Category: Tberfil

Kafè f’Raħal Ġdid

April 17, 2024 | Tberfil

L-istess bħal sittin sena wara Kristu, hekk kif ilbieraħ il-Maltin raw il-vidjo kemmxejn suġġettiv ta’ Times of Malta dwar il-proġett propost għall-Knisja ta’ Raħal Ġdid, biddlu l-ħsieb u f’tebqa t’għajn Dun Marc Andre Camilleri ma baqax miġnun iżda “bdew jgħidu li kien xi alla.”

L-idea li spazji mhux użati fi strutturi sagri, jiġu żviluppati f’inizjattivi li jippromwovu l-istorja, il-kultura u l-arti, hija sublimi, speċjalment meta dan jista’ iqarreb lin-nies, jiġġenera dħul li permezz tiegħu l-istess struttura tiġi miżmuma fi stat tajjeb u joffri esperjenza ħajja tal-ispazju mibni. Madanakollu tajjeb ukoll li dan l-iżvilupp isir dejjem fi ħsieb għaqli tal-kuntest soċjo-kulturali li qed ngħixu fih.

Huwa fatt magħruf kif pajjiżna llum rawwem kultura qawwija fejn kollox huwa permess. L-ippjanar, il-ħsieb u l-bilanċ tilfu kull preċedenza. Illum kulħadd għandu d-dritt sagrosant jagħmel li jrid f’ġieħ il-libertà li tinvesti, twettaq l-ideat u tiġġenera l-flus. L-alla ta’ żminijietna sar il-mudell ekonomiku maħsub fuq idea fqira tal-libertà li fl-aħħar mill-aħħar qed iħallilna sens qawwi ta’ kakofanija u telf ta’ sbuħija. Dan ir-riżultat tal-biki huwa rifless fl-arkitettura kontemporanja, fil-qirda tal-ambjent, fin-nuqqas ta’ordni ċiviku kif ukoll fl-interpretazzjoni fażulla tal-valuri.

Huwa evidenti wkoll kif fis-soċjetà intilfu is-sens ta’ introspezzjoni u s-sens ta’ viżjoni. Kollox qed ikun maħsub għall-gwadann immedjat, mingħajr wisq ħsieb lejn riperkussjonijiet għall-futur. Bħal donnu issa li kollox huwa mitmum, inutli taħseb għal ta’ warajk. “U iva! Umbagħad isolvu l-problemi huma!

Għaldaqstant huwa sempliċi r-raġunament li jwassalni nibqa’ inħoss li l-bżonn ta’ kafetterija f’dan il-proġett f’Raħal Ġdid ma nsiblux valur. Hemm bżonn nitgħallmu minn żbalji tal-passat. Rajniha pereżempju fil-proġett MUŻA fil-kapitali, fejn mas-snin il-priorità tal-mużew inqalbet rasha l-isfel u saret dik li jinbiegħ il-prodott kulinarju biex forsi l-klijenti jitħajjru “jduqu” l-prodott artistiku. Slogans bħal “More than just a Museum” juruk fejn hija l-prijorità. Bl-istess mentalità iċ-ċans huwa li fi ftit snin il-Mużew tal-Knisja ta’ Raħal Ġdid, li għadna ma nafux ismu, jibda jiġi rreklamat bħala kafetterija/ristorant, lil hinn mill-prodott intrinsiku. Nittama li l-istess Arċipriet u t-tim tiegħu, jaraw valur f’mużew li jirrakkonta lil Ġużè Damato, d-disinn tal-Knisja u forsi lill-komunità Pawlista stess wara kollox! Jekk le, diġà ninsabu fuq sieq ħażina!

Nemmen li l-proġett tal-Knisja jista’ jilħaq miri usa kemm-il darba dan jinvolvi l-każini tal-komunità Pawlista li jinsabu ftit metri bogħod. L-involviment tal-komunità jorbot u jibni fuq is-sens ta’ appartenenza tal-poplu u jkompli jagħti identità u ħeġġa ħajja lill-Mużew.

Soluzzjoni alternattiva tista’ tkun dik li l-kafetterija tiġi żviluppata f’binja qrib iżda lil hinn mill-binja sagra. B’hekk tassigura li anki fil-ġejjieni, kull żvilupp tal-kunċett jibqa’ distint mill-ispazju sagru iżda jibqa’ iservi ta’ influss tajjeb ta’ viżitaturi tal-Mużew.

Dan il-ftit ħsieb b’risq l-ordni mhux biss jissalvagwardja l-post sagru minn żviluppi mhux mistennija fil-futur, iżda jnaqqas iċ-ċans ta’ preċedent ikrah fejn bħalma jiġri spiss fil-pajjiż, naraw li kunċett umli jiġi ripetut b’modi mill-iktar goffi jew medjokri fi ftit snin, fi spazji oħra.

Mhux li kien tigdima lifgħa!

L-eklissi ta’ poplu

March 13, 2024 | Tberfil

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Ħsieb ħafif dwar l-installazzjoni “Siġġu” tal-ħabib tiegħi Austin Camilleri. Punt li fl-istess ħin jiddispjaċini nagħmel għax trid tkun idjota biex ma tasalx għalih waħdek. Biss indunajt li l-ovvju kultant mhux.

Nibda bil-premessa li dan it-tip ta’ intervent minn naħa ta’ Austin diġa’ rajnieh f’LE . IVA | ANGER IS A LAZY FORM OF GRIEF. Din id-darba l-artist ħeba lir-reġina permezz tas-siġġu u mhux b’intervent diġitali. Ta’ min jinnota iżda li huwa biss frott id-dokumentazzjoni fotografika ipperpetwa mill-artist li l-intervent ta’ “eklissi” qiegħed iseħħ. L-istess għamlu fotografi varji sabiex jitfgħu l-ħatab fuq in-nar tad-diskussjoni. Biss iż-żewġ elementi jinsabu f’posthom hemm fil-pjazza, wieħed b’mod permanenti u l-ieħor b’mod temporanju, distanti minn xulxin. L-ebda krejn ma mar jiddisturba lis-sua maesta mit-tron, kif jixhed dan ir-ritratt li skonti huwa l-iktar interessanti, tal-ex kollega Matthew Mirabelli.

F’eklissi, il-fotografi fuq id-Dinja jiċċelebraw il-mument temporanju ħafna meta pjaneta taħbi oħra għal ftit mumenti, iżda fil-verità l-ebda pjaneta ma tiekol oħra. Hija l-prospettiva tal-osservatur li tiddetermina d-dinamika tar-rakkont. U dak huwa l-argument madwar dan l-intervent: l-eklissi ta’ moħħ poplu, li nittama m’huwiex intervent permanenti.

Ħasra biss li dan ix-xogħol sar b’rabta ma’ kontenitur artistiku iffinanzjat mill-istat. Rabta li r-reputazzjoni ta’ Austin tista’ tgħaddi mingħajr – għal raġunijiet ovvji.

The eclipse of a people

Reflecting on my friend Austin Camilleri’s “Siġġu” installation in a casual manner, I feel compelled to address a seemingly self-evident point. Expressing this with some hesitation, it becomes apparent that one would need to deliberately ignore the obvious to overlook it.

I start with the premise that this kind of intervention on the part of Austin has already been seen in LE . IVA | ANGER IS A LAZY FORM OF GRIEF. This time the artist hid the queen through the physical installation of ‘Siġġu’ and not through any digital intervention. Notably, it is through the artist’s photographic documentation that the occurrence of an “eclipse” in the intervention becomes evident. This intentional choice has been replicated, analogous to photographers adding fuel to a discussion to provoke further conversations. However, in the square, both elements coexist, one permanently and the other temporarily, maintaining a distance without disruptive interference. No crane was used to disturb her majesty. Remarkably, the photograph by former colleague Matthew Mirabelli captures this dynamic intriguingly, a job well done particularly for those who may be less observant.

Drawing a parallel to an eclipse, where planets momentarily conceal each other without actual consumption, the analogy extends to the observer shaping the narrative. The discourse surrounding this intervention centers on the temporary eclipse of people’s minds, with the hope that it remains a fleeting phenomenon.

My only lament is that Austin’s well-established reputation could easily withstand any association with an art container that the state is funding – for the obvious reasons.

L-Integrità Kulturali tal-Belt Valletta

March 11, 2024 | Tberfil

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Fi ftit siegħat fit-taraġ ta’ Ġieżu, waħda mill-iktar toroq b’konnotazzjonijiet sagri fil-Belt Valletta, jumejn biss wara Jum il-Mara, inkixfet il-faċċata tal-Knisja irrestawrata u nkixef ukoll ġisem ta’ mara jitħaxken u jiżżeffen fuq puġġaman.

Fil-kapitali intilef kull sens ta’ għarfien dwar il-kuntest ta’ fejn ninsabu. Ħafna fost dawk li investew fil-Kapitali m’għandhom l-ebda sens ta’ għarfien tal-komunità u il-valuri intrinsiċi tagħha. Bħallikieku belt kapitali hija awtomatikament ħaruf tas-sagrifiċċju u trid tkun dejjem lesta tilqa’ fiha kull forma ta’ espressjoni. Fl-istess waqt fadal ftit li xejn sens ta’ pudur u li kieku mhux għax ġie mxerred vidjo tal-prestazzjoni taż-żeffiena burlesque Undine Laverve, ibqa’ ċert li ħadd ma kien ikun jaf x’ġara u ħadd ma kien jgħajjat għall-iskandlu għax l-udjenza li attendiet dehret aljenata mingħajr ebda sens ta’ fejn tinsab.

Ma nixtieqx nitkellem fuq morali u filwaqt li nagħraf li l-prestazzjoni erotika tal-burlesque hija forma artistika antika u rikonoxxuta madwar id-dinja kollha, imkien ma tisma’ li dawn il-prestazzjonijiet isiru f’żoni b’konnotazzjonijiet sagri f’perjodu taż-żmien li huwa sagru għall-komunità tal-lokal. F’inċidenti bħal dan toħroġ ċara r-realtà li s-sidien ta’ dawn l-istabbilimenti lanqas biss jafu fejn investew flushom, jew jekk jafu, m’għandhomx rispett lejn il-kultura u l-valuri intrinsiċi tal-lokal! Daqslikieku tinvesti flusek f’kafetterija ċkejkna fil-pjazza ta’ Hagia Sophia u torganiżża daqsxejn ta’ burlesque umli ma’ xi grada imżejna b’nofs qamar f’nofs ir-Ramadan! Dawn aspetti li anki jekk tistaqsi lil ChatGPT dwarhom, tirċievi risposti ċari.

Iżda l-ikbar skandlu fejn hu?

L-aljenazzjonijiet vasti kulturali li għandna fit-tmexxija lokali u nazzjonali tibqa’ tissorprendini. Filwaqt li l-investiment sabiex jidħlu jgħixu familji Maltin fil-kapitali huwa ineżistenti, jidher żbilanċ qawwi favur l-industrija tal-ikel, xorb u divertiment. L-unika industrija li għandha l-libertà tokkupa spazji pubbliċi lil hinn mill-ispazju investit, b’mod mill-aktar arroganti. Fejn qabel fil-Kapitali kont issib kull tip ta’ servizz li wieħed jimmaġina, minn tiswija ta’ strument mużikali sa xiri ta’ ħut frisk, illum il-Belt Valletta saret destinazzjoni għal min irid jiddeverti, jixrob u jiekol. Il-Gvern b’faqar ta’ pjanar, ma kellux ħila jipproponi skemi u inċentivi sabiex iħajjar industriji varji fil-kapitali u jkompli jżewwaq din il-Belt ġojjel b’ħajja residenzjali fejn jistgħu jitrawwmu tfal b’talent fuq naħa, u kummerċ varjat u vibranti fuq oħra. Il-Gvern jibqa’ jipperpetwa sistema ta’ governanza lokali msejsa fuq populiżmu u pjaċiri sabiex il-poter jibqa’ taħt kontroll ċentraliżżat.

Skandlu kbir daqs ta’ qablu huwa l-aljenazzjoni kbira li l-poplu jagħżel li jħaddan, speċifikament dik il-fazzjoni li tappoġġja b’għamad lill-partiti li jkunu fil-Gvern. Sintomu li kont inħossu minn qabel l-2013 iżda li issa, quddiem problemi bil-wisq aktar serji, kiber sforz il-klijenteliżmu li jirrenja. Dan is-sintomu wassal ħafna Beltin ikunu leali tant li jaraw iżda ma jammettux x’inhuma tassew in-nuqqasijiet u l-omertà ta’ min talab u kiseb ir-responsabbiltà li jmexxi l-Kapitali. Hawn Beltin fostna li lanqas jindunaw kif persuni li ilhom li xebgħu fil-kariga tagħhom fil-Kunsill Lokali, reġgħu qed joffru li jservu sabiex ma jiddiżappuntawx lill-Partit jew jissugraw itellfuh il-poter. L-aqwa l-Coffee Morning li fih għal żewġ pastizzi, koka, ftit żfin u żeglieg, jissaħħaħ il-jigsaw-puzzle maħdum apposta fejn kollox jibqa’ taħt il-kontroll tal-Partit u mhux tar-resident.

Meta quddiem l-għarfien tal-apatija li ħakmet lill-Belt Valletta, iljun stilla Beltija bħal sieħbi l-Maxi jistqarr li “Il-Beltin sirna nies bla b###”, tinduna li ma hemmx aktar x’tomgħod. Il-kxif tat-tempju u l-kxif tal-ġisem jiġu sekondarji quddiem il-kxif tar-ruħ li tilfet kull sens ta’ kburija fl-identità tagħha, sabiex isservi lil Ċesri.

Valletta’s Cultural Integrity

In a matter of hours on the stairway leading to Ta’ Ġieżu church, likely one of the Valletta streets deeply imbued with religious significance, the recently restored church facade was unveiled. Just two days after Women’s Day, a woman’s body was also unveiled, swaying and dancing on the stair railing.

In the capital, a pervasive lack of understanding of our surrounding context and circumstances persists. Many investors in the capital appear ignorant of the community and its inherent values. It seems as though a capital city is automatically expected to be a sacrificial offering, always accommodating all forms of expression. Simultaneously, there is a glaring absence of modesty. Were it not for the dissemination of a video featuring burlesque dancer Undine Laverve’s performance, the incident would have gone unnoticed since the audience seemed detached, unaware of the setting they occupied while sipping their red wine.

I refrain from delving into moral discussions, acknowledging that burlesque is a recognized ancient artistic form globally. However, it is unusual to encounter such performances in areas steeped in sacred symbolism during times revered by the local community. These occurrences underscore the harsh reality that the proprietors of these establishments either lack awareness of the locations they invest in, or if they do, show no regard for the intrinsic culture and values of the area. It’s comparable to investing in a quaint café in Hagia Sophia square and arranging a modest burlesque event adorned with crescent decorations during Ramadan—a worrysome scenario that even a simple inquiry to ChatGPT would yield thoughtful insight.

The most significant scandal within this entire narrative lies in the profound cultural disconnection evident in local and national leadership. While investment in Maltese families within the capital is virtually nonexistent, there’s a glaring imbalance favoring the food, drink, and entertainment industry. The only industry enjoying the freedom to arrogantly occupy public spaces beyond their premises. Once a hub of diverse services, Valletta has morphed into a destination solely catering to those seeking entertainment and indulgence. The government’s planning inadequacies have impeded the proposal of schemes and incentives to attract various industries that could foster a city adorned with residential life on one hand and a diverse, vibrant trade on the other.

Another scandal lies in the profound alienation in which certain segments of the populace persist, particularly those who blindly support the ruling party. A symptom I’ve observed since before 2013, but now exacerbated by the pervasive clientelism. This symptom has led many of us to remain so loyal that we turn a blind eye to wrongdoing, refusing to acknowledge the shortcomings and silence of those entrusted with leading the capital. Some among us have relinquished the capacity to recognize how individuals who have held office in the Local Council offer to serve again only to avoid disappointing the Party or risk having the Party losing the power. All for a coffee morning swaying and dancing where the meticulously crafted illusion remains under the Party’s control, rather than serving the residents, all for the nominal price of two pastizzi and a Coca-Cola.

In the face of widespread apathy in Valletta, my friend Maxi, an iconic figure, solemnly declares, “We have become people without balls,” revealing there is little left to ponder. Uncovering temples and bodies fades in significance compared to the exposure of souls who have forsaken all sense of pride in the identity of Valletta in order to serve Caesar.

Il-Beltin relegati – Evans Building

March 1, 2024 | Tberfil

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Bħalissa moħħ u qalb kull belti u beltija huma kkunsmati mhux ftit dwar il-possibiltà dejjem tikber li l-klabb tant għażiż tal-Valletta FC jispiċċa relegat mill-Kampjonat Premier għaċ-Challenge League. Bir-raġun din ir-realtà tinkwetana mhux ftit għax tnaqqrilna parti mill-identità rebbieħa u kburija li tul is-snin tant identifikajna magħha bħala komunità. Filwaqt li dan l-inkwiet qed iberren f’rasna, ftit huma dawk li jirrealiżżaw kif lil hinn mill-ballun, il-Beltin ilhom relegati minn art twelidhom, għal numru ta’ snin.

Filwaqt li uħud jiċċelebraw it-trasformazzjoni reċenti ta’ beltna f’destinazzjoni turistika mfittxija, huwa importanti li ngħarfu n-narrattiva usa’ u nirrikonoxxu kif fl-aħħar snin il-Belt Valletta ġiet żviluppata f’belt estetikament sabiħa iżda bla ruħ u bi ftit sensittività lejn il-komunità li tgħix fiha.

Lura fis-snin meta ma’ sieħbi Dr Victor Jacono kont naħdem fuq proġett għall-komunità fil-Belt Valletta, uħud esprimew kif lill-Belt Valletta iqabbluha ma’ omm, jew tfajla/mara maħbuba. Niftakar kif uħud kienu esprimew kif lura fis-snin dan il-mit ta’ mara maħbuba sfat mitluqa, bla ebda kura lejn id-dehra tagħha u saħħitha. Madanakollu kienet mara li uliedha Beltin kienu jgħarfu u li għaliha dawn l-ulied kienu lesti jgħamlu minn kollox. Kienet omm xi ftit fraġli li taf tilqa’ lill-uliedha u ttihom dar fejn jitrawwmu u jfasslu l-identità tagħhom.

Fis-snin aktar qrib tfaċċaw barranin li ddeċidew li din il-mara kellha bżonn tieħu r-ruħ. Idea intrinsikament tajba li kellha eżekuzzjoni partikolari. Dawn ħaduha għand professjonista li ħaslitha, fewħitilha l-ġilda, imlietha foundation u make up, kabbritilha sidirha filwaqt li żebgħatilha xufftejha ħomor nar u libsitha l-isbaħ ilbies. Il-barranin qalulha li minn issa ‘l quddiem riedet tattira lit-turist u tinsa l-wens li kienet trodd lill-uliedha. Hi bkiet imma ma kelliex triq oħra ħlief li tara lill-uliedha jitilquha għax ma baqgħux jgħarfuha. Isimha baqa’ jidwi f’qalbhom imma l-barranin li ħakmuha, għalkemm bla ruħ, kellhom is-saħħa tal-flus. Il-barranin qalu lil uliedha li issa jistgħu jbiegħu darhom lill-pjan tagħhom u jsiru sinjuri żgħar.

Simili kien id-destin tax-xjuħ tagħha. Wara tant snin li ddedikaw lilha, ħafna minnhom kellhom jippakkjaw ħwejjiġhom u jerħulha lejn bliet u rħulha oħra fejn sabu min jospitahom. Għax l-ebda ħadd ma ried jinvesti f’dar għall-anzjani. Fejn qatt kont tobsor li l-Pampalun kellu jħalli din id-dinja f’dar tal-anzjani f’Ħal Luqa! Fejn qatt kont tobsor li esponenti kbar fil-kultura Beltija jinsabu jqattgħu l-aħħar snin ta’ ħajjithom lil hinn mill-Kapitali!

Illum il-Belt Valletta, din il-mara sabiħa saret trodd ġisimha lil kull turist lokali jew barrani li jiġi jużaha. Kmamar għalihom kemm trid, għax dawk jiġġeneraw l-aktar flus. Ikel, té, kafé, xi knisja u mużew għat-turist twajjeb. Imma mkien ma jista’ isib ftit togħma ta’ dak li kienu snajja u kreattività lokali. Ix-xalatur għandu sas-siegħa jew is-sagħtejn ta’ filgħodu jitpaxxa u jintilef fi sbuħitha; bil-mużika, bil-birra, whiskey, ġin u linja coke. Wara li jirremetti l-pjaċir kollu, jerħilha lejn soddtu sa ma jgħaddu l-ġranet u jmur lura lejn pajjiżu. Illum il-Belt Valletta trodd ruħha lill-barrani sinjur li jiġi jinvesti flusu fiha biex jgħid li hu binha mingħajr ma jagħraf ħajjet din l-omm għażiża; mingħajr ma jaf kif din l-omm rawmet lill-vera uliedha tul is-snin.

Il-Kapitali Valletta regalata lit-turist, relegata għall-medjokrità ta’ belt bla identità fejn uliedha jistgħu biss jarawha minn barra, filwaqt li jixjieħu u jixxenqu li jerġgħu jaraw lil Godwin jiġbor lit-tfal għall-maħżen f’Sant Iermu, li jaraw lill-Maxi u lil Gilbert irebbħuhom kampjonat u jiċċelebrawh flimkien f’Sada Rjala, li jaraw lis-subien u l-bniet jinġabru għall-MUSEUM f’Sada Sant’Ursola, lil Salvu jbiegħ il-boċċi… u tant aktar realtajiet sbieħ li l-barranin għoġobhom imewtu.

Għada l-grupp Residenti Beltin qed jorganizza protesta sabiex il-Gvern iwaqqaf in-negozjati dwar il-binja tal-Evans u jinvesti dan l-ispazju sabiex joffri dar ta’ mistrieħ, attività u kura lill-anzjani Beltin. Nittama li dawk il-Beltin li għad għandhom demmhom ibaqbaq, ikunu hemm fil-11:00am sabiex isemmgħu leħinhom, qabel jitilgħu Ta’ Qali jissapportjaw b’ħeġġa lill-Valletta FC li ser jilgħabu kontra Ħamrun Spartans fis-2:00pm.

Relegated citizens – Evans Building

At present, the minds and hearts of every citizen are preoccupied with concerns about the increasing likelihood of our beloved football club, Valletta FC, being demoted from the Premier League to the Challenge League. This situation worries us because it undermines our sense of winning identity and pride that we have cultivated over the years. While we grapple with this issue, few realize that beyond the realm of football, the city itself has been experiencing relegation for several years.

Whilst many celebrate our city’s recent awakening as a sought-after tourist destination, it is essential to acknowledge this transformation and understand how Valletta has been reduced to a beautiful yet soulless toy which transpires little to no sensitivity towards its residential community.

Reflecting on my past work with ex-colleague Dr Victor Jacono on a community project in Valletta, some individuals likened Valletta to a beloved mother, or a girl/wife. They recalled how, in the past, this cherished myth was neglected, with no concern for her well-being. In spite of her delicate nature, she was a mother cherished deeply by her children, who were prepared to go to any lengths for her. Over time, strangers arrived, deciding that this woman needed a makeover. They brought her to professionals who cleansed her, repaired her skin, applied foundation and makeup, enhanced her lips, and painted them a vibrant red. Dressed in her most exquisite attire, the strangers instructed her to focus on attracting tourists, neglecting the nurturing care she once provided for her children. Despite her tears, she had no choice but to witness her children depart because they no longer recognized her. Although her name still echoed in their hearts, the soulless strangers in control, empowered by wealth, persuaded her children to sell their home and aspire to become affluent individuals.

Similar fate befell her elderly, who dedicated years to her but had to leave, seeking hosts in distant towns and villages. There is no home for the elderly in our capital city! Who would have thought that “il-Pampalun” would end up in a nursing home in Luqa? Who would have thought that great figures in Valletta culture are now spending their last years away from the capital?

Today, Valletta, a beacon of beauty, caters to the desires of every tourist. Accommodations are readily available, catering to their preferences, as they yield the highest profits. The discerning tourist can enjoy a variety of offerings such as food, tea, coffee, visits to churches, and museums. However, what’s notably absent is a genuine taste of the local crafts and creativity that once defined the essence of the city. Whether local or foreign, those who come to experience the city revel in its charm until the early hours, often accompanied by live music until around 1 or 2 o’clock in the morning. After fully immersing themselves in pleasure, they expel it all beside a palazzo before retiring to their accommodations until their departure back to their home countries. Currently, Valletta is surrendered to wealthy outsiders who invest in it, claiming a false sense of kinship without acknowledging the genuine life this beloved city has nurtured among its true inhabitants over the years.

Presently, Valletta yields to affluent investors who inject funds without acknowledging the city’s profound history. While the capital expresses gratitude to tourists, the consequence is a descent into a city lacking a distinct identity. Valletta’s authentic inhabitants can merely watch from a distance as they grow older, reflecting on times when Godwin used to gather the children into his Carnival warehouse in St Elmo, football championships were clinched by Maxi and Gilbert, whilst Salvu sold all kind of stationery, and traditional toys as boys and girls filled St Ursola Street for MUSEUM gatherings. So many realities that strangers worked hard to dissolve into thin air.

The Residenti Beltin group is planning a protest tomorrow, urging the Government to cease negotiations on the Evans building and allocate this space for the establishment of a facility catering to the needs of the elderly in Valletta, providing rest, activities, and care. I encourage all Valletta residents with fervent spirits to join the gathering at 11:00am to ensure this call is heard. They can later drive to Ta’ Qali National stadium in support of Valletta F.C. playing Ħamrun Spartans at 2:00pm.

Id-destin tal-Belt Valletta

January 30, 2024 | Tberfil

English version further below

Illum fl-10:00 ta’ filgħodu irċevejt stedina minn naħa tal-Awtorità tal-Ippjanar sabiex nattendi diskussjoni virtwali fl-10:30 dwar applikazzjoni sabiex eks-ħanut tal-ħaxix quddiem il-Knisja tal-Karmnu fil-Belt Valletta jinbidel fi spazju kummerċjali għall-ikel u x-xorb.

Kienet laqgħa kordjali li għaliha attendew madwar erbgħin ruħ. Tħallew jitkellmu xi nies iżda mhux kulħadd. Kien hemm min bħali esperjenza problemi tekniċi u ma ingħata l-ebda widen meta ħalla kumment miktub fuq il-pjattaforma offruta mill-istess awtorità. Anzi, dawk li kienu qed jikkummentaw bil-kitba ġew mgħarrfa li l-kummenti tagħhom kienu ser jiġu injorati!

Il-laqgħa żvolġiet b’ċertu sens ta’ għaġġla, possibilment għax dawk responsabbli kellhom wisq x’jgħamlu u każijiet x’jisimgħu. Ġejna mitluba nkunu konċiżi u ma nirrepetux. Meta aktar persuni esprimew ix-xewqa li jintervjenu, niżlet id tal-ħadid li kkonkludiet id-diskussjoni. Sa mn’alla bgħatuli stedina!

Nibqa’ mistagħġeb kif quddiem dawn id-deċiżjonijiet kruċjali fis-salvagwardja tat-tessut soċjali, l-arkitetti u dawk responsabbli fl-awtoritajiet jeħlu ma’ interpretazzjonijiet tar-regolamenti fuq il-karta u fuq preċedenti, minflok jaħdmu b’risq il-benefiċċju tal-komunità lokali, l-aktar dik residenzjali. Huwa sempliċement tal-mistħija kif preċedenti huma meqjusa bħala raġuni valida sabiex inkomplu inkabbru l-froġa!

Inħoss li huwa diffiċli mmens li din is-soċjetà timxi ‘l quddiem ladarba dawn id-diskussjonijiet isiru minn persuni-“magni” li kapaċi biss jirraġunaw bil-1 u 0, jgħamluha ċara li jridu jevitaw kummenti “emozzjonali” u lanqas biss għexu d-dinamika tal-komunità li dwarha jkunu qed jiddeċiedu.

Saħansitra illum smajna kumment li uża l-festa tal-Madonna tal-Karmnu bħala xi forma ta’ preċedent għal storbju li jkun hemm fit-triq! Smajna wkoll idea li jingħalaq bieb fi Triq Żekka biex l-applikazzjoni tidher verġni minn kull skop li joħloq l-ewwel preċedent f’din it-triq. Bħallikieku l-preċedenti ta’ spazji kummerċjali għall-ikel u x-xorb ċkejkna li jestendu l-attivitajiet tagħhom tul metri sħaħ fit-toroq tal-madwar mhix diġà realtà evidentissima fil-Kapitali fl-aħħar 15-il sena!

Apparti dan kollu, u b’sens ta’ ironija, dejjem kelli kurżità kif l-ebda stabbiliment kummerċjali li mhux fil-qasam tal-ikel u x-xorb, ma japplika sabiex jokkupa spazji pubbliċi bħall-oħrajn. F’ġieh l-ugwaljanza huma wkoll misshom joħorġu vetrini u mwejjed biex ikabbru l-bejgħ. Meta ħa naraw lill-Agenda Bookshop, Heritage Malta jew lil D’Amato Records b’tilari tal-kotba u vinili tal-mużika tul Strada Rjali? Hija ironija kif stabbilimenti b’kummerċ artistiku mhumiex trattati l-istess?

Fl-aħħarnett nemmen li wasal iż-żmien li l-Beltin jibdew ikunu rappeżentati għal dawn il-laqgħat mill-Kunsill Lokali tal-Belt Valletta u/jew minn rappreżentanti tal-komunità li huma kapaċi jirriċerkaw u jiddibattu dawn is-sitwazzjonijiet.

Nittama li aktar Beltin jitħajjru jkunu voċiferi. Inutli ngergru wara.

📸 Romina Gianoli

The fate of Valletta

Today, at 10:00 am, I received an invitation from the Planning Authority to participate in a virtual discussion at 10:30 regarding an application to convert a former vegetable shop in front of Our Lady of Mount Carmel church in Valletta into a commercial space for food and drink. The meeting, attended by approximately forty people, maintained a formal atmosphere. While some individuals were given the opportunity to speak, others, like myself, encountered technical difficulties and were overlooked when leaving comments on the platform provided by the authority. Those who wrote comments were informed that their input would be disregarded.

The meeting proceeded with a sense of haste, likely due to the organizers’ heavy workload and numerous cases to address. We were instructed to be concise and avoid repetition. As more participants expressed a desire to contribute, the discussion was abruptly concluded with a firm hand. I couldn’t help but reflect on the irony of receiving the invitation!

I am astonished and very much concerned that, in the face of critical decisions affecting the social fabric, architects and authority figures adhere strictly to interpretations of regulations and precedents on paper, rather than prioritizing the well-being of the local community, especially the residential one. It is disheartening how past decisions are used as a valid basis to perpetuate problematic practices.

I feel it is difficult to move this society forward once these discussions are held by people-“machines” who are only able to reason by 1s and 0s, make it clear that they want to avoid “emotional” comments and have not even lived up to the community context on which they are deciding.

During the meeting, a comment was made, using the feast of Our Lady of Mount Carmel as a precedent for street noise. Another suggestion was to close a door in Old Mint Street to present the application in a more favorable light, and not setting a precedent for the particular street. A flawed suggestion, especially considering the longstanding presence of small food and beverage businesses expanding onto adjacent streets in the Capital over the past 15 years.

Furthermore, and with much irony, I’ve always been curious why non-food and drink commercial establishments do not apply to occupy public spaces in a similar manner. Equality demands that bookshops, cultural institutions, or record stores, such as Agenda Bookshop, Heritage Malta, or D’Amato Records, should also be allowed to showcase their offerings outside to boost sales. Isn’t it ironic how establishments with artistic commerce are not treated the same?

In conclusion, I believe it is high time for Valletta to be represented in these meetings by the Valletta Local Council and/or community representatives capable of thoroughly researching and debating these situations. I hope more residents will be inspired to voice their concerns, as grievances expressed afterward will be futile.

📸 Romina Gianoli

Zvezdan

December 23, 2023 | Tberfil

Ilbieraħt lura sakemm kont qed intemm l-aħħar tentufiet xogħol qabel tlaqt mill-uffiċċju intfajt nisma l-aktar silta riċenti ta’ Morgan. Ftit wara, segwiet Dormono sulla collina – silta li snin ilu kont għażilt li ma nismax wisq sabiex nevita t-tentazzjoni ta’ ħsibijiet dwar il-mewt. Din id-darba imma spiċċajt inkanta r-ritornell u ngħafas il-buttuna tal-volum tal-imac sabiex nismagħha iktar qawwija. Ilbieraħ, xil-17:30, waqt li kont passiġġier fil-karozza mal-mara sabiex immorru nżuru lil ommi f’San Vinċenz, jasal il-messaġġ mingħand Claudia: “Heard about Zvezdan :(‘”

Lil Zvevdan sibtu ma’ wiċċi ta’ sbatax-il sena, lura fl-1998, meta bħala parti mill-istudji fiċ-Ċentru tal-Arti u d-Disinn Emvin Cremona tal-Belt Valletta, kont bdejt apprentistat, grazzi għas-Sur Joe Pace fl-uffiċini ta’ Scancraft. Hemmhekk ħadt il-formazzjoni teknika tiegħi u għalkemm kont “iż-żgħir”, sibt rispett mingħand kulħadd; Mark Theuma, Simon Spiteri, Philip Stephenson, Mark Mercieca, Sandro Bruno, Carmen u anki Zvezdan.

Hekk kif sirt naf lil Zvez. Lura fi tmiem id-90ijiet.

L-istudios ta’ Scancraft fi Triq G. Abos l-Iklin, kienu f’terran fond, b’quddiem jinfed ma’ wara u mqassam f’kompartimenti żgħar jew kbar tal-aluminju u ħġieġ. L-intrata, l-uffiċju tal-maniġer, l-istudio, l-iscanning, il-matchprint, l-exposing u fuq wara nett, il-kamra l-baxxa mhux wisq bogħod mill-printer, jekk mhux tnejn. Ma’ dawn tal-aħħar kont issib lil dan ir-raġel twil, strutturat, b’wiċċ mingħajr espressjoni li iktar jġiblek sudizzjoni hekk kif ilissen kelma bil-vuċi baritona tiegħu.

Ma’ Zvezdan bħala kollega qattajt tlett snin sbieħ. Għalkemm kien ta’ ftit kliem, kien jgħoxa jinkini u jgħallimni. Niftakru jirrakkuntalna l-miġja tiegħu f’Malta mis-Serbja, kif tilef parti minn subgħajh u l-imħabba mmensa lejn martu Jasmina u uliedu. Minħabba li jien kont ilni biss ftit aktar minn sena li temmejt l-istudji tiegħi tas-sekondarja, kien jitlobni parir fejn l-aħjar jibgħat lill-ibnu li fi ftit xhur kien ser jibda s-sekondarja. F’ħin il-kafé kien ifakkarni biex nitfa ammont ta’ kafé u nofs tazza misħun billi b’dak l-aċċent serb jgħidli “Pawlu… i drink tarmac not coffee”. Waqt il-lant tax-xogħol, kellu ħabta jitlaq il-postazzjoni tiegħu u jiġi nkiss nkiss sa ħdejna u f’daqqa waħda jfaqqa l-famuża “aaaaajma ħej!”… bħal qisha sirena tat-tarzna ħafna drabi din kienet tindikalna l-preżenza ta’ mara sbejħa fl-uffiċċju tal-maniġer. Frażi li kien bgħatli rrekordjata u li issa ser tibqa’ tfakkarni f’dak il-leħen uniku. L’hena tagħna kienet l-inkejja u ħalli għalina sabiex niskambjaw tgħajjir bil-Malti u bis-Serb li għallimna lil xulxin!

Kultant konna nintefgħu bilqegħda u nitkellmu dwar il-proġetti li konna involuti fihom jew konna qed noħolmu. Hu kien jaqsam miegħi tagħrif dwar l-istampar sabiex dak li nagħmel ikun kif titlob is-sengħa. Niftakar li darba rċevejna riżmiet ta’ karti maqtugħin ħażin li għaldaqstant ma kienux tajbin għall-istampar. Zvezdan sejjaħli u wara li spjegali x’kien l-iżball, saqsieni għandix bżonn dawk il-karti biex inħażżeż jew nipprattika fuqhom. L-għada għabbihom fuq il-FIAT ċkejkna li kellu u wassalni sad-dar.

Zvezdan kien studja d-disinn u jidhirli anki t-tipografija fis-Serbja u għaldaqstant kien imgħallem tajjeb iżda fuq kollox kien iżommni nħeġġeġ lejn is-sengħa li kont bdejt nistudja – dik ta’ diżinjatur grafiku. Konna nitkellmu dwar l-ewwel proġett tiegħu “maltamag”, li permezz tiegħu xtaq jintegra ruħu iktar fil-komunità. B’dak il-għan f’rasu, intefa’ jistudja u jipprattika l-Macromedia Dreamweaver u spiss konna inpartu xi indikazzjonijiet. Maltamag kellu jkun l-ewwel magazin onlajn dwar dak li jiġri f’Malta. Lili kien jitlobni mmexxi l-kelma dwar maltamag, sabiex nattiraw kontenut u reklami. Niftakarni nitkellem ma’ sħabi fiċ-Ċentru taż-żgħażagħ ĊAMYouths, sabiex nużaw maltamag bħala pjattaforma ta’ reklamar għad-diversi attivitajiet ta’ fund raising għall-karità li konna nwettqu dak iż-żmien. Saħansitra tfajna riklam ta’ maltamag fuq il-fuljett stampat li kellna dak iż-żminijiet. Zvez kien japprezza ħafna, tant li saħansitra iddisinjali karta ta’ identità sabiex inkun mibgħut speċjali ta’ maltamag f’avvenimenti varji.

Wieħed mill-html files li Zvez kien jgħaddili b’xi istruzzjoni dwar il-Macromedia Dreamweaver. Inkejja nkluża.

Fl-2001, kontra qalbi, ma bqajtx naħdem Scancraft minħabba li d-diretturi xtaqu jnaqqsu l-ispejjeż. Għalkemm ma bqajniex kollegi, ir-rispett bejnietna baqa’. Fil-11 ta’ Mejju 2008, kont mistieden flimkien mal-eks maħbuba Claudia, għal ikla fid-dar tiegħu. Niftakar li kienu laqawna bl-aqwa ikel u xorb u dawruna mad-dar, saħansitra fil-workshop mill-isbaħ ta’ Jasmina li bħal ommi kienet ħajjata.

Fl-2011 l-affarijiet kienu nbidlu ħafna għalih. Tkellimna dwar modi kif nistgħu nidentifikaw aktar riżorsi ta’ fiżjoterapija għal Jasmina u fid-29 ta’ Diċembru tal-istess sena bgħatli messaġġ twil li fih qasam il-frustrazzjoni tiegħu għal mod kif is-servizz li martu kienet qed tingħata ġewwa Mater Dei ma kienx sodisfaċenti. Spjegali wkoll l-inizjattivi li kien qed jieħu huwa stess – dettalji wisq personali biex jinqasmu hawn iżda li żiedu l-ammirazzjoni tiegħi lejn dan ir-raġel ta’ ftit kliem iżda ħafna qalb. F’Jannar tkellimna wkoll dwar il-kura li martu kienet qed tingħata f’San Vinċenz, fejn Zvez bħal qisu sab xi ftit serħan il-moħħ.

F’Ottubru ta’ sena wara, stedinni bħal ħafna oħrajn għall-proġett tant għal qalbu: “the long planned project – book of photography portraits of Jasmina’s and our friends.”

Fis-26 ta’ Diċembru kien esprima x-xewqa li martu tirkupra, semmieli kemm kien jieħu pjaċir meta jilmaha titbissem u wara ħarbixli dal kelmtejn qawwija. Kien l-istess żmien fejn jien bdejt ninnota li ommi wkoll kienet qed turi sintomi partikolari li ma bdewx jgħoġbuni.

“My Pawlu, life can turn upside down in a second. I just truly believe that there is more to life and us thank what doctors and conventional medicine knows. I started praying to saints – was never religious, not even now, but I believe that through prayer- positive and good images and thinking we manage to channel this energy we all consist of to the right place and for my efforts, sometimes I feel I could do much more for her, that I don’t do enough… but I have to make money for living, but there is always that void when I miss her like crazy and are not near her. Doctor’s know very little about brain, I read lot of books and articles last two years.”

Fit-13 ta’ Frar 2013, tkellimna dwar il-fatt li Peter Andre kien inħatar ambaxxatur kulturali għall-Belt Valletta u ddiskutejna l-clip tal-BBC li fiha ibnu Teodor kien intervistat minn BBC bħala Cultural Editor tal-MaltaToday. Aktar il-quddiem fl-istess sena konna ddiskutejna l-publikazzjoni ta’ ktieb ta’ poeżiji tiegħi. Kien lest jgħin fid-distribuzzjoni u ħajjartu nibdew “Street Market Bookshop” – idea li laqtitu. Kien esprima interess ukoll fil-proġett tiegħi ta’ bloggati kritiċi dwar l-arti u disinn f’Malta, redwhitemt.

Dejjem qist lil Zvezdan bħal imgħallem fl-istampar u għaldaqstant fl-2015 kont tlabtu parir dwar liema karta kelli nuża għall-istampar tal-antoloġija diġitali Her Majesty, u niftakar li kien ġie bi ħġaru jżurha. Kien saħansitra proponieli li nippubblikawhom fi ktieb minn tiegħu iżda sfortunatament dan qatt ma seħħ. Fl-istess sena kkummisjonajnieh jiddiżinja kalendarju imdaqqas għall-uffiċċju tal-Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 sabiex fuqu nfasslu l-programmazzjoni tal-2016 u nibdew dik tal-2018. Għalkemm imsallab bix-xogħol, qdiena b’imħabba u bgħat jistaqsini hux kollox sew ftit jiem wara li dan ġie imżanżan. Aktar ‘l quddiem fil-proġett Beltin ta’ Spazju Kreattiv ikkurat minn Raphael Vella u Sabrina Calleja Jackson, kien talabni biex nidentifikaw aktar Beltin sabiex jipparteċipaw. Kien pjaċir u unur doppju għalija li għentu jwettaq din il-ħolma u li erġajt ġejt iffotografat minnu.

Fid-19 ta’ Ġunju 2015 Zvev ġie jżur l-esibizzjoni Her Majesty
Jurgen Briffa u jien… fil-proġett “Beltin”.

Minn dak iż-żmien il-kuntatt naqas ġmielu – forsi minħabba li jien inqtajt miċ-ċrieki tal-arti u l-kultura. Lanqas biss kont naf li Kixott kien proġett tiegħu jew li Kixott kien ħanut tal-kotba! Lil Zvez ilmaħtu l-aħħar meta xtrajt il-kwadru mis-serje “Beltin” u aktar riċenti waqt il-Fiera tal-Ktieb fejn jidhirli qsamna kelmtejn ta’ malajr għax kont xogħol fuq stand oħra dakinhar.

Wara l-aħbar tal-bieraħ, erġajt smajt is-silta ta’ De André kantata minn Morgan u xtaqt inżid kelmtejn magħha, biex niċċelebraw il-ħajja aktar milli nibżgħu mill-mewt. Bħal Z. Dawn għalik ħabib:

Dov’è Zvev il disegnatore
che fotografava persone con tanto amore
che con la vita avrebbe ancora parlato.

Lui che offrì il talento
la gola al vino e sempre un pensiero
non al denaro, si all’amore e anche al cielo.

Lui sembra di sentirlo
cianciare ancora delle battute
creando libri a tarde ore scorrute

sembra di sentirlo ancora
dire al mercante di caffettiere
“Tu che li vendi cosa ti bevi di migliore?”

Is-sliem għalik Zvev. Grazzi ta’ dak li tajtni, li lanqas jien ma naf inkejjel eżatt.

Ħobża jew dinjità

November 16, 2023 | Tberfil

(An English version can be read below the Maltese)

Qed ngħixu kummiedja. Qed ngħixu żminijiet fejn d-deċiżjonijiet li nieħdu huma ikkundizzjonati mill-popolarità iktar milli mis-sugu ta’ dak li jiġi mwettaq. Lill-Malti spiss issibu japplawdi inizjattivi idjoti u jiċċelebrahom bħala ‘milestone’ fl-istorja ta’ ħajtu sforz l-immedjata popolarità jew ix-xewqa li jkun assenjat tron f’xi olimpu fittizju. Dan mingħajr ma jagħraf in-narrativa tal-ingann li fl-aħħar snin ixxeblek mal-valuri intrinsiċi li kienu jiddistingwuna bħala poplu u qed jifgahom.

Fil-kummentarju tiegħu tal-bieraħ filgħodu, Mario Aquilina; li jiena nqisu fost l-aqwa letturi li qatt kelli, spjega kif l-awtorità risponsabbli mis-settur ambjentali, mhux talli mhix tiprattika r-rwol tagħha ta’ tarka għall-ambjent iżda, għal raġunijiet varji, qed “tiffaċilita t-tkissir tal-ambjent”. Aquilina tkellem dwar kif it-tentattivi tiegħu sabiex jikkomunika mal-entità sfalu suf u ddixxerna dwar kif l-istituzzjoni fil-każ m’għandiex saħħa, m’għandiex riżorsi, jew m’għandiex volontà sabiex twettaq id-dmirijiet tagħha.

Wara dak li spjega b’tant reqqa Aquilina, sfajt ispirat naħseb, nixtarr u nitħadded dwar is-sintomu tas-serviliżmu li osservajt tul is-snin kemm matul il-ħidma tiegħi fis-settur pubbliku kif ukoll wara bħala ċittadin distanti mis-sistema. Is-sintomu tas-serviliżmu kontemporanju Malti huwa mżewwaq minn cocktail perfett ta’ populiżmu u dilettantiżmu u nħoss li huwa mxerred sew fl-entitajiet pubbliċi. Dan jista’ jiġi osservat f’varjetà ta’ realtajiet li minnhom xtaqt nosserva tlieta.

Forsi l-aktar evidenti huma mexxejja ta’ entitajiet pubbliċi li jemmnu b’ruħhom u ġisimhom li huwa sagrileġġ li tkun tarka għall-poplu u tmur kontra l-Gvern, jew agħar minn hekk, il-Partit fil-Gvern. Ħafna drabi dan il-kredu jiġi pperpetwat konxjament jew inkonxjament fuq il-ħaddiema tal-istess entità li frott l-ubbidjenza u l-bżonn ta’ introjtu, jagħżlu li jaqdfu b’lealtà fl-istess direzzjoni ideoloġika mingħajr ma jfittxu risposti għall-mistoqsijiet il-kbar li jittormentawhom fil-ħidma tagħhom. Dan iwassal għas-sitwazzjoni li semma Aquilina stess, fejn l-entità tispiċċa tkisser dak li suppost qegħda tistinka għalih.

Realtà oħra evidenti hija dik tal-varji premjazzjonijiet li ħafna entitajiet pubbliċi saru jorganizzaw. Entitajiet pubbliċi u kulturali varji jidentifikaw proġetti għal premjazzjoni billi joħroġu sejħa għal nominazzjonijiet. Wara l-fażi tan-nominazzjonijiet, dawk nominati jiġu ffiltrati sabiex fl-aħħar jiġu mħabbra l-uħud li jmorru għall-vot pubbliku li jaħtar rebbieħ finali. Dan il-proċess b’mod naturali jelimina ċ-ċans li artisti kritiċi lejn il-Gvern u artisti li mhux moħħhom biex jimlew il-karti sabiex jirċievu premju, jiġu rikonoxxuti.

Jekk kien mingħalik li xi artist lokali jinnomina lil xi artist kollega tiegħu, probabiltà kbira hi li sejjer żball. Huwa fatt magħruf li dawn it-tip ta’ premjazzjonijiet fis-settur kulturali ikunu imżewwqa minn nominazzjonijiet sottomessi mill-artisti stess jew it-tim tal-midja tagħhom sabiex huma jkomplu jkabbru l-profil medjatiku. Ħafna drabi r-rebbieħa jkunu dawk li l-aktar kellhom il-ħila jkabbru l-popolarità tagħhom fuq il-midja soċjali u fil-klikka relatata u mhux neċessarjament dawk li tassew wettqu l-aktar ħidma valida. Ħafna drabi l-proġetti nominati jkunu ġew iffinanzjati mill-istess entità li sa fl-aħħar tippremjahom! Parodija ikbar minn hekk? F’mumenti nissuspetta li ċertu entitajiet iħossuhom obbligati jirrikonoxxu jew jippremjaw lil xi proġetti sforz il-pressjoni medjatika li jkun hemm madwarhom u mhux neċessarjament għax hemm valur fil-ħidma.

Għalkemm fil-konċepiment tagħhom dawn il-proċessi seta kellhom l-intenzjoni rispettabbli tad-demokrazija, nemmen li fi żmienna, fejn kollox jitkejjel bil-likes, hemm bżonn li l-professjonisti fis-settur jinħallu mill-populiżmu u jerġgħu jibdew jinżlu fit-toroq jirriċerkaw, jidentifikaw u jixtarru artisti li jinsabu moħbija jaħdmu, jiskopru u jwettqu l-bidla permezz ta’ mezzi varji u mhux jippremjaw il-bajtra li taqa’. Hawn ukoll, inħoss li l-entitatjiet tal-arti u artistiċi għandhom id-dmir ikunu xprun u mhux xkiel għal min ġenwinament qed jistinka favur ideoloġija jew ħsieb soċjali u/jew kulturali aktar milli s-suċċess tiegħu nnifsu.

L-aħħar aspett li xtaqt nixħet dawl fuqu huwa dak tal-Kunsilli Lokali. Sistema diżinjata sabiex tfalli. Ma hemmx fejn iddur. In-nies li jitħajjru jkunu ta’ servizz matur fil-Kunsilli Lokali bis-sistema preżenti huma dawk l-uħud li jew għandhom ħobżhom maħbuż, jew jaqilawha tajjeb u jibqalhom ħafna ħin f’idejhom jew lesti jċedu l-impjieg u l-imħabbiet personali tagħhom.

Hawn ukoll is-sistema hija cocktail perfett ta’ populiżmu u dilettantiżmu. Ir-realtà ta’ ħafna kunsilliera u Sindki dilettanti mhux niskopriha jien. Il-Kunsill huwa l-“hobby” għal ħafna; biex jibqgħu popolari, jew forsi biex iħossuhom influwenti. Huwa fatt magħruf li f’ċertu lokalitajiet il-Kunsill jiffunzjona biss grazzi għall-kariga professjonali tas-Segretarju Ġenerali. Mill-bqija bi stipendju ta €200 fix-xahar, l-ebda kunsillier ma jixraqlu li jieħu intrigu tant importanti daqs, ngħidu aħna familtu jew il-karriera. Il-volontarjat nafu biżżejjed fejn nistgħu noffruh.

Għaldaqstant sakemm is-sistema politika tal-Kunsilli Lokali ma tiġix riveduta, nemmen li l-ebda professjonist serju li jaħdem mill-inqas 8 siegħat kuljum ma jista’ joffri l-maġġor parti ta’ ħinu għall-kawża tal-lokalità.  Il-fatt li meta ċempilt, l-Assoċjazzjoni tal-Kunsilli Lokali lanqas kellha l-kapaċità tipprovdi l-politika tal-Kunsilli Lokali, turini biżżejjed il-livell ta’ dilettantiżmu prattikat. Sadattant iżda, iċċelebrajna t-30 sena mit-twaqqif tal-Kunsilli Lokali… xejn xejn qassamna ftit premijiet oħra sabiex intaptpu fuq ftit spallel.

Nagħlaq billi nikkwota silta mill-kitba tal-Professur Henry Frendo “The long road to responsible government: Maltese politics and society under a nonrepresentative constitution 1903-1919” tal-1991 b’riferenza lejn Manwel Dimech: “Filwaqt li ffavorixxa lit-trade unions, filwaqt li kkastiga s-serviliżmu, appella lill-foqra biex ma jiskambjawx ħobża għad-dinjità tagħhom meta jiġu avviċinati minn xi uffiċjal tal-gvern: ‘għid lil dawk li jiġu jagħtuk ħobża li m’intix skjav jew bhima, li dak li trid mhuwiex il-ħobża tal-karità, imma l-ħobża bl-għaraq ta’ xbinek.’

A loaf for dignity

Malta exists in a parody of sorts – no two ways about it. We navigate times where decisions are shaped more by popularity than the actual value of our actions. There’s a tendency to applaud misguided initiatives, hailing them as personal milestones driven by immediate popularity or the aspiration to claim a metaphorical throne in a fictional Olympics. Unfortunately, this celebration occurs without a critical examination of the deceptive narrative that has emerged in recent years, eroding the intrinsic values that once set us apart as a people.

In his recent commentary, Mario Aquilina, one of the most esteemed lecturers I’ve had the privilege of learning from, discussed the environmental sector. He highlighted that the relevant authority, rather than acting as a protector of the environment, seems to be unintentionally or perhaps intentionally contributing to its degradation. Aquilina shared his frustrating experiences attempting to communicate with the concerned entity, revealing its apparent lack of strength, resources, or will to fulfill its responsibilities.

Aquilina’s insights prompted me to reflect on the symptom of servitude which I noticed both during my tenure in the cultural public sector and also later as an observer from outside the system. The contemporary servitude in Malta is a troubling mix of populism and amateurism, widespread within public entities. This is evident in various aspects of our reality of which I’d like to highlight a few.

One glaring example is the leaders of public entities who staunchly believe it is sacrilege to stand against the government or, worse, the ruling party. This mindset often permeates down to workers, who, driven by the need for income and the fruits of obedience, serve loyally without questioning the significant issues that trouble their souls. This leads to the situation Aquilina himself mentioned, where the entity ends up breaking down what it is supposed to be striving for.

A second noticeable issue that poses a challenge is the proliferation of awards in Malta’s cultural scene. Public entities value the contributions to the arts by seeking nominations for potential projects. After nominations, there’s an internal filtering process, and finally, the public votes to decide the winner. Regrettably, this approach inherently reduces opportunities for artists critical of the government, those unwilling to compromise their principles for an award, or those uninterested in bureaucratic paperwork and questioning to gain recognition.

Did you wonder if any artist nominates a fellow practitioner for consideration? Highly unlikely. It’s widely acknowledged that awards in the cultural sector often suffer from nominations submitted by artists themselves or their media teams, aiming to boost their media profile. Frequently, the winners are those adept at growing their popularity on social media rather than those truly engaged in valuable work. Very often the nominated projects would have been funded by the entity that would be handling them the prize itself! There are indications as to how entities feel compelled to reward individuals due to their media reach rather than the intrinsic value of their work.

While these processes may have initially aspired to democratic ideals, the contemporary landscape, dominated by metrics like social media likes, calls for a departure from populism. Professionals in the sector should detach themselves from popular trends and actively hit the streets to conduct research, identify, and reflect on artists who may be hidden in the process of working, discovering, and effecting meaningful change across infinite media. It is essential to shift the focus away from rewarding those already in the limelight to recognizing the genuine contributors. There is a vital and urgent need for entities within the Arts and Culture to redefine their role. They should act as driving forces for those genuinely dedicated to ideology, social impact, and cultural enrichment, rather than self-centric success.

The third and final aspect I wish to highlight pertains to Local Councils—a system designed for failure. Those inclined to provide a responsible service in Local Councils within the current system are often those whose livelihoods have been accomplished, those with secure financial standings and ample time in hand, or those prepared to forsake their careers and personal pursuits.

Here again, the system presents a potent blend of populism and amateurism. The prevalence of amateur councillors and Mayors is a reality that doesn’t escape notice. For many, serving on the Council is more of a “hobby”—a means to maintain popularity or perhaps to feel influential. It’s widely acknowledged that in certain localities, the Council’s functionality relies heavily on the professional office of the Secretary-General. Given the meager stipend of €200 per month, it’s hardly fair to expect councillors to engage in matters as significant as their families or careers. Volunteering has its place, but expecting such commitment with minimal compensation is a notable challenge.

So, unless the political system of local councils is overhauled, I firmly believe that no dedicated professional working elsewhere a minimum of 8 hours a day can allocate a significant and diligent amount of their time to the local cause.

The fact that the Local Councils’ Association couldn’t provide the Local Council’s policy when I reached out underscores the prevalent ambition to keep this structure at a level of amateurism. Meanwhile, we’ve celebrated the 30th anniversary of Local Councils, yet nothing substantial has been achieved beyond and despite the accolades and the trophies distributed the underlying issues have not been addressed.

I conclude by quoting an excerpt from Professor Henry Frendo’s writing “The long road to responsible government: Maltese politics and society under a nonrepresentative constitution 1903-1919” of 1991 with reference to Manwel Dimech: “Favouring trade unions, castigating servilism, he appealed to the poor not to exchange a loaf for their dignity when approached by some government official: ‘tell those who come to give you a loaf that you are not slaves or beasts, that what you want is not the loaf of charity, but the loaf by the sweat of your brow’.”

Kif firduna lill-Beltin!

September 1, 2023 | Tberfil

Is-sitwazzjoni fil-Belt Valletta hija inkwetanti ħafna. Minn naħa, nosservaw gvern li hu ffissat fuq ir-retorika tar-“riġenerazzjoni tal-Belt Valletta,” filwaqt li min-naħa l-oħra, b’mod sfaċċat qed nassistu għal komunità li bi pressjoni sottili sfat iddiżintegrata.

Lura fl-2012, ħafna minna konna mimlija eċċitament meta l-Belt Valletta ntgħażlet mill-Kummissjoni Ewropea, flimkien ma’ Leeuwarden fl-Olanda, biex tkun il-Kapitali Ewropea tal-Kultura għall-2018. Jien ukoll kont entużjast u għamilt kull sforz biex ningħaqad mal-Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018 biex nikkontribwixxi għat-tiġdid tal-belt għażiża tiegħi. Sfortunatament, aktar tard skoprejna li l-mexxejja wara din il-mewġa ta’ “progress” ma kellhomx ħsieb ġenwin għall-benessri tar-residenti tal-Kapitali.

Minflok, il-Gvern Malti, immexxi minn Partit Laburista li aktar tard kien espost b’ħafna stejjer ta’ korruzzjoni iddettati mill-ġenn tal-profitt monetarju, iffoka biss fuq l-aspetti ekonomiċi ta’ din l-inizjattiva kruċjali, u injora l-impatti soċjali u kulturali sinifikanti, minkejja li dawn kienu dokumentati u enfasizzati sew mit-tim tar- riċerka fl-istess Fondazzjoni Valletta 2018. Filwaqt li l-Gvern ħabbar “impatt ekonomiku totali ta’ aktar minn €325M, investiment totali ġġenerat ta’ €678M fl-ekonomija Maltija, u żieda reġistrata ta’ 2.23% fil-PGD tal-2018,” il-komunità tal-Belt Valletta ffaċċjat ġentrifikazzjoni severa, li rriżultat fl-ispostament ta’ ħafna residenti u rajna tnaqqis evidenti sa ma spiċċajna bi ftit eluf.

Għalkemm ċerti aspetti estetiċi tal-Belt Valletta ġew restawrati għas-sbuħija ta’ qabel, l-element uman ġie traskurat, u dan wassal biex ħafna jitilqu, jaqtgħu r-rabtiet tagħhom u jrabbu apatija estrema lejn il-Belt għażiża. Għaddew għaxar snin, u l-ispirtu u r-ruħ tal-Belt Valletta issa jinstabu fuq it-tarf tal-kollass, bi ftit reżistenza, anke mill-mexxejja kreattivi, atletiċi jew politiċi tagħha. Is-sitwazzjoni tiggrava ruħha hekk kif kulma jmur aktar spazji tal-Beltin qegħdin jiġu mgħoddija lill-privat mingħajr ebda konsultazzjoni diretta mal-komunità u mingħajr ebda studju validu li jara x’impatt ser ikollha l-komunità fuq il-wirt kulturali tagħha.

Kull membru ġenwin tal-komunità tal-Belt Valletta għandu jirrifletti u jagħraf li jekk inkomplu niddependu fuq il-gvern u r-rappreżentanti tiegħu, l-influwenza tagħna tibqa’ suxxettibbli għal pressjonijiet esterni. Il-mexxejja tagħna kkultivaw kultura fejn meta tiddividi lill-komunità tkun tista’ tiddominaha

Il-vuċi tagħna li xi darba kienet indipendenti u r-reputazzjoni Beltija illum jinsabu kompromessi. Hekk ukoll il-belt tagħna. Jien għajjejt bir-retorika diviżiva li tpoġġi lil PL kontra PN, San Pawl kontra San Duminku, residenti kontra negozji, kunsillier lokali kontra ieħor, eċċ. Xbajt minn dawk il-Beltin laqa li joqogħdu lura milli jikkritikaw lill-gvern għax ipprovdilhom impjieg. Hemm bżonn aktar provi dwar kif ġejna manipulati f’dawn il-fazzjonijiet u tilwim bla sens?

Wasal iż-żmien li ningħaqdu u nżommu l-valuri mgħoddija lilna mill-antenati tagħna matul is-snin. Ejja ngħollu leħinna kollettivament u nibqgħu ulied leali u veri tal-Belt Valletta. Jekk għadna Champions!

Dispersing the Valletta community

The situation in Valletta is deeply troubling. On one hand, we observe a government that is fixated on what it believes is the “regeneration of Valletta,” while on the other hand, we witness a community that has been subtly pressured to disintegrate.

Back in 2012, many of us were filled with excitement when Valletta was chosen by the European Commission, along with Leeuwarden in the Netherlands, to be the European Capital of Culture for 2018. I, too, was enthusiastic and made every effort to join the Valletta 2018 Foundation to contribute to the renewal of my beloved city. Unfortunately, we later discovered that the leaders behind this revitalization lacked genuine concern for the well-being of the city’s residents.

Instead, the Maltese Government, led by the Labour Party, which was later exposed as corrupt and driven by profit, focused solely on the economic aspects of this crucial initiative, ignoring the significant social and cultural impacts, despite these being well-documented and highlighted by the research team at the Valletta 2018 Foundation. While the government touted “a total economic impact of over €325M, a total generated investment of €678M in the Maltese economy, and a registered increase of 2.23% in 2018 GDP,” the Valletta community faced severe gentrification, resulting in the displacement of many residents, reducing their numbers to just a few thousand.

Although certain aspects of the city’s appearance were restored to their former beauty, the human element was neglected, causing many to leave and sever their ties with their hometown. A decade has passed, and the core spirit of the city now teeters on the edge of collapse, with little resistance, even from its creative, athletic, or political leaders. The situation deteriorates even further as an increasing number of community spaces are being transferred to private entities, with no direct consultation involving the community and no proper study conducted to assess its potential impact on the cultural heritage of the community.

Every genuine member of the Valletta community should reflect and acknowledge that if we continue to depend on the government and its representatives, our influence will remain susceptible to external pressures. Our leaders have cultivated a culture of division and domination, promoting divisiveness within our community.

Our once-independent voice and our formerly esteemed spirit have now been compromised, as has our city. I am weary of the divisive rhetoric that pits PL against PN, St. Paul against St. Dominic, residents against businesses, one local councilor against another, and so forth. I have had my fill of those who refrain from criticizing the government because it has provided them with public employment. Isn’t it clear that we have been manipulated into these meaningless factions and pointless disputes?

It is time for us to unite and uphold the values passed down to us by our ancestors throughout the years. Let us collectively raise our voices and remain loyal and true children of Valletta. If we’re still champions of our own destiny.

Opportunità mitlufa. Rebħa falza.

July 18, 2023 | Tberfil

*scroll down for english version

Aħna poplu beżżiegħ. Ibda minni. Aħna poplu li sakemm nilbsu flokk b’wiċċ ta’ vittma fuqu, nixgħelu xemgħa u nċapċpu lil xi qarrej ta’ poeżija, ser issibna hemm, qalb il-folla. Apparti ċapċipa wara oħra lil omm li tippriedka “il-kulur tal-imħabba”, ma ssib fina l-ebda inizjattiva sabiex nesprimu l-weġgħat u r-rabja. Għajb għalina jekk nippruvaw nesternalizzaw l-għadab tagħna quddiem il-ħażen intrinsiku.

Ilbieraħ inġbarna quddiem Kastilja f’ammonti sostanzjali tant li tar-ristoranti qed jittamaw għal aktar velji fil-Kapitali. B’sens qawwi ta’ sottomissjoni, stennejna li jitfaċċa xi forma ta’ mexxej li m’għandniex. Mexxej li permezz ta’ mikrofnu inkunu nistgħu nisimgħuh u nċapċpulu. Min ser ikun? Tgħid Jon, tgħid Conrad, tgħid Isabelle, xi influencer? Le. Peppi. Ċapċapnilu u kif lil Peppi; sakemm ma bediex jirringrazzja lill-Prim Ministru u l-kabinett talli “semgħu l-għajta tal-poplu”.

X’poplu dan! F’ġieh il-biżgħa li ngħidu l-verità aħna kapaċi nirringrazzjaw anki lil min qed jirredikola lill-Maltin u s-sistemi governattivi tagħna. Għedna grazzi lill-Prim Ministru li b’xi don divin, illejla għoġbu jbiddel deċiżjoni ta’ dik li fil-Kulleġġ dejjem tarfuhielna bħala “l-għola istituzzjoni ta’ Malta”, mingħajr ma ttieħed vot ieħor. Dak li ftit tal-jiem ilu ġie jaqa’ u jqum mill-karba tal-omm, l-appelli tal-oppożizzjoni u l-għajta tiktokjata tal-poplu, illum ġie preżentat lill-istess poplu bħala eroj; dak li reġġa’ il-vapur lura; jew dak li ġabilna rebħa.

Kif kont irreferejt tajjeb lura fl-2013 fit-teżi tiegħi dwar l-attiviżmu, il-midja soċjali u l-arti, din tal-llum ma hix rebħa tal-poplu imma parti minn pjan tal-Gvern marid:

Il-punt tiegħi huwa biss li rridu noqogħdu attenti ħafna biex ma naċċettawx rebħiet foloz. Jekk il-Prim Ministru tiegħek jitlaq għada ma jfissirx li mmorru d-dar u hija t-tmiem tal-ġlieda, li għal ħafna attivisti Eġizzjani jew nies preżenti fil-protesti, kienet tfisser dan, għal ħafna minnhom.
Kwalunkwe bidla li toħroġ issa minn din il-protesta, bħalma jwarrab il-Prim Ministru, hija ppjanata. Se jkollhom pjan. Mhux biss se jwarrab u se jkun hemm rebħa. Ikun hemm pjan biex jittieħed il-poter lura jew se jkun hemm pjan biex xi ħadd ieħor jieħu l-poter. … taġixxi bħas-salvatur tal-poplu u mbagħad ladarba kulħadd imur id-dar u ma jkollokx din il-forza ta’ miljuni fit-toroq tat-Turkija u kulhadd imur id-dar allura l-armata tibda ddur għan-nies wieħed wieħed u waħda waħda.

Eleftheriou, M. (Producer) (2013a). Solidarity Message to Turkish Activists: Experience and Warnings from the Egyptian Revolution [Web]. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://youtu.be/IEUape6QcU4

Naqbel mal-idea tal-guru Indjan Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj li tispjega kif ġaladarba inti tkun irrabjat jew bl-uġigħ, ikun xieraq tissepara ruħek mir-rabja u l-uġigħ u tarahom minn barra. L-esternalizzazzjoni hija l-ewwel pass għal-liberazzjoni. Nemmen li anki r-rabja bħall-ubbidjenza hija emozzjoni li għandha skop u li mhux neċessarjament hija ħażina jekk użata f’għarfien wiesgħa ta’ esternalizzazzjoni. Għaldaqstant ma naċċettax li quddiem sitwazzjoni tant traġika f’pajjiżna l-poplu jibqa’ ma jesternalizzax l-għadab kollettiv. U wisq nibża li l-attitudni kajmana hija appuntu dik li ser tibqa’ twitti t-triq sabiex il-mexxejja ta’ pajjiżna jibqgħu jiffangaw u jkissru dak li missirijietna tant stinkaw għalih filwaqt li b’dgħajsa lussuża jerħulha lejn xi villa fi Sqallija. L-għadab mhux vjolenza. L-għadab ma jeskludix l-imħabba. L-għadab huwa emozzjoni frott l-imħabba.

Għaldaqstant tal-bieraħ inħossha okkazjoni mitlufa. Okkazjoni fejn seta’ ingħata messaġġ qawwi sabiex jintwera l-għadab tal-poplu. Dan speċjalment wara li f’tebqa t’għajn, ftit minuti qabel ma il-poplu nġabar fuq Kastilja, il-Prim Ministru ħa deċiżjoni waħdu u waqqa’ għaż-żufjett lill-kollegi tiegħu. Dawn, siekta aktar minn muti, aċċettaw mhux biss li ġimgħa ilu jivvutaw kif kien iddettat lilhom, iżda saħansitra li llum dak il-vot jiġi mxejjen. Għaddew iktar minn 10 snin mid-diskors storiku ta’ Franco Debono li vvota kontra l-Gvern li tiegħu kien jagħmel parti – imma ma tgħallimna xejn. Illum li Debono m’għadux voċiferu dwar kif il-poplu għadu jiżżeffen fin-nofs, dwar il-fjaski u dwar l-iskandli, jekk dan mhux ċirklu, għiduli ċirklu x’ikun.

Le, m’inix kburi b’dan il-poplu beżżiegħ li jaċċetta kull żeblieh tiegħu, ta’ uliedu u tal-identità tiegħu. Sa mn’alla l-velja ntemmet bl-Innu Malti li fih tlabna lill-Alla jagħti d-dehen lill-ħakkiem u s-saħħa lill-ħaddiem. Ħasra biss li Jean Paul Sofia laħaq ħalliena u l-ħakkiem għadu jferfer denbu b’lista ta’ inkjesti pendenti taħt l-imħadda. Wara kollox, kif qalli perit fil-pjazza: “Nassigurak li ħadd mhu ser ilaqqat 30 minuta ħabs”.

A Missed Opportunity. A false victory.

In our society, fear has become deeply ingrained within us, stifling our ability to express our grievances and anger. We find solace in passive actions like wearing shirts adorned with victims’ faces, lighting candles, and applauding poem readings, but lack the initiative to confront our hurts and voice our discontent. This fear of externalizing our anger in the face of innate evil holds us back, paving the way for our leaders to continue their destructive ways.

Yesterday, we gathered in numbers in front of Castile, a significant show of solidarity that Valletta businesses hoped to see replicated in the future. With submissive looks we waited for a leader who could articulate our concerns. Would it be Jon, Conrad, Isabelle, or even an influencer, to take charge? It was Peppi who emerged, commanding our applause until he thanked the Prime Minister and the cabinet for supposedly “listening to the cry of the people.”

What a peculiar people we are! Driven by fear, we find ourselves thanking even those who mock the Maltese and our governmental systems. We express gratitude to the Prime Minister who, as if by some divine intervention, changed the decision of the “highest institution in Malta,” without requiring another vote. This is the same Prime Minister who, just a few days ago, belittled the wrath of the mother, the appeals of the opposition, and the persistent outcry of the people. Yet, last evening, we were almost expected to think of him as a hero, as if he single-handedly steered the ship back on course and brought us a victory.

Drawing from my 2013 thesis on activism, social media, and art, I firmly believe that today’s events do not constitute a victory for the people. Instead, they appear to be intricately woven into a sick Government plan.

My point is only that we have to be very careful to not accept false victories.  If your Prime Minister steps down tomorrow it doesn’t mean that we go home and it’s the end of the fight, which for many Egyptian activists or people present in the protests, it meant this, for many of them. Any change that comes now out of this protest, like the Prime Minister stepping down, is planned.  They will have a plan.  He’s not just going to step down and there’s going to be victory.  There’s going to be a plan to take the power back or there going to be a plan for somebody else to take the power.  … acting like the saviour of the people and then once everybody goes home and you don’t have this force of being millions in the street and everybody goes home then the army will start picking at people one by one.

Eleftheriou, M. (Producer) (2013a). Solidarity Message to Turkish Activists: Experience and Warnings from the Egyptian Revolution [Web]. Retrieved April 24, 2014, from http://youtu.be/IEUape6QcU4

In such tragic circumstances, we cannot overlook the fact that last night’s flow of events were not a genuine victory for the people but rather a part of a calculated plan by the government.

I echo the sentiments of Indian guru Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj, who advocates for separating oneself from anger and pain to achieve liberation. However, we must recognize that anger, like obedience, serves a purpose and can be channeled constructively when externalized. Yet, our collective anger remains unexpressed, allowing our leaders to continue their destructive path, undermining the ideals our forefathers fought for, while they find their refuge and tan in Sicily or whereabouts. Anger, when rooted in love, is not synonymous with violence; it does not contradict love but arises from it.

Last night’s gathering was intended as a platform to express the people’s anger, but I think that it unfortunately turned into a missed opportunity. Just before the event, the Prime Minister made an independent decision, causing embarrassment among his parliamentary colleagues. They chose to remain silent, not only accepting the dictates of their votes from a week ago but also the sudden shift in voting direction today. It seems we haven’t learned from past experiences, exemplified by Franco Debono’s now historic 2013 budget speech, where he opposed the government despite being a part of it. Unlike then, Debono remains silent about the ongoing circus where the people continue to dance amidst fiascos and scandals. If this isn’t a true depiction of a circus, then I wonder what else could fit the bill?

Our fearful society’s acceptance of mediocrity and disregard for the well-being of future generations has left me devoid of any pride. The vigil concluded with a seemingly sarcastic Maltese Hymn, where we appealed to God for wisdom for our leaders and strength for the workers. Despite the unfortunate passing of worker Jean Paul Sofia, our leaders continue to evade accountability and inquiries, with an ever-expanding list of pending investigations tucked under their pillow. In the crowd, an architect captured the prevailing disillusionment with his words, “I assure you that no one will spend 30 minutes in prison.”

An island of love

July 12, 2023 | Tberfil

Hemm tfal u tfal. F’ġieh l-ugwaljanza. Hemm tfal li missierhom jorganiżżalhom festin mal-parteċipanti ta’ Love Island Malta u hemm tfal li jiġu miċħuda inkjesta pubblika sabiex jiġu identifikati dawk li qatluhom. X’pajjiż tan-nejk qed ngħixu fih!

Illum dan il-Gvern wera li laħaq qiegħ ġdid. Qiegħ li mhux biss wasslu jitlef kull valur politiku u uman iżda talli wasslu jiċċirkonda ruħu b’poplu ġaħan li għal raġunijiet frivoli jibqa’ jċapċaplu u jħallih jemmen li kollox huwa sew.

B’dispjaċir kbir rajt il-filmati tal-familjari ta’ Jean Paul Sofia jesprimu r-rabja tagħhom fil-binja tal-Parlament u jindirizzaw lil Prim Ministru u lid-dixxipli tiegħu. Ammirajt il-mod kif ikkontrollaw l-emozzjonijiet tagħhom u żammew sod sabiex ma waqgħux fin-nassa ħelwa tal-vjolenza. Wasal iż-żmien li l-poplu jinżel fit-toroq u juri l-għadab tiegħu. Nemmen li qorob iż-żmien tar-rivoluzzjoni. U r-rivoluzzjoni ma ssirx b’sempliċi bidla fil-partit fil-Gvern iżda billi tneħħi l-għamad minn quddiem għajnejn il-poplu xurban li lanqas jaf ‘l fejn hu sejjer. Poplu ġaħan li kulma jmur qed iħaffer il-qabar tiegħu. Dan kollu f’ġieh il-progress, l-identità Ewropea u s-soċjaliżmu marid li jemmen li l-ġid jinstab fil-flus.

Jeħtieġ li kull min għandu xi forma ta’ setgħa jibda jagħti sinjali ċari lil dan il-Gvern. Jeħtieġ li l-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni jieqaf jindirizza diskors artab qisu ċikkulata fix-xemx. Jeħtieġ li jsiru boycots, jitħassru attivitajiet tal-massa u avvenimenti ta’ skala internazzjonali. Jeħtieġ li l-poplu jfakkar lil dawn il-mexxejja kif għandu jitmexxa pajjiż. Hawn insejjaħ lill-organizzaturi tal-EuroPride Valletta 2023 bħala eżempju, nies li żgur huma sensittivi għal dawn l-inġustizzji, sabiex ma jħallux lil dan l-istess Gvern jużahom. Ma jħalluħx ikompli jippreżenta ruħu bħala paladin tad-drittijiet ċivili, u b’hekk jagħtu sinjali qawwi b’turija ta’ rispett lejn Jean Paul Sofia u familtu.

Kull min huwa ta’ rieda tajba għandu jieħu pożizzjoni ċara kontra din l-attitudni tal-Gvern. B’kull mod, f’kull forma, ejja ngħollu leħinna. Jekk le, jekk hemm xi “imma”… ma ġara xejn. Ejjew nibqgħu ngħerqu f’dan il-baħar ta’ żibel. Sa ma jaħxu lil uliedna wkoll.

Ah, the stark contrasts of equality in our society! We have children fortunate enough to enjoy parties with Love Island Malta participants, while others are left without a public inquiry to bring justice to their untimely demise. Truly, a testament to the pitiful state of our nation.

Today, the Government has hit a new low. It is regrettable that the members of government have not only lost all political and human values but have also surrounded themselves with sycophants who mindlessly and for some frivilous priviledge, applaud them, giving them the illusion that everything is fine.

I was deeply saddened to watch the videos of Jean Paul Sofia’s relatives expressing their anger in the Parliament building, addressing the Prime Minister and his followers. I admired their ability to control their emotions and remain steadfast, avoiding the temptation of violence. The time has come for the people to rise up and express their frustration in the streets. I firmly believe that a revolution is imminent, but it should not be limited to a mere shift in political power. True revolution lies in freeing the disillusioned masses from their ignorant stupor, guiding them away from the self-destructive path they unwittingly tread. This is a collective awakening for a society driven by the pursuit of progress and European identity, tarnished by a distorted form of socialism that mistakenly equates wealth solely with monetary possessions.

Individuals in positions of power must send unequivocal signals to the Government. The Leader of the Opposition should refrain from delivering feeble speeches reminiscent of a melting chocolate bar. Boycotts, mass actions, and the cancellation of internationally significant events are necessary. The people must remind these leaders about the principles of good governance. I urge the organizers of EuroPride Valletta 2023, for example, individuals who are undoubtedly sensitive to these injustices, to not allow this Government to take milage from their socio-political celebration and take a strong stand and call for due respect for Jean Paul Sofia and his family.

It is imperative for individuals with good intentions to unequivocally oppose the Government’s stance. Let us unite and make our voices heard through any means possible. If, however, there are hesitations or objections, then so be it. We will tragically persist in sinking deeper into this wretched sea of filth until it’s our own children’s turn to inevitably fall victim to the consequences.