The farmers of Bahrija, and all those who wish to preserve the rural settings of the hamlet can breathe a sigh of relief, as the latest appeal lodged by the owners of the land – ELISA – to hinder access to farmers who earn their living from the site and to induce them to dismantle their facilities, was rebutted once again by the courts.

This means that Bahrija farmers, after all the intimidation and vicissitudes they have had to bear over the last few years, have been given the sacrosanct right to till their fields in peace.

This despite numerous attempts by speculators to usurp their rightful place so as to pave the way for the development of the entire area.

I would like to thank Dr Alan Deidun for his incessant support in the sequence of events, especially his constant featuring of the issue and his advice, and all those who have genuinely helped the Bahrija farmers in their cause.

This is indeed a victory for all those who have the environment at heart.

Jeanette Aquilina

SIGGIEWI