Keep Malta the best place to holiday

My wife and I returned from our fifth visit to Malta on August 17. We first visited in 1993 when we fell in love with the wonderful country and most of all the people.

We were amazed by past courage and how the people were so proud of who they are and what their forefathers were before them. With that in mind I hope no one will be offended by what I feel compelled to say next.

When we left some days ago, we were amazed and deeply upset by what appears to be a change in attitude. From the garage attendant who did not want to converse with us other than by sign language, to the elderly man in the shop in Mellieħa who refused to smile or assist us with our purchases, to the bus driver who thought it was great sport to tailgate our little Hyundai hire car and then try to turn left in front of us at a traffic island.

Many will say whinging Englishman, what does he expect? But remember this was not my first and, please God, it will not be my last visit. However, please take a look at yourselves and ask what has gone wrong. Malta relies on tourism and will continue to do so but times are hard for the whole world at the moment, not just for the Maltese.

Remember who you are and get back your smiles, get back your proud belief in your wonderful country and show the world that you mean it. In a world where tourism is dwindling due to financial constraints, show them that the best place to relax and forget their worries is Malta.