20 days in 2009...

It’s been quite a start to the year on both a personal and a political level...so eventful in fact that I’ve been putting off the chance to write this blog for a few days now and it can wait no longer…

- Of New Presidents…

Perhaps the first major decision of the New Year was the somewhat surprise announcement that Dr George Abela will replace Eddie as our next President. It was a surprise move but a welcome one all the same. Although in the aftermath of the Prime Minister’s decision, people from all sides of the political fence questioned the move, I just hope that it will go some way in healing this seemingly endless divide in this nation of ours. Dr Abela, has little political baggage and is a person who inspires trust irrespective of one’s political leanings. One hopes of course that this new-found ‘goodwill’ spills over into other areas in Malta’s political arena. That said allow me this small space to wish Eddie all the best and God’s speed, may he finally be able to enjoy his long retirement in peace after all these years serving (and saving) our country. God knows he’s earned it.

- Yes they did

Talking of all things presidential I just finished watching Barack Obama become America’s 44th President – what a fantastic speech that was – you could feel the emotion of the huge crowds there to cheer him on. Agree or disagree with his policies one cannot but be humbled by this man’s extraordinary journey and filled with hope for the future.

- Of New Laws…

Also very recently and following the agreement on the University lecturers’ collective agreement (also in the first 20 days of 2009) Education Minister Dolores Cristina announced plans to write a new law regulating higher education. This is much awaited news and one hopes that the new law will finally see Malta set up a national agency for quality assurance at our higher education institutions as well as continue to push student numbers at MCAST, ITS and University, promote student and lecturer mobility and ensure that everyone has the chance to continue their education irrespective of their socio-economic background or disability – only then will Malta truly become the centre of excellence it so richly deserves to be…
On a related note it’s also about time that University’s campus becomes fully accessible for people with reduced physical mobility and other disabilities, it’s a shame that in 2009 (!) people in wheelchairs still face problems going to their lectures…


- Of things bitter sweet

I entered into my third decade earlier this month. I can’t say that I experienced any of the issues sometimes associated with reaching the big 3-0. The day came and went without an early onset of a mid-life crisis but it did bring with it a sobering piece of news of sadness and reflection. I found out my nanna had passed away overnight. I know that I will miss her guidance and strength and I hope she knew the effect that she had on so many lives.

I would appreciate it if you would remember her in your prayers.