Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1542822
8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 25 JANUARY 2026 OPINION Byron Camilleri Minister for Home Affairs, Security and Employment A secure and prepared Malta WHEN we discuss a secure Malta, the conversation of- ten tends towards crime rates, which we have successfully managed to reduce in recent years. However, preparedness and our capacity to respond to sudden challenges are equal- ly vital links in the chain that keeps our nation safe. The storm our country expe- rienced over the past few days was extraordinary. Yet it met a nation and disciplined forc- es that were fully prepared to guide, assist, rescue, and pro- tect. Forces that assisted in more than 700 storm-related cases. The storm met public service workers, alongside pri- vate sector employees, who stood ready to do their duty to ensure our society remained safe. Most importantly, it met authorities that were prepared for such circumstances, backed by clear contingency plans de- signed precisely for these situ- ations. As forecast, our country was hit by extreme weather, with winds reaching Force 9. Through the Civil Protection Department, we received con- tinuous updates from the Me- teorological Office, allowing us to plan ahead and take in- formed decisions. We chose to communicate clearly with the people of Mal- ta and Gozo, aided by the me- dia and journalists who helped disseminate vital information. We strongly appealed to the public to take every possible precaution, while simultane- ously announcing a series of preventative measures. These included decisions regarding school attendance, childcare services, and waste collection, among others. We also ensured that our disciplined forces were fully mobilised to assist in any eventuality, supported by many other workers whose contribu- tions are too numerous to list individually. Some have asked why we did not communicate even earlier. The answer is simple: We in- sisted on having the most accu- rate and up to date information from the Meteorological Office. The worst thing we could have done was to alarm the public prematurely, only for the storm not to hit us as hard as expect- ed. That would have risked un- dermining public trust, which is essential when the next real emergency arises. I must begin by thanking the workers who did not stop as- sisting others even in the most perilous conditions. My thanks also go to the thousands who ensured that essential servic- es continued to function. As the storm began to hit our is- lands, Prime Minister Robert Abela and I visited officers on site. We went not only to thank them on behalf of the Maltese and Gozitan people, but also to offer encouragement ahead of their long hours of demanding work. While they perform these duties every day, it is in cir- cumstances like these, affect- ing everyone and unfolding in plain sight, that we truly grasp the invaluable nature of their work. We also recognise the importance of the many pub- lic service workers we hear less about, but who are always there when put to the test. I also wish to thank Maltese and Gozitan society for the excellent cooperation we wit- nessed. It was clear that the measures announced and pre- cautionary messages reached our citizens and were followed responsibly. I note with satis- faction that the 112 emergency number was used appropriately by the hundreds who called for help. While material damage was significant, we are grate- ful that there were no major or fatal accidents related to the storm. I express my full solidar- ity with the affected families and businesses. Our disciplined forces, along- side officials within the Minis- try for Home Affairs, Security and Employment, demonstrat- ed not only commitment and capacity but, above all, leader- ship. As the work of the Civil Protection Department be- comes more visible during such times, one cannot help but no- tice how profoundly this de- partment has been transformed and strengthened. From a department that once relied on second-hand tools and gear, we now have one that is modern and properly prepared. We have invested in our workers through improved rights and conditions, better training, and international ex- perience. In recent years, our teams have carried out vital rescue and protection opera- tions abroad, including in Tur- key, Libya, Greece, and Portu- gal. This philosophy of invest- ment and preparedness applies to all our disciplined forces. We remain committed to deliver- ing the level of service that our country and its people deserve. This philosophy of investment and preparedness applies to all our disciplined forces. We remain committed to delivering the level of service that our country and its people deserve From a department that once relied on second-hand tools and gear, we now have one that is modern and properly prepared (Photo: Civil Protection Department)