There are many issues which merit attention but it strikes me that a special effort is underway by our Government to wipe out from our memory a blunder the effects of which will, hopefully, not materialise and affect Malta negatively in future. Since Malta has set its foot on a slippery banana skin on the issue of immigration with the EU Commission and other international institutions, the PL has lost the synchronisation with most of its socialist counterparts in Europe. In the eyes of many, such a slip has seriously undermined the credibility of Malta. Socialist parties are renowned to uphold the values of solidarity and respect for human dignity. The unexpected threatening stand by our Prime Minister to push back immigrants fleeing from countries, plagued with all sorts of misfortunes, was a misstep and ill advised.
To whitewash this blunder, the Libyan Prime Minister Ali Zeidan was invited to Malta to sign an agreement which provides for Malta to buy fuels at special prices. The oil deal between Malta and Libya would be implemented once this North African neighbour manages to increase its oil production. Presently, oil production in Libya is almost at a standstill due to blockades on its refineries and oil ports by workers and armed militias.
This was followed by a long trip to China. Our Prime Minister led a high-powered delegation to China whereby a memorandum of understanding was signed in which state-owned China Power Investments will be injecting millions of euros into Enemalta, becoming a minority shareholder. Not much has been said about this and I would prefer to wait for more information before making any comment, except that China will set a foot in the EU market using Malta as its base. What is certain is that China is not a democracy and is known for labouring unfair market practices and precarious employment.
These wild goose chases bring back memories of the late Dom Mintoff, leaving the Island for China and Libya and other communist countries with the hope to secure cash injections and assistance in kind when he felt he was under pressure and fast losing his credibility with western leaders. I hope this is not a carbon copy of that failed foreign policy for Malta all over again.
Another blow out of the blue was the thunderbolt statement from the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses alleging that children aged 16 and younger in certain wards of Mount Carmel Hospital are being exposed to sexual abuse and physical violence. Given the seriousness of these allegations, this matter must be referred to the Police for further investigations. Having young and vulnerable people exposed to illicit behaviour in public institutions should be addressed effectively and clamped down immediately.
There are other issues which come to mind, but let’s not forget that at the end of this week we will celebrate the birth of our small nation. This deserves a special mention. Anniversaries of all sorts are momentous in the lives of people. And anniversaries are marked with special events. The arrival of a new member in the family calls for celebrations while the passing away of a loved one brings many families together. Wedding anniversaries are also fondly remembered by many. On a more parochial level, I must mention that the St. Joseph Band Club in Hamrun will next year mark the 125th Anniversary since founded in 1889. I am certain that this important milestone anniversary will be commemorated with style and renewed energy.
On the 21st September Malta will mark the 49th Anniversary since Gorg Borg Olivier, Prime Minister of Malta negotiated terms and conditions, politically and economically which led Malta to become a small independent state. During the past 49 years our small independent nation has made great strides forward and suffered some setbacks also. Hopefully we will continue to prosper and keep moving on a positive path. Today we share our independent status with other countries within the EU.
The Nationalist Party has taken it upon itself to celebrate this day with various activities on the granaries in Floriana. This event has taken a positive twist since 1987. Prior to this, public manifestations organised by the PN to commemorate the birth of our nation were often subject to violence by thugs, at times assisted by members of the police force. This landmark in our nation’s history did not always receive the recognition rightly due. Thankfully, those days are gone and today we live in a society which can accept the birth of our nation as the 21st of September 1964 - Independence Day.
As in previous years, the Nationalist Party is calling party supporters to the granaries to participate in the four days of events. The celebrations will come to an end with a mass meeting in which Simon Busuttil will be the main speaker. His address to the party’s faithful will be his first since elected party leader. No doubt he will feel the pressure of the event and will try hard to fulfil this duty, using his abilities and skills to reach out to many. The party’s faithful should not seek to find in Simon former leaders of the party. Simon is Simon. He comes from a generation which speaks a different language and has a different perspective of politics.
The new leadership team led by Simon Busuttil is steadily getting acquainted with their respective new roles and duties. Indeed people want to see more from this team as many are gradually starting to realise that the PL has taken too many for a ride. As people feel more insecure about their future, they seek the protection of a strong Opposition.
This coming Saturday people are invited to the granaries for the first large gathering after the party had suffered a heavy defeat at the polls earlier this year. The PN has suffered an electoral defeat not because of failed policies but mainly on attitude. This large scale event is another opportunity in the process to reconnect the Party with the people.
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