It is hard to understand what could possibly be going through the minds of those who choose to vandalise national monuments and iconic buildings.

Just this week, graffiti was sprayed on Portes des Bombes in Floriana. Black lettering reading ‘I love you Dali’ with a heart was sprayed. It was vandalism, and it was stupid.

Vandalism is wrong and there are consequences. All acts of vandalism affect the community as a whole, even ones which are not on such iconic structures. For example, there have been instances where public areas were vandalised. At the beginning of 2023, it was reported that the Pembroke Gardens had suffered a string of vandalism attacks. In 2021 a historic Mellieha cross had been destroyed, back in 2016 boards on the Gharb trail were destroyed, and there have sadly been many more. All such acts do is ruin things for others who wish to enjoy them.

When vandals are caught, they should be made to clean up or pay for the damage.

There have been instances where there have been hefty consequences. One recent one that comes to mind is when an 18-year-old Italian student was fined €15,000 and handed a suspended prison sentence after being caught vandalising the Ġgantija temples in Gozo.

One would think it is obvious that heritage and iconic sites should not be touched.

Going back to Portes des Bombes, it’s not exactly some out of the way site hidden within a town or city. One literally needs to cross a main road in an open area to reach it. It was a disrespectful, stupid and appalling act.

The Culture Ministry strongly condemned the vandalism act, saying that the gate represents Malta’s cultural and historical heritage. In a statement, the government said that the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage together with the Restoration and Preservation Department are taking the necessary steps together with the police for the necessary action to be taken after the vandalism. Cleaning works took place. So proper action was taken.

But, Foriana local councillor and minority leader James Aaron Ellul noted that in every meeting over the last few months he has been appealing for answers as to why a security camera which looked onto the monument had been removed. Indeed it shouldn’t have been removed and should be reinstalled. A camera should be placed overlooking every iconic monument.

Vandalising iconic and heritage structures is not acceptable in any country. These are part of a people’s heritage, history. We must ensure that these sites are monitored and protected, and those committing such acts must be caught.