Paul yes, Pawlu perhaps but not Paolo

Have the powers that be taken leave of their senses? At my age of 75-plus years, I am told my Maltese passport will only be renewed in the Italian name of Paolo and not Paul as it has been since my first passport issued at Malta Passport Office, followed by nine renewals all in the name of Paul.

My Maltese identity card is in the name of Paul. My education and certificates are in the name of Paul. My birth certificates’ extracts, dated, stamped and signed by the director of the Registry Office Malta are in the name of Paul as “true extracts from the Public Registry”.

I cannot concede to this act of madness to renew my Maltese passport in the Italian name of Paolo as it is conflicting with my true past and likely to cause concern.

If it were suggested that the renewal would be in the Maltese name of Pawlu it would at least be in keeping with the current trend of promoting the Maltese language.

In my twilight years, I had hoped I would be able to fly the flag for some more time but this insistence to renew my passport that will bear an Italian name forces me to give up my Maltese passport.

It will not restrict my freedom of travel.

I strongly urge those who have had or are currently having a similar experience to make their voice heard in favour of the Maltese identity and, perhaps, to enable the powers that be to regain their senses.