The history of Malta is not a subject that our citizens are really familiar with. Apart from those who really do not care at all about it, a significant majority still have only a superficial knowledge of what happened over the centuries or indeed even in modern times.
It is true that the educational system attaches a relatively low importance to the subject. Perhaps too, it is taught in ways that continue to create distance between it and what students actually consider to be interesting. The traditional media play a minor role in helping to stimulate interest in local history. On the other hand, when a lively account of some historical incident that is not well known is published, it does draw attention.
Should we take a serious view of this issue or should we let it go with the wind like we do on so many other fronts? The fact is that without a proper awareness of our national history – one that is alive and popular within the national society – even the sense of a national identity could get weakened. Such a development would benefit noboody.
***
EXCELLENCE
Frequently there is agreement to back the recommendation that in a given sector, the aim should be to reach excellent quality standards – in fact, to become a centre of excellence on the issue. It is difficult not to agree with such aims.
The problem arises when we then have to take the action needed to achieve them. In too many cases, what has to be constantly and unwaveringly pushed through, is either not done or carried out sloppily. Unfortunately the slackness in execution prevails in most sectors.
In public administration, the laying out of rules and laws remains vague and enforcement weak.
In business, the commitment to delivery of good quality as an essential consumer service is totally disregarded.
In education, the maintenance of serious educational standards to cover studies is allowed to slip.
In economic management with the excuse that we need to remain competitive, low wages get offered and paid that are incompatible with a production based on excellence.
All too often, the approach prevails that it is best to see how to fudge and carry on, rather than to work hard.
***
SANCTIONS
Clearly when sanctions are put in place, the objective of those applying them is to avoid adopting “stronger” measures – basically declaring war. Still, the question remains – how effective can sanctions be even if applied fully? In most cases, it appears that they are not.
This happens because those subject to sanctions will most lilkely, find how to make do with what they have been deprived of; or they will identify suppliers who are still prepared to send them what they need.
Worse, sometimes sanctions will and can be circumvented in the most evident manner. For instance, the importation of refined oil products from Russia is at present prohibited. Yet some of the countries applying this sanction are today ending up buying refined oil products from countries with have no natural oil supplies of their own. They import them from Russia and refine them.