Around this time of the year between receptions and other social gatherings people from every walk of life from different age brackets try to find time to pause for a while and reflect on their life-style.
They add up the number of successes and achievements and subtract the number of failures, disappointments and regrets. Of course, at times we were over the moon. At others we stumbled and fell. However, I am almost sure that most people will find they had a relatively positive year notwithstanding some had to overcome very high hurdles during the past twelve months. At these time of the year people are more likely to make changes to their life.
Resolutions are common at this time of the year. Some take the liberty to share intimate resolutions with family members and dear friends. Some will repeat the same resolutions of previous years. Others opt to use this time of the year to quit habits "cold turkey". Obviously, people susceptible to stumble and fall must be supported and encouragedto stand-up with the appropriate services currently in place.
By now the assertive-ones have clear plans for the next twelve months. The passive-ones are still at the drawing board stage. They will continue to wait for other variables not in their control.
This mind-set applies to individuals, families, business concerns, organisations and not least to political parties. There are those who can come to terms and admit their weaknesses and commit themselvesto improve in the coming months. But there are those who continue to deny that the course of action adopted was wrong and refuse to acknowledge they were caught in a catch-22 situation. When the clock strikes twelve on the 31st 2014 some will cry with joy others with sorrow. Some drink to remember others drink to forget.The optimist looks at the glass half-full and is overjoyed. The pessimist looks at the same glass and is disappointed. The point I am trying to make here is to make an extra effort and try to look on the bright side-of-life. It pays.
Our President Marie Louise Coleiro Preca and Mr Preca together with their army of volunteers and sponsors can certainly look at 2014 with pride. During this year annual fund raising marathon Istrina €3,656,151 were raised. The largest ever amount amassed during l-Istrina. The untiring efforts ofall have captured the hearts of thousands within our society who dug deep into their pockets and pouredtheir donations into the coffers of the Community Chest Fund. Hat's off to the President of Malta Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.
However, I find unacceptable the footage transmitted during the live-broadcast during the fund raising marathon. The footage of traumatised people who have either passed away or unfortunately are facing serious health problems including life-threatening health conditions should not be used to attract money to the coffers of the Community Chest Fund.
While the aim to assist the vulnerable, the sick and the poor people in our society is commendable, vulnerable people should not be used for this purpose. I strongly feel that the televised distressing experiences of vulnerable people are certainly not an expression of solidarity but "manipulation" of the tele-viewers. In my opinion The Broadcasting Authority should delve into this sensitive subject and make recommendations toproducers of this event. Money collection should not be made at the expense of vulnerable people and their families.
This becomes of greater concern when comparing the €3.6 million to the Budget expenditure for 2015. The amount collected during the L-istrina Marathon becomes insignificant. Though €3.6 million collected should help improve the quality of life of people facing at times unexpected serious health challenges. I fail to understand why public funds should not be made available to address such circumstances. A multi-disciplinary board of professionals should look into such cases and make recommendations to the Director of the Social Security Departmentand issue whereis necessary the assistance in kind or cash or both.
People going through difficult phases in their lives for whatever reason should not be pushed or persuaded to take the centre of the stage.
Let us acknowledge the efforts of the President of Malta and her team but let us take this opportunity to resolve that next year l-Istrina will be a true expression of solidarity without the need to make use of vulnerable people. If my memory serves me right this was a promise by the Office of this Presidency.
Happy New Year