Saturday, 11th October 2008

We love Malta, litter and all

John Watson, Nottingham, England

Reading the excellent letters that appear in The Times, I see many bemoaning the litter and traffic problems besetting the islands.

I first visited Malta 53 years ago, and since 1996 my wife and I have visited the islands at least once every year.

What people fail to realise, I think, is that not only Malta, but the whole world has changed, and fortunately (or unfortunately, according to your views) the islands are no longer so isolated as they were half a century ago. I have to admit that I tend to idealise my memories of the Malta of the early 1950s, but at that time there was no "throw away" packaging to cause litter, the population was smaller and less mobile, and there was very little motor transport, apart from the route buses.

Malta has only changed in the same way as the rest of the world, and my wife and I don't worry about it. We still feel safe there, and we love the people and the islands.

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Article © Allied Newspapers Ltd., printed on Sunday, November 8, 2009. This article is for personal use only, and should not be distributed.

Comments

Denis Catania (on 11/10/08)

@John Watson: Well written, you are an honest person. You too should be awarded the George Cross for bravery, as many tourists won't admit, what you wrote.

Joseph Galea (on 11/10/08)

Most Maltese, like this letter writer, obviously love Malta, warts and all. However, complacency is dangerous. We must continue to be alert to the scourge of littering and strive to keep our homeland clean.

Joe Xuereb (on 11/10/08)

Thank you Mr. Watson. I have been in London since 1961 when the place was spotless. But look at it now. First there came the Wimpy Bar. Then the proliferation of entrepreneurs who decided that we could not exist and feel alive unless we stuffed ourselves with deep-fried chicken of dubious origin and fried muck that passes for meat between an insipid bap that passes for bread - ketchup from filthy containers which is provided is the added touch of luxury. And the papers are forever going on about obese children - small wonder!!

M. Degiorgio (on 11/10/08)

Very true, but still...we must continue to put pressure on ourselves to be cleaner. Considering Malta's size we do not have the luxury of being careless, just like if one live in a big house or a small studio, in the house one can always close the door to hide untidiness, however in a studio the slightest disorganisation will make the place and the tenant look filthy. Having said this I would like to add one thing, I spend a lot of my time abroad and I think that the the main reasons why places abroad look cleaner tan Malta are in fact due to, the size, the public cleaning organisation and law enforcement but definitely not civic attitudes of the locals.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI (on 11/10/08)

Mr. Watson

Thank you for your honest letter.

Unfortunately many tourists complain about Malta when really and truly the things they complain about are probably worse just outside their front door.

Being a hunter, believe me, I've witnessed this form of criticism directed at Malta for years.

Genuine people like yourselves are few and far between.

Thank you.Your sort are most welcome.

K Chapman (on 11/10/08)

Mr Watson, how right you are! However Malta, being a small place has less places for rubbish to be dumped inconspicuously, which therefore gives it a dirty aspect. This is why we must endeavour to constantly keep it clean thereby making it a pleasant place for us to live in as well as for others to visit.