A number of years ago, some "literary guru" or other described Malta as the island of "yells, bells and smells". This was well before my prime, even though today I am classified as an anzjan, and have been so for the last four years or more. There is no doubt that over the years the "smells" have been eliminated - that is, if they indeed existed in years gone by - and the "bells" have been subdued. However, I am the first to admit that the "yells" (unnecessary noises, bangs, etc.) are still very much in evidence in residential areas.
Some months ago, a fireworks factory explosion occurred in the area around Xwieki/Tal-Balal, a near-residential area when persons involved in fireworks manufacture were unfortunately killed and others escaped death by the skin of their teeth. Three days ago, a similar explosion occurred, quite close to the previous one, in a residential area in Naxxar, and it has been reported that unconnected persons were killed or injured and adjoining houses demolished or damaged. When is this madness going to stop?
The government, the opposition, the Church and other involved strata of civil society should get together - with the utmost urgency - to find a solution to this madness. It is all well and good for different entities, organisations and institutions to defend the environment, the flora, the birds and the bees, the fowl, fish and other animals, and as a result form organisations, commissions and what not for this purpose. But, surely, of primary importance should be the precious life and well-being of us humans - in particular our parents, spouses, children, grandchildren and society in general.
If we must have these firework "factories", may I suggest that these are located in an identified area, far away from residential areas. One suitable location may be the island of Fifla. After all, this island has been used for target practice by the Armed Forces in years gone by. This notwithstanding, the two-tailed lizards endemic to this island have survived. With this suggestion we may destroy "the treasures" of the Count of Montecristo, but in so doing we may save the lives of people, more so innocent persons, which to my mind is much more important and relevant, than any fireworks display.