Valletta's potential

"Proud of our city." These words were used by the Minister of Tourism, Francis Zammit Dimech, in his recent Talking Point article.

What have we done to our city? It's a living city by day and a dead and terrifying city by night - the only one in Europe, I suppose!

May I suggest that representatives from the MTA, Valletta local council, the police force and Mepa visit Taormina to see how Taorminians have been so clever to make their small town so beautiful. Every little corner and flight of steps has been developed as an art gallery or tiny restaurant. Musicians and artists fill the streets. They have Notte Bianca every day in the morning and in the night! Why can't we do the same with Valletta?

Just a few ideas for our capital city:

1. Open all the museums in the evening between 6 p.m. and midnight.

2. Create a market in Republic Street with standardised booths (like those in Bologna) selling old coins, old books, antiques, etc. (no monti rubbish). No rental would be charge for those who are prepared to exhibit their goods.

3. Illuminate all the churches and open them so that visitors to our country can admire these beautiful monuments.

4. Invite artists to paint in Republic Street and other streets in the city.

5. Hold weekend exhibitions in St George Square of such things as classical cars, hobbies, Maltese wines, etc.

6. Have more coffee shops with tables outside.

I have many more ideas on file. These were sent to me by local people after I had conducted a marketing exercise on Valletta. Perhaps the Minister of Tourism will find the time to have a look at them and discuss them. Tel: 7986 8165.

We can only be proud of our city if it is a living city, not a dead one.