The calendars on our desk have come to their last page, December 2014 with shadowed numbers for 1 2 3 at the bottom indicating that things will continue but we will have to provide that new calendar if we want to know what comes next.

At times I think that this tiny population of Malta and Gozo have more than their fair share of evolution and strife, strengths and weaknesses,  past and present issues.  Like a rumbling volcano there is a constant churning of ideas and attitudes, sometimes overly protracted and at other times too quick and sudden for our own good.  A strong sense of identity and unity is needed to instill stability and reflect properly on who we are and where we are heading as a nation.

Time has actually reinforced the different ideas and values that make up our culture, rather than homogenized us as a people.  There are many different opinions, statuses, nationalities, even different languages prevalent.  We try to come together as much as we can but sometimes and most times we disagree and become victims of our own nature. 

Maltese people blend very well abroad.  We can see that in Australia and the US, the UK and other countries where Maltese people emigrated to, or work today in good jobs. 

We can find that ethic and culture that will bind us to the fabric of society wherever we go.  And yet, here at home, we are at odds with one another.  One may even find a rather strong element of divisiveness.  Many times our leaders have tried to overcome this trait and use political means to bring people together but it seems that any effort on our part is only temporary and we soon return to our spot and our comfort zone. 

There are times, though, when events and change happen even without our consent, our interest or our will.  We remain confused, a little afraid and quite frustrated as this is not necessarily who we are and where we would like to be.

But we are resilient and can survive hot summers thanks to our lovely sea and a good day at the beach.  People envy us for being able to reach the sea within such a short time from home, wherever we live on this island.  It cleanses us, it calms us, it brings us together and replenishes our spirit.  Not perhaps so enhancing for the mind, as we fall into a stupor during the hot afternoons but enough to regenerate us for the next challenging episodes of drama and conflict around us. 

All in all, the economy, like us, has withstood turmoil and upheaval and Central Bank Governor Josef Bonnici has delivered an encouraging assessment of our performance as a country.  Output is at present 12% higher than in 2008 he said.  So, we can also say that work brings us together.  We all like to improve our income and standards and we all make a significant effort to bring out our talents and make them work for us.  In so doing we have also attracted foreign investment and created opportunities for others from the EU and outside the EU to also participate in our economy and hopefully contribute to a higher GDP. 

Tourism is a vital contributer and we must be vigilant about it.  It is a motor for all of our desires and a cultural export which we cannot afford to lose control of.  Many of the jobs mentioned above, that have been created, are being filled by more and more foreigners.  This is not a bad thing but we must be careful that the sense of achievement in tourism remains ours and that anyone who visits will realize that they are experiencing a product which is made in Malta.  Those who have the means and confidence to take our tourism to the next level are ahead in seeing that quality over quantity is an important way to go now.  However, much as we Maltese are such a mixed bunch of ideas and opinions, we should never discard our appeal as a versatile destination which can cater to many  markets.  Indeed, a trim is needed but let’s not get a shave just yet. 

The same goes for our energy provision.   What can look good for a neighbour does not mean that it will do the same for us and we can actually learn from others.  It is important that we respect the trust that we placed in our leaders to make the decisions they made and believe that the logic was used before choices were made.  A balanced approach and comprehensive evaluation of our needs will provide us with the best assessment and we should not abandon a good plan for the sake of change.  The energy policy should be carefully drawn up so that it serves the Maltese people, our industry and our households without jeopardizing other investments such as tourism and the environment.  Clearly the risks involved with having the tanker berthed in Marsaxlokk bay may outweigh other benefits that come from switching to LNG.  Even where the price is concerned, we are not convinced that this new direction will be cost effective in the long run.  All the contracts should be made public and the policy debated with a sincere, responsible and transparent attitude.  The public needs to have more say on this issue.

In the environmental sector there is a huge need for re-evaluation of the prevalent policies.  The NGOs have stressed their concerns and they are not alone.  The public is behind them if one had to judge by the tension around us where construction and protection of the countryside is concerned, together with the hunting issue and animal rights, we urgently should seek a remedy and a fair and stable leadership to moderate the tones.

On immigration we are still struggling with perception and cooperation.  The resentment is real and the lives of many who land at our shores are unduly distressful.  Our country should do better.  We have a basic civil duty to do our part in helping the poor.  Because none of us are better than others. 

Which should remind us of where we come from and who we are. Anyone who had the great opportunity to watch Roberto Benigni on RAI programme, relate the meaning of the ten commandments, will reflect on the importance of our religious heritage and what God has done for us.  Like the Israelites who were freed from slavery and taken to the Sinai desert where they were given the Commandments by the Lord Himself, we also are a people of God and would do well to listen to His words and follow the profound new order that He created for humankind. Don’t mess with God would be a valuable piece of advice to keep in mind. 

Some discipline, humility, decency and compassion will serve us well in the year to come.  A country finds strength in unity and the time has come to address this lack in our society and raise our moral and intellectual coherence.   We can do it.  Merry Christmas everybody.