On June 10, Victoria commemorated the 129th anniversary of its status as a city, a status bestowed by Queen Victoria in 1887 on the initiative of Bishop Pietro Pace.

The motto of Victoria is A magna maxima, which has been translated as from great to supreme. However, I sometimes wonder if the competent authorities are aware of such as status.

The area where St Francis Square meets the upper part of Main Gate Street – a spot reputed to be the most polluted in the entire town – has, for some time, served as a very comfortable place from where consumers can buy fish, food that augurs for a healthy diet indeed. However, after the selling of fish is over, a terrible smell is becoming a characteristic of this particular spot.

The Romans believed in hygiene and would not spare a penny to promote it. I wish we could imitate them. Would it be a good idea if this particular place gets washed on a daily or, at least, on a weekly basis to keep the place cleaner and tidier?

I hope something can be done to make Victoria a more attractive place in this regard.