Our Former and Present Parliamentarians by Lino DeBono

Ever since the Maltese and Gozitans had a say in local affairs and politics, all political parties and individuals, through one way or another have brought about progressive steps to the ‘Well Being,’ ‘Regulations’ and the speedy ‘Progress’ of our Maltese Nation.

One remembers quite clearly what people used to say when the British were leaving Malta, that we as Maltese and as a nation could not possibly survive without their presence.

How wrong and erroneous these predictions were.

Since then Malta and Gozo have never, ever, looked back. Impressive and incredible progress has been achieved through all alternative administrations.

From Servants we became our own Masters. From having dictations administered to us, we started telling others what we Maltese want and consider is best for us.

No more foreign master dictating to us whom to invite to our Islands without the approval of the Maltese. One such fact was when N.A.T.O. was welcomed to our Islands without our governments approval or their even knowing about it. When our Government asked to become a Member in N.A.T.O, the request was refused.

When some years later our Government asked once again to have “Observers Status” within N.A.T.O. as this institution was based in our Islands, this second request was also refused.

When acquiring our Independence from the British, we still had our Airport, Sea, Air, Banks and Telecommunications administered by the British, Foreign Affairs were also included. But and there is a big but, Malta and Gozo started to make progressive steps in Infrastructure, Industries and all of the other daily life requirements.

We as a Nation started taking decisions on our own which was a huge step in the right direction.

From having our Islands with private houses serving as schools, new modern up to date Educational Institutions were built. Technical Schools – Science – Higher Educational Institutions and Research Facilities became the norm.

The general public also had an impulse of being owners of their own buildings which now makes the Maltese population one of the few countries where most people own their own homes.

The Economic Sector moved from being only a service sector to Manufacturing – Exporting and becoming competitive around the world.

From having an outdated Communication Service, we now have become at the forefront of this Technology Sector. We have indeed become second to none.

Our way of life has improved so much that now we Maltese and Gozitans can proudly say how fortunate we are that we are born, bred and living in Malta and Gozo.

People in general have now a decent standard of living, Free Heath Care – Free Child Care Centres, which when I am on official business abroad, other nations wonder how we as a small country can achieve this when they cannot even start to think about it.

Also in Malta we have a stable Banking System – Good Electricity Supply – Good Postal Service and so many other positive aspects.

Negative Side

Our Negative side is also very prominent. Whenever one views comments – remarks both written and said on local media – Facebook – Newspapers, etc., etc, one is subjected to so much negativity, hate, disrespectful comments, that one can easily say and comment “Is this the real Island that I am living in?”

Some people do tend to hide behind a screen to air their personal negative/disrespectful views, but this always comes from the same few people that comment on these columns. Whilst they may please several followers, in general these sort of comments are not appreciated by the majority of the general public.

Some people take pleasure, it appears, when mud and dirt is showered on others. So my question is “What would they feel if this sort of mud is directed at them?” I am certain that they would not be pleased.

Our Political Leaders

At present and for these past three years, all the mud, negative comments, accusations of all sorts and vile comments have been directed to our political Leaders from both sides of the aisle. This sort of negativity and disrespect, on both the local and foreign fronts, has created hatred and division within and for our population.

On the foreign front the home issues should not be used to destabilise our administration and bring disrepute to our people and country. Whatever seeds one plants today, will one day come to harvest for those who make them in the future.

Short foresight is very dangerous. As the saying goes “Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.”

These attacks from a section of the population are on Politicians. If Malta and Gozo didn’t have sound, honest and visionary politicians, our Islands would not have achieved the vast improvements that we Maltese and Gozitans are enjoying this present day.

We have never ever had it so good.

Imagine that now, at present, in this Pandemic Crises, our Government did not have the financial clout to subsidise our Industries, Factories, Workers – Health and the General Public? We the people would have returned to the time when people used to swallow “Earth” to fill their stomachs.

Destruction and Better Governance

Sadly our National Village Complex is being ruined by over-buildings which are not adaptable to our national normal way of life. Greed is taking over and sadly is permitted and allowed through one excuse or another.

Cranes and more cranes are not only an eyesore, but make ones heart jump with apprehension. Petrol Stations allowed to build in outside development zones are only an excuse for future development projects.

How can a small Petrol Station be given permission to build in outside development zones many times the size of the original places? How is it the some financial heavyweights individuals are being sanctioned when building without permits? Then the required permits are passed through the Planning and Heritage Authorities?

Why are people’s protests being ignored?

Meritocracy

The General Public are demanding more meritocracy from those responsible to these submissions to High Financial Individuals. This apart from those responsible to be more open with the General Public, not only in these issues but in all issues that involves the way of life that we Maltese and Gozitans are used to.

Conclusion

Let’s thank God and all of our Leaders, that we in Malta and Gozo, can and are living a healthy life with good prospects in front of us.

Let us not demean ourselves just to discredit our rivals. Let us be whole in our future aspects. Yes with more “Vision – Transparency and Meritocracy.” ALL of our representatives have and must remember that they are elected “By the People” – For the People” and “To the People.”

Lino DeBono