Chairman's attack on NGO (1)

Since I was not present at the meeting when Mepa granted a permit for a tourist complex overlooking Ramla l-Hamra in Gozo, and since I do not have access to the files dealing with the case, I will restrict myself to the article as appearing in The Times of June 12, 2007, under the title Mepa Defends Ramla Permit. Let's have a look at what emerges from the article - besides chairman Andrew Calleja's bruised ego that is to say. The chairman's main thrust is that "only the area occupied by the present building would be redeveloped". On the other hand, Astrid Vella of Flimkien ghall-Ambient Ahjar contends that "the outline permit covers much more land than the existing structures". Moreover, Ms Vella says that she would be in a better position to substantiate her allegation once the FAA "is allowed access to the Mepa file on Ramla l-Hamra".

Ms Vella also challenged Mr Calleja to publish the reports compiled by a group of archaeologists and the auditor. Mr Calleja, much irked by Ms Vella's contentions and attitude at the meting, declared a boycott on FAA.

Well, my first reaction on the reading the article was: If Mr Calleja cannot take the flak that comes with such a position, he should resign and not turn "livid" and bluster and issue boycotts. Frankly, we are not impressed.

Why should we believe Mr Calleja and not the FAA? Nobody is accusing him or the other members of the board of any "irregularities", but we have witnessed too many official (and officious) stooges, all too eager to sell their masters' projects/policies, not to have grown slightly cynical.

Individuals pitted against government ministers and their fronts are in a singularly disadvantageous position. That's what NGOs like FAA are for - to fight the good fight. If all the files and reports were made available it could be decided whether Mr Calleja and Mepa have been unfairly treated and are owed an apology. Until this is done, and until Mr Calleja keeps reacting petulantly by throwing tantrums and imposing boycotts, he has to allow us our scepticism...together with the sneaking suspicion that, by finding an excuse not to show FAA the files and reports, this is indeed, as Ms Vella said, "in line with Mepa's present policy to gag its critics".