One hears so many praises, even eulogies about the good deeds and the determination of Maltese citizens living abroad to promote Malta and its culture.

One only has to read the recent edition of The Maltese Herald, our weekly national bilingual newspaper, to notice what the leaders of the Maltese nation had to say about us in their annual Christmas/New Year addresses. They reminded us that we are an integral part of the Maltese nation, they are so proud of our successes outside the shores of the islands as if it were happening in Malta. They even told us that they witnessed the true Maltese blood flowing through our veins when they came visiting.

The Republic Day 2010 awards (Gieħ ir-Repubblika) once again proved to one and all that when it comes to real and meaningful recognition, the Maltese authorities are all talk and no action. They still did not come to grips with the concept of Greater Malta.

No Maltese living abroad was mentioned in this year’s awards. So let us cut out the talk and the fancy words and get real. Surely, if there are practically as many persons of Maltese descent living outside the shadows of the Maltese walls our government could find a few deserving of Gieħ ir-Repubblika?

Maybe it is time to have a special section allocated for Maltese living abroad to bring equality to past imbalances and sincerity in these awards. Let us get away from the token gesture we see at times and extend deserved recognition to those who in foreign lands, under extreme difficulties, made it their mission to help other migrants and those who are constantly upholding the culture and traditions of our beloved Republic of Malta.