Watch: ‘In-Nies Qed Jiddejqu’ – James Ryder Warns People Are No Longer Friendly
People are no longer friendly towards each other as a general rule and there is a rising sense of tension in the nation, independent MEP candidate James Ryder has warned.
“There are major divisions nowadays, and one just needs to look at people constantly arguing with each other on Facebook. There is so much hatred,” the comedian-turned-politician said in an interview with student platform Leħnek at Balluta Square.
Ryder suggested that a gradually diminishing quality of life lies at the heart of the problem, noting that property prices have exploded and traffic has become a daily headache.
“A few days ago, Malta stopped for two hours, and some people spent an hour in their cars for a five-minute journey.”
“People are fed up and I don’t blame them because I am too. I know that I have to wake up, leave the house and start coughing because of the poor air quality, and I’m not alone. I have friends whose children are already on Ventolin.”
Using Sliema as an example, Ryder expressed his sadness at how community life has gradually eroded over the years.
“You might not have experienced this yourself, but in the past the Maltese could make a cup of coffee in the evening, grab a kitchen chair and sit outside in the street,” he said.
“Neighbours would come out with their own chairs and everyone would speak to each other. We used to have the loveliest form of community, and you would know that people are ready to help you if you need it. Nowadays this type of community life no longer exists, at least not in Sliema. In the past, we would experience the type of community life we witness at village feasts on a daily basis.”
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