Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1472276
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 3 JULY 2022 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Honouring the aged THE Maltese Association of Ger- ontology and Geriatrics (MAGG) is honoured to showcase the permanent art installation, by Mr Wallace Falzon, that has been done in collaboration with the Sliema Local Council. The inauguration of this public art- work, entitled 'Lest We Forget', will be held by His Excellency George Vella, President of Malta, at 7:30pm, Saturday 16 July, at Sliema Promenade, Fond Għadir. The world's population is rapidly ageing; indeed, the proportion of the world's older adults is estimated to will almost double from about 12% to 22%, between 2015 and 2050. In absolute terms, this is an expected increase from 900 million to 2 billion people over the age of 60. It is one of the most significant de- mographic and socioeconomic devel- opments that is happening on a global scale. Malta is not exempt from this phe- nomenon, as about 20% of the Maltese population is already over the age of 60 years. This will put increased economic and social demands on all countries. At the same time, older people are a precious, yet often ignored resource that makes an important contribution to the fabric of our societies. A resource that societies seem slow to appreciate and fully utilize the older persons' ex- pertise accumulated over so many years of experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic has put older people in a disadvantageous posi- tion, from targeted public health meas- ures to discriminatory discourses used as well as stereotyping a generational cohort. Ageism and age discrimination vi- olated the human rights of older per- sons and exacerbated inequalities in different ways. Hence, this sculpture, commissioned by MAGG, holds a noble cause as it commemorates those older persons who have suffered isolation, pain, or death during the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as acknowledge and support the resilience of those people who have forged successfully through it. The sculpture consists of two figures in metal, one a teenage girl and an older woman touching the tip of their fingers with each other. The concept is three-fold; the touch signifies the psy- chological relief following the end of the COVID-19 isolations. It also embodies the inter-genera- tional resilience, where the younger and older person support each other through the tough times. As well as the oscillation between the phases of time, from past to future and vice versa; the young child will one day be the older person, and the older person who looks at their past life in the eyes of the youth. Maltese Association of Gerontology and Geriatrics Clubs choose Muscat for quick profit THE election of Joseph Muscat to head the Premier League is just an excuse to push for the commerciali- sation of the football stadia premises. This corresponds to Joseph Muscat's statement to "generate more business and independent revenues". His election gave the following result: Hibs, Hamrun, Floriana, Sirens, Mosta, Marsaxlokk and Gżira voted in favour of Muscat. Gudja, Santa Lucija, Birkir- kara and Valletta voted against. Pietà, Żebbuġ and Balzan abstained. If one looks at the seven clubs voting in favour of the internationally disgraced former Prime Minister, one realises that the presidents or close associates of these clubs have strong interest in the build- ing industry (Hamrun, Gżira, Mosta) in catering (Marsaxlokk, Sirens), or are industry captains (Hibs's Bezzina, close to Konrad Mizzi), or with multi busi- ness interests (Floriana). By roping in Muscat, these clubs are hoping they can go into a frenzy of building and commercial activity. Mon- ey and quick profit is their major scope. Unfortunately, they have not realised that having as their frontman a proven protector of political criminals and an alleged assassin, Muscat will not only smear the image of Maltese football but will also continue to remind the rest of the world of the terrible international reputation the country has built for itself under Muscat. Lovers of Maltese football and of Malta itself must unite to show one and all that the majority of the country is not driven by a craze for money and power but by high ethical and moral standards. Arnold Cassola Independent candidate