A nation’s cultural heritage is valued in many ways. From a purely financial perspective, the tourist euro is a stream of income any government appreciates. And who can deny that Malta’s sense of pride isn’t boosted by the unique quality of its national icons. The Opera House must be such an icon again!

However, I wonder why, when given the opportunity to restore an elite edifice to its former glory, the conservative response seems to result in denying this icon being enjoyed by the people. It seems as though we are being told that the people do not deserve to have something of great beauty. It seems to be a message that the people don’t value anything of quality.

A national cultural heritage is everyone’s legacy; people have lived it and future generations will want to be part of it. Our cultural heritage is irreplaceable. And it is also a Maltese gift to all visitors who come to the island.

Like the megalithic temples or the Knights of St John, The Royal Opera has a place in our collective memory and deserves to rise above the petty politics that surround it and take its place in Malta’s grand

history.  

Peter Dingli

Templestowe

AUSTRALIA