It’s Christmas and it’s time to be merry. Most of us are on a light work schedule if not on a long hard-earned vacation. It was my intention not to write shop this morning but there were a number of interesting things happening in the last few days that ignoring them would seem like a travesty of justice albeit in this jovial period.
The highlight of this week was undoubtedly the massive wave of support Joe and Jessie Public in Malta and Gozo showed and supported through their donations to the annual Boxing Day charity event l-Istrina. How can one not comment on this formidable show of solidarity, which year after year brings our nation together, rising above political disagreement and ensures that we place in community coffers substantial funds to help those of us who are, or may come across, some unfortunate medical situation of particular moment, for which they require outside help to address and overcome it. The result is truly and solely Maltese and Gozitan.
This show of strength at a time when our country, and not only our country, is experiencing economic difficulties makes it even greater. We have been inundated with broadcast and printed media reports on the economic situation onshore and offshore, we have had to persist in our best endeavours to ride the waves and we have successfully done so with everyone’s commitment and the right political direction. Other countries cannot boast the same results, both in Europe and beyond. The plight of European economies has long been commented on and in the past few days we heard about America and its difficulties if its budget measures are not approved by the year’s end. President Obama has had to cut short his Christmas vacation to address America’s budgetary situation. A different picture and situation compared to Malta’s recent parliamentary experience. Undoubtedly, the underlying reason being the strength of our economy.
The Commission or the Administration of Justice earlier this week made it known that it is investigating the claims raised by former deputy leader of the Labour Party Dr Anglu Farrugia. The Commission has acted swiftly in this case, which bodes well for a number of reasons. First and foremost the air needs to be cleared when such insinuations are made. Public trust cannot and should not remain in doubt when it comes to the judiciary. It is good that the insinuations made will be addressed and determined. It’s not fair that such an allegation remains in aria for the magistrate in question who not only has an untarnished reputation, which she built for herself through her seriousness and her hard work with very good case and time management of her court portfolio, but also as a result of her well researched decisions. The proof of the pudding is in the eating; one can take a look at the appeal confirmations of her decisions and the writing is on the wall for all to read.
Another reason why the Commission’s swift reaction also bodes well is its evident new resolve not to remain the toothless much criticised part of the system of Justice. It is inexplicable and unfair to say the least that it leaves investigations pending for years on end. What was published recently, and unedited by any Commission spokesperson, that it has investigations which have been pending for more than a year doesn’t say much about the Commission, which is the beacon of the administration of Justice. How can it be credible in its expectation that the judiciary be efficient in its court cases management and exercise discipline in such matters, if the Commission itself snoozes on its own investigations? Delay is not acceptable; the members of the judiciary require serenity to exercise their constitutional responsibilities, having pending investigations over them contributes to only the opposite. And this apart from considerations of public trust.
The Labour Party has just elected its new deputy leader. Louis Grech was, as expected, considering he was the only contestant, elected with a large majority as Deputy Leader for Parliamentary Affairs. Although I do not know him on a personal level, I do augur that he will bring to Maltese politics a breath of fresh air as Simon Busuttil did recently when he was elected, only a few weeks ago, deputy leader of the Nationalist Party. Our crop of European politicians will hopefully bring new political know-how and style to Maltese politics.
The new year is looming, the public will be out in masses to welcome 2013 and why not, it’s always a very good opportunity to put troubles behind us and to celebrate the very fact that another year has passed and a new one is about to begin. We should thank God and our loved ones and colleagues for their support during 2012 and ask them to be close to us in 2013. We should all go out and enjoy ourselves but with moderation since extremes lead one into trouble.
Let us pray that we do not end this year or wake up in the New Year with grieving families for one reason or another, drink driving comes to mind and fireworks a close second. Let’s all enjoy ourselves with caution and moderation that will permit us to truly appreciate the New Year.
May we all have a good 2013.