The Hydra

In Greek mythology the Hydra (or Lernaean hydra) was a serpent-like monster. According to Theogony 313, the Hydra is the child of Typhon and Echidna. The Hydra had many heads. If you cut off one hydra head, two more would grow back in its place. Its lair is said to be the entrance to the Underworld.

Rachel Borg is an independent columnist based in the tourism industry

This, more or less, is what is happening for Joseph Muscat and his BFFs. One head gets cut off, by the media or by the EU Committees demanding that he take action and follow the rules and up pop two more. Some heads just get buried, like a cat hiding with its head in a box and its tail jutting out.

Whichever way they turn, which ever taxi Edward Scicluna will take a ride in, there it is. The tag, the name, the stamp of corruption, money laundering and trading in influence.

This weeks’ transmission of the French Documentary, exposing the dealing and wheeling that is done as a matter of course here in Malta, was uncomfortable to say the least, embarrassing but unavoidable as word of the state of affairs in Malta has now become international fodder. Tie the tourism and publicity to the dirty dealings and at least two heads are cut off.

We will see how many times this sorry state can be repeated. How long the country can bear the evidence being laid out before it. Individually, certainly, most people have long felt the repercussions around them and in their business. Malta is now the place where the journalist was killed. Tourists who ask about Daphne become confused as they get conflicting versions about her. It causes more and more curiosity by foreign journalists and organisation. Perhaps even more so when trying to fathom why the Inquiry was not held yet.

They come to investigate and learn more about her. They go on to learn more about the work she did and who she wrote about and why. From then on it is not about her anymore but about the people who brag and boast about their privilege and business and who think they are invincible.

Their airs hang over the country like the polluted clouds above us. The buildings, hotels, clubs, restaurants that hog every beach front, every seafront, every valley and keep you awake at night with their construction, their AC units blowing into your bedroom, their light and music and the noisy air-bnbs next door are the product of the masters of the “let us work” brigade.

The trees cut down and the candles that are cleared away every day amidst the foul language are the trademark of the government, who deliberately ensures that this practice can go on with its stamp of approval.

And then they wonder when Malta’s name and reputation is destroyed abroad. Malta, the gem of the Mediterranean, the popular resort which also holds down the brunt of the immigration, as boat load upon boat load are brought to our shores. At the same time, meetings are hosted here, to find a more equitable way of managing the future of these people, whilst a riot is going on in Hal Safi detention centre.

At every opportunity Joseph Muscat tries to take on the role of the savior, the victim even. The image to convey is that Malta is in the heart of everyone. The Russians, the rich Arabs, the Chinese, the tycoons, the multi-national CEOs and celebrities alike. And also the immigrants and the many Indians, Serbians, Bulgarians and the rest of the international wheel of fortune that has populated our land. It all works in sync. Like a big spider’s web catching its prey.

At the bottom of the pile lie the ordinary Maltese citizens, paying taxes and funding investments. Some even try to raise a family. Others get an exotic animal. Some turn in desperation to facebook to post a video of construction works going on at 11.30 pm and no police in sight, even though they were called several times. Others get at you for complaining about the trees being cut.

It is all very Maltese. All very Labour. We are the unsung heroes of the Mediterranean. We have a medal to behave in any way we like. For centuries we were told what to do. Now, no one can tell us what rule of law is anymore because we are our own law. We can prosper any way we like and if anyone should hold us back or hold us to account, they will be eliminated, no ifs not buts.

Let’s expand St. George’s Bay. Let’s make Dubai in the Med and land reclamation so we can keep everyone happy. These matters are all to be decided with full accountability, transparency and meritocracy. Malta, the island that keeps on giving.

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Tourists who ask about Daphne become confused as they get conflicting versions about her. It causes more and more curiosity by foreign journalists and organization. Perhaps even more so when trying to fathom why the Inquiry was not held yet.