In today's context the Manoel Island development concession in favour of MIDI is unthinkable and against the public interest. By a fortuitous stroke of luck it has been discovered that, unless proven otherwise, MIDI is holding on to a contract that, through missed deadlines, has been invalidated. It seems however that this luck is evaporating since the PL and the PN have declared an intention to somehow allow MIDI to go ahead and build 350 flats, plus whatever else, on Manoel Island.

Once again the PN is missing the boat and losing an opportunity to behave responsibly in favour of the environment, against the exploitation of public land by private developers. What a missed chance to take a stand to conserve a unique historic island that gives some oxygen to a hideously overbuilt  Sliema and Gzira. It is a pity that the PN is unable to distance itself from a wrong and harmful development decision taken jointly with the PL 25 years ago.

Back in 2000, Tigne plus Manoel Island proved too tempting a bite for MIDI to miss. It seems however that MIDI was aware it could not simultaneously chew both sites, so it secured an incredible 2023 deadline by when it had to conclude the Manoel Island part of the concession. This 2023 deadline has not been respected.  It seems MIDI has been too busy over-exploiting the Tigne Point concession. This unfulfilled obligation has created an opportunity for the public to take back what was so irresponsibly given away. Opposing an expressed public wish the Labour and Nationalist parties are blatantly refusing to claim back Manoel Island.

So many of our politicians appear to be so uncivilised and uncultured, lacking a sense of history.  Within our Parliament there does not seem to be much awareness that the fortified island is an integral part of a magnificent system of defence that covers Marsamxett, Grand Harbour, Valletta and the three Cities. Manoel Island should become a fantastic tourist culture destination. Many MPs are considering Manoel Island as some sort of an ODZ plot that without much concern and fuss can benefit from an improvised building permit. With their limited imagination these MPs cannot visualise Manoel Island as a much needed national park to be enjoyed by the general public and in particular the Gzira and Sliema residents.   

With its restaurants and tables the foreshore of Gzira is practically inaccessible to the public. The yacht marina garden, already partly defaced, is currently under siege and subject to court legal action. Not much support to control this exploitation is forthcoming from politicians who persistently project themselves as providers of help to "people". Do over 30,000 signatories of a petition for a desperately needed park qualify as "people" in need of help? Who is most deserving of support, Gzira residents or MIDI shareholders?  

Much as it is not called for, there could be a way how MIDI shareholders may gratuitously be "protected". Their company may be offered initial exclusive negotiations on a project to rehabilitate the  ex-British Services housing estate lying above Bahar ic-Caghaq. A beautiful site marred by abandoned buildings.  

Whatever the outcome of this Manoel Island saga, support for Labour will not be much affected. On the other hand with more articulate and less super loyal supporters the PN's lack of backing for a National Park will result in lost votes. The PN is missing an opportunity to identify and side with the public in favour of a healthier environment. On this issue an already leaking PN boat may end up shipwrecked on Manoel Island.