Stealing the limelight

I am becoming increasingly irritated by Minister Francis Zammit Dimech's habit of basking in reflected glory and riding piggy back on Malta and Gozo's abounding talent and creativity.

His over-frequent use of the phrase "my ministry" with regard to successful promotion or sponsorship of the arts and the increase in tourist arrivals is tiresome; it is, after all, his ministry's function to do precisely that. It gives the impression of stealing the limelight from those who deserve credit (perhaps all the credit) for such creativity and benefit. It is cheap and unbecoming, also, to make political capital out of the resounding success of Lejlet Lapsi, never missing an opportunity to have a dig at the Opposition.

Since living here I have never ceased to be amazed at the wealth of talent and creativity found among the Maltese and Gozitan people, and I give full credit to them for being gifted and take none myself for having discovered so. It is for us, the witnesses, to praise your ministry; indulging in self-glorification before we have a chance to show our appreciation makes our praise secondary and superfluous.

As a producer and director of plays and festivals in Britain, I stuck to a simple rule: once rehearsals were over and the show was up and running I took a back seat, ensuring that all the praise and glory went to the cast alone. It was their day or season, not mine. My subsequent smile was one of inner contentment, not smug self-satisfaction!

So please be careful Dr Zammit Dimech - tone it down or turn it down before I switch off.

Not once, since it was announced that Valletta (your capital - your ministry's capital) was likely to lose its heritage status, have I read a word of explanation or apology, nor any admission or constructive comment on the justification of such a condemnation.

Responsibility may not come directly under your ministry but you certainly have a role to play in the repair and renewal of our glorious asset for the sake of culture and tourism.

The odd grumble against yourself and your ministry would be a most welcome indication of greater modesty, humility and sensitivity.