The announcement that ex-policemen over 70 years of age were being re-recruited as some sort of reserve force was not only alarming but, fortunately, comical. The term (already allocated) “Dad’s Army” is truly appropriate. The agility and rapid intervention skills of these officers must surely be questioned. The obesity of many may also be of interest for this new division of the police force. But then who is “Dad”? None other than our Security Minister Manwel Mallia who has fathered the geriatric police division. But he’s done more than this. He is now developing a “Mum’s Army”, just having leapfrogged a young soldier (captain I believe) to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Mind you I have no problem with the lady assuming that rank if she merits its. But the leap frogging Manwel Mallia has been undertaking (not himself, of course!) is forever ongoing. At least, with Joseph Muscat’s brigadier friend and the other high ranking (sic) army officers, they did walk over pebble by pebble, albeit very briskly. This lady just went straight through the ranks.
Back to the police. I have been dreaming of the members of this reserve corps of sorts on the beat holding white walking sticks with a blue nob, or resting on a bench on some promenade. In fact, they might beef up the required Paceville complement or even the police catering corps. I just hope to God we don’t get any of the nasty elements that terrorised us in the seventies and eighties (SMU and all). Those brutes would probably qualify for the over seventies today. When we read about unemployment increasing (whatever the Government says) why not recruit sprightly young constables rather than pensioners? And, by the way will the pensioners get paid or are they just volunteers, as we are used to in any reserve force anywhere? And if they get paid, will they retain their pension? Some of them will have been pensioners for decades. We mustn’t forget that members of the disciplined forces can retire after some 25 years of service, I believe. Will they go to the Police Academy? Doubt if any in this age group had an academy during their heyday. Perhaps the famous movie one.This is all very interesting indeed. As always, “only in Malta.com”.
And now onto the World Cup. Thank God for that as a welcome break. Most abandon the Labour and Nationalist stables, at least mentally, for a short period, and throw themselves into football camps; mainly Italy and England. I mention Italy first, it being the superior of the two, having proved this yet again last Sunday early morn. But we have had some very interesting fare so far.
Just to mention Holland’s drubbing of current world champions Spain, Costa Rica startling Uruguay, Germany thrashing Portugal and more. It is a veritable football feast which, we hope can only provide more entertainment, although midnight is not quite my preferred time to abandon my bed and forego my sleep (except for Italy vs England, of course). And when Italy are in the game, then I will watch alone and no one is allowed into the room, except for an odd dog or cat perhaps.Its not for me to sit in a bar or pub or stand in front of a big screen with the normal rabble. Such are the times when (perhaps) normal and mature human beings lose their mettle. But let’s hope for more, including some surprises.
Don’t know whether it’s the world cup, fever or otherwise, but things are really quiet on the political front. Simon Busuttil has decided to tone down his politics and Joseph Muscat seems to have followed suit (fingers crossed). We will be moving into Parliament’s summer recess soon.
May we pray to our political masters to keep this lull and allow us to enjoy our summer. At least until they enter their new majestic abode some time in September.
It would be great to be rid of them for some weeks. I guess the only “political” issue of interest is the tussle between the Ombudsman and (who else again!) our National Security, Police and Army Minister, whose arrogance has now really reached the limits. Our Prime Minister likes to play cowboy, but it seems that he cannot keep up with the Minister. He disposed of Anglu Farrugia in a jiffy on a relatively minor issue. Why not Manwel Mallia, who is undermining the authority of a parliamentary, if not a state, institution? Is there anything lurking in the background that we should know about but don’t.
The man should be relieved of his duties and just go. Surely we can find some diplomatic or international post for him. We found one for Joe Grima, who is messing around with impunity again.