Problems at Cirkewwa Harbour

Reference is made to Charles Galea's letter entitled 'Rude tourist guides' (The Sunday Times, October 4).

On behalf of the Malta Union of Tourist Guides (MUTG) I would like to inform Mr Galea that the union strictly condemns unethical behaviour.

Regrettably, as in all professions one finds the good, the bad and the ugly.

One must also bear in mind that not all tourist guides are licensed.

Unfortunately, we are faced with a scenario where people from all walks of life guide groups.

This is illegal, but it is still a reality we face. The behaviour of certain individuals, how- ever, does not reflect on the behaviour of all licensed tourist guides.

The MUTG, as the only association that represents tourist guides in Malta, has a code of conduct that most members adhere to.

I would like to assure Mr Galea that the majority of licensed tourist guides are good ambassadors of our country.

I would like to take this opportunity to try, once again, to encourage the authorities to do something about a situation that we have been enduring for what seems like an eternity.

For the umpteenth year, tourist guides have again had to face problems with long queues at Cirkewwa throughout summer.

Guides and groups are forced to wait in the sun for up to two hours before boarding the ferry.

Several reports and letters have been sent to the authorities concerned but nothing has ever been done to solve these problems.

There are no harbour facilities at Cirkewwa - no shelter from the sun, rain, heat or cold.

I hope that something good may come out of this.