History of banking

Dr John Consiglio (The Sunday Times, November 19) may put his mind at rest that I wrote my letter to the editor (who may confirm this) before the launch of his book.

As a former banker I look forward to reading his book and to trying to understand the chronological sequence as to how historical events have been recorded.

Dr Consiglio may also rest assured that I have no intention to play the part of critic after I read his book. I shall leave that task to those who are more qualified in history and banking than I am to do so.

However, reading between the lines of Dr Consiglio's reply I can sense that he is trying to play down that very important and successful event in question, the setting up of the first overseas representation of a Maltese bank, a venture which he deemed fit to term as a "foray". I do not think that he was implying that it was a raid, an attack or an assault of some sort in a marketing sense.

But if he did then he really hit the nail on the head. Also, Dr Consiglio strengthens my argument by mentioning in his letter the presence of Mid-Med Bank in Australia, a short-lived venture which only started well over two years after the milestone in Maltese banking history I mentioned earlier.

Moreover, on reading what he wrote about his responsibilities at the time, one would be forgiven for assuming that Dr Consiglio himself is trying to get credit for others' achievements. As time and history have shown, it is easier said than done!

May the truth always prevail and silent achievers properly acknowledged.