Now that the Benigni debacle has simmered down, it would be very interesting to know what will eventually ensue from the gross insult levelled at both the author/poet himself and the Maltese language. Have the authorities looked into all this? Were any explanations demanded? Many expressed indignation in the papers against the university's behaviour, others voiced it in public. Most probably this incident has already been pushed under the carpet.

Has no one realised yet what a splendid service Alfred Palma will be rendering to Malta and its language when, next September, in Ravenna, he will proudly add his country's name to those who have their own translation of Dante's Divina Commedia? If not, there is something really wrong with this country! If they have, how is Palma going to be compensated for all his sterling work for Maltese literature, for all the sacrifices he has gone through thanks to the indifference and apathy, maybe even sheer envy, so prevalent among us on this tiny island?

Will amends be made? It remains to be seen.