The year that was

The signs that 2012 would be a tumultuous year in Malta were present from the very beginning, with two tragic deaths occurring on New Year’s Day. While their res­pec­tive families continue to grieve over a case that has never been fully resolved, it was against this horrific backdrop that the past 12 months unfolded.

This was the year of political turmoil. Malta is no stranger to the hot-blooded and cruel nature of politics and this tiny island has witnessed many scenes in the past that are best forgotten. But while what we saw in recent months was thankfully shorn of any violent elements that have been present in the past, incidents were driven more than ever before by personal motives.

We could well hail this as a year when the country started to adopt a culture of resignations, but in large part they were forced and mainly for the wrong reasons. So on that score we have made little progress. We must learn from this and resolve that as a people we do not support this kind of approach which is ultimately self defeating.

This was the year, belatedly, of turmoil in the judiciary. Not for the first time unfortunately, judges were making headlines for all the wrong reasons. One of them must reflect on the criminal charges he faces which have brought back terrible memories of a decade ago; while the other has expressed misplaced defiance in the wake of condemnation after he was named by the International Olympic Committee in a probe.

Like 2010, this was the year of losing giant personalities who have formed generations.

Dom Mintoff, a fighter till his last breath, finally lost his lifelong battle against the forces of nature along with his list of memorable and much less memorable achieve­ments; Ċensu Tabone, an impeccable gentleman who brought grace to the Presi­dency at a crucial time, passed peacefully away too; while Fr Peter Serracino Inglott, the absent-minded professor whose contribution to several aspects of life on the island will be ever-present, exited the stage when he was still able to turn in a memorable performance.

This newspaper’s Roamer for almost four decades also headed off unexpectedly to greener pastures.

But as the people who have made history go, we can hope new ones are emerging. After the Maltese Church was shamed by two priests who subjected children in their care to sexual abuse, the man who led the global campaign against such incidents has been ap­pointed as the Church’s newest bishop.

His fresh approach brings with it renewed hope that this institution, which is close to the hearts of people in this country, will remain alive and caring. Given our experiences in the past 12 months, its message of peace and harmony – if relevant and appropriately worded – would be welcomed by many.

Though our institutions have been wounded, and there is much work to do to restore people’s trust, we can also take some solace. Despite tough financial times, Malta has weathered the storm better than most; this little island still steps forward like few others when it comes to making donations to charitable causes; and its people remain resolute and determined – a trait exemplified by four-year-old cancer sufferer Leah.

We need to try and learn from all the mistakes of the past 12 months and take a little more time to be nicer to each other as well as being hopeful that 2013 will be more serene.

Happy New Year.