In a recent announcement by the Malta Tourism Authority a small bay in St Paul’s Bay was given the wrong name or, better still, a twisted name. The proper name of the bay beneath St Publius Street is Tal-Għażżenin.

When will the snobs stop referring to this inner bay with the wrong name? It is Tal-Għażżenin (the idlers). It is a historic and traditional name concocted by the extremely poor inhabitants up to, and even after, World War II. Up to the 1950s St Paul’s Bay was mainly inhabited by a few farmers and fishermen. That area overlooking the small bay, mainly St Publius Street, was the mecca of the “rich” where they would spend their summer holidays; in the eyes of the destitute inhabitants, those were considered to be idlers, good for nothing. The locals, men, women and children, worked very hard to skimp a living while the visitors were seen and considered to be idlers.

Name originated in early 17th century

It does not mean that only the real rich went there in summer. My family, like others, were of an average middle-class group but I remember from my very youngest days spending up to four months in the area.

There were a few really rich families, but the majority were normal people. It was a period when the wife stayed at home while the men earned a living. I remember my father and many others, leaving early on Monday morning only to return on Saturday afternoon. The husbands used to spend the whole week away from their families, living in their town house so that their wives and children could enjoy the sea.

Thus originated the name Tal-Għażżenin. As far as I can tell that name originated early in the 17th century when Malta became safe from marauding pirates. When Grand Master Fra Alof de Wignacourt built the watch tower overlooking that bay, the residents were well guarded. Although now it sounds funny, in a way it was a complement, because very few families in Malta, mainly from the inner harbour communities, could afford to spend three or more months on holiday.

I am glad that the scenic map issued by the local council depicts the right name and spelling. Good show! I hope the ministry, authorities and the public will stop using the wrong name and accept the historic and traditional name of Tal-Għażżenin.