Silence is golden

In general we are a caring people. However, it seems that certain Maltese have forgotten how to control or lessen noise. A reasonable element of silence is one of the highest values sought everywhere and noise pollution or excessive noise is universally recognised as harmful to young and old alike.

The gravity of this situation is being felt in some countries and the World Health Organisation has always stressed that excessive noise should be curtailed for the good of mankind.

At times in certain localities, elderly persons, the sick, those who have undergone operations and more than others need to sleep, inmates in hospitals and institutions and babies have to suffer and endure ear-splitting petards, loud music from car stereos, etc.

At times, powerful petards (not colourful fireworks) shake the landscape, leaving one speechless and the sick and young children shaking. Some of the very noisy petards remind me of the wartime bombing.

The paradox is that we have more knowledge and more awareness about health, diet and well-being, yet this harmful noise goes on. Frequent loud noise is an offensive interruption and in this atmosphere, sleep and relaxation becomes impossible.

Unfortunately not everyone is fully aware of the beneficial effect which peace and tranquillity have on our health. Efforts should be made to keep noise levels from various quarters down.

Now to another point. It is known that many elderly tourists from crowded or industrial centres who opt for a quiet holiday sometimes complain that they do not always find the quiet they had looked forward to.

The news of unpleasant experiences - such as sleepless nights - travels a lot faster and wider than the very good efforts by the Malta Tourism Authority and the dedicated work put in by hotel managers and staff so many others in the tourist trade.

To digress a little: it was in silence that the prophet Elijah discovered God and it is in silence that we can properly relax or pray.