The Manoel Island: Post Għalina coalition said it will remain vigilant as its pressure to see a renegotiation of the Manoel Island deed has led to the government taking legal action.
The campaign, the organisers said Thursday, has been calling for a renegotiation of the contract between Government and MIDI, based on contractual provisions, to see Manoel Island returned to the public as a park. Today, as a result of our campaign and the public recognition it achieved, both Government and MIDI have conceded that this is the best course of action.
With over 29,000 signatories, our petition has created a national discussion that has exposed a consensus within our society for the need of a national public park in the Marsamxett area. We have thrown light on the clauses of the contract for the concession, especially those that hold MIDI to account and provide Government with an upper hand to negotiate for the public interest. Our campaign has drawn support from politicians across the political spectrum, and we are satisfied to see this resulting in action.
"We join the public in celebrating the developments so far. This is the power of collective action; We appeal to all those who met us with resignation, but signed the petition anyway, to remember this moment and feel empowered in future. Nothing changes through inaction. The sea of change we have been observing in the past few days came as a result of years of activism and months of campaigning which the public was instrumental in, organised and mobilised by a small number of ordinary citizens," the coalition said.
The campaign asserts that it will remain vigilant and present during these next steps. Now that the ball is rolling to return Manoel Island to public ownership, we reiterate that the proposed park should be managed by competent environmental and cultural entities, including NGOs, as raised by Malta's foremost environmental groups. An open letter signed by academics and professionals highlights how Malta falls within a biodiversity hotspot, but is also set to face substantial climate and ecological crises. Therefore, these experts join us in advocating for the preservation and restoration of green areas with native flora that support urban biodiversity, crucial for climate resilience, and community well-being, the campaigners said.
Manoel Island's heritage treasures are of national importance and their restoration should fit the needs of local communities. These communities need to be consulted and involved throughout the planning process. Happily, Manoel Island's size and range of existing heritage buildings can accommodate multiple community spaces, including a football pitch for the Gżira club, while still retaining a sizable area as a wild native habitat. Heritage buildings should be rehabilitated for community use, art and culture, recreation, and social cohesion in a non-commercialised context that is accessible to all. The Lazzaretto, a unique quarantine complex and a fine example of its kind within Europe, with centuries of history, could house a museum showcasing Malta's medical eminence through the ages.
"In our vision, Manoel Island can become a shared space that benefits the local and national community first and foremost, while also producing a touristic product that is respectful to its context. To achieve this, its transformation must be done correctly and with responsible and professional entities. We reiterate that we will persist to see this through, and invite the public to stand by us."