Shops were permitted to open on public holidays by the authorities concerned.

On March 31, those shops in Valletta that opted to open did a certain amount of business as many locals visited the city. A big number of tourists also visited the capital as two cruise ships were in harbour.

However, they were unable to visit the jewel in our city’s crown – St John’s Co-Cathedral – as it was closed. Shame on those for this lack of coordination.