The most dramatic is the Count of Monte Cristo writing a letter of apology to our dear father and, with divine condescension, this father welcoming him back to the fold. It bore fruit because the Head of State opened the show and seems to have approved the illegal development there. Lost in memory is the show of force with submachine guns, helicopters, and so on.

And recently a very old carob tree from Tad-Duru, Nadur was mercilessly cut down. People grumbled in amazement at how this could happen but nobody spoke out. They are too afraid or have lost heart that things can really change. People don’t seem to use their sacred right in a democracy of talking out and protesting.

And in Ta Bordin, limits of Ghajnsielem, gates have sprung up where before no gates were needed. Ta Bordin is being turned into some areas like Malta where garigue has been cordoned off by ugly walls and gates. And may I ask whether the illegal development at Ta Bordin in more than one place has been sanctioned or has a blind eye been turned on it? It seems that those who can do it. It seems that this government is no better than the other one and those in the party who have at heart the natural environment have been neutered.

And, incidentally, on the same day that the new cemetery in Nadur was inaugurated, I listened to an interview on Malta u lil Hinn Minnha about the new policy on cemeteries. Rather solemnly, the Mepa official said that no new cemeteries will be given a permit and the extensions have to pass the test of not contaminating ground water. Ha-ha, empty words. You are always a bit too late. You always seem to be incapable of being really effective in protecting what really matters. Well I wish to point out that in my opinion, the spring water in Ghajn Qasab has already been compromised and more is to come when burials start. And although the Church may be legally right, it has also to be seen to be morally right by men of good will. And if the Church is correcting past abuses regarding other areas, it should also correct abuses concerning natural land. Caring for the natural environment is an area which should be dealt with by the Church too. It is relevant today and should be talked about, even by the bishops themselves, not just by the Environment Commission. Natural environment today means social justice. It is a heritage to be enjoyed by all, even by future generations, like past virtues are, and like the bastions are.

And the tragic tango continues… because it takes two to tango.  

Joe Portelli 

Nadur