MTA chairman stands by Mistra report
Malta Tourism Authority chairman Sam Mifsud today defended a report penned for the MTA by its former consultant George Micallef on the development of Mistra, saying the authority believed that the north needed a new entertainment area to boost tourism.
Mr Mifsud was testifying before Magistrate Lawrence Quintano in the compilation of evidence against Mr Micallef, 48, of St Julians, who is pleading not guilty to making a false declaration on and before October last year. The case revolves around the report prepared for the MTA by Mr Micallef, who also prepared a report to back a development application for the development of a disco at Mistra on land belonging to Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando.
Mr Mifsud said his position was based on the authority’ policies of promoting a spread of places of entertainment – currently focused in the St Julians/Paceville area. These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations.
Testifying in a previous court sitting, Police Inspector Ian Abdilla said that Mr Micallef had told the police he had been asked by Mr Pullicino Orlando to write a favourable report about the proposed discotheque. Mr Micallef added that , irrespective of this, he would have still recommended the project from a purely touristic point of view.
On taking the witness stand today, Mr Mifsud said that he first saw the report in question when investigating police brought it to his attention. He added that it was not unusual for the MTA to draw up reports on where establishments were needed, adding that MEPA requested such reports on a regular basis.
Police Inspectors Angelo Gafà and Ian Abdilla prosecuted. Lawyers Joseph Giglio and Stephen Tonna Lowell appeared for Mr Micallef.
43 Comments
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philip pace
Aug 24th 2008, 18:26
My advice to Mr.Sam Mifsud is to go infront of a mirror, look at it very intensly and repeat the words, 'PLAY IT AGAIN,SAM" for a thousand times until it becomes a trance like mantra and then start to believe in yourself.
And then try to convice us.
Joe Vella
Aug 24th 2008, 17:31
@ A. Daley
I will pick MEPA anytime over Lorry Sant and the MLP the way they dealt with development.
Henry Mifsud
Aug 24th 2008, 11:36
Personal attacks never seem to cease in these responses. When are we to learn to call a spade a spade and stop there? If one takes a closer look at the photo captioned, the fact that there is a piece of the land without greenery sticking out as a sore thumb already sends out the wrong vibes. Just imagine a disco in the middle of this quasi unspoilt valley. Other comments will be superfluous!
d bugeja
Aug 24th 2008, 07:46
Oh come do they think we are so stupid to beleive that such development would boost tourism and so yes to remind you that it happened to be owned by one of MP member. How would they have reacted if the development was owned by an ordinary citizen? obviously it would have been turned out .
Such comments insult our intelligence.This matter stinks>
Robert Zammit
Aug 23rd 2008, 21:55
@Mr.Camilleri
You are more than welcome to your opinion - and I will be the first to defend your saying it, in spite of feeling no affinity to its substance. I do have an affinity, however, to governments who manage their state agencies well, and I doubt I need emphasise that a government which does not pronounce itself on an important issue such as whether we build a nightclub on pristine land or not is as guilty as one which pronounces itself to an excess.
In this case, I do believe Mr. Mifsud was simply confirming tourism as being the MTA's top priority - as it should be. Having said that, however, I doubt any of us would forgive the central bank governor if he went on record saying that he's in favour of 0% inflation, whilst maintaining, in the same breath, that he was proposing such a scenario without considering the massive unemployment it would create.
Nor would we forgive, for the record, a government that stood idly by such a recommendation.
Alfred Camilleri
Aug 23rd 2008, 19:18
@Robert Zammit; Clint Mizzi
I doot see how the Government comes into the picture at all, when it has never expressed itself one way or the other on the matter.
In any case, I firmly hold that most criticism of proposed projects where final approval is determined by the Authorities, comes from those who have an axe to grind with the Government, inspite of Zammit's commiseration.
Clint Mizzi
Aug 23rd 2008, 15:34
@Mr. Camilleri
unfortunately this type of mentality is holding backward Maltese politics... if u dint agree with government you are a red guy else a blue guy ...: ) please think with your mind not with your hearth
@ Mr. farrugia
I totally agree with you. The tourism factor is not an excuse. What do we want? Having another Las Vegas / Ibiza (which the world is full of) or preserve our historical and environment areas which are a very important tourist attractions?
Robert Zammit
Aug 23rd 2008, 10:57
@ Mr. Camilleri
I quite pity this whole red/blue dichotomy - I think it's so unfair, given I always feel left out of it. Having said that, if you insist on calling anyone who dares criticise a state agency 'red', then I'm more than willing to be called red - knowing that's probably the only comeback you're capable of coming up with.
Paul Borg
Aug 23rd 2008, 04:43
What is it about the Malta Tourism Authority that it's almost always run with such a flair for cretinism. It is ALMOST unbelievable. It’s just so SAD.
Albert M Bezzina
Aug 22nd 2008, 23:39
"These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations." The MTA Chairman has confirmed that advise and recommendations coming from the MTA are on one track and on one track alone (tourism priorities), ignoring other issues which common sense dictates that such issues such as the environment and heritage should always be given due consideration by whatever body.
A similar example of crass one-track-mindedness with priority given to 'boosting' tourism was also supposedly the reason why the MTA had suggested to Government to scrap any thought of near off-shore wind farms. In this case the MTA also did not go into environmental considerations. It must have also not gone into considering the implications of Malta not participating in our obligations to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, in the need to reduce dependence on fossil fuels and in giving our Islands some degree of energy security.
If the MTA's mission is truly the national interest, it should reconsider and withdraw the advice given to Government not to install near off-shore wind farms. Advice given when Russia was only starting to become an important player in energy supplies and oil was around $35 a barrel!
Alfredo Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2008, 23:11
This being Malta, what makes me suspect tha ALL those disagreeing with Mr Sam Mifsud's views, prefer red as a colour?
James A. Tyrrell
Aug 22nd 2008, 22:40
What with Air Malta cancelling flights right left and centre and now the Chairman of the Malta Tourism Authority saying that the right way to attract tourists to the island is to destroy the environment by building a nightclub on it, is it any wonder tourism is going to hell?
Mr Mifsud I’m a tourist, you know one of the people that you are supposed to be representing, and I can tell you that the last thing I want is a nightclub. If I wanted to go clubbing there are plenty of rubbish countries I could go to for that. Since you obviously have no idea what tourists come to Malta for can I ask you what you are doing in the job?
Franco Farrugia
Aug 22nd 2008, 22:17
'the authority believed that the north needed a new entertainment area to boost tourism.'
Who exactly believed this?
What is Bugibba, Qawra, St Paul's Bay and even Mellieha, if not 'new entertainment areas to boost tourism'???????
Who is going to believe this? John Citizen?
'These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations.'
Is that all that interests the MTA? Isn't the MTA at all interested in the environmental and heritage repercussions to locals and to the tourists alike?
Why not turn Malta into a Mediterranean Las Vegas, then????? Is this the role of the MTA?
Raymond Sammut
Aug 22nd 2008, 22:01
2 wrongs do not make a right. Trying to defend what is starkly illegal, and detrimental under the pretext of more entertainment facilities required to the north of the island whilst the rape of our natural environment continues unabated, is scandalous.
I call for the resignation of the MTA Chairman for trying to support an act which is against nature tourism, and which is supposed to be his duty to prevent.
It is not acceptable that such people hold such high positions.
Gavril Flores
Aug 22nd 2008, 21:27
One of MTA aims (hopefully tourism priorities too):
Promotes eco-friendly practices and certification
(Reference http://www.mta.com.mt/index.pl/product_planning_development).
"These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities...";-)
Anthony Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2008, 20:57
How come certain people are not ashamed to utter such nonsense in public!
Robert Zammit
Aug 22nd 2008, 20:41
@ R Muscat
"MEPA, Cultural Heritage and the Environment do not fall under the responsibility of the same Minister now that we have a new and improved Cabinet. So that means that one will not necessary have to support the other."
Your "new and improved" cabinet needs to get with the 21st century - lest you're willing to have petrol stations in town squares, fireworks next to houses, planning guidlines not worth the paper they're printed on, and disgraced politicians representing Malta in international conferences on conflicts of interest.
Lucky me, though! We already have all this and more, thanks to our medieval parochial political system that promotes mediocre statements such as "culture, tourism, and the environment do not need to support one another"!
(And lest you call me a labour elf, I'd be saying the same thing if we had a labour cabinet in Castille).
R Muscat
Aug 22nd 2008, 20:22
@ Emmanuel Calleja
MEPA, Cultural Heritage and the Environment do not fall under the responsibility of the same Minister now that we have a new and improved Cabinet. So that means that one will not necessary have to support the other.
m scerri
Aug 22nd 2008, 19:26
Poor Sam Mifsud - he must be under intense pressure to back Mr. Micallef's favourable report on Mistra. It is a shame that our tourism authority is chaired by a person holding such views. Come on Sam Mifsud - go ahead and approve the resiting of JPO's nightclub at Ggantija!
@Dr. Gonzi: please add MTA to your to do list, right after MEPA.
Emmanuel Cachia
Aug 22nd 2008, 19:09
"These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations". As if the environment and heritage are not part and parcel of the touristic package. Are you sure this is correct? If it is, this is simply incredible.
Robert Zammit
Aug 22nd 2008, 19:03
@Mr. Camilleri:
I refer to the MTA's mission statement, as found on its website (which is in terrible need of an upgrade, but in any case).
"The mission of the Malta Tourism Authority is to advance the economic and social activity of tourism in the national interest, by working with all stakeholders to develop a sustainable industry for current and future generations."
Once again, Mr. Mifsud's comments: "These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations."
Now I'm sure there are 'thousands out there' who think Mr. Mifsud's convictions are valid. The MEPA mission statement is certainly not one of them.
Joanne Micallef
Aug 22nd 2008, 19:00
And how much exactly do we pay this guy??? No wonder our Tourism industry is in shambles.
c. Attard
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:51
@ Alfredo-- hahah where do you live? on the moon?
Jillian Micallef
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:50
Birds of feather flock together, Mr Minister, you were warned that there was conflict of interests in these appointments, and you took no notice, now you have the proof
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:38
Yes Alfredo...sure...Where are they?
Alfredo Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:22
@ Robert Zammit; Cassar E; J. Debattista and others who share the same views on the matter. You obviously have every right to consider Mr Sam Mifsud's opinions as hogwash. Nonetheless, your own views may not necessarily be essentially correct. I am sure that there are thousands out there who share and consider Mifsud's convictions as valid.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:22
daley...Stop it....Making fun of such a thing is not called for...
Oh what the hell.....your laughter is infectious!!!!!!
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH
AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA
jimmy magro
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:14
People appointed by Government to serve on boards are infallable. Please refrain from writing such blogs on this national newspaper. he..he..he..he!!
Look when these same people face the media: kollha jibdew itemtmu bil fiducja li jispiraw.
Insomma....forsi xi hadd jitghallem fl-ahhar
Stephen Spiteri
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:14
Daqs il-Mepa miexja tajjeb din l-Awtorita !!!!!!!!!
someone mentioned tal-Ferh Complex, what about the White Rocks ?
C Gatt
Aug 22nd 2008, 18:10
'These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations.'
So according to the MTA chairman the environment and heritage are no longer a Tourism priority? Can someone get me a sharp axe? Sam Mifsud has a Golden Goose to kill.
Martin Galea De Giovanni
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:51
..maybe if he were the mayor of Las Vegas he could get away with such nonsense ...
..seems like Mr. Chairman needs to read the Tourism Policy issued by .. ermm the Ministry for Tourism (of Malta) ! - He need not read the whole document if he has no time for it ... but stick to page 7 ......
The objectives of our tourism policy are:.
- to manage tourism in Malta and Gozo on the principles of sustainable development;
- to maintain and conserve environmental and socio-cultural resources, being the key elements of the Maltese Islands’ tourism product.
- to increase tourism earnings and tourism value added;
- to sustain existing jobs and create more and better jobs
- to achieve a fair distribution of income;
- to increase our competitive advantage and deliver quality and distinct tourism product, built on our characteristics;
.... the chairman's score is 1 out of six ... pretty poor score for somebody who earns a good salary and is very much responsible for one of the country's main engines ....
R.Gauci
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:40
If the MTA believes that the north needs a new entertainment area (something which I personally agree on) why not trying to use already existing buildings sites not in use such as the Hal Ferh Holiday Complex which had been left like a ghost village? This wouldn't had impact on nature like the Mistra project would had especially regarding parking.
You don't need to be a genius to think about it! Come on!
I realy wonder how some people are left to manage authorities with such importance in Malta's economy!
Adrian Fabri
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:36
Just to let you know Mr Chairman that in the past from St Pauls Bay to Ghadira there were nightclubs ..and unfortunately they closed down...tourism does not needs night clubs , tourism needs pristine enviroment.
2point......did MEPA ever consider giving us a guarantee so that when Night Club (or any other development) close down , land will return SOIL so that nature will flourish again...not will be turned to some private villa, or a hotel, or apartments etcc...
Common sense.
D Schembri
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:33
Do you all sleep at night?
A Daley
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:30
Ha ha haaaaaaaaj ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaj
Haha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaj
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, Ha ha ha ha ha ha
Oh my world - - - - I'm out of breath.
Ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ha ha ha ha
Ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaj
Ha ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ha ha haj
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha ha
Ajma jahasra - - - qtajtulna nifisna bid-dahk!
Ser toqtluna bil-hmerijiet li hergin! Ha ha ha ha aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa
Ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa ha haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaj!
Haaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa --- Ha ha haaaaa!
L-aqwa li ghandna l-mepa hi!
NEXT REPORT PLEASE!
James Incorvaja
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:29
Is it possible that Mr Mifsud was quoted wrongly? I mean, was he just saying what MTA is directly concerned with and leaving it for other bodys to take care of enviroment?
carmel Taliana
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:22
Lets build a seventy storey holel at Mistra with all the amenities like the
Kingdom of Dubai did and earn more money from the tourist industry.
Maria Dolores Fenech
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:21
Quote:Testifying in a previous court sitting, Police Inspector Ian Abdilla said that Mr Micallef had told the police he had been asked by Mr Pullicino Orlando to write a favourable report about the proposed discotheque.
And then JPO still repeats that he KNEW nothing about the project!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1fJLj1u4GCU&NR=1
If he keeps on saying it in eternum, he may start to believe it as well, any maybe finds a gullable persons to believe him too.
As Fr Joe Borg, Joe Saliba, Frank Portelli, and many others told you to do - JPO must resign from the PN to end this scandal.
Pierre Agius
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:18
Ditto!
John Debattista
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:12
DON'T Take us for a ride Mr Mifsud.... HA HA HA
Cassar E.
Aug 22nd 2008, 17:05
based on the authority’ policies : "These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations."
We definitely do not need a Malta Tourism Authority with these policies!
Robert Zammit
Aug 22nd 2008, 16:53
"These policies were strictly based on tourism priorities and did not go into environmental or heritage considerations."
MTA Chairman Sam Mifsud should know that in any country - let alone a small and crowded country such as ours, such sentences make absolutely no sense. Does anyone take seriously any project that does not take into consideration environmental or heritage factors? (I wonder whether we'll have a report recommending a nightlcub in Ggantija, and then have the MTA saying the recommendation was purely tourism related).
Tourism priorities are precisely about environmental and heritage considerations - and cannot be viewed in standalone terms. To even utter such malarky is to make fun not only of the people listening, but of one's own post as Chairman of our country's tourism authority.
Jeremy J Camilleri
Aug 22nd 2008, 16:51
And the plot thickens...