From Mr V. S. Bianchi

Allow me please to clarify some of Mr Bondin’s imaginary assertions made on what by now must have become a boring saga for the readers of your newspaper.

I can assure my friend, one expects to have become one after so many written exchanges, that it was certainly not my intention to intimidate and I still believe that my fair advice can only serve him well.

Of course Mr Bondin, as he confirms, “can have nothing personal against the Bianchi family”. How can he? To my knowledge, I have never met the man, and my family moves in different circles. Nevertheless, Mr Bondin goes on to say that he will not “shut up” and that he will “continue to say what he considers to be the truth”. He writes that he intends to “speak about what he thinks is wrong in this country”. At least we have moved away from St Ursula Street!

But dear Mr Bondin “Truth” is factual and cannot be subjected to what one considers, thinks or believes. “Truth” stands proudly unchallenged by suppositions resulting from a fertile imagination.

True that people who invest money expect a return. I, who have been in business for over 65 years, know this only too well. I purchased this palazzo on my retirement to keep busy during the idle hours that I anticipated. Such idle time enables me to reply to Mr Bondin’s letters, which in other circumstances I would have had to ignore. This house is no business venture, it is a “work of art and hence of love”.

Restoring it not only gives me pleasure, but also the satisfaction of having been responsible for the conservation of an exceptionally fine property. I am sure Mr Bondin will understand that some people do invest in things beautiful and not for pecuniary gain. Some buy and collect expensive cars, others chase girls! I buy houses.

I have never doubted that Mr Bondin has always done his past job well, to the best of his ability, but reporting on members of his own family is really too much for any stomach to digest.

I nevertheless can assure Mr Bondin that I took no part in any festivity and less in clinking of champagne glasses celebrating that finally they “got Mr Bondin out of the way”. However, I do look forward to clinking glasses with Mr Bondin, at a reception I shall certainly give on completion of the restoration.

To affirm that the house has been completely altered is to say the least irresponsible.

How very wrong Mr Bondin is to imply that this restoration has been treated by MEPA with lenient attention in contrast with what the little guy can expect. Is it too difficult for Mr Bondin to understand that where harmony is created, different viewpoints can be thrashed out and solutions found without disappointment and less antagonism?

Let me conclude by saying that however tiring Mr Bondin may be, he genuinely believes in what he writes, and for this, if for no other reason, he should be admired.

Incidentally, Mr Bondin will be pleased to learn that the N° 55 he refers to, smeared in ugly black paint in the centre of the sculpture has now been very carefully removed without any damage to the said sculpture (vide photo).

Vivian S. Bianchi

VALLETTA