Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/212250
26 Letters maltatoday, SUNDAY, 17 NOVEMBER 2013 Send your letters to: The Editor, MaltaToday, MediaToday Ltd. Vjal ir-Rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016 | Fax: (356) 21 385075 E-mail: newsroom@mediatoday.com.mt. Letters to the Editor should be concise. No pen names are accepted. Mistra monstrosity As a foreigner, a service provider to both Maltese and other foreigners and one who has brought property in Malta – the road that the Mistra monstrosity is to be built upon – I am disgusted by the approval by MEPA of the tragedy that is the Mistra development. The approval of 12 floors (774 apartments) next to a national herit- age park is an environmental disaster – yet another blight on the landscape of Malta. The added burden on already overstretched resources, such as water, does not seem to have factored into the decision to grant the Mistra monstrosity, neither has the effect on residents, recreational users and local small farmers of having to accommodate such a large development. The abdication of their responsibility by Transport Malta, who have taken the stance that the increase of traffic (1,600 estimated cars), does not matter as the problem in Xemxija is already bad is shocking. I promote Malta to foreigners – including those who wish to settle and/ The Auberge d'Italie is where our National Collection should be It was profoundly disappointing to read in the printed media last Sunday that plans to move the National Museum of Fine Arts from South Street to the the Auberge d'Italie on Merchants Street have been revoked, and revoked so late in the day, well after plans for the big move have been set in motion some years ago. The Auberge d'Italie is by far more suitable than the current location to house a European Fine Arts collection, which for decades has been displayed in cramped conditions, with several works of art in quasi-permanent storage or sourced out to other museums, government offices and embassies when they should be receiving the professional attention and curatorship they deserve, and will most certainly receive once they are returned to the their rightful location. I must say that I find this cavalier handling of Malta's cultural legacy rather hard to believe. I know I am not alone in this. I also must add that the mammoth task that the curators of the National Museum of Fine Arts have put in their deliberations and preparations for this move have been totally overlooked. Again, this can't be right. Surely, our historic patrimony should be shared out with other segments of society and a stronger cultural presence, with special reference to our national collection of visual arts, should be top of the list. There are no necessary and sufficient reasons why so many ministries and government offices should hog almost all of Valletta's significant historic buildings. Many could function just as well outside the capital as well as easing traffic congestion in the capital. A more thoughtful and smart approach to the Museum goes way deeper than Valletta's designated role as European Capital for Culture in 2018. Although it is important, in the long run it is a contingency. What we have for a National Museum of Fine Arts is going to represent us for very much longer. Madeleine Gera Valletta Rubber stamping, go please EDITORIAL – 16 NOVEMBER 2003 RUBBER stamping in political conferences is not abnormal. On the contrary, it is perfectly normal. Following the two party conferences, one can see that there has been a shift away from the trend. The Nationalist Party has set up workshops and the MLP is still concerned with putting its house in order. Yet there is still plenty of room for improvement at the party conferences. For one, the idea that political adversaries could be invited to address the conference would serve as a welcome signal of change that is sadly missed by the public. Additionally, instead of the usual adulation for the leader or the party, it would be healthy to see some constructive self-criticism. For months on end, the media – this newspaper included – have pointed all their guns at the Labour Party. Lest we forget, it is the PN that is in government. Now, all guns must shift to take aim at the Nationalist Party. For years, a million-dollar question has been avoided by all the journalists who may no longer share a bed with PN spin doctors, but surely give the impression that they would willingly do so. The central issue is the question of the PN party leadership. No matter what Fenech Adami says, or avoids saying in public, there can be no beating around the bush: the PN will have to have a new leader soon. The Prime Minister may still have all the energy in the world. Yet if he persists in not realising that his time is up, he may well lead the country and his party into the type of vacuum of power that is so evident when strong leaders suddenly disappear. Dr Fenech Adami has said he has no intention of leaving for the moment. But the party administration at Stamperija is taking no chances and is making all the arrangements for a pleasant and smooth takeover of anointed leader-in-waiting, Dr Lawrence Gonzi. The Nationalist Party machinery has rallied all its forces in the most blatant of ways to paint Gonzi as the only possible next Prime Minister. Surely, Dr Gonzi, has the right stat- ure, composure, smile and communication abilities for the job. But does he have all it takes? What is clear is that most political leaders the world over are eternally unsure when to call it a day. Fenech Adami's decision to quit will be made all the more difficult if the number of individuals who decide to stand for the leadership race is high and their failure to become leader contributes to reshaping the Nationalist party postEFA. Another glitch may also hinder Fenech Adami's departure. Namely the arrival of Prof. Guido de Marco, who has made it known that he will stand for MEP. It is a move that is being regarded as rather undesirable by the Nationalist machinery, which believes that the President should never have entertained the idea and should rather make way for party candidates. However politics is a strange animal. And the logic of hanging on to power confirms that in most cases it is ego, rather than common sense, that rules. or buy property here – but how can I, when decisions that ignore planning rules and good sense occur? Should I start with a caveat: 'Buy property in Malta, but don't think to rely upon any security or comfort in planning rules?' My father was from the Caribbean island of Grenada, where the general unwritten rule to preserve the skyline is that no building should be higher than a coconut tree. As a result, foreigners such as Oprah Winfrey have purchased property there – perhaps I should have gone nuts instead of having to go bananas? Geraldine Noel UK Barrister - Registered in Malta Acumum Legal & Advisory Civil Unions Bill: courageous and elegant I would like to thank the Minister for Civil Liberties and the LGBT Consultative Council for presenting such a courageous and elegant bill. This bill is truly historic since it even recognises marriages contracted abroad as such. This is an enormous step forward for the Maltese LGBT community and will not only affect the gay and lesbian couples who would like to formalise their relationship but it will have implications on others and restore the dignity of gay and lesbian individuals whose relationships will no longer be considered as dirty and illegitimate. I hope that as time goes by, gay and lesbian youths are given the perspective that one day they can meet a special person and form a family with him or her. This will reduce destructive behaviours like suicidal tendencies, alcohol abuse, illicit substance abuse and irresponsible sexual practices. I was also surprised by the measured and humane response in the joint statement issued by the Maltese Bishops, who stressed that the bill is "discussing persons and their lives" and a "profound respect towards those persons should fol- low". I hope that individual priests will abide to such a tone and won't open old wounds. We may disagree but I hope that we can live as cordial and respectful neighbours in a modern society. I am also pleased that the Nationalist Party (I dislike the word Opposition) presented a bill to amend the Constitution to protect citizens from discrimination on the ground of sexual orientation. The introduction of civil unions will create a fairer society where individual citizens feel more valued and will in turn contribute more. I understand that some people may feel threatened but no harm will ensue by recognising such unions. All the bill is concerned with is securing the notion of two people who love each other, care for one another and who want to grow old together. I hope that once the parliamentary debate on the bill unfolds a great majority of our MPs will vote in favour. We will be making history not only at a national level but at a geographical level too. Patrick Attard Naxxar