Lawrence Camilleri, Xagħra
Xagħra's soul saved
What a sad day it is when the illegal, piecemeal and inappropriate "embellishments" of some commercial establishments are referred to as the soul of a village! And even when their removal is regarded as "rape". (Soul of Xagħra Village Ripped Apart, Stephen Peters, December 1)
Since time immemorial, and for many years before Mr Peters was welcomed to the village, Victory Square was the most thriving square on Gozo and the village hub. With the right action taken, illegalities have been removed and Victory Square has been given back to the people of Xagħra.
They can now safely walk on the pavements and enjoy Victory Square as it once was.
I suggest Mr Peters ask the locals for their views to discover what was "ripping apart the soul of Xagħra village" up to a couple of weeks ago. The illegalities in the square blocked traffic lanes, causing confusion for drivers and threatening life and limb of pedestrians at all times of the day. Adults have been knocked down, and children nearly run over by cars - after being forced to walk on the road due to street furniture blocking the pavement. The base of the historical stone cross in the square has frequently been damaged due to vehicles hitting it after a traffic lane was made narrower. The additional traffic congestion and pollution caused was not conducive to village life.
As far as I am aware the people of Xagħra from all walks of life and of all political beliefs welcomed the action and are indebted and thankful to Jason Azzopardi, Parliamentary Secretary for Lands, and his department for rescuing the soul of the village of Xagħra.
In fact we should view this as an opportunity to embellish the square holistically with the input of, and for the benefit of, the whole community. However, I am grateful that until that time we can now enjoy a safer, more accessible and less polluted Victory Square than we had before Thursday, November 27, 2008.
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Geoffrey Bajada
Dec 6th 2008, 19:28
Dear Mr Camilleri
Regarding Xaghra's Soul i'm sorry to tell you that it's still not completed saved. Do you forget that there are still other business still functioning on trucks occupying car parking spaces from early in the morning till afternoon and to make things worse leaving scrap and rubbish behind them making Xaghra 'Soul' look quite dirty for both locals and foreigns alike.
So i wonder why you don't mention them or aren't they occupying public lands also. Maybe you are only concerned about the Restaurant and Bars only!!!
Gaynor Turnbull
Dec 6th 2008, 10:15
Igalea: Foreigners, and I assume you mean British people have embraced Gozo and its culture we do not want to change things but we are allowed an opinion especially now this country is in the E.U... Yes, we like to spend our hard earned cash in bars, restaurant, shops and apartments that locals build in effect putting money into this lovely island that we have settled in. What we don’t do is complain, hide behind words or take jobs from locals to send money back to the U.K.
I suggest he or she goes to the nearest quarry or building site to get that rather large chip removed from his/her shoulder. The inferiority complex is something only he/she can do something about. Thankfully the majority of Gozitans are warm pleasant and friendly people who have no problem with race. You igalea are obviously a minority.
lgalea
Dec 4th 2008, 22:54
Eric Soames, Phil Press
That's not rude.
That's the truth, but as they say truth hurts.
Phil Press
Dec 4th 2008, 15:53
@ Eric, DITTO!!!. 100% agree with you.
Eric Soames
Dec 4th 2008, 15:22
Igalea: There's no need to be so rude.
lgalea
Dec 4th 2008, 10:32
Agree with you 100%
No need to speak of the arrogance and imposing attitude of foreigners who after being welcomed in our society try to impose their attitudes, perspectives and feelings of superiority on the local citizens.
The message is that we are no longer a colony, remember that.