Piano forte. Forte gemgem?

Judging from the first comments on the timesofmalta.com story about the government’s projects for City Gate and the ruins of the old Opera House one would have thought that we were going to re-live the controversy of 20 years ago. That particular news item is one of the Most Commented and I will not repeat here what was stated there.

Controversy killed the Piano plans 20 years ago. It seemed that a similar one could kill the Piano plans now. The GRTU butted in stating that it was shameful, or something of that sort, that the tiny shops in the ruins of the old theatre would have to give way for the new project. Undoubtedly one should try and help those businesses be relocated; but the only way to leave them where they are is to have a shopping arcade in place of the present ruins. I don’t think that this is an option.

Fortunately it seems that the country has matured since 20 years ago. The comments that followed the initial and protracted reaction of the bloggers were much more positive. The Kamra tal-Periti, Din l-Art Helwa, Republic Street Business Community Association (RSBCA), FATTA (the tourism association without any relation to bingo) were among those who recognised the importance of commissioning someone of the international stature of Renzo Piano to do such a project. Of particular relevance was the long and studied comment of the Kamra tal-Periti. It is a pity that some papers produced just snippets from that statement.

Quite naturally when the plans are revealed we will be in for another bout of controversy; but isn’t that what this country is all about after all?

I will add just one comment about the Parliament building and the cultural centre that will rise from the ruins of the old opera house.

The shift from the present seat of Parliament to the new one – whenever it is ready – will only be successful if it is accompanied by a Parliament with a new mentality. We cannot upgrade only the building. We have to upgrade Parliament’s working practices as well. Let us learn from the Mater Dei experience please. Fantastic building would not be so fantastic without a change in mentality.

TUC Malta style

Many prophesised a new era in local trade unionism when the leaders of 20 unions together with a few hundred supporters marched down Republic Str. and up Merchants Str. A Trade Union Congress was in the offing, many said. There was no looking back, others opined. One could understand the sentiment. It often happens that when one has a deep wish for something one tends to see it here, there and everywhere.

Many failed to notice that that particular congregation was not an alliance based on principle. It was mainly an alliance of convenience. Though one express aim was trumpeted – the fight against the utility rates – in reality a conglomeration of grievances and different interests was the real motor of the event. Some of these interests conflicted with those of others so much so that this manifestation of unity lasted only a few days.

The road forward was not the formation of the TUC but a schism in the CMTU. The MUT one of its largest union members of the Confederation has been suspended. The season for smoking the pipe of peace has been suddenly changed into the season of tom toms proclaiming war.

This is indeed a pitiful and a sorry state of affairs.

Some things never change

The beginning of December is marked by Advent and Disability Week. This is a mere coincidence but at least in one respect an unfortunate one.

Last year, in this blog, I pointed out that the readings during the liturgy are not always friendly towards persons with disability. One of the readings we use during Advent is a particularly offensive one to persons with disability and their families. This particular reading refers to “l-immankati”, “iz-zopop” and “il-maghtuba.”

This year the offending reading was still there. High up from the pulpits of our churches we solemnly proclaimed words that are highly offensive. If a person in a public office was to use such words in public he or she would be heavily criticised. But we read them in Church, proclaim them as the Word of God year in year out and expect people to say “amen” instead of protesting! What makes this worse is the fact that the people do say “amen” instead of boo!

I amended the text so that I could proclaim the Word of God without offending my neighbour. Such offense could so easily be avoided that I cannot accept that it has not been addressed. Last year I wrote that “it should be very easy to pick up the offending texts and just change those. It would mean that each church would receive a few pages of a more updated translation.”

Unfortunately it seems that some things never change!

Cemetery with a view

I do not have enough information to comment about the controversy surrounding the cemetery that the Nadur parish church is building on agricultural land. The parish has all the permits but the process is under appeal. As things stand one has the right to forge ahead while the appeal is going on and The Malta Independent on Sunday addressed this issue last Sunday.

The story seems well written and, as I wrote, the point I want to make does not concern the heart of the matter – which is very serious.

I would like to take a lighter look at the tail end of the story which stated that: “With its majestic views, the cemetery’s plots for sale could also be expected to fall subject to speculation and competitive bargaining.”

I can understand people paying very good money so that they would have a house with a view but I cannot understand why anyone would pay more money to get a tomb with a view! I was under the impression that the occupiers of such abodes would not give two hoots for the view. It seems that I am mistaken.