It seems that my article on Ta’ Xbiex (TMID, 25 August) did arouse some reaction. That was what I intended, and I believe I succeeded.
Even mayor Antoinette Vassallo chose to answer my article by writing a letter. Typical of any Labourite, and more so as the Labour mayor of Ta’ Xbiex, she chose to draw a parallel with Qui-si-Sana residents.
To her misfortune and that of her party, which has brewed up anger in Sliema uselessly, the question of Qui-si-Sana is being tackled with the full knowledge of the residents. New plans were submitted to the Malta Environment and Planning Authority without any commercial centre within the eventual car park.
Labour would have loved the contrary. But this government listens to the people, is close to the people, and will continue to do so. If my interventions on Ta’ Xbiex result in the same progress as happened at Qui-si-Sana, then the residents of Ta’ Xbiex would be much happier.
The final thrust, again typical of Labour, is to put the blame it on the central government. It is a pitiful stand. When the central government does something in a Labour-led town, then it’s due only to the Labour councillors who exerted pressure. When the Labour council fails, then it’s the central government which is to blame. How convenient.
Why does the Ta’ Xbiex council have no wardens patrolling certain streets? What the residents want is to live in peace with their families and to go out unhindered. Maybe, the council could be pro-active to see to their wishes.
Anyway, at least, we got the subject and debate going.
Another ironic situation is present in the “privileged” union, the General Workers’ Union. While their administration was filing away all the resignations of their members, they started to plead to Air Malta workers. Why did they do the pleading now, I wonder? Again, I could not help laughing at their statement that they had to do this following the government’s decision to allow low cost airlines to operate to and from Malta.
Whether low cost airlines operate from Malta or otherwise, Air Malta still has to undergo a thorough restructuring. The tourism sector has changed, and it would be better for them to see why so many seats are left empty, year in year out. Thereby more passengers would mean more jobs.
But, no, we criticise this government for taking action.
For his part, Labour tourism spokesmen, in the recent past, talked about the lack of decision on low cost carriers. It is really a situation where the right hand does not know what the left hand is doing. What a situation in the Labour camp these days. Trying to make heads or tails out it is quite a job.
My thoughts go to those who might be enticed to vote Labour by some marketing slogan, or sweet talk, as this is what you will get. More, probably, as when in government, Labour will ride roughshod over everybody.
Recent reports from booking patterns on low cost airlines show a great movement on that free offer made available. Although Air Malta did improve its outlook, it is far from getting prepared for this low cost scenario, albeit having known about it for years.
It still takes a long time to get answers, and the rates given out are still among the most expensive to be found in Europe. We all need a strong Air Malta, but foresight and pro-active decisions are needed.
Hopefully, this low cost arrival will kick-start a new mentality, which we Maltese can turn into our favour. We always did, and survived very well. This is no exception.
Rather than dish out empty promises and nicely bound manifestos on what should be done, this Nationalist government acts, and awaits that the full Maltese population drives at the same speed.
Challenges can be turned into opportunities.
Robert Arrigo is a Nationalist MP