The picture above was taken at 10am on October 29 in Victoria. What message does it convey to the tourists on the hop-on hop-off buses passing by?

There is a simple solution to rubbish collection, given that many prefer to dump their rubbish under the cover of darkness. Emulate seaside and city councils in the UK.

In Blackpool (a big British version of Buġiba), the rubbish is collected at night when the last club closes. The roads are then cleaned and the place is spotless by 5am. No refuse lorries hold up traffic, unlike St Paul’s Bay at midday. It is cooler for the workers and a lot more efficient.

On the days recycled waste is collected in Mellieħa, where I lived for eight years before buying a house in Xagħra, it is impossible to walk from the village to Għadira Bay on the footpath until way into the afternoon because garbage bags obstruct the way. Quiet a destination of excellence.

No wonder most tourists leave call certain localities a rubbish tip.