Ta’ Cenc is already a multi-heritage natural park: the archaeological sites, remains of a megalithic temple, cart ruts, dolmens, the cliffs, the garigue, the important nesting site for shearwaters, and so on.

So will building 15 villas on it and developing a multi ownership hotel make it any better? I think the development of a multi heritage natural park is being used as an excuse to extend the hotel and build the villas.

Maybe only some fine tuning is needed: maybe guides who show visitors around will explain how to appreciate the site. Do not let Ta’ Cenc garigue and cliffs become another Fort Chambray: taken from the people to serve private interests. The authorities who should protect the public interest and the natural environment should be ashamed if they side with the powerful. The Church, guided by the preferential option for the poor, should make its voice heard too, since this is a national and natural heritage which is being enjoyed by all.

Joe Portelli

Nadur