Balance and sensitivity should be the priority to survive the current crisis, the Chamber of SMEs said as it noted that it is the duty of the government to sustain Valletta and private operators in the current times.
The statement refers to an activity organised by the government called 'Christmas in the City', which was announced on Monday with the aim of encouraging more people to go to Valletta during the Christmas period and bringing a sense of Christmas-spirit to the capital.
During the launch of the event, Valletta Cultural Agency Chairman Jason Micallef said that “Covid-19 will not kill Christmas”, and Tourism Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli said that her ministry in tandem with the MTA were always looking for ways to support the capital city and businesses within it.
The event however has drawn stinging criticism from the Malta Union of Midwives and Nurses, the Medical Association of Malta, and the Malta Environmental Health Officers Association amongst others.
The Tourism Ministry on Tuesday clarified that no mass events or parties will be taking place, and that everything is being done in line with health protocols - although when asked for comment on Monday, Health Minister Chris Fearne said that he still had to look at the details of what was planned.
In a statement on Tuesday, the Chamber of SMEs said that one needs to find balance in order to avoid severe repercussions.
"Valletta businesses have had a very bad year due to Covid, much worse than that experienced in any other locality. A good number have had to close and let people go. Calling it a day is a very hard decision and the repercussions of such decisions are being much underestimated today. Waking up not having a job to go to is a very harsh reality with devastating effects on the person and the family”, the Chamber said.
They said that the Capital city is ideal for many reasons during the current times. It has large open-air spaces and in total Valletta covers a significant area. People are still finding ways to enjoy the outdoors and Valletta is currently safe and under-utilised.
“Highlighting this function of Valletta and giving the families, seeking to enjoy some quality time safely, a small token of encouragement in terms of free parking is very balanced and sensitive in the current times”, they said.
The Chamber noted that hopefully a solution through the vaccine is fast approaching and one will be able to return to an increased level of normality, however in the meantime we must be balanced and sensitive to avoid severe repercussions.
“People want to go on living their life safely and it is the duty of the Government to provide such a space with the best possible conditions to do so. It is also the duty of the Government to sustain Valletta and private operators in this great time of need”, they said.
“No Notte Bianca or event-like activity was announced yesterday. Some Christmas lights and kids choir can hardly be referred to as an activity, let alone an event”, they added.
“The Health Authorities have been consulted and there are clear protocols that must be followed. Apart from this everyone has his own responsibilities to follow and the authorities have their important function to address anyone acting in disregard. A few bad apples cannot steal away everyone else’s enjoyment of the Christmas spirit”, the Chamber continued.
The Chamber said that it is categorically against any irresponsibility and breach of health regulations. Health and the economy are not against each other. “Quite to the contrary they go hand-in-hand and we will continue being against any attempts to upset this balance from either side.”