Horses' aprons

I have recently had the good fortune to visit Bruges and Ghent in Belgium. In both places, the local equivalent of karozzini constantly ferry tourists to and fro. All had aprons to avoid fouling the streets.

Why the fuss about using these aprons? It is time we understood that cleanliness and good order are a necessity, not a luxury, both for the important tourist industry and for the community as a whole, even if at times it is a little inconvenient.

I suspect that the number of karozzin drivers reading this letter will be rather limited. I augur that the mayors of Valletta and elsewhere will find the right mix of discipline and education to help instil in all concerned the need, and the pride, to provide a service and environment of quality.

Another thing (among many others) about Belgium: The new blends elegantly with the old. When are we in Malta going to stop the invasion of those awful, pink, paving bricks? Our rich heritage deserves much better.