For one born on an island, so small and insular, with its cozy arrangement of extended families, Catholic faith and homogeneous culture, it was a leap of blind faith, or a case of misguided courage, for a young man of impressionable age and his identical twin to leave behind the comforts of home and childhood memories, in search for uncharted adventure half a world away. As part of the bargain, the advantages, which came with smallness, gave way to the vagaries of an unpredictable future in a nation continent, which lay ahead beyond the distant horizon. To leave Malta in those post WWII years without benefit of today. s transcontinental air travel and instant communications over wireless telephones, was to relinquish a part of one. s self.
The event, repeated many times over, for as long as Malta must shed its surplus population, represents foregoing the prospects of living in an atmosphere of near certainty, where events unfold in predictable patterns of nepotism and social standing, as opposed to taking a chance on attaining prosperity within a dynamic system of foreign values based on meritocracy and harsh relentless competition. For many who ultimately found refuge in Canada, the United States, and Australia and elsewhere, there was no other viable option open but to suffer the pain of separation from loved ones left behind, in search of the Promised Land.
Denied the advantages of having family support, friends, a social network and very often lacking marketable skills, Maltese immigrants quickly learn the intricate art of survival within an unfamiliar ambient which demands fast adaptability. The reverse consequences are so harsh, as to propel forward defranchised folks who are stubbornly determined to fuse and merge with the population at large of their adopted countries. The very real prospect of hardships serves, as a potent catalyst to generate success amongst folks, who had they remained in their own stratified country might not have risen to the challenge. A factor, which mitigates progress, is their command and familiarity of the English language.
Countless immigrants of Maltese birth or origin, who experienced the painful transition of a secure island existence to a life of stress in strange lands, have overcome seemingly insurmountable roadblocks and attained a respectable measure of prosperity. It is a reward well earned where a mix of hard work, and resolve lead to unlimited opportunities. Many of the rags to riches tales heard within the Maltese diaspora are without a doubt traceable to virtues and qualities learned back home or handed down from migrant parents. The condition bodes well for the Maltese character of endurance and gives substance to the universal saying that Oak trees grow from tiny but sturdy seedlings.
The passage of time and the size of one. s bank account in no way diminish the absolute love and devotion held for Malta by its far-flung children. An unfortunate but baseless perception persists in Malta, that those who have departed its fair shores have abandoned it for prospects of wealth accumulation. Little or no brief is accorded towards many of its citizens who left thru no choice or fault of their own, or by virtue of sheer economic necessities. A close study would clearly show that the vast majority of overseas Maltese are beholden to their rich Mediterranean heritage, in greater measure perhaps than compatriots who elected to remain behind. Furthermore Maltese expatriates are better positioned to objectively assess the island. s strengths and shortcomings from a far distance. They consequently have no lesser rights to be critical or praiseworthy of Maltese contemporary affairs.
Postings on Internet forums dedicated to every aspect of Maltese life attest to articulate and often eloquent analytical expressions divulged during extended debates on problems of deep complexities. The nature and content of intelligent dialogue proves beyond a shadow of doubt that many people who left Malta decades ago, have managed to retain awareness of political and social trends currently in vogue at home.
For an island nation so small and of limited means, it is remarkable that its resourceful people, living at home or abroad, are able to maintain professional and skill parity with citizens of larger and more affluent countries. In the end, whatever one. s choice of adopted nationality is declared, the people of Malta remain as one in heart and spirit. This is because being Maltese is a state of mind rather than one of material substance, an intangible quality that transcends artificial geographical boundaries.
E-mail to Joseph Vella: vellajoseph@msn.net
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