Membership of the European Union had positive connotations for many; perhaps for some, negative ones. Like many visitors from the UK, we have been returning to Malta, on and off, for 50 years. We have noted progress but we have also been disappointed with the perpetuation of bad habits, and the despoiling of some of the "open areas" on the island.
In the past few years, some promenades were greatly improved, being resurfaced and enlarged. A positive trend. What do we find now? In many areas, the surfacing on these promenades is already damaged and everywhere one encounters ugly black spots, gum, oil or tar, or dog litter. The local people can do much better than that.
Have the Maltese noted the haze that often hangs over the islands? No, that is not mist or low lying clouds. From the plane, it looks more like heavy air pollution. There are too many cars and too much litter and dust in the streets. In most towns there are cars everywhere, and not a clear street in sight. The people need to look closely at all the dirty cars and dirty streets to appreciate what they are breathing in, day after day.
There is excessive, haphazard development, reportedly without significant government controls. This is not progress, it is a blight on the island. Tales of excessive drug use are troubling. With a limited coastline and single airport for arrivals and departures, and a well-organised Customs department, should the problem of illegal drugs be out of control? When one sees noisy restaurants, bars or discos in the middle of residential neighbourhoods; and when shouting and screaming, or loud bands are allowed to disturb the people till two or three in the morning, that is not progress. If they can do this, beyond the reach of the police, the superintendent, the police commissioner or other regulatory agencies - that is a major step backwards!
As for those that claim that the indiscriminate trapping and killing of birds helps preserve and protect nature, quite simply, they are to be pitied. Likewise, special controls on fishing are a necessity, before the industry suffers irreversible harm.
The planting of flowers in more areas is an attractive improvement, but there is a great need for many more trees. We have heard of the destruction of 300- or 400-year-old carob trees for development. We witnessed the destruction of old trees in a garden area adjoining Spinola Palace. Do the responsible government agencies know what is going on?
Some will say that all this matters little, as Malta had become a "tourist Mecca" of sorts. However, people need to remember that there were other such Meccas, and when tourists became disgusted they no longer went there, and the areas suffered economic collapse. Is that what the Maltese want?
On a visit to St John's Co-Cathedral we found it was easy to go in for a prayer and a brief visit. We heard an attendant say to another, in Maltese: "Watch them, so they do not wander around"! Yes, you need to protect and improve Malta's heritage sites - but, please, do not go from one extreme to another.