Divorce but no residency scheme

One must, of course, assume that the divorce Bill was passed through its third reading yesterday, otherwise there will have been mayhem.

A good job was done by the House Committee appointed to draft the law and prepare it for the parliamentary plenary. Now, on to presidential consent so that the Bill will become an Act, or, in layman’s terms, law. And then into the summer recess. To return in September, some time. The Minister of Justice then has until March 31, 2012 to amend the various laws as necessary to bring them in line with the new Act. I have not reviewed these laws – and I have no intention of doing so – but there must be quite a number.

Sometime in October or November we will have a new Budget. As of September, preparations for this will be in full swing. I forecast an interesting Budget with many innovations. It is now about time, if for nothing else due to the eurozone crisis and, at the same time, ironically, Malta’s good economic performance and healthy state of affairs, relatively speaking, at least.

So that is quite a heavy programme until March (with the Christmas recess thrown in for good measure and other unpredicted business of an urgent nature).

Where does this leave us with the introduction of the new permanent residency schemes? We have been told by the Minister of Finance that there are five in the offing rather than the existing one. There is agreement across the board that a revamp of this scheme was necessary, firstly, in order to raise the very low thresholds, particularly that for property purchases and rentals, and, secondly, to eliminate opportunities of abuse or unfair advantage, notably in the health benefits sector.

The proposed schemes are interesting. I find particularly attractive the one aimed at personalities such as actors and sportsmen. These are high net worth individuals who are always looking at the way forward after what is a short high profile career. However, the permanent residency scheme, suspended on December 24, 2010 (it reminded me of the Christmas surprises Dom Mintoff used to love giving us), will have been out of place for at least a year. There are many applicants who were on the brink of receiving their permit. Others were in the process of. Many have moved elsewhere and some are still waiting patiently. But for how long? Unfortunately, this issue has been neglected and it would seem that the consequences are not being gauged by the powers that be.

Horses have finally been given a temporary shelter down by the cruise liner terminal. I say temporary but find it particularly attractive. Why something “permanent”? That in place is not only attractive and can easily be removed should the need ever arise, even if only in view of pending works on the extension of the terminal. Of course, drains and water connections must be installed forthwith.

But what fascinates me in this country is why simple things take so long to happen. We love bureaucracy and thrive in creating it where it is not required. The Malta Environment and Planning Authority seems to be the latest example at the highest of levels. And it is the horses’ fellow creatures: dogs.

We have been told (and regulations I believe are in place) that dogs cannot frequent beaches, let alone swim in the open sea. Why? Because they transmit disease. I have backed every animal-related law enacted recently and am on record as having congratulated Minister George Pullicino and the very hard-working and effective Animal Protection Unit but this is ridiculous. I’ll bet my last dollar that there are many more diseases (not to mention fleas) running over human beings than dogs.

I suppose we’ll have wardens in green swimming trunks patrolling the beaches now. I propose they are equipped with snorkels because I’m sure they’ll be getting a ducking or two. We will also need first aid points to treat these guardians of dog laws. Many will be bitten as they try to pull dogs out of the sea from their tails.

It might be better if dogs are monitored rather than banned from swimming. Wardens (I suppose they’ll be called dog wardens now and perhaps go back to their brown suit) should be armed with dog thermometers and flea detectors. Of course, they would require disinfectant material for when the thermometer is extracted.

The minister wrote that there already existed some ancient dog law about this issue, which was not being enforced. Just abolish it. Aren’t there more important things to do than persecute our good canine friends? Get a life!

And once we’re on wardens, I think that they could help in the prevailing Arriva saga by at least ensuring that bus bays are always fully clear. One of the worst habits our previous bus drivers had was stopping in the middle of the road even when the bays were vacant. The new drivers are trying but only try they can if the bay is blocked. Now that’s something useful for a change, young wardens.