Of public cleanliness, government and civic sense

The issue of "cleanliness" crops up intermittently. The general conclusion is simple: No, the Maltese have no pride in keeping Malta clean. And let us add: nor any pride in the varied and valued historical sites with which we have been so copiously blessed.

The disgraceful attitude "Keep your home clean, but keep Malta dirty" (and the issue is one of mentality and lack of education) is part of a wider malaise. Lack of public cleanliness is an important element in a bigger setting. In generic terms, the wider picture is lack of pride in and love of one's country and an inter-relationship devoid of respect to one's person. The question is one of values and of a standard of living: it also forms a part of the nation's culture.

In short, are we what one may term a "civil" society or are we still in a backward uncivil inter-personal relationship?

Together with the lack of public cleanliness, we must also refer to the inherent indigenous fundamental lack of a civic sense. This term is definable. We here list some of the components.

Regretfully, we must concede that we have no (or little) respect for each other. We are not considerate to the others' rights or needs: ours is mainly an egoistic mentality. Do we respect our elders? Authority in general? The other drivers? Aren't we always right? Ready to be rude in inter-relations? Of course, it is not our fault that we think in this manner: we are not taught this ethic in schools - or by our parents. Indeed, our parents themselves need to be taught this attitude - and how to bring up and educate their children.

These statements are general conclusions - happily with exceptions abounding. However, I think it extremely difficult for the contrary to be sustained. But let us return to cleanliness.

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association is very much aware of this problem and has - as many others, similarly ignored in the past - raised its plaintive voice in the wilderness. In September 2002, on the occasion of World Tourism Day, the undersigned, on behalf of the MHRA, said this on cleanliness:

"But the most fundamental and important element, which gives the tourist a good impression of Malta, is that old adage of keeping Malta clean. It is inconceivable how central road strips have papers, cigarette butts, bottles, plastic cups and all other paraphernalia mushrooming on a daily basis. The same applies in general to public areas. This is a clear indication of the mentality that allows the throwing of such objects. And the mentality is a clear result of lack of an educational campaign in this regard. The recent 'give way at a roundabout traffic' campaign bore its fruit and this rule is now in general obeyed."

What the MHRA would like to see is a persistent, consistent, persuasive, pervading campaign in schools, villages, towns, cities on radio, television and press educating the young, the middle aged and the old that Malta (and not only their residence) is their home and that keeping it clean and tidy is a must.

There are today more litter bins than in the recent past but these must be increased and be well kept. Why is it that when going to picnics and barbecues, we must park the car right up to the site where we plan to stay, even if this means driving onto beaches and fields?

Why is it that rubbish left after barbecues and picnics should become the trademark of clean fun? Why is it that we cannot divert the unproductive labour element into a productive force to keep the island clean and tidy at all times?

These issues relate to the standard of living in the country. MHRA is also very much conscious (and, hence, its persistent pressure) that successful tourism depends heavily on same.

But what does the MHRA have to do with a civic sense? As a national body, the MHRA is democratically entitled to voice its concern on national issues. Why shouldn't we Maltese enjoy living happily with each other?

But closer to home, it is essential for tourism to have a mature and considerate civic sense, which does not allow the fleecing of tourists; or over-charging; or not giving the tourist value for money; or not making him feel wanted and being outright rude to him. Do the words "please" and "thank you" still exist in common/official parlance and what happened to the smile?

This friendly attitude for which we have been known - more in the past than the present - does not cost anything. Yet it is priceless. A smile, a "good morning" puts donor and recipient in excellent mood. Unfortunately, I often feel we are at the end of the opposite spectrum: verging on being, or being outrightly, rude.

Where are the good manners in the way taxi/bus drivers and so many others, including in the public service, go about their work? And while we are at it, shouldn't honesty be taken into the equation? Do we treat the others as we expect, or would like, to be treated? Isn't it imperative that we do, both for our own sake and for the sake of Malta as a tourist destination?

And shall we omit noise pollution? Evident lack of education - of respect and concern for others - are often the ruin of a quiet and peaceful, well-deserved rest or serenity. Why should one not be taught from infancy not to blare out to the world what should be heard in privacy? Why disturb others? Get deaf on your own - in your sound-proof room or through your private earphones!

At this stage, one may well ask: Where does this state of affairs stem from? This situation may be in part attributed to the colonial past. The colonised have no pride in his past: the coloniser has no interest in implanting any.

Yes, the Catholic Church, as a leader in Malta, is also partly responsible and very much so especially when social mores are involved. The pointing finger is the obvious lack of knowledge (profound or otherwise) Maltese have of the Catholic religion with the concomitant genuine respect and love such a religion preaches at a social and cultural level.

Much is lip-service - superficial and unreasoned. How can one not so conclude when surveys indicate many are apostasising and marrying into other faiths; when replies show that religion is not important and when general dissatisfaction is reflected in the everyday public life of many?

Many have expressed negative comments: the style and content of some old-fashioned long-winded impractical Sunday homilies; lack of leadership in crucial moments. That something has gone wrong between the Catholic religion and the Maltese is undoubted. Nor is it consoling to contend that this situation is practically universal.

But definitely since 1964 (and this is the crucial start-off date), the responsibility lies fully with successive Maltese governments. A generation and a half has since peopled our island, yet the educational process, the pride in our land, the love of our cultural heritage, the step forward in our quality of life is non-existent.

Yet, good morality and values have to be imparted - and who should (and will) bear that role? Clearly, the Catholic Church has an important social role to play and we are sure it will rise to this challenge so that her teachings will instil in the Maltese a sense of giving unto Caeser what is Caeser's and so that the people act out their personal inter-relationship in a true Christian manner.

The government is, however, the greater bearer of this obligation. But do those in power care? In certain areas and periods, some care has been shown. Can we compliment enough the joint embellishing campaign recently carried out through the planting of flowers in central strips etc? On the other hand, judging, unfortunately, by past inaction and the state of affairs, few politicians seem to care.

On this World Tourism Day, the MHRA publicly presents its plea to the government. The livelihood - or otherwise - of the MHRA members, and of others, depends primarily on the government's action or inaction.

The short lived Xummiemu and Keep Malta Clean campaigns can bring about results if carried out as suggested. Therefore, with educative indoctrination and infrastructural requisites (for example, availability of bins, barring of cars from picnic/beaches/historic sites; persistent presence of competent wardens backed by real judicial deterrent etc), positive results will be obtained.

It is the perception of this "value" that is missing and has to be taught. Yes we are now in Europe, but this negative nonchalant attitude will not thereby change unless and until we (the competent and responsible authorities and the private sector) do something about it.

It is this attitude that we have to change if we are going to make the leap forward. After all, we are talking about substantially bettering our standard of living, which is not gauged only materially. Furthermore, giving the tourist a hospitable and value-for-money holiday is fundamental to successful tourism, and, in turn, to all those, including MHRA members, dependant on tourism. Hence, MHRA's vested and justified interest in Malta's civic sense.

Accountability ensures that those rendering a service, whether or not they receive payment, are responsible for their actions. It affects all walks of life, at all levels, from the bottom to the top and vice versa. It is very evident abroad; it is alien to Maltese practice. Yet it is a must.

Leadership is another essential concept in the running of a country. Vision and execution must go hand in hand. Both concepts must be delivered by the top echelons of our political/establishment, hierarchy. We quote an apt Maltese proverb: il-huta minn rasha tinten (the fish rots from the head).

The MHRA is - like so many other true lovers of Malta - frustrated and desperate. The MHRA has carried out campaigns in furtherance of the above and will continue to do so.

Accordingly, this plea must end with a friendly though serious challenge. Our plea and challenge are to the present minister of the environment, who is faced with this problem, to carry out the suggested educational campaign imparting values, coupled with the carrying out of a practical nation-wide clean-up. If necessary, this can be done with the cooperation of other ministries which, after all, in some manner or other, depend on tourism (if such a consideration has to be taken into account).

We pledge our full support.

We are sure that the political parties, other national and non-governmental associations, the Church and the public will welcome and support this idea and effort. Let it be our resolution for next year, the year Malta joins the European Union.

Time will tell of the progress we make and the monitoring will be there. Accountability in all spheres, not to the MHRA, but to history and to the Maltese has now become a must. We too dream of a clean Malta and of a country where life is more civilised.

Dr Peralta is secretary general of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association.