We live in a predatory, corporatist jungle where the strong eat the weak.

And so, the Leader of the Opposition, felt like paying an official visit to the obscene monstrosity being erected within the historical walls of Fort Chambray in Gozo, on which a crucial and unrelenting controversy has been raging.

I am very curious to know what made him do it and what political mileage he expects to get from it! Is Labour ‘accepting’ and ‘compromising’ or just being complacent about this abusive usurping of the people’s rightful patrimony of public territory and cultural heritage? Did he perhaps want to convince and set the minds at rest of the so-called developers (no, rather speculators) that nothing will change? Construction work does not necessarily mean progress; very often it’s the opposite… selfish and greedy regress!

He surely must have noted that, especially in view of an early election, a number of contradictory and obscure projects are being rushed through in fear of a change of government and perhaps stricter consideration against land abuse by private enterprises and corporate bodies.

Didn’t he realise that by this visit, he not only confirmed the destruction of a historical heritage but also, worse still, recognised the disrespect Mepa (Malta Environment and Planning Authority) has for our national heritage and the common people.

It would be pertinent to ask Dr Muscat whether he envisaged how many Maltese (and Gozitan) workers and their families will be housed in the Chambray project. Does the Malta Labour Party really believe that the construction of these luxurious dwellings will benefit the younger generation? All he has to do is look at the abusive exploitation of Tigne Point, Vittoriosa Waterfront, the horrendous block of pigeon-hole flats next to the renowned and impressive Fort Saint Angelo, SmartCity, and so many other high-jacked public areas and the constant usurping of land by private interests? What a contrast to the building of dwellings and distribution of plots to workers’ families during the earlier Labour legislation! The great majority of the Maltese working people look to Labour to protect them from the greed of private enterprises and corporate bodies.

Wouldn’t it have been more appropriate had he paid a visit of protestation to the Cottonera area and the disgraceful disorder currently prevailing, especially in Bormla and Birgu and the considerable distress suffered by locals every day? After all, isn’t this the district he had selected from where he expects to be elected?

Isn’t it time the Left takes off its rose-coloured glasses?

I am afraid that the few at the top may really be having it all!

Joseph M. Cachia

VITTORIOSA