Now that I have reached the 80s age bracket, I have gotten into the habit of going out into the open and strolling along the paths, hills and valleys of our countryside, enjoying the wonders and marvels of nature.

It is a pity that during the past years, many of us ignored the frequent solicitations of the civil authorities regarding the care and preservation of our natural resources.

The great demand for land acquisition for development purposes won the race, and the result was that many picturesque sites and landscapes met their doom.

However, it’s never too late – the civil authorities, at long last, took the stand and the Malta Environment and Planning Authority while granting permits for land-development also keeps a watchful eye on the preservation of our rural amenities

With the set up of local councils in towns and villages, the preservation of historic buildings and environmental sites is given the utmost attention.

Worth mentioning are the rubble boundaries separating the plots of lands of individual farmers.

The Kercem council, for example, pays the utmost care of the surroundings leading to the picturesque area better known as the Ghadira ta’ Sarrafflu.

Two labourers – Karmenu Borg and Mario Refalo – well trained as stone masons, are doing their best by working steadfastly and setting a fine example to their colleagues, who are somewhat indifferent to giving a day’s work to justify their salary.

For this purpose, I humbly recommend that as soon as this project comes to an end these two humble and honest labourers be remembered by installing a plaque commemorating the embellishment of our picturesque sites, where Gozitans and foreigners spend their leisurely hours.

Rev. Cam. Julian

Refalo Rapa

XAGHRA