Governments around the world are currently dealing with the repurcussions of a global pandemic which has forced countries to adapt to a new kind of normal.

The pandemic has also illustrated, in several countries, that it is possible for governments with capable institutions to act decisively. By contrast, countries with weak health systems and no social safety nets have found it challenging to respond. Take Malta as a case study. During the past 12 months, we took swift and unprecedented decisions to ensure that we safeguard the health of our nation and its economic well-being. The decisions we took were never straightforward, as striking the right balance between protecting the lives and livelihoods of our citizens was no easy feat.

In the face of all this, law enforcement needed to make a bigger effort to respond to the realities of the Coronavirus, whilst also managing to deal with its usual workload. One of our main concerns at the beginning of the pandemic was ensuring that law enforcement had the necessary contingency plans in place to keep working effectively in case a large amount of officers get infected. For this reason, we made sure that all disciplined forces have a contingency plan that allowed them to be well-prepared for any eventuality that might crop up.

Law enforcement officials are also working to enforce the protocols issued by the health authorities. From police officers to community officials, these inspections have become part of their daily routine. Last year, the Armed Forces helped by delivering food to those who were in quarantine and could not go out to buy the essentials. Today, they are on the frontline of the vaccination roll-out.  Whereas, the Civil Protection Department was providing decontamination training to various government departments and was also responsible for sanitising the health authority’s vehicles and other buildings. I cannot forget to mention the work of the community officers from LESA, who for weeks helped by delivering medicines to our elderly all over the country.

However, combatting the spread of the virus was not the only challenge law enforcement had to face. On the contrary, law enforcement had to keep dealing with its usual workload all the while working within the parameters of this ‘new normal’.  All disciplined forces are working together round the clock to ensure our safety. The Civil Protection Department, the Police, the Armed Forces of Malta and LESA’s community officers are closely collaborating and ready to assist whenever needed. There also entities which are helping out other government departments which do not necessarily fall under the same Ministry. I must say that I am very proud of the teamwork that exists between all disciplined forces. At the end of the day, we’re all in this together.

Nevertheless, we must keep in mind that officers are human too and are not immune to the virus. Law enforcement is not a private company which can shut down operations if a number of employees test positive for the virus. Therefore, my appeal to readers is to do their part as well. Rest assured that as a government our main objective is not to fine citizens, that is why I encourage everyone to play their part and help keep each other safe.

Having said this, I’m often asked if this year brought with it any positive outcomes. Right now, it’s difficult to think about any benefits related to Covid-19 however, we must always look at the silver lining. As expected, the pandemic will have a global economic impact and the Maltese Government intervened with fiscal measures to try and safeguard people’s jobs. Nevertheless, we must take this moment as an opportunity to re-invent ourselves and change certain practices which can improve our world for the better. For instance, prior to the outbreak of Covid-19 online meetings were not common practice. Now everyone has come to realise just how effective they can be. If I had to choose one positive element from this bleak situation, it would definitely be that as a Maltese citizen, I have so much to be grateful for. Our healthcare workers, our disciplined forces, our community leaders have once again risen to the occasion and kept us safe. We are forever in their debt.

Dr Byron Camilleri is Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement