The Participants Committee of the Maltese Carnival gave notice that they would not be participating in the forthcoming edition if they do not receive an assurance on their future, especially with regard to their pending water and electricity bills.

In a letter sent to the Secretary and Chairman of the National Feasts Commission, the committee said that the alternative accommodation provided due to the continuation of the Park and Ride project was not acceptable and the rooms could only be used as stores.

Participants Committee president Lorry Coleiro and secretary Brian Bonnici said that they had never paid any water and electricity bills for premises used as this was part of the agreement of aid between themselves and the government.

It called for the Culture Council to continue paying these bills – as used to be done until 2005 – and that any pending bills should be cancelled.

The committee also called for the regularisation of electricity systems in the premises that are currently being used by the participants.

The committee warned that if it was not going to receive a reply in writing on the abovementioned issues, it would take it to mean that the situation remains unsolved and as such, would withdraw its participation from Carnival 2007.