Dom Mintoff’s daughter, Yana referred to Jum il-Helsien on TVM as a national triumph for the Labour Party. It is actually a created feast as the British left when the contract ended and did not submit to any threats or warnings.

... facts are facts and cannot be denied – whatever partisan interpretations say- Joseph Bezzina, Marsascala

It was actually a hardship for the servicemen at the time who opted to remain faithful to Malta, forfeiting the pension and staying in the native country rather than joining the Royal Navy of England, now a foreign sovereign entity.

The same applies to Republic Day which the Labour Party sought to exalt, having failed to acquire real independence which has made other constitutional events possible without the loss of a single drop of blood or other suffering. Let us be united and have one national day as facts are facts and cannot be denied – whatever partisan interpretations say.

If this type of practice is still the norm of the day let us have a totally new crew from all parties, young, sincere and energetic with completely new ideas to steer our beloved Malta in this tempestuous sea.