Life has a way of leaving an impact on us. The way we react and behave in certain moments of truth leaves an impression on us, which often is there to stay. The harder the circumstances, the harder is the test through which we are put, and consequently the more evident will our values or lack thereof be once the storm is over.
The same principle can be applied on a national level. In the thick of things, it is easy to miss the forest for the trees, but as the dust settles and time passes, the values of that people are evidenced by their ability to stand up and be counted during the time of need. The values and identity of that people will be manifest for all to see.
Malta is currently going through one such moment of truth. Once again, our country is being called to overcome its physical and geographical limitations, and express its legendary values of solidarity and altruism.
In 1856, during the Crimean War, during the First World War in 1915, as well as during the War of the Dardanelles, Malta was nick-named the ‘Nurse of the Mediterranean’, thanks to the help and aid it afforded the injured, of those military conflicts. This is happening once again, as Malta is offering its helping hand to people fleeing Libya’s current conflict at a stone’s throw away.
We will one day come to understand the events currently unfolding in Libya, as we will see them in the context and light in which they happened. One day we will read the books and watch the cinematographic renditions of this tragedy and be moved by these events. However currently I cannot fathom how a leader can ever come to a point where he orders or encourages the cold blooded murder of his own people, his own blood. All this reminds me vividly of the scene from Shakespeare’s Scottish play, when Macbeth and his wife uselessly try to wash away the blood off their hands, but to no avail. This is the result of the same greed for power, which becomes and ends within itself, and not as a means to serve.
So in this time of testing, all my praise goes to all those people endeavouring day and night, manning the ‘Nurse of the Mediterranean’. Immediately to spring to mind are the Police Forces, the Armed Forces, Civil Protection, port workers as well as those who work on ships and catamarans, paramedics, doctors, diplomats, those at the Foreign Affairs and Home Affairs ministries, workers at the MIA, and Air Malta as well as all those who responded to the call of need, with courage and determination. Keep on helping these people, because by doing so, you are making this country proud.
Once again, our country is showing what it truly means to help and assist without judging or condemning. Led by a strong Prime Minister who has attracted all sorts of praise from every corner of the world, our country is showing off the true Christian values it is decorated with, amongst which hard work, solidarity, and a strong moral fibre that distinguish us from the rest.
Dr Jason Azzopardi is parliamentary secretary in the Finance Ministry