I fully concur with what correspondent Pamela Hansen wrote in MaltaToday of Wednesday 7 May. She seems to be the only columnist in the local press who is commenting about the fireworks phenomenon.
However, one can foresee that very little will actually happen to curb illegal manufacture and storage of fireworks. While the Police seem to be doing their duty, there appears to be little political will for things to get moving.
The new Minister Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici has promised a change in legislation whereby fireworks offences leading to fatalities will be upgraded to “involuntary homicide”. Now I am no legal beagle, but I am sure the general public’s mind has not been satisfied. How about the proposed legislation incorporating the concept of personal liability of perpetrators, and the impounding of their personal possessions to make good for damages suffered by third parties? This may deter enthusiasts from engaging in fireworks manufacture, but would at least ensure that only responsible individuals engaging in this dangerous pastime. Also, can anyone give the public an explanation on the type of insurance policies that fireworks manufacturers have, and their level of compensation to third parties?
To many, this country has a wrong sense of priorities. While the previous Justice and Home Affairs Minister expended his time on protecting the life of the unborn, he did precious little in protecting those already living from the dangers of fireworks. The manufacture of fireworks is also fuelled officially, through the organisation of fireworks festivals by officially appointed bodies. You will soon get some bleeding hearts who will argue in favour of fireworks and tourism: none to the contrary.
I hate to say this, but the Naxxar tragedy produced the death of only one innocent victim. It appears we need a really big ugly accident for the powers that be to get moving. Last year’s accidental deaths have served to no avail, except for the photo opportunity afforded to politicians.
The Curia, and the College of Chaplains, have also remained silent. Unlike the way they controlled band marches, where they descended like a ton of bricks on organisers of band marches, they appear powerless against the fireworks lobby.
And the fireworks lobby, like the hunters, have votes! That is why many are questioning the will of our politicians.
Dominic Chircop
Gzira
When Dr Gonzi promised that if re-elected he would take over direct responsibility for MEPA, I am sure that many voters were convinced that all the hanky-panky that had been long at MEPA will finally come to an end. They must have believed that development permits in ODZ areas will no longer be tolerated. Illegal buildings will no longer be regularised by demolished. And other blatant scandals such as the one at Ramla l-Hamra - saved by the bell by a cacophony of angry protests by thousands of Maltese and Gozitan voters and NGOs, and with a looming general election – will become a thing of the past.
Alas, the first two months of Dr Gonzi’s direct responsibility for MEPA and it is still ‘business as usual’ at the offices in Floriana. Shocking stories keep coming to light. Such as the one revealed by Astrid Vella and her hard-working colleagues at ‘Flimkien ghall-Ambjent Ahjar’, how an architect well-known for his political connections, applies for permits in zones listed as being of archaeological importance and in an urban conservation, and states in his application that the property lies in a development zone. Or how the same architect applies for a permit in an ODZ area but states in his application that the property lies in a development zone. And MEPA hives him the green light!
Or the stories connected with former PN minister Mr Michael Falzon – of Busietta Gardens’ fame – whom Astrid Vella accused of having given false information in his application for the development of blocks of apartments to replace two quaint old houses I the heart of Sliema, both of which lie in an urban conservation zone. And received the ‘go ahead’ from MEPA, now under Dr Gonzi’s responsibility.
Does anyone believe that Dr Gonzi is losing any sleep because of all the scandals that keep coming to light even when he is now the man at the helm at MEPA? Has anyone heard of any decision taken the prime minister to revoke such scandalous permits? Oh no! But this time, Dr Gonzi cannot blame anybody else for what is happening, such as the impending development o a good number of villas with swimming pools on the Mellieha ridge behind the Mellieha Bay Hotel, by development tycoon Albert Mizzi, the man behind the rape of Tigné point, and that of Manoel Island in the near future. But this time Dr Lawrence Gonzi, having taken over the direct responsibility for MEPA – can continue to run, but he cannot hide.
Eddy Privitera
Mosta
Reference is made to the subject of application PA 262/06. The article that appears in a newspaper on Sunday, 4 May, was penned by Alan Deidun, a very keen gentleman who keeps his eyes wide open to safeguard our environment.
I write about the subject on behalf of my respectable mother-in-law, well in her eighties, and her family, who strongly oppose this development. They live in their farmhouse in Misrah Suffara Road, a few metres down the road from the site. The proposed conversion of a pig farm into a wedding and multi-purpose hall, including a private parking area to cater for the hall, close to Ghar Barka hamlet, limits of Rabat, was first refused in April 2007. Since the site in question is outside the development zone, such development runs counter to Structure Plan policies.
I am in agreement and fully concur with Mr Deidun that such a proposal and similar, within the farming community, should be refused in order to maintain the rural fabric together, with peace and serenity in the immediate surrounding area.
I thank Mr Deidun publicly and urge the Malta Planning and Environment Authority to do their utmost to protect the environment at large. Lack of respect towards the environment is lack of respect towards every one of us. All officials at MEPA from top to bottom, ought to keep this in mind. By taking irrational decisions haphazardly, ordinary citizens could face irreparable damage.
I am sure that under the good pair of hands of our honourable Prime Minister, citizens’ rights will be safeguarded.
Emmanuel Grech
Mellieha
It’s a real shame that the guy who best fits the bill for party leadership, Dr Tony Abela of Hamrun, opted out of the race and somehow prefers to serve the MLP from a second fiddle platform.
Here is a personality who in the opinion of many lacks neither the charisma, nor the guts to give what it takes to rally the MLP back on its tracks and into the future as a real progressive Socialist party, with the acumen to recreate a true democratic Malta founded on transparency, accountability and social justice.
I am sure that even at this late hour, the MLP delegates should give this proposition a serious thought and endeavour to pull the ropes of persuasion in the case of Dr Toni Abela.
It’s still not too late.
Vladimir Cini
Via Email
