From Mr M. Farrugia

I refer to the news item by David Lindsay “Sant’s Hondoq U-turn infuriates Gozitan Labourites” (TMIS, 16 September).

Lindsay wrote: “After a fanfare press conference held last October at Hondoq ir-Rummien – at which Malta Labour Party leader Alfred Sant had deplored plans for a mega tourism project involving the construction of a yacht marina, apartments and a hotel – Dr Sant declared in a televised interview (on 11 September) that the party would favour the construction of a yacht marina at Hondoq ir-Rummien, but that it was still against the accompanying residential and accommodation developments.”

For the record, here is what Dr Sant said on 14 October 2006, as reproduced in a MLP press release:

“The protests being made against the project for villas, luxury apartments, a hotel and a yacht marina at Hondoq ir-Rummien in Qala, Gozo are not only justified but merit the support of all Maltese and Gozitan citizens... A visit to the site where it is proposed to set up the project confirms that this should not proceed, because it amounts to harsh speculation in an area that is one the most beautiful in Malta and Gozo. The site has great potential for tourism and for the provision of recreation and of a better life for all Gozitans, for Maltese and for tourists... The project that is being proposed amounts to the exploitation of priceless land and to speculation on its value, when villas and apartments have been built... The development proposed at Hondoq ir-Rummien is not the kind of tourism development that Qala or Gozo need, nor does it offer the means by which to generate work...”

Here is what Dr Sant said in the TV interview on the Reporter programme of 11 September:

“We do not believe that yacht marinas should come accompanied by land development connected to the construction of villas and apartments. We already have too many apartments. And villas. We agree with such a tourism infrastructure (marinas) only so long as it is carried out on a stand alone basis...”

To the question: “If I am understanding you well, you are saying that at Hondoq ir-Rummien you would favour a proposal for a stand alone marina but would be against any development of residences and hotel?” Alfred Sant replied as follows:

“...development will be considered which adds to and sustains Gozo’s tourism potential. This will be done together with, in full discussion and consultation, and in agreement with the residents and communities concerned, including in this case the people of Qala.”

This hardly measures up to a U-turn, by any number of degrees.

Mark Farrugia

Media Executive

Malta Labour Party