Tales from the Land of Serenity Part 4

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‘Tales from the Land of Serenity’ came into being shortly after the horrific assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia in Malta on 16th October 2017. A well-known investigative journalist, Daphne Caruana Galizia was blown up by a car bomb, minutes away from her home in Bidnija. The title of these stories derives from words spoken by the Maltese Prime Minister, Joseph Muscat, a few days after her murder: ‘When the MEPs visit Malta, they will do so with a sense of serenity…’

 

On this peaceful sleepy island of Serenity, the people go about their business quietly and dutifully, reassured by constant news from up high that their precious and respected land is safe to work in, both for the citizens and for the journalists who are busy regaling the events of the day, and that the rule of law is indeed and always being upheld.

 

On the International Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists, the Media Chiefs from the surrounding wider world of Never-Never Land demand a full investigation into the state of media independence in Serenity. Surprisingly, they are taken aback by the extent of media ownership by political parties in such a tiny little state and one so warmly embraced by the arms of Europe.

 

Meanwhile, Serenity’s very own Corruption Commission lies idle, bravely manned by one single stalwart guardian who, like the last and loyal customer in some abandoned laundrette, ensures that the citizens of this country will look decent, and that each and every garment will come out whiter than white in the wash.

 

In confusion, the white-clad citizens gasp to discover that an act of vandalism has occurred – and all while they were sleeping! On an archaeologically sensitive site beneath which lies their heritage, marauders have attacked the construction implements which were innocent bystanders to the planned development of a commerical showroom with five maisonettes, seven apartments, four penthouses and eighteen basement garages.

 

But all hope is never lost as Serenity’s parliamentary secretary for Animal Welfare – himself, and understandably, a hunter – decrees that hunting and trapping hours will joyfully be extended, affording more time for animals to be slaughtered in the wonderful natural environment of Majjistral Park.

 

Back in the land of legality, the mischievous daughters of a former EU Commissioner from Serenity find themselves in court, confronting heinous allegations of fraud, money laundering, misappropriation of funds, making false declarations to a public authority and the use of said documents, as well as the assumption of no less than seven false identities. It causes quite a stir!

 

But the Land of Serenity maintains its sense of calm as the curtains close and the people pull the covers over their eyes, lulled into a delicious sense of security by the crane which watches steadfastly over them as they sleep.

 

Tales from the Land of Serenity have been made into podcasts, read and produced by Pia Zammit. They are published on  manueldelia.com

Tales from the Land of Serenity Part 4