Letters | Wednesday, 18 February 2009

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I refer to the article ‘Marsa centre, open no longer’ by Raphael Vassallo (February 4, 2009).
The author opines that “to date it (Marsa open centre) has been run on an open-door policy (hence the name); but plans to enclose the centre with a boundary coincide with a marked change in attitude by the management regarding access, especially by the press.” I beg to differ.
An open accommodation centre is open to registered residents and staff, all of whom may enter and exit at liberty. The centre comprises the living quarters and related services to the residents, and the whole point of securing the boundary and allowing access or exit through a serviced gate is to respect the privacy and safety of those who have a right to live or work within the premises.
There is no change at all in any policy. In fact, other open centres in Malta also have doors, windows, and walls, and there is no story there (obviously)! Those that don’t yet have all such facilities for privacy and security will surely get them in time. The only thing to change at Marsa is that the public at large will not have access to the recreational and residential quarters of the residents without a valid reason to do so. Such standards are a given in all residential institutions, and it is indeed quite surprising that Mr Vassallo does not put the needs of the residents before those of curious onlookers, vendors, and others.
There has not been a change in policy either regarding the media. Current policy has been in place for some years now. It is a matter of courtesy to request permission before entering the residence and workplace of others. Open accommodation centres, including Marsa, have hosted hundreds of local and foreign journalists over the years and who all went through the system. I fail to understand why requesting permission to visit is such an issue, when Mr Vassallo’s local and foreign colleagues have all understood quite easily the logic of knocking at the door to request entrance at the convenience of those who live therein. All it takes is an email.
We always look forward to welcoming visitors who understand what Marsa really is, and comport themselves prior, during, and after their visit with professionalism. We owe this to our residents and staff.

Oliver Gatt
General Manager
Fondazzjoni Suret il-Bniedem

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