Taking into account the diminutive size of our islands and the relatively stringent financial limitations and constraints, it is probably safe to observe there is no equivalent-sized place anywhere as generous and loving as the Maltese people.

This is borne out and amply proven by the massive sums running into millions of euros invested yearly as contributions to the Malta Community Chest Fund besides additional substantial amounts donated to other deserving philanthro-pic societies like Id-Dar tal-Providenza, the Mission Fund etc.

How amazing and praiseworthy is the fact that all these contributions are concentrated over the short festive season which, to a degree, must unavoidably impose additional financial stress on the limited budget of the average citizen.

If only this remarkable show of generosity and love for fellow human beings were to be extended the whole year round, first by paying unto Caesar what is due to him and secondly by the additional generosity and love of everyone devoted to maintaining the environment unfouled and clean as in its pristine state – this time for the national benefit and healthy living standards.

All this generosity combined should then undoubtedly entitle the Maltese islands to a mention in the Guinness Book of Records as the smallest spot (as indeed it is) with the biggest heart on the earth’s surface.