On my account and certainly on behalf of most residents in my area, I voice my protest strongly against the obscene and endless barrage let off from the island’s core on 25 June to satisfy primitive instincts of noise creation supposedly in honour of the village saint and protector.

All this takes place when the revered blessed one is resting in heavenly peace and quiet and most certainly disapproving of such barbarities committed in his name and honour.

Secular and religious authorities are equally responsible for this terrible travesty of human rights entitling mortals to the enjoyment of peace and quiet in their homes or surrounding environment.

This applies with particular relevance to the unfortunate sick, who are bed or house bound, and the terrified young, all of whom are left no alternative but to stick it out regardless of their sad predicament.

The dreadful and unbearable barrage erupting on Saturday evening started early and only ended close to midnight, with regular repeated salvoes of ‘three-in-one’ shattering the brains and ears of reluctant listeners lying comfortably in bed and wishing for a peaceful night’s rest.

Not even at the highest point of the blitz on ta’ Qali in WWII have I ever experienced such revolting explosions when I was resident in Lija − only a stone’s throw away from the runways.

There should be no doubt that, besides damage to the locals, this horrendous state of affairs also causes untold harm to the tourist industry as clients rightfully expect to relax properly in a quiet ambience.

Religious and local authorities must shoulder full responsibility for such crass abuse and should together make sure it is not repeated in the future.

Both authorities must also understand and take into account the utter squandering of thousands of euros that literally go up in smoke when so many of our brothers and sisters both locally and overseas are desperately in need of financial assistance merely to survive like the rest of us.

A handful of incorrigible diehards continue hell-bent on breaking the peace and quiet of the environment and cause unacceptable noise pollution levels. They do so with the apparent support of the state, which continues to condone, not to say aid and abet, this disgusting and senseless state of affairs.

There is certainly a most effective solution to this quasi-national problem.

The relevant authorities should take over street festivities and penalise any lawbreakers who take it upon themselves to take charge of the festivities, and in the process depriving the right of everyone to the enjoyment of a noise-free environment. Failing which, the EU’s strong hand should be sought so that human decency and respect prevails.

Over the passage of many score years, our island has added bangs to its renowned noise list of bells and yells and has only managed to eradicate its reputation for smells except, of course, for the stink emanating, almost continuously in the Marsa area close to the new Mepa offices.

Edwin Calleja

BALZAN