Can you imagine what the English would do if their planning authority even considered a project to build villas, bungalows, a hotel and a golf course just a few metres away from Stonehenge? I can assure you, there would be a public outcry in. Nonetheless, I am sure their planning authority would not sink so low as to compromise their integrity to even consider such a mad proposal.

Ta’ Cenc was a sacred place for our ancestors and still is for us because it is the most amazing place in the Mediterranean basin. The views are to die for, the morning flora smells of heaven, the sound of the wind and the waves battering the cliffs and the birdsong are like balm to the soul. So it is understandable why our ancestors built the dolmens there. We also know that there was a lot of activity in the area due to the plenty of cart ruts on the Ta’ Cenc plateau. How can they even consider such a development proposal that will desecrate this holy place?

A well kept secret at Ta’Cenc is the colony of 2000 Cief (Cory’s Shearwater). This colony is the largest in the Mediterranean basin. They shy away from light and noise. All that earth-shattering noise which is inevitable when building will surely affect the breeding cycles not just of the birds but all the other unique fauna, which will lead to the possible extinction of some species.

The flora at Ta’ Cenc is also amazing. Some species are listed as being rare. One plant species found in the area was thought to have been extinct. In winter and spring there is an orgy of plants that makes Ta’ Cenc a true spectacle.

It is believed that in 1551 many of our forefathers where taken slaves and taken on the Turkish galleys from Ras In-Newwiela, a promontory in the area. There is a rocky slide they used to slide cargo in this small port when it was used as a Customs place. The Sannat elders have a long list of place names and legends and tales related to Ta’ Cenc.

I am very interested to know what the ministers of tourism, culture and environment have to say about this project? I thought it was their role to protect our cultural heritage and environment. If the cultural and environmental ruin of Gozo is going to proceed at the current pace what are the Maltese and International tourists going to come for in Gozo? If the number of tourists (including Maltese) keep declining at the current rate, how are we going to rent our farmhouses, open the restaurants, transport tourists around and sell our souvenirs.

An observation has to be made to all the people (especially Gozitans) who shrug their shoulders and say there is no hope of changing anything, as here in Gozo the government will carry out anything they propose. If these people keep shrugging their shoulders and keep quiet then I agree with them that the government will achieve all they want and that Gozo will be completely destroyed in 26 years’ time. Their farmhouses will be worth peanuts because they will lie empty. The restaurants will close. The taxis and buses will be locked away in garages and all the souvenir trade will be gone. Why would a Maltese or tourist come to a concrete jungle because the best spots in Gozo will only be available to a few rich people?

When the golden goose is slaughtered it will be too late.

John Michael Mizzi

SANNAT