The claim that the development of Manoel Island is at a crossroad and that the opportunity exists for Government to terminate MIDI's concession is false and misleading, MIDI said in a statement.

The company was reacting to the news that on Saturday, March 29, at 10am, a coalition of organisations will hold an event to launch the campaign 'Manoel Island: A Place for Us.'

"The prerogative that the development of Manoel Island must be completed by next year fails to take into account the provisions of the Deed which clearly state that the time for the performance of MIDI's obligations is automatically extended in case of delays associated with the issue of full development permits, in case of delays associated with archaeological finds and in case of delays caused by any event or circumstance outside MIDI's control," MIDI said. 

"The delays encountered are clearly documented and include the delays associated with the archaeological finds which necessitated the complete redesign of the masterplan, delays associated with the issue of permits including a recent appeal dismissed by the Court of Appeal and most recently the delays associated with the requirement to prepare a Heritage Impact Assessment."

 "The statement that Manoel Island should be developed into a green public open space for the benefit of everyone demonstrates that Movimemt Graffiti has failed to acknowledge the significant improvements in the revised masterplan as this contemplates that more than 60% of MIDI's concession is earmarked for accessible public open spaces, including the 80,000sqm Glacis Park," MIDI said.