Last Saturday morning, Malta commemorated the 49th anniversary of its Independence with a pontifical mass at the majestic St John's Co-Cathedral. The soft-spoken Archbishop Paul Cremona called for a concerted effort by government to promote and raise the moral fibre of the Maltese society. What efforts are being made to strengthen the moral fibre, the social values of the country, justice, honesty and solidarity His Grace questioned? These are very challenging questions that require deep reflection and soul searching before one can feel satisfied that these values are being practiced and shared for the benefit of all. This homily needs to be analysed and discussed in depth in various fora.
The mass was followed by the official ceremony with the laying of wreaths at the Independence Monument by the President, the Prime Minister and the Opposition Leader, who this time was not booed in the presence of the other two honourable gentlemen. The previous booing incident at Rockestra, a national charity event, has severely dented the credentials of both. It is sad that some stoop so low.
On Independence Day, during the quite hours of the afternoon, our fourteen year old nephew paid us an unexpected visit and after the usual greetings he enthusiastically spoke about the duo Daft Punk which yesterday officially released 'Lose Yourself to Dance' as the second cut lifted from their chart-topping album Random Access Memories after their hit song “Get Lucky”. Well, neither my better half nor I could question anything about the subject, so we listened politely about a subject totally alien to us. When it was my turn to provoke a conversation, I could not help but notice that he was not really interested in the importance and significance of our Independence. His body language spoke more loudly than anything he could have said. I wonder whether teachers have stopped teaching students about the importance of this day and other important national events.
In the evening PN supporters and activists gathered at the Granaries in Floriana where Dr Simon Busuttil, leader of the party, brought to an end four days of events to mark this anniversary. In his maiden speech to mark Malta’s 49 years of independence he touched upon various issues, admitting that the relentless mudslinging from the party formerly in opposition has marred the PN’s credibility. Unfortunately, the significant achievements of the party when in government have been tarnished by persistent smear campaigns spearheaded by the then opposition. The PN is working hard to again earn the respect and credibility it once rightly enjoyed he assured party supporters. This was well received.
The PL road map, prominently broadcasted but scarce in details, has so far led us to China and Libya. Nothing wrong in this; however I do recall - as I am sure many do - that Malta had to become the best within the European Union under the watch of the PL administration. We were promised this much. The PL had promised a road map of sorts which was duly reported, propagated, repeated and drummed ad nauseam in the heads of many. Six months down the line the much promised road map has lost its significance and new buzz words are now making the news. “Holistic approach” and “integrated systems” are the new buzz words while the promised road map is nowhere to be seen and followed. Unfortunately for us all, it seems that there was no road map and no plans whatsoever. It is fire fighting all the time.
Take the issue of free medicines. Out of stock medicines has reached alarming proportions and patients, particularly those in the lower end of the income bracket are feeling the brunt. It is no secret that, prior to the election, the PL had promised that in the event of shortages, the particular medicine would be brought within forty-eight hours maximum. Moreover, medicines will be home-delivered. Could anyone be against such a proposal? If such a proposal could be worked out and be financially viable, then why not? But seriously, can we meet such targets? Many would look forward to the days when medicines will be delivered to patients at home without the dismantling of other services either in cash or in kind. But is this realistic? Perhaps the Minister of Finance could enlighten us on the matter in the coming budget. But then, the Minister of Finance has his hands full with the more pressing issues of higher rates of unemployment and inflation. Undoubtedly, a cause for concern for the trade union movement.
In an effort to keep at bay the lower-income supporters of the PL, ministers and parliamentary secretaries are continuously seeking to apologetically appeal for more time from their constituents before they can fulfil their pre-election promises. The PL was quick to give rewards in the form of appointments and promotions to those who were willing to sell their souls for a quick buck, but is finding it very difficult to make good on promises that most ministers and parliamentary secretaries had made earlier this year. To add insult to injury, government is gradually becoming a family concern.
The strong, sound message by the Archbishop called for the strengthening of the threads which painstakingly weave our society. The stronger social values are, the better is our social fabric. Rightly so, he did not compare our society to polyester fabric which, notwithstanding that it is a strong hard-wearing synthetic fabric with low moisture absorbency, it remains a cheap imitation. Hopefully the social fabric we aspire to adopt, promote and share is not of this kind.
I encourage our leaders to continue to shoulder their responsibilities and fight if necessary for what is right. Leaders must be able to loudly voice without fear or favour the concerns of people. Our small society deserves the best. No one should be bullied. Bullies will always find their match in the end. People’s power has always been greater than that of any gem strategist.
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