I agree with Mr Avellino in Alternattiva Demokratika’s priorities (TMID 4.06.07) that Malta and especially Sliema have been totally environmentally raped. In his letter however, Mr Avellino expected Alternattiva Demokratika to ignore the Ta’ Cenc issue and wished that AD simply applaud the Notte Gozitana event. AD was proposing some recommendations for the state to do with the Lm8 to Lm10 million liri the Prim Minister himself announced. Two proposals included buying back the land at Ta’ Cenc from its owners to be developed into a national park similar in manner to that which the government is planning for Xaghra l-Hamra and investing in a serious reform in the public transport. Now Mr Avellino dislikes both of these proposals. For him, Ta’ Cenc is “something which does not interest him at all, as he very rarely go to Gozo, even more so to the Ta’ Cenc” (sic). I will let Gozitans, Maltese and tourists alike to comment on his statement. And regarding the much-needed reform in public transport, Mr Avellino concludes that “the public transport has and is being continuously reformed.” Has he ever landed in Gozo without his private car and tried to access any village or tourist site in Gozo? Probably he does not even know that public transport especially in Gozo is almost inexistent! Through its Gozo Regional Committee, AD does not want Gozo to suffer the same fate as Sliema. While tourists in Sliema complain about the concrete jungle, here in Gozo we still boast of our heritage and natural assets. We are consciously aware that the economy of Gozo depends largely on the tourist industry and we care for the people working and earning their daily bread and butter in this sector. Unfortunately, the Gozo Minister and authorities in charge to have historical places restored and protected, are simply happy with ceremonies to announce such rehabilitation and restoration projects. Yet, historical places like the Cittadella and Xlendi tower are still in scaffolding after three years and still falling apart. Xlendi tower is about to die. The genuine care of AD towards the interests of all Maltese residents, irrespective of their political background or locality is impressive. It had always been the Greens to address how residents are being affected socially, economically and psychologically by the massive development taking place around the islands and particularly in the Sliema/Qui-Si-Sana/Tigne/St Julian’s/Gzira areas and lately in Gozo by a few greedy speculators. I am sure that many residents are learning quickly who really stands for their rights and this will encourage people like me to vote for Alternattiva this time round.

John M. Mizzi

AD councillor, Sannat