A great ambassador

The term "ambassador" is used widely to cover a diverse number of persons and events. It is more commonly used to describe a person who represents a country in another country. But it can also be used to describe events that serve to expose or market a country.

A perfect example is the very good publicity given to Malta by the annual MTV concerts held at the Granaries, in Floriana. This event is televised in scores of countries and is attractive to young and not-so-young people. But, another case is that of the Rolex Middle Sea Race; a great event which has this year drawn near to 80 yachts and crews to Malta. This is an event that has reached the top levels of the yachting calendar. It is a prestigious event, and, certainly, the magnificent setting of its start, the Grand Harbour, is second to none.

Yachting is largely an elite sport or activity. Yachts cost a lot of money to buy and their owners are normally wealthy, affluent people, more often than not involved in the world of business. They are people with influence on an international level, who meet the right people and spread the word of whatever they want to spread it for. Those who participate in or follow the Middle Sea Race cannot but have words of praise for Malta and the race organisers. I do not own a yacht and I am not a yachtsman (although I never refuse an invitation for a yachting expedition, where my role in the crew would be restricted to the galley; could not be trusted with the ropes!) but I have been a regular visitor to the Royal Malta Yacht Club premises for a number of years now and I have not only enjoyed its good fare but also witnessed the very hard work put in by the club's committee and a large number of volunteers to make the Middle Sea Race a success. This event deserves the support of all.

To move on to something totally different in topic, but similar in terms of voluntary work and the support required: animal welfare. I was appointed by Minister George Pullicino (who seems to think that one of my roles in life is animal related) to chair a board to distribute a substantial amount of funds provided by the European Union to animal welfare organisations.

During the course of this exercise, which was governed by strict rules in terms of which organisation qualified and which did not, I learnt much about the number of people who dedicate their lives selflessly; their dedication is unbelievable, sometimes exceeding acceptable limits, in that they even neglect their family.

Most of them deserve a gold medal, although giving them much-needed funds is more important and gave me and my board tremendous satisfaction in doing so.

But, like everything else, there is a downside. It seems that there are people who use "animal welfare" as a means of making personal financial gain. An example would be the collection of strays (even given up by their owners) and then selling them. Or holding fund-raising activities or otherwise collecting money from the public without any accountability as to the amount raised or the way it is used. I have been told that this happens. Not to say that a degree of regulation is not imposed by the government. Official funds, such as those distributed by the EU, are only available to organisations that qualify as NGOs. However, it is important that the authorities control and examine any public fund-raising activity for animal welfare purposes or any other purpose, for that matter.

And, finally, Joseph Muscat. I must say that the new Leader of the Opposition has made many statements that come as a breath of fresh air, both for our political environment and for his party. His maiden speech in Parliament was truly enlightening, if it is to be true. It contrasts sharply with the policies and tactics followed by the MLP ever since Dom Mintoff's rise to power in 1949. The theme of "moderates" and "progressives" is certainly a leaf out of the Nationalist Party's book. What with the internal wars between top MLP officials and the "old Labour" legacy of some, it seems very difficult for Dr Muscat to implement his declared policies. I wish him (and us) luck.