Accountability

The destruction of medical records at the former military hospital in Mtarfa is unfortunate and a blow to anyone who would, in the future, like to conduct research. However, even more worrying is the statement by Max Farrugia, chairman of the Friends of the National Archives, that there are several other rooms scattered over the island housing thousands of documents and the authorities have no idea where they are located.

Is this possible? Is it possible that in this country no one is ever accountable? How does one know about something without knowing where they are? This is really amazing and an immediate investigation should be launched. Where are or were records held?

A photograph of the building where the medical documents were held shows it to be in a dilapidated state. Again here, what has happened to our national heritage? Who is supposed to look after such buildings? Why are buildings which have some historical value allowed to fall into such a state of disrepair?

The Maltese are proud of their heritage and we try to attract visitors from abroad precisely for them to admire and learn more about our little island. Action is demanded on both fronts - the protection of any type of documents and the repair and upkeep of such buildings.