The Maltese way of doing things

One cannot but lead a frustrated life in Malta. Our dailies are filled with letters complaining about problems faced on a daily basis. But who cares? We rarely read a reply or a promise that something is going to be done.

Many laws need changing but both the government and the opposition seem reluctant to update what is obsolete. I cannot accept the fact that a speculator can start building something without a permit and the authorities cannot stop him if he resorts to the courts. It is not unusual in such circumstances for a concrete block to be "sanctioned", that is, is declared legal.

What is the government and the opposition waiting for to agree and legislate together to stop this nuisance? Why shouldn't the authorities have the power to send the police to stop any illegal building as soon as this becomes known?

We remember the farce when, years back, the government tried without success to demolish the numerous illegal seashore summer "residences". It is preposterous to observe how they continued to mushroom in many public places with water and electricity being installed!

In Malta it is useless to complain about certain injustices. The politicians may hear you and sympathise with you, but they rarely do anything.

Take the illegal shooting of rare protected birds. Every season we read about eagles, falcons, egrets and other rare species being massacred ashore and out at sea with the culprit/s sometimes only punished with a minor fine.

Why don't both parties agree (in order not to lose votes) to legislate more harshly against illegal hunting and sent those who continue to abuse to prison, as happens overseas?

The same goes for those who organise dog fights. These horrible acts continue to happen as long as the abusers escape the law lightly.

And what about the footpaths in the countryside? How can we brand Malta and encourage tourism if the authorities continue to let anybody close any footpath with an iron gate and proclaim "private property" even if it is public?