Our identity as a people is not something static. It evolves in time. I have faith in the people of Malta. I truly believe in their ability to respond to the challenges of time without losing their strong sense of identity as a people and as a nation. Identity does not rest solely on a common language, memory or tradition.
Identity is founded on values.
Yet, the manner in which we value values is perhaps the greatest challenge of the contemporary era. In the past, in different parts of the world, the struggle for freedom of thought and expression often kindled the flames of discussion, debate and dispute into consuming fires of intolerance. The consolidation of democracy has nurtured respect for others who think differently and consequently generated a greater disposition to enter into a dialogue of discovery of common grounds and concerns. However, dialogue about values presupposes that we value them. Values give us anchorage.