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7.11.19 11 INTERVIEW quality entertainment' mal certification that would be an obligatory prerequisite for employment as security staff in the entertainment industry. We have also recommended that each and every entertainment establishment provide an up- dated roster of its on-duty secu- rity personnel to the police and other relevant authorities. Hav- ing such information in hand could help in facilitating and ex- pediting possible investigations when an incident occurs. Do the Maltese really no longer want to work in the entertainment industry? What do you think is driving the Maltese away? e entertainment industry is very demanding and requires a lot of sacrifice if one is to be successful, at whatever level. Its stop-and-go nature is not for everyone and requires dedica- tion and commitment. Because of the variety of opportunities available today, many people shifted to other sectors or to different industries altogeth- er. For example, many of the licensed security personnel in Malta, of which there are only around 150, prefer to work for government departments at museums, tourist sites or such positions, where most of the work is day shift and without much of the aggrevation and stress that security work in the entertainment industry entails. Likewise, many Maltese work- ing as kitchen or front of house staff have moved on to other in- dustries. One must understand that working in the entertain- ment industry is, at the end of the day, nothing short of a way of life. But now that the industry is becoming ever more sustain- able, it is to be hoped that more people will start choosing this industry as career rather than a short-term job. How do you reply to criticism that the industry that the industry is losing its appeal, that's it's all about gentlemen's clubs and the same type of clubs? In the last five years, we have experienced an enormous growth for such a relatively short period. With a strong economy on a national level, many businesses became cash rich, although not all business enjoyed the same level of suc- cess. is cash surplus result- ed in an investment frenzy as businessmen, bouyed by their success and a thriving economy, sought to invest in new ven- tures. But, the way I see it, is that this over-zealousness has led to investment in projects that may not be ideal for Malta and that could even end up minimising our country's Maltese and Med- iterranean character. Business- es should not think they can change Malta into a Manhattan or Dubai, but should make sure they direct their investment into sustainable projects. I can understand their enthusiasm and drive, but it is imperative that Malta retains its identity and that businessmen invest in projects that are faesable, doa- ble and manageable for Malta. It is now time to take stock of the situation and while I would vehemently oppose any market interventio , we need to realise that change is happening so fast that we are even losing sight of what is actually changing and how that change might affect us in years to come. You men- tioned gentlemen's clubs ... the reality is that these are on the decrease, in fact three of them have already closed down. But people of a certain age still re- member the variety of music venues that Paceville used to boast of some years ago. Pace- ville today – like much of the entertainment industry all over the world – has pushed out all the popular rock and jazz ven- ues, to replace them with clubs playing mainstream commer- cial music. Once again, let me be clear, this is true all over the world, as businesses and indus- tries change to cater for market supply and demand. But it is in- deed a pity that the market has pushed quality music to becom- ing more of a niche sector. How would you like to see the industry developing in the next five to 10 years? Malta's success in the tourism and entertainment industry is due to our country managing to recognise the need to cater for diverse markets and to of- fer a varied package. I would love to see that marketing effort expand to cover more quality entertainment. Malta is well- placed today when it comes to mainstream entertainment, but we need more entertainment for the more mature crowd. Our nightlife no longer offers these people any quality events or destinations. ere are no rock, soul, jazz or blues clubs. And we have not even looked at mod- ern cabaret clubs and stand-up comedy clubs. Malta has done huge advances with regards to mainstream entertainment, as well as theatre and drama, but are failing to offer any quality entertainment to those looking for something else. Many tour- ists – and locals – are not fully satisfied by what is on offer and the industry should look into assuaging those concerns. Paceville today – like much of the entertainment industry all over the world – has pushed out all the popular rock and jazz venues, to replace them with clubs playing mainstream commercial music... it is indeed a pity that the market has pushed quality music to becoming more of a niche sector

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