Now is the time to compile an overall strategy for transhipment as a viable economic activity for Malta. We need to reflect more about it.

Yet, since the days of Lord Strickland, practically all Maltese political parties as well as private sector representatives, never stopped acknowledging the interest of a transhipment project. They claimed that on its basis, Malta would be undertaking a worthwhile activity, consonant with its situation and potential.

They were right to make the claim.

I get reports about how, in wide areas of Maltese land now, many white cars from Korea wait to be transported to Algeria. Similarly, you get told of long lists of products that are brought here from the farthest reaches of the globe, before being despatched to other Mediterranean destinations.

All of which reinforces belief in the future of transhipment from Malta, thereby confirming the optimism shown on the matter by past decision makers. But meanwhile, there is also talk abut the challenges and problems posed by the lack of available spaces where, in a small island, storage for transhipment could be organised.

That is why we need a strategic proposal outlining how in future, transhipment should be consolidated with a sustainable development programm for the country as a whole.

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Three prime ministers

During 2016, three European Prime Ministers among others, suddenly resigned their office.

David Cameron in the UK. Matteo Renzi in Italy. And Manuel Valls in France. Whatever you may think about them, it has to be admitted that the three were dynamic and had a sense of leadership.

On a case by case basis, the reason that led to their departure may look different. The British PM left because he wanted to close an ongoing split in his party over EU membership. His solution was to give the people a say in whether they wanted to stay in the Union or not. He believed that by winning the referendum (just after having won a general election), he could heal deep and old wounds caused by the membership issue.

Renzi’s calculation was that with a positive referendum outcome, he could change the dynamics of the Italian political scene to create a structure within which stable governments would operate in a decisive manner.

Valls left office because the French President who had appointed him did not succeed to deliver on the econmic and social promises he had made, and decided not to stand again as candidate for the Presdiency. In order to stand for it himself, Vals resigned as PM.

Beyond the hubris that led to such decisions, the resignations in themselves given witness to the deep political disquiet that is clouding Europe’s heartbeats these days.

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Cribs

Cribs have always been present in our midst.

For a while, their popularity faded. Then they got it back and in good style. Once again, their popularity declined as other alternatives about how to celebrate Christmas emerged. Now, for one more time, the fascination with cribs has returned.

The initiative to mount a “Maltese” crib at the Vatican was well taken. It is the kind of project that could be as beneficial to Malta’s image as the EU presidency – arguably more.