We haven’t been under the dominion of the Queen of England for quite a while, vic, and the British Empire is dead. Besides, most people here can hardly speak English anymore.

Does that answer your question?

JC, thanks for sharing.

Now that is a precious chunk of Maltese history! Next time there’s a Malta Day in London I’ll have it printed off on a massive banner and join the parade.

The article is now online in full: http://www.independent.com.mt/articles/2013-11-02/news/pn-afraid-citizenship-scheme-would-hurt-election-chances-3072950272/

the more Manuel Mallia opens his mouth, the more I wish that he had kept it shut.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2K8_jgiNqUc

So an American passport, a Swiss passport and a Maltese passport are waiting to get inside a club. Two big black bouncers stand outside the door, all tooled up in leather jackets and earpieces and scowls.

Face control is enforced strictly here. No men get in unless they have a supermodel girlfriend hanging on. If you have more than one, it helps. It is rumoured you can even get into the VIP area.

Anyway, it’s the American passport’s turn first. The bouncer looks him up and down, points his chin at him turns him away. “But I’m American!” says the passport. “I’m powerful and strong and no one ever turns me away!” The bouncer points at him and slowly reads “E Pluribus Unum. Out of many, one. You’re one, so fuck off. No one gets in unaccompanied.” The American passport shuffles away, embarrassed and pissed off.

The Swiss passport goes next. He’s full of confident coolness. The bouncer takes one look at him and turns him away. “But why?” says the Swiss passport, “I won’t cause trouble, and always buy the best champagne. Why, I’ll even buy drinks for everyone.” The bouncer points at him and slowly reads: “Unus Pro Omnibus, Omnes Pro Uno. One for all, all for one. Think you can walk into my club, alone and unaccompanied, and hunt for birds here? Fuck off pronto.” The Swiss passport walks away, humiliated.

Then it’s the turn of the Maltese passport. He’s small, puny and not particularly well known. The bouncer takes one look at him and says, “Henley and Partners? You have your girlfriends with you? Come in and have a nice evening, Mr Henley. VIP entrance this way.”

…. though he does make an exception when meeting and greeting inmates.