During the past months I have penned my opinion on various subjects. I have vented my views on issues which directly or indirectly affected the quality of life of workers and their dependants. I have raised issues about good governance or perhaps more appositely the lack of it. The latter became a pet subject as during the past months gross injustices and irregularities continued to mushroom.Lately various national independent institutions referred to cases which point to weak administration in various public entities.This needs to be addressed.
This week many people would be looking forward to share some special moments with family members and friends. This week’s festive spirit calls for some fine special bottled spirit, special prepared sumptuous meals butmore importantly somemoments of reflection about the birth of baby Jesus.
President Marie-Louise ColieroPreca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Leader of the Opposition Simon Busuttil and Archbishop Charles J.Scicluna all delivered messages of national unity at the Milied Flimkien annual event held at De Vallette Square last Saturday. It is positively striking that at this time of the year the President, the Archbishop together with the two leading political opponents come together and express thoughts of solidarity albeit from different perspectives. Having our national leaders together on stage is already a positive statement, a reflection of national unity. This should continue to be nourished during the coming months.
This brings me to the speech delivered byour President Marie-Louise ColieroPreca on Republic Day at the Palace. In my view her speech was the best one so far delivered during this Presidency. The speech throws light on various national issues which should be tackled. Addressing such pertinent issues will certainly improve the quality of life of people. Once these issues have been identified and it seems that there is broad consensus on these concerns it falls upon the people in the political arena who with courage and determination should address these in a timely manner.
This time of the year is associated with the fund raising marathon organised by the Office of the President of Malta. Hopefully, once again,collected funds will surpass what was collected last year. No. I have not changed my mind on this national fund raising activity. It is commendable. However, I honestly hope that traumatised people with different health conditions from the very young to the very old will not be screened on television during the marathon. Making use of the pains of vulnerable people is simply not fair. I am confident, should government dig deep into the national coffers funds would be found and made available to help financially or otherwise people in dire needs.
Perhaps time has come to transform the Community Chest Fund into cash collection for research for different health conditions.
On a smaller scale but equally important and relevant to the unity of the Hamrunizi what former President Mr Harry Zammit Cordina of the St. Joseph Band Club initiated in 1983 between the two rival band clubs is still fresh in outlook. Back then the St. Joseph Band Club committee extended an invitation to the San Gejtanu Band Club committee during the Christmas season. This was immediately reciprocated. It has become a yearly event. Last Sunday the St. Joseph Band Club committee extended an invitation to the San Gejtanu Band Club committee, members of other voluntary organisations and to other distinguished guests.
During the event Fr Henry Balzan delivered his last speech. He will shortly leave the Islands to continue with his pastoral work in Chile after serving as Parish Priest for more than a decade in Hamrun. Mr Salvinu Zammit, the president of the Immaculate Conception Band Club announced that he will be retiring from his post.
Other eloquent speeches were delivered by the Hamrun Mayor Chris Sammut, the San Gejtanu Band Club president Anselm Sciberras and the host of the event Louis Cuschieri president of the St Joseph Band Club. All speakers appealed and encouraged the Hamrunizi to overcome any differences and continue with their sterling voluntary work towards the improvement of Hamrun and the Hamrunizi unity.
To conclude on a lighter note Chris, the big muscled-man, runs the small corner village bar in the peripherals of Hamrun is renowned for the wide selection of genuine finger foods he serves. The sumptuous spicy bites are a specialty mostly home-made prepared by his hard-working wife.With her better half she works, from home, around the clock. At the bar, Chris replenishes the empty silver bowls on the counter with the specially imported peanuts for his bar from Venezuela.
Small bar, big heart but above all enterprising!
I take this opportunity to wish the Directors, the Management, Staff and their loved ones a Happy Christmas. I extended my Christmas Greetings to you dear reader.
Gejtu Vella
[email protected]