There are over 18,600 residents living in the localities falling under the jurisdiction of the St Paul’s Bay local council – St Paul’s Bay, Buġibba, Qawra, Xemxija, Burmarrad. In the summer months the figure goes up to 60,000 excluding the thousands of tourists who spend their holidays in these areas and whose numbers amount to 30% of the total tourist population that come to Malta. With such a large population, the needs of these localities are very big. Many shortcomings also exist.

The St Paul’s Bay local council is too busy with administrative matters to dedicate its time to bread and butter issues which are more of direct concern to the residents. Although from time to time civic minded individuals do write in the press drawing attention to the needs and shortcomings in these neighbourhoods and calling for remedial action, the residents lack a coherent voice which should carry more weight with the authorities.

In order to address this weakness, a few individuals from different areas in St Paul’s Bay, including yours truly, have decided to take the initiative to revive the St Paul’s Bay Residents’ Association. The objective is to give a voice to the residents of these localities on matters which may not be a priority to the local council or other authorities but are important for the creation of a better living environment in these seaside resorts.

In this regard, a public meeting is being held on Sunday 2 October, at the Gillieru Hotel, St Paul’s Bay at 10am. Residents of the localities mentioned earlier are invited to come to the meeting and to participate in the election of the officials of the Association. Those interested in being appointed on the committee will be invited to make their intentions known during the meeting.

Paul Mifsud

St Paul’s Bay