Writers worth publishing

Two students from St Martin's College, Swatar, Annabel Hili and Samuel Montague, won first prize in the news reporting and investigative reporting categories respectively of the first 'Write and be Published' writing workshop and competition organised by the British Culture Association. The project introduced Sixth Formers studying English to the skills needed for writing in the press and other media.

Three students from St Aloysius' College, Birkirkara, Anna Micallef, Rachelle Micallef and Pier Bergedahl, received merits awards in the TV/radio scriptwriting, news reporting and investigative reporting categories respectively. Another merit was awarded to Hillary Briffa from De La Salle College, Cottonera, in the investigative reporting category.

The prize-giving ceremony was held last Thursday at Villa Parisio, Lija, seat of the competition's main sponsors The Strickland Foundation. It was also supported by the Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) and the Education Ministry.

The participants came from Gian Frangisk Abela Junior College, Msida, De la Salle College, St Martin's College, St Aloysius' College, and Giovanni Curmi Upper Secondary school, Naxxar. They attended sessions on TV/radio scriptwriting led by Keith Demicoli, a PBS journalist/TV producer and president of the IĠM's Malta Youth Press Club; on news report writing, led by journalist Nestor Laviera, and on investigative news reporting, led by The Malta Independent editor Michael Carabott. The workshop was held last February at the Junior College.

The following are the two articles that were awarded first prize in their respective category.

Valletta's phoenix

Samuel Montague
1st prize winner in investigative reporting category.

Dickens once said 'It was the best of times, it was the worst of times'. He had a point. We live in a strange era, the bankers are trading in their BMWs for Priuses, factory workers have about as much job security as blacksmiths with arthritis, and the islands are bracing themselves for the worst drop in tourist numbers in years. Still, Malta is one of the few countries not currently in a recession.

The Big R. It's as if we should cower into a corner at the very mention of it, but it doesn't seem to affect us Maltese. We're an interesting lot. The word is that even the punters from Britain won't be coming for their annual 'oliday, yet everyone seems to be perfectly fine with the government's plan to spend €2.8 million on the new breakwater bridge, leading, quite literally, to nowhere.

One could argue that such a project will improve Valletta's image and add majesty to our capital city. In what is blatantly obvious, one will have never walked through City Gate, to be met with the eyesore that is the opera house ruins. If ever money could be spent on improving our national heritage, surely this should be a top priority. The ruins are a rotting symbol of Maltese inefficiency. It is often argued that Malta is branded as a traditional 'sun and sea' package holiday destination, and it's not hard to see why; there is too little being done to preserve our historical roots.

The architectural gem made Valletta. It was the focal point of the city; touring shows from all over Europe made it a point to stop in Malta and perform there. When fire gutted the building in 1873, the authorities took it upon themselves to have it restored in just four years. So why are we not doing the same, over 100 years later, with technology the 19th century workman would not have even dared to dream of?

The answers seem to be never-ending. At first, the compensation the Germans provided following the war was spent on other projects, with continued promises of addressing the issue. Sixty years later and nothing's changed. Except, of course, for those conveniently camouflaged plans to convert the ruins into a new parliament.

The opera house was an entity whose purpose was to provide entertainment for the public. During its entire operational history it did just that. If reconstructed, the only fitting tribute would be to build it as it was, serving the same function and to be appreciated by us, the citizens. While many can view the day-to-day parliamentary affairs as public entertainment, contemporary theatre productions would seem more apt.

Many suggestions have been put forward, from ultra-modern glass structures to glorified tents. Both local and foreign architects have submitted their interpretations of what should rise from the ashes, and every time the resounding majority has voiced its support in rebuilding the theatre as it was. A compromise seems the most appropriate solution; a building that retains the original exterior, but with an up-to-date interior that would set new standards in modern architecture.

Imagine walking through a rejuvenated City Gate, with detailed engravings and carved balustrades, to be met with the dramatic view of the Royal Opera House, bathed in sunlight, looking as it had always been there. It makes you forget sun and sea altogether.

NGOs call for Climate Change Bill

Annabel Hili
1st prize winner in news reporting category.

Local environmental non-governmental organisations are calling on members of Parliament to commit their support to a Climate Change Bill which is to be debated in parliament next week. The NGO Friends of the Earth Malta (FoE) is at the head of this initiative, backed by various other organisations. It stressed that the Bill could alleviate some of the most pressing issues that Malta and the EU will have to face in the coming years.

In a recently issued press release, FoE said a number of statistics have shown that the Maltese population is becoming increasingly concerned with escalating fuel and other related costs. These include rises in energy prices and an increase in surcharges.

According to the NGO, if Malta is to reach the targets which have been set by the European Union on C02 emissions and renewable energy, legislation committing the country to a sustainability plan is of imperative importance. It claims that by implementing environmentally friendly systems of transport and energy, C02 emissions could be reduced drastically, especially if legally binding commitments to guarantee emission cuts are introduced.

The proposed cuts should be equal to a reduction of at least 30 per cent by the year 2020, and 90 per cent by the year 2050 with regard to EU-wide domestic emissions. To gain support for the Climate Change Bill, which was proposed by MP Leo Brincat in parliament on October 9, 2008, FoE has been collecting signatures since February 2008 by means of a petition.

FoE is confident that the Bill could prove to be a groundbreaking piece of legislation which would put Malta at the forefront of environmental protection, something it believes is crucial in this day and age. It highlights the fact that the UK and Finland have already introduced a similar bill tackling climate change, while Ireland, Austria and Belgium are among other countries that are in the process of doing so.

Concerned citizens have also addressed the issue, sending over 2,000 letters to various MPs, asking them to show their support and favour the new legislation. The initiative is being backed by the following local environmental NGOs: Birdlife Malta, Din l-Art Ħelwa, Flimkien Għal Ambjent Aħjar, the GAIA Foundation, the Light Pollution Awareness Group, Moviment Graffitti, Nature Trust Malta and Żminijietna.

For more information on the BCA, visit www.bcamalta.org.