Golf course blues(3)

Paul Abela is the epitome of arrogance.

He flatly decides to ignore the opinion of a significant portion of the Maltese population, who don't have the financial clout of the big "developer", deeming it fit to call them "the many weaklings around us" and "the faint-hearted". What he fails to see is that such people have at heart not only the economical well-being of the country but also its cultural and natural well-being.

Luckily for us, not all Maltese are like Mr Abela, who seems to think that we can live on money alone; not everyone thinks that a tract of natural land is there to be developed for the pleasure of a few rather than the enjoyment of all. Yes, many people like me put great value on Malta's natural environment. It is part of our standard of living and feeling of well-being to have access to naturally beautiful and quiet spots to spend time in and get away from the hubbub of everyday life.

Mr Abela assumes that because he was ignorant about where Xaghra l-Hamra was before the golf course proposal was made, so were the rest of the Maltese. I bet he doesn't even know why it is called Xaghra l-Hamra. Has Mr Abela been there, not just by car, but really walked around, observed, admired and enjoyed? Does he spend hours every week in such natural environments all around the island, like I and many like-minded people do? I bet his idea of a relaxing walk is on the Sliema front "admiring" the many construction sites while bumping into other people.

Mr Abela even says that "future generations will look at these newer investments and be proud once again of the achievement of us Maltese", referring to the Xaghra l-Hamra and Ta' Cenc golf course proposals.

I ask, what would the Maltese have achieved? Another white elephant, another important piece of natural heritage lost forever, never to be recovered. What will our future generations have to look at? Nothing but developed land, which once was peaceful, natural, and accessible for everyone's enjoyment. They will never be able to enjoy our islands as we have.

"Golf courses embellish the environment," Mr Abela says! In what ways, may I ask? If he thinks that a Sliema-sized lawn is an environmental embellishment, unless he's considering Maghtab, then think again. If he really believes that the garigue is a wasteland, then he should go and look closely for himself. He'll find a diversity of plant and animal life that no golf course can offer, apart from the garigue being a typical Maltese environment, which a golf course certainly isn't.

So, contrary to what Mr Abela insists, let our leaders listen to everyone's opinions. The majority of Maltese don't have the financial power to influence decisions and finance projects, but they have their voice and an equal right to decide the country's future.