In recent years we’ve seen a tremendous change in Europe, particularly in our own Malta, both for the better as well as for the worse. Some might ask where is our country going culturally and how can we push for further growth?

Between incredible technological advances and a great change in consciousness, as well as in political views, our little island is growing – and fast. But what does this all mean to the individual? An example of great growth for us would be the cultural expansion that we have nurtured ever since our original independence so many years ago. The Maltese are a strong, hardy people who refuse to lose their heritage, but change is now upon us. The winds that blow on our great shores bring hope for a better future.

A couple of years ago, a young man with one thing on his mind would have to wait for the blessed first rays of the summer sun to see the diverse array of pretty girls on our beautiful beaches, but now it would seem we no longer have to wait for summer to enjoy the delightful variety of cultures that comes with it. In the middle of March, you can now take a bus to Sliema and realise that you are the only Maltese person on it. Although some would say that this has been a regular occurrence for many years, there’s something different lately. It seems to me that, as summer has come and gone in previous years, so have the many foreign holidaymakers. But since last year’s blazing summer heat, it would appear that the students have never left. Is it true that Malta is finally ready to put its unique character aside and accept that it has become an international country, like such cities as London or New York? And if so, does this give us a chance to gain the status of such great cities? 

For many years, way back before our independence, our islands have been the holiday destination for many different people and we have always attracted those who knew about our island paradise. But what is different today is that, in my opinion, rather than people coming here and gaining something from us, we now have more to gain from them. Culturally, our islands have always depended on those who have passed through it and this is truer today than ever, now that we live in a world that is growing so quickly. Given the potential we already have as the country we are and the outside influences that affect us, we are now at an important point in our history and growth is imminent, if we take the opportunity.

I decided to head for the most suitable place to conclude this report – our old capital, Mdina, one of the landmarks of our great culture. I looked out over the city walls at our great nation and thought of all those who had looked out over these same walls before me. And I concluded that, as with our many successes with Europe, we should welcome this chance to grow but should be aware of it, in the sense that we should accept and embrace this chance at further cultural expansion while still holding strong to our roots. We should allow ourselves to grow and flourish as a culture and as a nation while never forgetting who we are.

Alex Hickey