• The other day, a couple of beds and mattresses were laid out in such a way as to be a real eyesore to passers-by on the lower Qawra promenade opposite a number of boat houses. Were they there to reserve a parking space? Were they there to dry? Or were these for sale? Keeps one wondering. They were certainly an eyesore and something that should be avoided at all costs.

Credit

• The brave policeman who, while on his work to work last week, sprang into action when he spotted a man acting suspiciously deserves public commendation. It is not the first time PC Robert Vassallo proved to be so valiant. Surely, there are others like him in the force. They too deserve credit even if they remain unsung heroes.

Charity

• There is an elderly man going around selling laminated holy pictures with a medal or crucifix for €2, saying the proceeds are in aid of the Christian doctrine society MUSEUM. These can be bought for €1 from elsewhere and this man has no identification to show. The society, like Id-Dar tal-Providenza and other religious institutions, is not known to send out collectors. If it is, it should say so publicly and quickly.

Collection

• On March 22, Malta united with the rest of the world to mark World Water Day, the theme being Water For Cities: Responding To The Urban Challenge. The National Statistics Office explained that the idea behind the slogan was to encourage governments, organisations, communities and individuals to become involved in tackling the challenges of urban water management. So, how about introducing water catchment schemes that save the rainwater that would otherwise flow to the sea, to be taken up again for desalination in reverse osmosis plants?

Consequences

• Whenever roadworks are in progress, there are often road markings and other traffic signs set up. By the time the works get under way, the road markings would have faded, what with the rain and traffic, and have to be defined again. This is ridiculous. It is already bad enough that the paint used to demarcate zebra crossings and parking bays (white, yellow, blue and green) does not last that long.

Combination

• The Malta Tourism Association has identified 200 accommodation establishments in Gozo operating without a licence. One wonders for how long their owners have been avoiding paying taxes and how many of them charged exorbitant fees. The probability is there are more of these, both in Gozo and in Malta, however, so long as clients persist in accepting the situation, the scam will continue to exist.

Computers

• Speaking of NGOs that offer assistance to disabled people, it is wonderful to note the sterling work of the Foundation for Information Technology Accessibility. It makes information communications technology accessible to people who have a disability, when it comes to choice, acquisition and use of assistive technology. This is a boon when it comes to betterment of one’s quality of life, education and employment prospects.

Commemoration

• Sqaq il-Forn, in Ħamrun, in the lower part of St Joseph High Street, used to have one of those old-fashioned plaques. Then, someone decided it ought to be covered by one of the new ones, bearing the coat-of-arms of the town. A part of the latter has now broken, exposing the former and making the result look very shabby.

Criticism

• It is ludicrous, and yet understandable, that Libyans should seek to hold pro-and anti-Gaddafi protests in Malta. However, the state should make it clear to them, and to persons of other nationalities who may in the future feel likewise inclined, that in order to a public gathering of more than 10 persons one would require a permit.

Catering

• Clients waiting for a free table block the passage-way on the pavement in front of restaurants. A case in point is what happens at the restaurants located at Tigné Sea Front. This is unfair to passers-by who have to take to the middle of the busy street. For the sake of common courtesy, owners should request potential clients by word of mouth, and more importantly by a written notice placed visibly at the entrance of the restaurant, not to do this.

Crammed

• The Victoria bus terminus is being upgraded. In view of the grave shortage of parking spaces in Victoria, it is good to see that the Malta Environment and Planning Authority has suggested both surface and underground car parking, funds for which could come from the Mepa Urban Improvement Fund. The Victoria council could easily put in a request and, no doubt, the Gozo Business Chamber could make creditable suggestions.

Caring

• The Down’s Syndrome Association is an NGO that works hard for persons who have a disability. This organisation is in dire need of premises that can be used for the purposes of leisure and entertainment activities. It would be a good thing if anyone able to help could contact the group.