The argument is, or was, that since Malta is responsible for air and sea surveillance over a huge area in the centre of the Mediterranean, it should also assume reponsibility for the rescue and safekeeping of “illegal” migrants that penetrate the area.

While refuting this second obligation we have remained convinced that the monitoring zone should remain as it has been, under Maltese “control”.

To be sure, it is not quite clear what benefits we do get as a result of this surveillance chore, apart no doubt from the payments for services rendered to keep travelling routes in order. However, what comes over and above these payments...? Could it be that the information we obtain about the movements of ships and planes has some strategic or security value for us? What ability do we then have to deal usefully with any such information?

The monitoring “rights” to the space we are responsible for apparently do not have the same overhang as rights over the seas that surround us, which apart from fish stocks, can be carrying huge supplies of oils and rare minerals. On these, it would be inconceivable to give up any rights, actual and potential.

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Art in Gozo

It was among the occasions at the European Parliament since I became a member that I liked best going to: the inauguration by Justyne Caruana of an exhibition of paintings by four Gozitan artists – Anthony Caruana, Manuel Farrugia, Rachel Galea and Christopher Saliba. We wanted it  to affirm how Gozitan artists are exploring successfully contemporary idioms and thereby giving witness to the changes that their island home is experiencing.

Then, what I liked most at the occassion was the display itself of the paintings – each one with a live and contemporary statement, whether direct or ambiguous, presented as a kind of challenge. It is hardly surprising that artistic endeavour in Gozo is gathering pace, so much so that now even Maltese artists are reaching out to have a presence in Gozo.

This is a very interesting development and should also offer further opportunities for the talent of curators like Manuel Grima, who was the brains behind the exhibiton at the EP.   

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Charles Miceli

I had known him since when I started working closely with Union Print during the first half of the eighties.

He was different, unlike many others – though on the “left”, he would always be prepared to moderate his views to take into account what others would be thinking and believing, while quietly reaffirming his own judgement. In this, he would take the part of the underdog.

While calm and gentle in his approach, his decisions – his choices – were hard. I was surprised when he decided to quit journalism. I was not suprised by what he chose to do instead, work with Caritas in the division that ran anti-drug addiction programmes. There he did sterling work. Later, like others, I followed with admiration his commitment to anti-poverty action.

The news of his death was an unexpected shock. Underdogs have lost a courageous and intelligent champion. Deep condolences go to Pauline and all his family.