The Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) has backed concerns raised by Michael Briguglio in his Vlog on the Malta Independent's website.

"While browsing through the online version of The Malta Independent, the Malta Federation of Organisations Persons with Disability (MFOPD) came across Dr Michael Briguglio's vlog. He brought to the forefront his concern about the fact that entrepreneurs, be they in the catering/tourism industry or the unrestricted construction industry, are relentlessly usurping the fundamental rights of the general public to the comfortable use of pavements (as much as promenades). "

"It is to be noted that MFOPD has long since voiced its concern about the problem. It started by logging a complaint with the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD) with special reference to Xlendi Bay in Gozo. Not only no minimal progress has in any way been registered since, rather, the situation worsened as months and years rolled by."

The Federation's major concern, logically, lies in the realm of persons with disability. "Why do they have to be deprived of their fundamental right to move around freely, despite their mobility restraints, without incurring danger to their health, if not to their life? Enjoying the beautiful panorama of the seafront in a relaxed outing is not a luxury but a basic need and right to one and all."

"Reiterating Dr Briguglio's appeal, let us put persons as a priority over financial gain. Let Local Councils prioritise on their agenda the right to safe access to public areas, and subsequently be permitted the authority to put their Council decisions into tangible reality. Let the general public be sovereign over public areas which belong to the nation and not to individual entrepreneurs who fork out money to acquire permits, well knowing that it brings forth double, triple, quadruple return on their investment at the expense of the rights of persons with disability and the public at large."