• It is a sad fact of life that some wardens appear to think they can uphold the laws by bending them. This photograph was taken in Gozo some time ago. It is not unusual to witness wardens making U-turns in traffic, driving with faulty tail-lights and committing other infringements.

Half-time

• Responsible divorce based on a conservative model” is one of the slogans being touted by the pro-divorce movement. Judging by the exponents’ confused idea of Maltese spelling, and the ridiculous stylised human figures in the logo, it does not seem these people have invested a lot in public relations.

Assistance

• A very big thank you goes to the clerk at the Pietà local council. Without any hesitation, and with a big smile, she offered help to a woman whom she did not know and who is not even from the locality.

Sense

• After a handful of NGOs and government agencies were given names associated with the services they offer, it is refreshing to see that, at last, one has been named after the section of the populace it serves. Aġenzija Żgħażagħ (Youth Agency) could be the start of a new trend.

Sub-standard

• Thousands of commuters daily dice with death as they cross the three dangerous thoroughfares that make up the Portes des Bombes area. Part of the reason is their hurry to catch a bus. Another reason must surely be the fact that trousers have to be rolled up before taking the subway since the floor there is usually covered with puddles or urine.

Underground

• Another subway that needs being seen to is the one that leads from Tarxien to Sta Luċija. Of course, nothing can be done if it smells dank and damp. However, something can certainly be done to improve the bleak atmosphere and to make it feel safer by adding lights during dark days.

Wavelengths

• Streets leading to schools usually have traffic restrictions with regard to times during which one may use them. Some of these, moreover, are indicated as being solely for one-way traffic. It is galling and definitely not amusing, as some people seem to think, to see vehicles reversing so young children can be stopped right in front of the school doors without parents even bothering to get out of their cars.

Glowing

• Despite all the column inches in the press, people sometimes find their own, better way of doing things. A case in point is the distribution of gas cylinders by two different companies now that the supply of these is no longer a part of a monopoly. Nestled in between the usual yellow cylinders, one can see a couple of spanking new green cylinders.

Unhealthy?

• The practice wherein clinics charge people for the use of a waiting room is still on. This is unfair, considering that patients could easily arrive just before their appointment but, by virtue of politeness, seek to be there earlier. In one case a fee of €5 is levied for the use of the waiting area. Does any authority ensure that VAT receipts are issued for such fees? Do all clients demand it, as is their right? Is everything in order in this regard or are there too many Nelson eyes?

Soot

• It would seem some people may break the law with impunity. The furnace of at least one of the many bakeries in Qormi regularly emits a great quantity of soot, which cannot be healthy, or even pleasant, for the neighbours. Does the local council ever bother to get this soot tested for lead? Should these things be monitored by the Malta Environment and Planning Authority? How often are the filters servicing these furnaces checked and cleaned? Is the amount of soot in the air in accordance with EU regulations? Is the soot toxic?

Dangers

• There was a time when cyclists wanting a rush – or the equivalent of a lift – held on to the backs of trucks going their way. The need for speed is now manifesting itself in different ways. Perhaps more police presence would put a stop to dare-devil escapades that can leave people maimed or dead. It does not matter that certain activities are not illegal – the fact remains they are hazardous.

Patrols

• Each time wanton acts of vandalism are carried out there are promises that certain areas will be more heavily patrolled. This is not a solution. What would certainly help are random foot patrols by policemen on the beat or police cars cruising around at random times. Thus, perpetrators of mischief or worse would not be as ready to fool around, not knowing whether they will be apprehended or not.

Lessons

• The Malta Union of Teachers has finally ordered kindergarten assistants in government schools to strike in protest at the government’s failure to honour promises made to this section of the workforce. Alas, nothing has been said about how those who have worked in this position for many years were also recently asked to undertake further studies of things they have been doing for ages. Unfortunately, during strikes, it is the children with different needs who suffer, as well as their parents or carers, who may have to take time off work in order to comply with the MUT’s instructions.

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