Allow me to respectfully disagree with the overall tone of gratitude conveyed in the article GC Presentation Recalled In Moving Ceremony (April 15); gratitude for a contentious period of Maltese history under British foreign occupation best left forgotten.

Malta's eventual fulfilment of its destiny was not to be a lesser vassal of another European nation, but to become a proud independent member of the EU, with proportional representation equal to that of any other European member nation, and particularly on par with its former subjugator.

Shame on all Maltese who selectively recall this long period of imposed rule under a foreign flag, as one of kinship and affection towards the British colonial authorities, whose heavy hand enforced the subordination of my people for the greater benefit of the Empire.

The GC represents all that was regretful under a system of repression, the diminution of the Maltese of that era as a lesser breed, handled with open disdain within their own country by a Victorian Imperial elitist mentality, which others might choose to conveniently overlook, but which I am consciously bound to keep alive.

The GC award pageant might be good for tourism, even as the true facts of our harsh life under the yoke of colonialism are intentionally obscured. The mere image of police/military uniforms and clerical garbs, brings back painful memories of a troubled past best kept under wraps. As one who experienced the times of repression when the Maltese identity was given short rift, I prefer that no such deceitful theatrics be perpetuated.