On the dot

It was not pleasant at all to receive the water and electricity bills with only hours to go until Christmas Day. This move was calculated to raise the hackles of people, especially since in the envelope were two bills, getting the first impression that both would have to be paid. This is not the right image for customer care.

Accountability

A few days ago a magistrate ordered that the proceedings in the compilation of evidence regarding the latest murder in Qormi should be held behind closed doors. The least the court could have done was give an official public explanation. Indeed, was a formal decree ever issued?

Funding

The Prime Minister, or a spokesman for his office, has been quoted as saying that not all the irregularities highlighted in the Auditor General's report in fact occurred. The Prime Minister should now either substantiate his declaration - and ask the Auditor to step down - or admit he was wrong. In the second case, who would carry the can?

Language

People who call customer care departments have nothing to worry about if their calls are legitimate. Yet, the fact remains that, in English, the system tells people that the calls will be recorded whereas, in Maltese, it says that calls "may" be recorded for training purposes. One would appreciate being told the same thing, in either language.

Offline

There are people who cannot stand incessant playing of music - especially when this consists of interminable Christmas carols. Why is it, then, that banks persist in treating customers to large-screen television sets, with the sound turned off, and foreign channels of an esoteric nature being screened to totally irrelevant music?

Bottled

Why is it that people do not feel they have been "celebrating" unless alcohol is involved in the proceedings? Alas, the practice of offering drivers "one for the road" is still rife and people do not realise that it is far from a compliment to do so.

Streets

This column has often had cause to complain about the roads leading to Ta' Qali from Rabat and Attard. Now that the place was used for a public performance, the dire state of affairs has been made clearer. The area needs more street lighting and the roads ought to be fixed as soon as possible.

Accessible

In order to enter certain educational establishments, students have to show identity cards and visitors have to report to a reception area. Yet, access to other schools remains free and easy. This is especially worrying when some classes may be reached from yards accessible from gates that are left open, sometimes when there are students in them, too.

Eyesores

Notices and posters stuck to public property, most of which promote events long passed, and others advertising businesses or services are still present everywhere one looks despite talk about having them removed. Perhaps fining the persons, businesses, or organisers mentioned, would do the trick.

Cabling

Once upon a time, there was a move to remove all overhead cables and rusting poles from Valletta. One hoped that, once this was done, other cities, towns and villages would have followed suit. Alas, the situation is far from what it should be by now!

Commuting

People who call for the park and ride mini-bus service are told to wait "near the skip" at Mediterranean Street (across the road from the hairdresser's shop) in Valletta. This is certainly not amusing because horse droppings from cabbie animals are collected by shop owners in the area, as a public service, and dumped there. Besides, commuters are not protected from the heat and the rain.

Volunteers

Places like the Little Sisters of the Poor, at Ħamrun, and other residential care homes are always needful of volunteers, even if these just drop by to talk to the residents or even watch television with them. A lot of hours that could be put to good use go wasted; let's make this the year of voluntarism.

Commendable

A lot of sixth form students seek to be original when presenting their projects. Some of them contact well-known establishments or crafts shops in order to make an item of the type produced in such places. Some of the owners treat these students extremely well, unto teaching them the ropes even if it is clear that the student has no intention of taking up that particular career. This is commendable.

Downturns

Restaurants are complaining of a bad Christmas. They blame the situation on the uncertainty brought about by the higher water and electricity rates and the layoffs announced in the past months. But there could be other reasons: families opting to celebrate Christmas and the New Year at home, the menu prices, the many new gastronomic outlets that have mushroomed etc. Was there really a slump this year? Will a professional research study be commissioned?

Pastoral

Mgr Paul Cremona will soon start making his first pastoral visits. Can his delegate for the Liturgy see whether is it really necessary for a parish priest to dedicate a few minutes to read notices during Sunday Mass? What are the various notice boards for? Would he be able to find out whether some priests consider Mass as being their own rather than the congregation's?

Magnamity

PBS should be bold enough and eliminate prizes from L-Istrina 2009 if anything to test the true generosity of the public. If companies still insist to donate in kind, a mega public auction could be held before or after the televised national fund-raising activity.