I feel the need to express my annoyance at the manner in which this island is being treated as a giant litter bin.

The country is moving forward at great speed in many areas, with buildings, roads and historic sites being renovated and brought up to the modern age. European funding has gone a long way in making this happen, however, when I see the amount of rubbish thrown away by people with no respect for the environment or other people it truly horrifies me.

To give an example, I recently walked past the new Gozo central bus station and was amazed at how fantastic it now looks with all the landscaping. However, directly opposite, not far from a very presentable café, there is a wall by the pavement which is strewn with rubbish collected over many months.

I find it hard to believe that this has not been cleared up and, secondly, that people still throw rubbish as if it was a bin in their own home.

I think the country urgently needs to re-educate the people and to establish right from wrong where the disposal of litter is concerned.

I have never visited Singapore, where I know just from reading and speaking to friends that it’s totally forbidden to dump rubbish and it’s a part of the culture of the country. Malta could address this issue and make it a part of life here. The message would soon get across to tourists but the Maltese people must set the example. Local councils should play a big part in maintaining and enforcing standards.