While all this political drama is going on, while the economy is expanding, while some in Gozo are pushing forward the Gozo Tunnel and forgetting everything else that needs and can be done in Gozo, while everyone in politics is talking about the burning desire for the natural environment and  its protection, the natural environments keeps burning and will continue to do so even if the party in  power changes, at least, if we don't see clear policies and pledges which keep those in power to account.

Why are we continuing to ruin Gozo's few remaining ridges?

Why can hotels (for agrotourism) be built in the countryside?

Why do people disturb the habitat and then adding insult to injury apply for a permit to develop and build on the premise that it is a disturbed habitat?

Why all this ado about Ganni’s sheep and then we have islands of illegal development where people having batching plants and park construction machinery and no control and supervision is done regarding waste and no action is taken, as if the rule of law is hijacked by threats that they will stop the wheel of the economy from turning? 

I am reading  Archbishop Mercieca's memoirs. He was really the leader, the Church of Malta needed in those difficult times, where the part which was anachronistic tried to label the other part so. And he had a worthy companion in the intelligent fine mind of Bishop Nikol.

And I think that Archbishop Charles J Scicluna is the leader the Church of Malta needs now. Now is the time to speak. Do not be cowed. The natural environment needs you too. It is the natural heritage of all the people. The poor and those who don't have much means can relax for free. It is our right: the open spaces, the unspoiled natural landscape, the unspoiled beaches. And so it is in the realm of the Church's teaching too, because it involves human rights and the protection of the poor.

Joe Portelli

Nadur