OPR- Wednesday, 13 December, 2006

It is indeed my pleasure to address you on the day Malta celebrates Republic Day, a day that leads us to consider those factors that constitute our country’s identity and very being. 

Malta is strategically positioned in the centre of the land-locked, history-laden Mediterranean Sea.  Malta’s geographical and historical realities have had a profound influence on our island.  Our ethnic linguistic expression, as well as our cultural and architectural heritage are a reflective hybrid of the island’s foreign rulers and its surrounding proximate cultures.  

The history of our island spans from the long-lost eras of pre-history, through the later periods to modern times.  The man-made expressions of this land encompass a panorama that extends in time over a period of some six millennia.  The many Peoples that ruled or otherwise inhabited our island left their mark.  Their cultural diversity is reflected in Malta’s unique architectural heritage – its Megalithic Temples, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its dwellings, military structures, palaces, churches, chapels and humble votive niches. 

Maltese society is united by a sense of community, founded upon shared Christian values, culture and traditions.  It is this spirit of community that engenders among the Maltese a sense of care towards one another, and towards the future of our island. 

Our country has on several occasions been called upon to take a bold step and to embark upon an ambitious journey.  Three important landmarks mark our country’s recent history – the leaders and People of our country courageously embarked upon the path which led to Malta achieving independent status in 1964, an achievement consolidated when in 1974 Malta became a Republic and the first President of the Republic was appointed.  Then again, just over two years ago, the People of Malta chose, in a national referendum, to join the European Union, thus anchoring their country’s future within this community of States based on common values – respect for human rights, democracy, solidarity among peoples and a free market based on social values.  Soon afterwards the Maltese Parliament voted unanimously in favour of a Constitutional Treaty for all Member States. 

In joining the European Union Malta not only acquired rights and advantages, but also took on a share of European responsibility.  I conceive of humanity as one large community, and it is from this community and solidarity that our responsibility towards others is born.  It is my firm belief that we cannot and should not live imagining that what is wrong in another part of the world does not affect our part. 

Malta has got a European identity as well as a Mediterranean dimension.  Our country’s characteristic smallness and strategic geographic location mean that we are well-suited to act as an interlocutor to foster and promote a spirit of open dialogue, communication and understanding between different countries and different Peoples.  Our country, its leaders and its People, have and continue to act with a modest, humble but strong determination to ensure a better future.

Developments in modern technologies have changed the world we live in.  Information communication technologies have revolutionized the manner in which we communicate.  The media brings live transmissions from far away places to our homes.  Mobility has increased.  People travelling or fleeing from their countries are faced in a very direct way with the “otherness” of others, which may result in various tensions and problems.  I hereby appeal to everybody to respect everything that makes people and cultures different from each other, that we may learn from those who are different from us, rather than make those differences building-blocks of division and misunderstanding. 

How many times have we lamented the discrepancy between reflections and deeds?  Today we honour but a few of the many committed individuals who overcame the barrier between reflection and action and who strove to achieve their cause.  I take this opportunity to render special homage to those whose unique contribution to the evolution of our island is not being acknowledged today, that we may appreciate their efforts and recognize our responsibility in safeguarding and preserving their legacy for future generations.  I would also like to acknowledge the contribution to our society by those humble but strong individuals, who I meet during my visits to towns and villages in Malta and in Gozo, who dedicate themselves to helping others in need, such as those with special needs, the elderly and those facing hard times within their families.  Every individual’s contribution, whether formally acknowledged or not, is a rich gift to us and to our society.