The Malta Experience...with a difference

"He divided the two fish among all of them
and they ate until they had their fill. "
(Mark 6:41)

Solidarity and compassion towards the underprivileged are well known attributes of the Maltese and it therefore comes as no surprise that such virtues have found their way in the fish industry.

A few years back, two individuals, one a member of the legal profession, who is also a fishing enthusiast, and the other a leading businessman in the Maltese fish industry, conceived the idea of helping those in need by providing charitable institutions with donations of fish and fish products.  On an experimental basis, a small number of Institutions started receiving fish regularly.

The very positive feedback received from these beneficiaries encouraged the promoters to organise their activity on a more structured basis by setting up a foundation.  In doing so, they came up with an innovative idea: why not involve all the stakeholders in the fish industries in such a way as to benefit from the synergy of their combined input?  The Foundation was officially born on the 29th June 2004, the day on which the feast of Saint Peter and Saint Paul is celebrated. It was named also after Saint Peter, the most renowned fisherman in history, though not necessarily the most successful one!

Since that date the Foundation has never looked back and by the end of December 2010 over 27 tonnes of good quality fish were distributed to 29 charitable institutions.  This weight is equivalent to about 163,000 portions of fish.  Institutions which are receiving their monthly consignment of fish on a roster basis and according to their needs include the Dar tal-Providenza, at Siggiewi, various children’s homes such as the Ursoline Crèche at Gwardamangia, St. Joseph Home at Saint Venera and St. Patrick’s Salesian School, at Sliema, a number of old people’s homes amongst which Apap Institute at Hamrun, Pax et Bonum Home at Mosta, Holy Family Home at Naxxar and Ta’ Saura Home, at Rabat, three homes run by Caritas, Dar Merhba Bik, at Balzan, the Sisters of Mother Theresa, at Cospicua and many others.

The Foundation’s Board of Trustees is made up of representatives of all the stakeholders: the Fisheries Conservation and Control Division, the fish wholesalers and retailers, the two leading cooperatives, the fish middlemen, the acquaculture producers’ association and the federation of leisure fishermen.  This is the result of a successful attempt at trying to unite all the sectors of the Maltese fish industry under one common aim namely that of national solidarity.  By working together to promote this charitable cause, the Foundation will contribute, on a social level, to strengthen the relationships between all those involved in the fish industry, and it also plans to help fishermen on a commercial level by purchasing excess stocks of fish in times of abundance which it will store in order to be able to ensure a continued distribution to charitable institutions all year round.

The Foundation generates its income in part through collections made in the Foundation’s moneyboxes. Infact, the Foundation has provided various legal offices and retail outlets with an attractive ceramic money box in the shape of the John Dory - locally more commonly referred to as St. Peter’s fish.  It is customary in Malta not to charge clients for minor services such as general legal advice and the provision of copies of documents.  This is wastage of human resources which could be put to better use.  Instead, clients are encouraged to make a small contribution towards the Foundation.  The outcome so far has been very encouraging!

Another source of income is generated through a number of fish festivals in coastal villages throughout the Island, which the Department of Fisheries in conjunction with the local cooperatives and the Foundation organize every year.  These provide a boost to the fish industry by promoting the sale and consumption of fish, which for an island like Malta is unfortunately still on the low side.  These festivals  also promote the Foundation’s cause and contribute towards its coffers.

The next stage in the expansion of the Foundation’s activities is the acquisition of cold storage facilities for a better organised fish storage and distribution system.  This is a very ambitious project, both from a financial as well as from a human resources aspect.  Recently a benefactor has donated to the Foundation a sizable plot of land on which the Foundation intends to construct cold rooms and offices.  Applications for building permits have already been submitted to the Malta Environmental and Planning Authority.

The Maltese philanthropic experience in the fish industry is still in its incipient stages, but the prospects seem very bright indeed.  The small seed planted by the founding members is being cultivated through their enthusiastic work and dynamism,  the encouragement received from all the sectors of the Maltese fish industry as well as the generosity of many people who are willingly handing in their contributions.  That small seed is already bearing fruit and all the indications are that it will bear more fruit in the coming years.  This experiment has so far been a success.  There are already some who are advocating that this experience be extended to cover other sectors of the economy, such as the agricultural sector.

May one also venture to hope that the Maltese experience of solidarity in the fish industry be emulated by others beyond the restricted shores of our small island?