More than a suburb

Upon reading Paul Spiteri Lucas's letter in The Times (Floriana Just A Suburb, December 2), I was unsure if the correspondent knows that since the construction of the Floriana fortifications, hundreds of years have passed and things have changed, and for the better indeed!

If the first inhabitants of Floriana felt like they were part of Valletta, why did they bother to start distinguishing themselves from the city? This shows that a new town was born, independent from Valletta. This is confirmed by the long and successful struggle of Florianites to have their own parish.

No one denies that Floriana is the city's suburb. No Florianite is ashamed of that. On the other hand, we have all reasons to be proud of the achievements of our little suburb! This suburb of just under 3,000 residents can boast a majestic parish church, Malta's most beautiful gardens and vast open spaces which have been the location of important historical events.

Mr Spiteri Lucas also knows, although he finds it hard to digest, that Floriana has produced a football club which is the envy of other localities, including the city itself!

Finally, let me repeat that yes, it has become a daily struggle for us to defend our boundaries and interests. People like Mr Spiteri Lucas repeatedly try to misinform the public.

I also thank God for giving me the privilege to have been raised in Floriana. I am sorry for Mr Spiteri Lucas as unfortunately for him he can never understand what it means to be part of Floriana.