With reference to Kenneth Gambin’s letter entitled “Long-standing commitment to fine art” (TMIS, 12 June) written in response to Dr Giuseppe Schembri Bonaci’s letter entitled “Appreciating art” (TMIS, 29 May) and other related correspondence, allow me to point out that what we need to focus on is neither the “long-standing commitment” on Heritage Malta’s part, nor the experts who have made their contributions to the National Museum of Fine Arts.

The crux is that Heritage Malta, or any other entity for that matter, should be able to understand constructive criticism, which I believe was Dr Schembri Bonaci’s intention. To react accordingly would have meant conceding that indeed, Sciortino’s monument to Anton Checkov was shifted a mere handful of metres to the other side of the Loggia, which quite frankly does not qualify as a relocation. Did the museum ensure its safe protection from all the debris of the work being carried out? Alas, it did not. And yes, I do beg to differ from what Mr Gambin said, as Les Gavroches was still exposed to all the elements of the work-in-progress detritus, as Dr Schembri Bonaci had in fact stated, on the occasions I had visited the National Museum of Fine Arts. I am no art expert but I thoroughly enjoy visiting museums in whichever country I may be. Admittedly, some other parts of the museum are in dire need of attention and I do feel uncomfortable thinking that the flow of tourists beholding the exhibited paintings will have noticed the embarrassing state of some of the crumbling walls, not to mention the vast accumulation of dust on antique furniture.

Once again, it is not a question of how much has been done, but what can we do, and do better.

I sincerely believe that we Maltese, collectively, cannot afford to rest on our laurels. And let’s not be contentious, either. Ultimately, I would have expected Mr Gambin to be appreciative of Dr Schembri Bonaci’s factual diagnosis. After all, our main concern is Malta’s heritage and consequently, all endeavours should target its safeguarding with the best possible means available, at any given moment.

Grace Cassar

ST JULIAN’S