On Friday, February 11, I had the occasion to accompany the son of a friend for his first registration with the Employment and Training Corporation at Ħal Far.

Armed with his certificates, CV, identity card and social security card we proceeded to the reception desk.

The receptionist informed him he had to fill in the registration form for first-time registration. He asked for this form from the receptionist whereupon the receptionist, in front of the policeman sitting next to him and a number of other people waiting there, stated that they had not had this form for the last 18 months. He shouted this fact twice for everybody to hear him, at the same time mirroring our frustration at having had gone to Ħal Far for nothing.

The same person informed us this form could be obtained from any social security office or local council or, for that matter, from the ETC office at 72, Melita Street, Valletta. We went back to our village and without any problem obtained the required form.

What I am utterly disgusted about is the could-not-care less attitude by whoever it is his/her duty to ensure all the required forms are available at the ETC office at Ħal Far as they are available at other offices. Maybe this is one way how to keep the number of registered unemployed on the low side in this country.