Statue of La Valette

The suggestion by Antoine Cachia of a statue of La Valette to be erected in Valletta (January 22) is an excellent one which would, surely, raise no objection from any individual, party or organisation, and would be welcomed by most.

Once the idea is accepted and the financial sponsorship has been realised, the controversial step will no doubt be the siting of the statue. The idea, from the think-tank, for it to be erected close to the foundation stone of the city, however historically accurate that may be, is a non-starter. Very few citizens actually know where the foundation stone is laid, and the site is certainly off the beaten track to most visitors.

My own humble suggestion is the niche on the left hand side just before you enter the monstrosity that is known as City Gate. This area was once the workplace of "The Shoeshine Boy". Following his expulsion, it was filled with obscure ceramics. Here the statue could be viewed and photographed by all who enter via the City Gate, including cruise liner passengers, giving a head start to the tour of Il-Belt.

I am sure that most people will have their own ideas for the siting of this memorial to the Grand Master. Perhaps a public opinion poll, similar to the one for the depictions on the ewro coins, could be made via this newspaper.