A protest organised by a number of environmental organisations was held this morning in front of the 'Love' monument in St Julian's. Those attending the protest are objecting the master plan for Paceville as proposed by the government. 

Kamp Emerġenza Ambjent, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, Moviment Graffitti, Front Ħarsien ODZ, Ramblers Association, Youth for the Environment, Nature Trust, Żminijietna - Voice of the Left and Friends of the Earth Malta are all taking part.

"Whilst the idea of a master plan is welcome, the process of drawing the Paceville master plan was fundamentally flawed since only the developers' proposals were taken into account. Communities in the area were completely ignored notwithstanding the massive impact it will have on them and the environment. Thus, this master plan should be scrapped and the related process halted immediately. A new master plan should be drawn up, taking into account the needs of residents and the environment, and being in line with Maltese law. A Masterplan should also be on a national level so that it truly reflects the overall needs of our country," protestors say.

Addressing the protest, Andre Callus from Moviment Graffiti said that this master plan, if approved, will create a precedent for future applications. He said that this master plan cannot be simply emended, but it needs to go back to the drawing board. "The government is a simple signature away from taking away residences in Sliema to hand them to a few developers," he told the small crowd.

Many of those attending the protest carried out placards with the face of the Planning Authority Executive Chairman Johann Buttigieg depicted with a halo on his head, "the saint of the environment". Others had placards saying "from the frying pan into the fire" or "domino destruction". 

Among those present was Dean Camilleri, the same man who did a hunger strike in front of Castille complaining of noise pollution in Pembroke and St Georges Bay area.  

PN MPs George Pullicino, Karl Gauder and Kristy Debono also attended the event, together with MEP Roberta Metsola. Democratic Party Deputy Leader Anthony Buttigieg together with Alternattiva Demokratika Chairman Arnold Cassola, St Julian's Mayor Guido Dalli and council members were also there.  

This morning's protest was the second protest in a week as eNGOs and residents organised a similar protest last Saturday against the rampant over development in Sliema.