The local Libyan community is rightly proud and jubilant of its resounding success in peacefully storming the local embassy building without firing a single shot, or causing a scratch or a casualty.

Climbing the facade and reaching the rooftops, they have, Iwo Jima-like, gloriously unfurled the old colours as the new banner of the country’s rebirth. They substituted the offensive green flag rejected and rubbished by them in support of a nascent democratic and free nation.

All the citizens of Balzan should feel equally pleased and happy for getting rid of the green hue fouling its skyline − a stark reminder and symbol of tyranny and oppression the unfortunate millions of our friendly and peace-loving neighbours have been subjected to for almost half a century.

The flag’s colour is significantly symbolic and akin to the colloquial vernacular disparaging expression of “ahdar/hadra”, which means and expresses hate and wickedness as practised by the insensitive and the despotic.

May we all now stand foursquare and help the freedom and democracy seeking people of Libya to realise and enjoy the fruits of their costly and blood-stained struggle for true freedom, independence and better living standards they so rightly deserve after their patriotic fight involving so much tears and suffering.

May God, who we both acknowledge as the only and almighty One, bless and protect the new Libya and all its dear inhabitants.

Hopefully, too, the regenerated country will engage energetically in the process of expanding peace and prosperity not just throughout the Mediterranean but wherever poverty flourishes and where people are weeping and struggling at the cost of their lives for greater freedom and human rights.

Heartfelt welcome and a happy future indeed to a new Libya governed and led by democratic and progressive leaders, whoever they may be, truly representing the citizens’ beliefs, interests and aspirations.

Edwin Calleja

BALZAN