It is good that tourists who come to Mosta are left to roam around for 30 minutes or so, as they generate necessary income to the local business community; however as every other thing imaginable, the influx of tourists to Mosta has also its negative side.

They come to Mosta to visit the Rotunda, considering it a beautiful monument rather than a place of worship. I have never seen any of them making any financial contribution. I realise and agree, that as a place of worship no one should be asked to pay; however a small voluntary contribution from the hundreds of tourists who visit daily, will surely help in keeping the place as it should be and will not harm anybody’s pocket, let alone be a burden.

A few years ago, I visited London’s Westminster Cathedral. On entering, a big square glass box greets you with a notice saying that since the Cathedral is a place of worship no one should be asked to pay, but a financial contribution will help to run the place. Such notices were also placed in front of the side altars. I can assure your readers that these were not left unnoticed by visitors.

Another problem which hits the locality is the pollution in Mosta Square due to huge amount of traffic which drives through the square daily. I feel that the local council should earmark a place, the least inconvenient possible, where coaches can stop and wait until the tourists walk to the Rotunda and back, giving them also time to roam about. There is absolutely no need for the coaches to stop in front of the Rotunda with their engines running.

Besides, in this day and age, everyone has a mobile phone which makes it easy for all to communicate.

With some presence of mind and respect for one another, a lot of hardship could be avoided.

Emily Barbaro-Sant

Mosta