Despite the popularity parish festas enjoy in Malta, one which seems to be ever increasing, really and truly our country’s traditional customs are dying out. That’s what a friend told me.

I challenged him about this as I think he’s wrong. In fact, the instances he mentioned were in large part, related to ceremonies of a rather religious nature and to occupations that are hardly practised any more. But then for other occupations which are still around, like fishing, the occasions by which they get highlighted have not been phased out. Meanwhile, practitioners of new “hobbies” – such as for motorcycling – have discovered ways by which to give themselves a profile.

Different times usher in different ways by which people showcase their aspirations. Rather than getting forgotten, customs change format.

We now live in societies where means of communication have proliferated but where there has occurred a decrease in social activities that require individuals to cooperate among themselves. It is precisely from such activities that the customs of the past used to emerge. Admittedly, it is difficult to imagine for example, that at some point in time, devotees of computer games could come to organize their own pilgrimage.

From this to jump to the further conclusion that “communal” customs are all coming to an end, is I think, a bridge too far.

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Digital

To emphasize that digital skills should be given priority in educational policy is an extremely important guideline. Across all of Europe, digital technology has come to be considered an essential tool that will increasingly define the modern economy. Without it, those who are now in the lead will lose out and those who are already struggling will struggle even more.

On the other hand, in order to promote digital skills, we cannot just sideline the “pure” sciences or the “classic” technologies. Mathematics; physics; chemistry; mechanical, electric and electronic engineering... among others... constitute systems of learning and training that are indispensable now and will continue to be indispensable in future, not least when it comes to the delivery of projects with a significant economic return.

A society that keeps back from supporting and developing them further as a part of its own inherent competences, is undermining its future potential to renew the skills it will need by which to remain technically and economically in the lead.

There is a danger we could end up in such a situation. “Pure” sciences and engineering disciplines are not being given prominence and prestige equal to those accorded to digital and financial services.

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Immigration

The Hal Far riot in Malta a week ago... the discovery of thirty eight dead people in a lorry in the UK... were two incidents that again demonstrated how the immigration crisis is still much alive.

And it is creating disquiet among populations, provoking racist and xenophobic outbursts.

If a solution is to be put on track, there is a need for an enormously strong political will that is prepared to mobilise considerable resources. At the same time, it must face out racist incitement that finds fertile ground where to flourish and spread.

Not true that a will to carry this out does not exist in Europe. It does. It just is still not strong enough.