A problem which is not being given sufficient recognition in this country concerns the use we are making of our resources. Land and the natural environment, the sea, space in general and urban space in particular, water, the air... It seems as if the Maltese community believes that its resources are either endless or get renewed automatically. True, many warnings are issued about this from official and government sources. But the advice and recommendations that are published usually end up relegated in bottom drawers.
A dilemma has become that the strong economic growth which has been maintained is carrying everything forward. It is totally unprecedented and exceptional in the whole history of the islands. And it does not appear that growth will soften soon (although it is never possible to predetermine completely whether short term developments could go out of skew...) In any case, the prevalent view is that we should conintue to harness the resources we do have at the same rhythm of these last years. Otherwise a recession will happen across the board, if not too a collapse. This does sound like a variation on an old Anglo-Italian song: Tomorrow never comes. Beyond any ongoing advice and recommendations which we choose to ignore, one doubts whether relying on such a slogan could be of benefit to the country.
***
DRIVER TESTING
The government's decision to introduce testing for alcohol and drugs on drivers even if there's no strong suspicion of abuse but on a random basis, was correct, well judged and timely. A wide range of professional, business and voluntary-social organizations were backing the measure. People as well realised that the number of serious and fatal incidents had continued to increase, mainly as a consequence of abuse.
A proposal of this nature could easily have given rise to negative reactions as it could have been seen as permitting excessive interference by the police in the private lives of citizens without any valid reason. Given how the issue has been dealt with now, this has not happened. Despite what some might have believed, the possibility that the measure could trigger dissent was not minimal.
***
TORTOISE
Letters have arrived in our homes "informing" us how much money we have been able to save on electricity and water household bills, Surely this is a an important signal showing that the next general election is fast approaching.
Frankly, the signals also are that the Labour Party stands a very good chance of winning it. The economy is still moving fast and the government has taken care to keep spreading economic feelgood while introducing significant improvements in the social services sectors. It is doubtful whether the mistakes it has committed, some of which were signficant, will be fully held against it in the electoral race.
Meanwhile, the Nationalist Opposition has been spending long weeks to decide who will lead it. It has hardly managed to whip up themes that are its own in order to then communicate them to the public in order to mobilise people behind the party. For the coming electoral race, it finds itself in the position of the tortoise in Aesop's fable. However in this case, to arrive first, the tortoise cannot rely on the rabbit pausing for a siesta. It must discover some other tactic.