Obsolete stamps

I was recently informed that postage stamps not bearing the euro equivalent will no longer be valid after January 31.

Since I keep a limited stock of stamps for post to America, Europe and Asia, I went to the nearest post office, from where I had originally purchased these stamps, with a view to exchange them. To my surprise I was told by a rather impolite clerk that they do not exchange stamps. When I enquired as to what I should do with these stamps, "use them" was the reply. I retorted that to use them I must have a purpose. Besides, 22c and 29c stamps are not used every day. I was then told: "Wait for a statement to be issued by Maltapost - in all probability you will have to go to Marsa to exchange them".

I wish to ask Maltapost officials why the whole of Malta will have to travel all the way to Marsa to exchange obsolete stamps and not to any post office. Haven't we already had our fair share of queuing at local banks to convert our euros? Why are they making it so difficult? Do they realise that there might be people who have to take two buses to make their way to Marsa?

The Maltapost slogan should be: "Dear Customer, remember that we have a monopoly and we simply do not care."