Charity begins at home... for Labour

I don't believe that one should look backwards constantly, but it is also true that in many instances the past offers a preview of the future. This is the case with the ongoing saga of the property leased to the Labour Party (PL) in Siġġiewi which is yet another proof that Labour was, still is and will remain more intent on safeguarding its interests as opposed to those of the common good.

Now that the lease is due to reach its termination, and notwithstanding that the local council intends to use the property as a day care centre, the PL is using all weapons in its armoury to defend the use of public property for partisan use.

The chronology of this case is, to put it mildly, scandalous. Part of a property, which up to 1981 was used for civic purposes, was leased to the PL on the eve of the infamous 1981 elections. The then Labour regime completed its mission in 1983 with the transfer of the remaining part of the property to the party. History repeated itself in 1987 when, a few days before that election, the lease period was extended by 24 years. Truly a case where charity begins at home!

The PL does not change. It changes its leader, its superficial image, but the substance remains the same. Joseph Muscat's earthquake has provided nothing substantial. At the moment of truth the PL confirmed that what is paramount to it is safeguarding its interests, and it is not at all interested in defending that of the community - July 31.

Improving Malta's appearance

Appearance is of utmost importance and we have to do our utmost so that our country becomes more attractive, first of all for the Maltese citizens but also for the visiting tourists. Yesterday I had the occasion to visit the ongoing works being undertaken jointly by the Works Division and the Malta Transport Authority at the site known as L-Għalqa ta' Kola, situated in front of the Roman Villa, in Rabat.

This site, in a prime tourist area, was previously abandoned and dilapidated. It is now being embellished and turned into an organised car park, which will also feature a number of citrus trees. The embellishment will serve a different purpose. The works will also reduce the dust in the area for the neighbouring community.

This is one of the various jobs being undertaken to improve the country's image. True, they are not million-euro projects but ones that will affect the neighbourhoods and improve, if only by a margin, people's standard of living.

Other projects for upgrading and embellishment have been undertaken in the commercial and touristic zones at Sliema, Buġibba and Mellieħa. We replaced all beach ladders and beach litter bins and increased the frequency of beach cleansing even through sand sifting.

The list for potential improvements is a long one. Public cleansing is one such area where much is still desirable. Litter is not sent by the heavens; we generate it. Last week, the opposition spokesman mentioned the need for more enforcement in this area. I for one certainly agree. What the opposition failed to say is that much of this enforcement also depends on local councils, many of which have a Labour majority. What the opposition spokesman also failed to mention was the fact that, when we introduced the eco contribution on plastic bags in order to reduce its environmental scourge, we found no support from their side. It would help if everybody shouldered their responsibilities - July 30.

Rediscovered beauty

St John's Co Cathedral and Valletta are not only national but also European heritage and it is, hence, our duty as Maltese and as Europeans to cherish and improve them. This is the core message I communicated to the media during a visit yesterday as restoration on the façade of St John's Co-Cathedral was completed. Restoration on the façade overlooking Merchants Street started in June last year and was followed by that in Republic Street. Other restoration and meticulous conservation is taking place on the façade in St Lucy Street.

This restoration, being carried out by workers from the Restoration Section of my ministry, is only one link in the chain of projects that are happening in Valletta. Simultaneously, the façade of Auberge de Castille and that of the President's Palace are being restored. Work is still ongoing on the National Library where the focus of attention is now the ceiling.

I must also mention the ongoing works taking place to transform St George's Square from a vehicle graveyard into a people's square.

As I toured the sites with Jean Frendo, the architect in charge, I could admire the masonry on the baroque buildings, which was hitherto hardly visible due to the black grime that had collected. I was impressed by the work on 18 locks, sculpted with high artistry, of the principal gallery that overlooks Merchants Street. Truly magnificent! In the coming days, we intend to announce more initiatives for this street in Valletta - July 29.

Mr Pullicino is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.

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