All countries have persons who are semi-illiterate, yet presumptuous, and who feel that vulgarity and insults are a suitable substitute for civilised dialogue. The Maltese islands are no exception. In the past, these persons’ stage was limited to the local bar, because editors tended to protect their own reputation by editing out what they considered to be unprintable.

Today’s communication facilities have unleashed these unpleasant hordes on us. A sickening example is the reaction of a number of Maltese persons to the rescue of irregular migrants who were in difficulty while trying to cross the Mediterranean.

These persons do not represent Malta – at least, I hope not – but they do harm Malta’s image.

Only education and the good example of role models in politics, religion and the media can fight this new type of social cancer.