I’m writing “Maltese” on purpose. Though the reverend Mario Grech hails from Gozo, his profile reflected the mood of the country as a whole. I was very pleased to learn about his new status.

Even as I say this, I need to clarify. Firstly, I am not a religious person – so it is not really up to me to comment on the affairs of the Catholic Church. Secondly, in private... and certainly not in public, since I am not a Church insider... I have criticised Bishop Grech for the discordant positions he stood – contrast the one he adopted prior to the introduction of divorce and during the referendum that was conducted about it... with that of later days, especially following the change of Pope in Rome.

Yet on a leading line of action, I continued to find his stand praiseworthy. Over the years Grech was consistent on social issues – in favour of the rights of those who experienced social deprivation and of workers. Also, he has an effective way by which to communicate in Maltese – a skill that I have always admired in all those who possess it. Over and above all this his cordial and simple behaviour cannot but make him friends.

I wish him all the best and success in his new “career”.

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NEUTRALITY

The recent controversy about SOFA, the agreement that is laid out for signature by a country which is preparing to receive a mission by US soldiers – and by which the latter are exempted from being subject to the laws of the country where they are being posted – did have a silver lining. It was unexpected.

Among the voices that were raised against such an agreement, came some from the right. They did not all do this for opportunistic reasons because they had found another whip with which to beat the government.

To me they seemed like there were sincere voices displeased by such an agreement because it would contradict the neutrality of the country. Among these voices from the right, there were young people.

It seems as if at last, the commitment to Malta’s neutrality has now become well entrenched among all strata of the population.

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ON BEING YOUNG

Certainly one can understand the glumness of young people because of the precautionary restrictions that have been placed on their lifestyle in order to contain the corona virus pandemic. Youth is the best time of life during which to roam in different environments and countries, to make and lose new friendships, to experiment with what life can give to old and young, to enjoy the fashions and experience the prejudices of the times in which one lives, to learn from “enemies” and friends.

The crux of it all is to meet people.

On all this, the corona virus pandemic has placed enormous restraints. In the beginning it was said that this had to be done to protect the elderly, because they were dying in greater numbers as a result of the pandemic. Now we know that the damage among younger people too, is not so limited.

I would say that the burdens on young people are turning out to be tougher than they are on the elderly, even if the pandemic kills the latter faster. It is hard to be a young person at such times.