The weekend helps many to shift from top gear to cruising speeds. Many people switch from their fast lane daily routine activities to more tranquil doings. During the week many people have to attend for too many family duties and work duties. Balancing the two is a big daily challenge.Saturday and Sunday are a rather short break from the hectic daily routines. On my part Sunday morning is reserved for flipping the pages of the newspapers which is followed by a brisk walk to church just to arrive in time for Mass. Weather permitting this is usually trailed by a drive and a stroll in one of the two cities either Valletta or Imdina and lunch. Nowadays visits to family membersand weekly updates are left for late afternoons unless urgent family matters dictate otherwise.
Late Saturday morning is different.I avoid to taking appointments of all sorts except for one. Saturday morning is reserved for meeting friends at the pub for a crunchyspicy bite, a drink and some updates.Obviously there is no need to pencil my Sunday or my Saturday engagements in my diary.There is no need for reminders or gentle reminders either.
While on the subject, reminders and gentle reminders I am sending quite a number during the week as of lately Public Officers in some more than other Government Departments, Authorities and Entities are not giving timely replies notwithstanding they are duty bound to do so. What charters? Lately, some public officers ignore both established regulations enshrined within the public sector and even legislation. This is now becoming a practice and is reaching alarming stages. Public officers are duty bound to give informed replies and cannot ignore questions and requests for information from the general public. Hope this is not part of the new national strategy to fight bureaucracy.
Going back to the subject the abundant food and drinks together with the welcoming atmosphere and efficient service has been attracting me and a couple of my friends to the same place for many years on Saturday mornings. Saturday is a break away from my daily work commitments and attending duties at home which lately include also attending the needs of my elderly dear mother.It gives me great pleasure to discuss issues with friends informally. Sharing and exchanging family matters is always a priority in our conversations. Summarising the conversation it boils down to commitment and a must amongst families members. Shouldering responsibility for loved ones, particularly the elderly is a necessity which should be addressed as society is getting older and services to match such a demographic shift are way behind to tackle this issue.
Last Thursday baby Amy Valentina joined my extended family. Another good cause for celebrations.
Apart from family matters we touch upon other issues which vary from the most serious to the trivial. Last Saturday was not any different. The only difference was that during the preceding days the media was unexpectedly full of news items mostly of political nature. Let me be fair controversies in nature and scope are never short on the islands but last week it was a bounty week for news rooms.I will touch upon the Cabinet reshuffle. It came as no big surprise. It was in the offing and it was only a matter of time when the Premier would call the media to announce the new cabinet members.
But unexpectedly, on Saturday morning Dr Godfrey Farrugia, Health Minister tendered his resignation relieving himself from the duties pertaining to one of the most important portfolios within Government. He even made it clear that he had refused to take charge and the responsibilities of the Ministry for Family Affairs and Social Solidaritywho was until then administered by Minister Marie Louise Coliero Preca who within days will fill the vacant post of the President of the Republic of Malta.
It also became official that Mr Franco Merciecahas asked the Prime Minister not to consider him for the new Cabinet as his vocation was ophthalmology. It sounds very strange and maybe odd too how two esteemed professionals in medical circles have decided to be relieved from their dutieswithin the same ministry leaving a vacuum within a year from their appointments. Perhaps some questions should be asked. Why have they decided to leave from office so early in the legislature? Have they decided to leave because what has been promised is way out of the national financial budget?Have these two gentlemen decided to leave so early in this legislature not to tarnish their professional reputation? Other pertinent questions may be put forward but the cause of their leaving the ministry will remain rather opaque.
The health ministry employs thousands of workers in various categories and administer one of the largest financial budgets. Various trade unions in the health sector have different needs and take different approaches to fulfil their members’ aspirations. Whatever the causes, particularly if claims are justified time has come to find practicable and expedient ways to address industrial relations disputes in the health sector.
Another issue which we touched upon was His Excellency Dr George Abela, President of the Republic of Malta. We agreed that he has earned the respect of the widest possible audience and has managed to serve and unify the people of these Islands with dignity notwithstanding what some may perceive as a slip or two during his Presidency term. Though Marie Louise Coliero Preca will surely put all of her energy to fulfil successfully her new role the Prime Minister has lost a golden opportunity when he decided not to reciprocate what former Prime Minster Lawrence Gonzi against all odds initiated.
Our conversation ended by wishing all new Cabinet members and office holders good luck.
GejtuVella
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