Enforcement and self-regulation

In his article What Our Clientele Deserves (August 25), the Minister of Tourism, Francis Zammit Dimech, hit on various topics which affect tourism. He listed seven major issues: the oil-covered entrance to Valletta, filth in Paceville, the littering of public areas, building sites, beaches, culinary standards and manners and hospitality.

The minister has correctly stated that this is a collective problem and he also posed the question as to which type of action should be taken to ensure that the proper standards are achieved (or/and maintained) so that Malta remains an internationally competitive destination. Basically his query is: Should the solution be through self-regulation or should it be through regulation?

Clearly the answer is both. The sad reflection is that we are where we are because neither one nor the other has been fully carried out - and maintained - in the past. And it befalls the government as the leader, as the authority entrusted with the necessary finance and power, to lead and to carry out both, as an educator for self-regulation purposes and as a legislator for enforcement purposes.

Undoubtedly, the best and long-term solution is self-regulation: this takes time to establish, mature and maintain. This also presupposes a disciplined civil society where people act naturally and normally in the appropriate and proper manner - that is in the manner they should without the need of policing. "To do unto others (including the tourist) as they expect to be done unto them".

But has Maltese society reached this stage or are we a law-flouting people more adept in its breach rather than its obedience? We often read of an innocent person being physically attacked by a wrongdoer, because he simply criticised such a wrongdoing. How many times are people generally and in particular cases disrespectful towards others? Do we take others' rights and needs in consideration? How many times does one not carry out one's duty even if this is paid for, and such service is spelt out in clear terms? These questions on our behaviour apply both vis-à-vis tourists and between ourselves.

Self-regulation in the areas under discussion is not an innate natural attitude which is automatically micro-chipped in the newborn child. It has to be taught. But if the parents themselves are unable to impart such basic knowledge how can children and youths learn the proper behaviour that should be carried out by young and adults in a civil society? Have you ever heard of a government-run educational subject in our national academic/social curriculum Good Parenting among the many other relatively unimportant subjects?

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association has over the years proposed, pleaded and indeed attempted to have an educational campaign - persistent, consistent, all pervading and uninterrupted where self-regulation can be taught. These must be studied campaigns carried out at all our schools; at local councils level; national media - and repeated annually. Lack of finance was our association's stumbling block.

It is the government's duty to impart such teaching even if abetted in this regard by non-governmental institutions. We are all aware of the successful educational campaigns carried out through Xummiemu and in the "give way to traffic on the roundabout" campaign. The minister has rightly emphasised that: "The tourism industry has a direct benefit to thousands who are directly or indirectly dependent on it". We can well add: in Malta all roads lead to tourism.

And the branding exercise - if its purpose is to educate locally as distinct from enhancing our image overseas - will be inadequate. The "brand" exercise is one in human infrastructure. Let us extend the given examples - which ultimately are all imputable to human acts or omissions. Do we have a basic sense of civic duty and elementary good manners? Do we greet the tourist with the very important "please", "thank you", "good morning" etc?

As a people we must instil in our culture and in our upbringing a sense of duty for duty's sake, and of discipline - of doing what has to be done in the proper way even if this takes more time, or if it gives us a reduced return, without that apparently natural local aptitude of cutting corners or making compromises.

If we succeed in this difficult task of adopting this morality and incorporating it in our mentality we will be achieving a better life for ourselves and giving the tourists their due: this will be revolutionising a cultural attitude. And most complaints (taxis, horse cabs, buses, hotels, restaurants, street/beach cleaning etc) in most areas will vanish: our product will be upgraded to first class. Our competitiveness will make great strides. This is the task we have to set ourselves. Are we able to achieve it? Do we have the political will irrespective of any electoral cost? Do we have the men with vision and organisational ability and competence in charge?

Understandably the minister's list is not exhaustive. The MHRA has in recent years voiced its concern about relatively "new" types of crimes that are affecting Maltese society. We have pronounced ourselves against acts of vandalism and suggested remedial action (rewards being given for information received leading to conviction with substantial penal and civil punishments to those convicted, recovering manyfold the damages caused) and against other crimes on the person such as rape, mugging, etc often attributed to foreigners (as can be evidenced from press reports). The above are but two examples, however important ones, because they are very relevant for the good name Malta so far enjoys internationally in this regard - and which are very attractive considerations for tourists.

The government is to use all weapons in its armoury. Self-regulation takes time. In the above-mentioned instances by the minister, in the above referred to and in other cases, concurrently with time-consuming self-regulation, legislation and enforcement is inevitable. Yes, regulation is essential.

The government must legislate and furthermore ensure the subsequent enforcement in cases of breach. Law breakers, bullies - physical and political - must be brought into line. Often law breaking seems to be a national pastime especially where enforcement cannot be executed. The will and the ability to enforce must be there in the policing force. However, the government's legislative and executive branches are on their own insufficient: they require the help of the Judiciary. Complaints lodged in the press indicate that there is a chasm in opinion between the public and the type of punishment meted out by the Judiciary. Suspended sentences seem to be the order of the day. Instances where persons have jumped bail are becoming more frequent. Reports of relapsers who commit crimes while on bail are also becoming more common. Clearly the public feels the courts cannot allow such leniency as even this has a negative impact in general and on tourism in particular.

Accordingly, an educational campaign would be ideal. As our present day society shows, this is clearly needed and should be carried out on the lines the MHRA has advocated. Legislation and effective enforcement is also necessary. Yes, let the private sector help, but the government is the leader and ultimately responsible.

And, finally, let us pass to action rather than more mere empty words.

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