I refer to what was said on 14 July during the Reporter programme broadcast on TVM by PBS. When I said that the permits issued by Mepa don't depend on regulations and laws but on how powerful the developer and architects are and that the Seabank Hotel broke every law in the book, I wish to clarify and declare that I had no intention of disparaging Seabank Hotel and Catering Limited, and its directors Silvio Debono, Victoria Debono, Robert Debono or Arthur Gauci. I realise that the permit for the rebuilding of the Seabank Hotel was issued on its merit and that its site was earmarked in the Local Plan as being for touristic development opportunities. The decision to issue the permit was the sole responsibility of Mepa and not of Seabank Hotel and Catering Limited or its directors. I apologise to Silvio Debono, Victoria Debono, Robert Debono and Arthur Gauci for any inconvenience caused.

Astrid Vella

Coordinator, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar