As a resident of the bay for the last 29 years, I have seen it develop a lot, actually too much!

From a few residences and even fewer apartment blocks, it has now mushroomed into a new Bugibba style beach resort, with all new blocks (even on the seafront) not less than six storeys high. Countless houses have been pulled down to make way for these new pigeonholes. Some developers want to make us think they are luxury apartments and try to sell them at a price that would cost an arm and a leg!

In fact, very few of the original buildings remain. The least affected and the one that has passed through more hands than most is the Fortress, which is now a catering establishment. This is being ruined due to its new use and together with it, the quietness of the bay as well.

I invite anyone to bring a visitor to Xemxija Bay on Sunday afternoons. Blindfold him a couple of kilometres before and play a game of “guess where?” Describe to him the tall apartment blocks, countless construction sites, the small spoilt and unclean bay, the constant traffic and now, the loud music from the Fortress blaring all along the bay. How different is this place from Bugibba square? We only need some more junkies running around, a few more drunks, the occasional drug dealer and we’re not that different any more.

Thanks to all you planning and tourism advisers. You managed to spoil another day. Well done. Where next?

I am lodging an official complaint to the police this week. Any residents who wish to do so are invited as well. I’m writing this well past midnight between Sunday 10 May and Monday 11 May, on my laptop, hearing the drumming beats from the Fortress. I’ve already enquired with the Qawra Police Station and I know that other residents have already complained. Qawra Police Station has informed me that permits have been issued for music to be played on Sundays until 1am.

We’re still in May so it’s probably on the cards that these sort of parties will carry on until the end of summer.

Residents, wake up! I know that quite a number of you already can’t sleep!

Let’s stop the rape of what was once a quiet seaside resort.

David Agius

ST PAUL’S BAY