While I am a visitor to this beautiful country and enjoying a wonderful holiday, I was saddened to find that the Sette Giugno ceremony at Hastings Gardens was at the last minute closed to the public.

Having been a student of the Maltese Language School in Sydney I am aware of the importance of this event in the Maltese culture. It was not only I but many others who were turned away on the day.

It was said that because of protests by the groups Graffiti and Greens a last-minute decision had to be made in case of any aggressive behaviour towards parliamentary members and I commend the Malta police force for the way they dealt with the situation.

By inviting the media it was totally obvious that the Greens meant to stop the proceedings if possible and gain media attention and coverage about their issues. By doing this no credible person could have any sympathy for their causes.

I say how very disrespectful of these groups. We all have a right to speak up for our beliefs but there is a time and place to deal with all things and this protest was certainly not appropriate on the day. Have some historical pride and respect for the country you live in.