Balzan: A civic example to all

Since becoming a resident of Balzan, I have been impressed by the great civic commitment of its vibrant and dynamic community. It is a source of satisfaction to live in a village where people are united in their efforts to contribute to the progress and welfare of the community. In the past, I have written about the beauty of our Maltese villages as well as the fascination of village life and Balzan is a prime example of this.

Balzan is a village where the old blends with the new. There is the village core with its many historic buildings and the outer part of the village which is more modern. Like many of our old villages, Balzan is today under threat from development. However, the residents of the village have always presented a united front against any development which threatens the environmental identity of Balzan.

Another positive aspect of life in this old village is the political tolerance that exists there. When I first came to live here, I was rather downhearted at the prospect of living in a village where the vast majority of the people were of a different political opinion from my own. However, to my surprise, I found that excellent relations exist between the members of the political clubs and their adversaries in the political arena. Indeed, I had the privilege of attending both the Labour Party and the Nationalist Party receptions for the festivities and the atmosphere was a very friendly one between political opponents. Surely, an example to all.

The same applies to the two band clubs of the village – the St Gabriel Band Club and the Maria Annunziata Band Club. At a time when rivalry between band clubs has sometimes spoiled the feasts in some parts of the Maltese islands, the cooperation between the two band clubs of Balzan is something to be praised and encouraged.

A good part of the Balzan community is also very much involved in religious activities. The church is the focal point of the lives of many people in a village characterised by an aging community. Mass and religious functions are a source of comfort and great help to many, especially those advanced in age who have to face so many problems in the twilight of their lives.

Although Balzan is an idyllic village, this does not mean that it does not have its problems. There are several problems that still need to be solved, e.g. flooding after the rains, better public transport arrangements, the drug problem, etc. Even here, the residents have not been apathetic about these problems. Liaison between the residents, the Balzan council and the central government is ongoing and the media has also been utilised by local residents to highlight the most serious problems of the village with an aim towards providing the necessary solutions.

Perhaps one of the greatest of Balzan’s successes has been the acceptance and consolidation of multiculturalism. Balzan hosts an ethnic minority of people hailing from Africa who have integrated very well in the local community.

This mix of different cultures and ways of life has enriched the social fabric of the village. This is a manifestation of the concept that everybody stands to gain from multiculturalism which should, therefore, not only be accepted but even encouraged in the globalised world we live in today.

Balzan is a living example of a village which is changing with the times but which, nevertheless, retains its unique identity. As long as the residents of this Maltese village continue to display a sense of civic consciousness and commitment, change can only lead to progress. Being a very small village and, therefore, a microcosm of life on a much larger scale, the sense of unity and civic commitment of the villagers is an example to all.