“Some global Institutions and world leaders took positive and immediate steps in previous epidemics, like polio, a sickness which spread rapidly gripping the world with fear and dread, which was dealt with effectively by both America and Russia.

I remember in our Islands when those infected by tuberculosis were isolated in special hospitals, Malta Institute in Rabat and for Gozo in Chambray, and later Lazarett. Those infected had medical personnel turning up at their homes, burning all clothes and disinfecting everything in the house, etc. This went on until the Government started sending patients to Switzerland to be cured.

The world then had several other major epidemics, such as Ebola, Aids and SARS, all of which were eventually found antidotes after effective measures were taken by the leading world powers.

But in this recent epidemic of Coronavirus the world institutions and leading governments have failed miserably in their leadership qualities. Their lack of action in making decisive decisions were, and are becoming more obvious as time goes by.

The W.H.O. failed to give guidelines. The 5 major countries which control the United Nations with their veto, perhaps thought that due to their strength they may not be affected and their leaders adopted a macho stance.

Let us reduce the 5 major countries to 3, which are America, China and Russia with India now also on the brink of becoming a World Power.

Britain and France have passed their glorified days but are still very much important in Europe alongside Germany. With the exception of Germany, these country’s leaders left it very late in taking active steps to deal with this global health epidemic. Italy and Spain, due to their usual policies of trying to have the better of the touristic market and adopting a laissez-faire attitude, became two of the hardest hit countries of all.

America, which had previously taken the initiative in the Free World, has isolated itself and left its allies out in the wilderness, thus creating a void in leadership and alliances. It has created a divide in faith and comradeship between itself and Europe/Australia/Canada.

This European Union, which we are members of, was irrelevant in showing any sign of amalgamated initiatives in leading the union members with any advice or counselling. Not only that, instead of becoming more integrated in issuing policies and guidance, it became fragmented with every Member Country isolating itself from another. Borders were closed. Schengen totally disregarded. Everyone on his/her own.

America, who in the near past used to lead the Democratic World on important issues, left a vast void this time around. America isolated itself once again and is threatening the withdrawal of financial aid, which now, is more crucial than ever to the World Health Organization.

The American emphasis is directed more towards China than the real issues at hand. The macho stance of several world leaders leaves very much to be desired and is also very dangerous.

Alongside the American President who doesn’t take advice, the world is also seeing the Brazilian President adopting very dangerous decisions, decisions which can cause widespread consequences locally, as well as worldwide.

Complicated Decisions

With the lack of world leaders failing to lead, local governments have had to decide for themselves the best way forward for their citizens. Some took early decisions which as we now know, were very positively effective, whilst others left it too late to the detriment of its citizens.

It is a shame to see that the most affected people were those in care homes and institutions. Several countries hospitals were simply overwhelmed by patients and the staff weren’t adequately equipped with proper protective clothing. This rendered the health care force more liable to catch the illness themselves.

These harsh realities are becoming more evident as time passes by and the number of deaths being recorded increases.

Malta and Gozo

In our islands we were lucky to have a group of intelligent people taking quick and proper actions. The general public was being informed daily of every outcome, such information was avidly awaited by one and all, this was also a very positive step for putting the general public’s mind at rest.

The medical preparations for adequate facilities with ALL the medical professional staff doing excellent work, meant that Malta and Gozo didn’t suffer except with only minor consequences.

The financial assistance, which is second to none to other countries, and has been instrumental in easing the burden for one and all, was also a step in the right direction.

We are now going to enter into another important step. That of choosing the way forward between the health and economic issues. Whatever steps are taken, there will always be a divide in the people’s minds. This vision will depend upon which side of the coin one finds himself/herself.

Is the country taking these steps early or at the right time? This will always be a much discussed issue. Some will opt for the opening whilst others will say it’s too early. Some will question if the financial and economical issues are more important than health and welfare.

Others will insist that our country’s coffers cannot last with the present spending unless the economic sectors start functioning fully again.

Who is right? Who is wrong? Nobody will know until the statistics start becoming known.

Maltese Tourism in Gozo

I always said and maintained that the Maltese are by far the best tourists that Gozo enjoys. As Gozo’s commercial life mostly depends on people crossing over, are we going to hold these back or are we opening our doors for internal tourism? Shall Government open the doors now or later?

The world and mostly in our islands, has armchair critics and sceptics galore. When one reads or follow newspapers on the internet, the comments that follow are mostly destructive and negative. Few are balanced with fair comments.

We should not let ourselves be guided by negative and destructive options, but by positive and innovative suggestions.

May we as a nation come out of this pandemic crisis with positivity and proudly say that we in Malta and Gozo made sound decisions and achieved an equitable outcome.”

Lino DeBono,

Gozo.