Christian Peregin
Magic Kiosk won't disappear
The former Magic Kiosk remains in suspended animation, hazardous and an even bigger eyesore than it might have been before as government and the former owner battle out their dispute in court. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli.
The government and Joe Pace, the owner of Sliema's Magic Kiosk, are still battling it out in court, forcing the demolition works the authorities undertook three weeks ago to remain in suspended animation.
The courts recently ruled that a person trusted by both sides be chosen to oversee the rest of the demolition but so far nobody has been identified.
Government sources accused Mr Pace of procrastinating on the issue, because it was he who had to nominate the person.
Mr Pace could not be reached for comment yesterday.
The court's decision was spurred by Mr Pace's second request for the issue of a warrant of prohibitory injunction filed last month, after he had first tried and failed to halt the demolition works. This time he wants to stop the government from recycling aluminium taken from the kiosk.
The government yesterday filed an application in court to force Mr Pace to choose someone to oversee the demolition so the place could be cleared up once and for all. But the request has still to be approved.
The area remains a hazard in the meantime and an even bigger eyesore than it might have been before. Piles of debris litter St Anne Square where the kiosk once stood and dangerously positioned cables keep dark green material in place around the site.
The controversial turquoise landmark in Sliema was built on government land and was rented by the Pace family for the past 32 years through two contracts.
One part of the lease expired four years ago and was never renewed and the second expired on December 19. The government had filed a judicial protest some months ago informing Mr Pace that the lease would not be renewed.
According to the Land Department, two eviction notices were issued after that date but Mr Pace expected the matter to be resolved in court and so he did not move out, even after a permit was issued for the demolition to take place.
The decision not to renew the leases was taken so that St Anne Square could be returned to its former glory as an open public space with a small wooden kiosk, an initiative of Rural Affairs Minister George Pullicino. Mr Pace had offered to fund the project himself if he could run the small kiosk but this offer was refused.
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maria abela
Feb 5th 2009, 20:06
such an eyesore that used to give several family men their bread and butter !!!! has anybody thought of that ??????? many of these men are still looking for a job and trying to feed their families ! others are taking it lightly probably because they have a wage comming in ! what about if the wheel was turned on them? i really dont care what it looked like - all i know is good or bad eyesore or no eyesore, the magic kiosk in its own right contributed even if in a minimal manner to the economical well being of this island ! we should be creating jobs not getting rid of them !!!
oliver mallia
Feb 4th 2009, 23:15
Public space with a small wooden kiosk, open tenders for all public and publish them on media. Minu l-aqwa jhawwel !
J Farrugia
Feb 4th 2009, 16:51
IS the government sleeping or is it governing? Why are the courts sleeping on this matter which is leaving that dirty blot in St Anne Square? Who's in command in charge of this petty project? Why not clean up the area immediately, court order or not. Why are we having to wait all this wasted time arguing in court about what is rightly public property.
Action please and let's do away with obstructionism.
r.lewis
Feb 4th 2009, 11:57
Do we need to attract tourists to Malta. Brand Malta with a photo like that on the internet in the centre of Sliema. Its a joke and this Island will never change. Whether its Magic Kiosk, or Magic Island, I presume the owner of any illegal structures or any illegal street furniture will be notified beforehand about the action to be taken, hence the owner had ample time to organise his/her personal removal contractor. In this particular case it seems that either the authorities didn't inform Mr.Pace before, or otherwise the Authorities act differently. You cannot have two ways and two measures. The Law is there for everyone, its either legal or illegal, full stop. If there were any pending issues between the proprietor and the Authorities, first they should have got the go ahead and then proceed. But you cannot have a situation with such an eyesore. I recall of when the Authorities removed tables, chairs and other street furniture one evening while customers where actually dining or drinking. Ok its illegal, but this could have easily been carried out during the day. This attitude will defintely harm our tourist industry. Some common sense please.
P Debono
Feb 4th 2009, 11:06
Joe Pace won't go away overnight, just like the dark days of the MLP government in the 1980's won't go away overnight. Unfortunately, we are still suffering the repercussions of the grave injustices that were made in the past.
H Dempster
Feb 4th 2009, 10:31
What about the 3 horrible structures situated on public land at Ghar id dud, will they be removed.? Why doesn't the government re build one kiosk like the one at Fond Ghadir and lease it to the highest bidder?