The world is changing and so is Malta. We used to have beggars in the streets begging for money to be able to get by, or maybe just to have something to eat.

Thank God with development and stable infrastructure this has been eradicated, almost.

Unfortunately now we have a new type of beggars; one might not agree, or think that I am exaggerating.

We have to beg to the local council or to some authority to send a street sweeper, clear the rubbish left over by irresponsible people, fill potholes in our roads, repair or revamp the pavement suitable to walk on and have enough parking spaces for residents and visitors alike. It has even got down to begging to be able to talk to someone in authority, with some exception. Besides, if one asks or comments, then he is labelled as a negative person.

Money is not a problem for alms any more; it’s the basic need of a respectable taxpaying citizen and our paying visitors, that is the issue now.

One only has to read in the media the comments by readers that are in pain.

Let’s love where we live and who lives in it.

Michael Scicluna

St Paul’s Bay