Miriam Pace, aged 54, died in what many are calling a tragic incident. Tragic? Yes, beyond any comparison, especially for those closest to the victim. Tragic is also the way this ‘incident’ reflects on Maltese institutions, authorities and on what our country has come to be.
Incident, however, is anything but an accurate description of what happened.
This ‘incident’ has repeated itself 6 times prior to yesterday, 4 ‘incidents’ of which happened only last year.
- 12th April 2000, Sliema
- 3rd June 2004, St. Paul’s Bay
- 23rd April, 2019, G’Mangia
- 8th June, 2019, Mellieha
- 13th June, 2019, Pieta
- 12th October, 2019, Duke’s Bar
Authorities would look at this timeline and point out that ‘fortunately’ none had yet taken a life. Only now will they send out condolences. All those affected by the previous ‘incidents’ are still living no? Whether having lost their home, their business, gotten injured, become dependent on others – they are still alive. So the authorities kindly ask you not to blame them for not sending condolences prior. However, now that the red murky spotlight is upon them, now they do their damage control.
It is of course, understandable to wait till the death toll starts. Why waste energy, time and resources on prevention when you can act? Act once the deed is done and pretend like you care. Put on your most sombre tone of voice and issue a tweet or a Facebook post – that’ll appease the justly enraged public.
An important thing to note, however, is to make sure you do not take responsibility. Issue the condolences, but call out ‘the rebels’ in the same breath. Pretend like you care but upkeep your campaign in the same breath. Ask to respect the victims but forget that your are the perpetrator in the same breath.
To all those involved, take responsibility. These ‘incidents’ are only the start of whichever doom you have inscribed our country to.
Cover Image by Miguela Xuereb
