely lacking. Finally we have a good dose of it.