As a shop owner in the tourism industry, I confirm what Labour leader Dr Sant pointed out recently about the so-called improvements. High spirits in August have always been a bliss, but really and truly, is it worth the rejoicing if compared to the other 11 months? Improvements certainly need to be made in order for tourism to get back on its feet. After all, it is about time that we faced reality; if tourism is on steady ground, it would be felt by everyone and channelled to the whole economic cycle.

By now we are all familiar with terms such as “luxury” and “spacious”. It has become almost a trend to build such apartments. Recently, we have also experienced the same trend in Gozo where repercussions will soon be evident. One must work hard on certain potential sectors that Gozo is lucky to have, like tourism and agriculture. Also in Malta, bringing down hotels to build apartments has become a common exercise. What I cannot understand is the purpose behind all this property. Aren’t 50,000 empty units already enough?

On another note, I must mention the new hospital at Tal-Qroqq where after millions of liri were spent, when results are expected, our so-called “state of the art” floods after a slight rainfall. Has our Prime Minister forgotten that the money he has been pooling out is our money?

One does not need to be a genius to be able to guess what the forthcoming budget is going to be like. All it will take is an effort to reduce the affliction on the voters. Last year it was a similar case, even though it didn’t have the expected outcome. But then again, I can’t understand because until a couple of months ago when Dr Sant said he will be able to reduce the burden of the surcharge on water and electricity, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi contradicted such an idea. So I am curious how our Prime Minister will go around handling this matter.

It has become some kind of feast that is always celebrated in summer, but instead of fireworks, we use dust. Every summer, something comes up and construction has to be carried out very close to tourism venues at the peak of the season. This year it happened to be Valletta.

I truly appreciate the Labour leader’s words about consumers. Although I am running a business, I also am a consumer myself and would definitely not like a rise in the cost of living. On the other hand it is very important for the government to enforce market transparency.

Last but surely not least, I am truly disgusted at the way the government has tackled the shortage of nurses in Malta, when a problem was noted after the inauguration of Tal-Qroqq hospital.

I am almost sure that with a bit of thought given to the situation, one would have given better opportunities to students who decide to take up nursing as their main area of studies. And please tell me we will not have the same thing happening once SmartCity is inaugurated.

Nikita Zammit

St Julian’s