Updated: Astrid Vella, Ramblers, react to Victor Scerri's comments

D.Calleja

Dec 11th 2009, 12:27

@Sergio Galea Vincenti

"Astrid and Lino are the latest target but the authorities - and in particular the Prime Minister - should have the decency to disassociate themselves from the mudslinging campaigns being exerted against NGOs which have done a lot of constructive work behind the scenes without fanfares."

Yeah right!! In full agreement about the work they carry out behind the scenes! Ask the persons that ended up as their targets.

"Without fanfares" ?! You must be joking! You'd have to be deaf and blind not to have noticed the racous they always create to get the public attention they always crave for and demand.

And then you have the cheek to call for a stop to the mudslinging campaigns! Tell that to your beloved NGOs.

Joseph Borg

Dec 9th 2009, 23:49

Victor Scerri and Paul Borg Olivier are PN's biggest liabilities

Joe Borg

Dec 9th 2009, 17:58

If Mr. Scerri is so in the right, why was the MEPA permit revoked !!

Also, if he insists, as he has publicly claimed, that he does what he wants on his land, what's the use of having a planning authority? Have we nullified MEPA for this sector of society.

clare spiteri

Dec 9th 2009, 16:53

Quite right that FAA and the Ramblers did not appear in the said program.These are independent organizations and not political ones. They represent people like me and speak for people like me, who is just an ordinary citizen who works and pays their taxes and who is not 'in ' with the right people , thus my complaints are ignored.How dare anyone cast aspersions on Miss Vella , her motives and her private life. If I were her I would instruct my lawyer to investigate as someone, somewhere, has violated the Protection Data act.Astrid , we are right behind you.

J.Bonnici

Dec 9th 2009, 16:27

After watching Scerri’s interview on Xarabank I couldn’t help feeling sorry for the man. He seems to have grown older and his non verbal behaviour delineates difficulty in handling emotional stress of this kind. The programme should never have taken place in the first place.

Having said that, I cannot blame the NGOs for their stand on the matter. The villa in the valley will ultimately be a truly horrendous eyesore.

It will also serve to embarrass this government eternally for its dreadful environmental policies.

Victor Scerri will be doing a most honourable deed if he withdraws his application. It is now becoming increasingly clear that his new residence will never make him a happy man.

Sergio Galea Vincenti

Dec 9th 2009, 16:13

@ D. Calleja: The same arguments you make against 'minions' who defend NGOs can be made for those, like you, who just love to come out to scorn anyone or anything which may impinge on the sanctity of the government of the day and its various misdeeds.

What is worrying, however, is that we have a party in government which rose to power amid solemn declarations on democracy and the freedom of speech but which today has become the total opposite of what it had pledged to be.

Wherever a voice of dissent - from whoever it may be utterred - then rest assured that all hell breaks loose. This is the hallmark of the style of leadership which the has taken over the Party since 2005.

Astrid and Lino are the latest target but the authorities - and in particular the Prime Minister - should have the decency to disassociate themselves from the mudslinging campaigns being exerted against NGOs which have done a lot of constructive work behind the scenes without fanfares.

The PN has not seen the writing on the wall following the 2008 General Elections and subsequent MEP election results.

D.Calleja

Dec 9th 2009, 14:23

It is now very obvious that there is a very well coordinated effort to run to the defense of beleaguered NGO’s whenever they come under fire. They rally up their minions and also rope in the political parties that stand to gain from the aggravation created by their insensitive and hypocritical accusations.

However they never had the courage of conviction or the desire to face the people that fall victim to their whims. The strategy is always the same – pick a target, distort the facts and concoct a fairy-tale, issue a press release, sling as much mud as you possible can, follow it up with a public protest, denounce the chosen victims by means of a megaphone and go through the motions of a public lynching exercise. But never ever place yourself in an uncomfortable position of having to sustain your arguments and accusations.

This is very reminiscent of the days when organisations made skillful use of propaganda through the media in a coordinated attempt to influence public opinion. Unscrupulous
use of propaganda always provided a crucial instrument for acquiring power, and for the implementation of ‘desirable’ policies.

R Muscat

Dec 9th 2009, 13:04

Shame on Dr Scerri for trying to mud sling Astrid Vella and Lino Bugeja. This act only makes Dr Scerri look worse in the eyes of the publc, as it should have been obvious to Dr Scerri that to build such a monstrosity in an area a few metres from where the Qabru lives would defintely be questioned by those who have the environment at heart.
The qabru is a fresh water crab endemic to Malta and threatened by extinction. Dr Scerri extinction is for ever!!!!

pat camilleri

Dec 9th 2009, 13:04

Shame on those who have slandered Astrid Vella and Lino Bugeja. Shame on those who turn everything into a political arguement.Greedy people who have got away for many years with doing what they want and wrecking these tiny islands.Thank you Astrid .FAA is going from strength to strength due to you and others like you who are prepared and able enough to stand up to bullies.You 're a star.I shall join today.

Alex Vella

Dec 9th 2009, 11:10

Part 3.
Sound Mepa policies exist and may be the key to successful and sustainable planning, but everything hinges on respecting and enforcing them rigidly. Rules and structures may be important, but much more important are the unwritten rules and the will to abide by them. In the end it is the loyalty and good sense of the users themselves which make the whole system work. What worries civil society about Mepa is the suspicion that it will only obey written rules, and that it has lost its sense of unwritten rules and the will to abide by them.
Period.

Alex Vella

Dec 9th 2009, 11:09

Part 2.
In the Bahrija development the issue is not the perpetrator, who prepared his homework well under an artful dodger. It is the Mepa Board members, who paid no regard to detail, treated carelessly individual policies in succession and not holistically to let themselves be deceived into granting permits that were illegal, as described by the mepa auditor himself. Whether this was done wittingly or not is a point of contention. What is certain is that the case officer made it crystal clear: The series of four applications “is unacceptable, as the safeguards that seek to protect the environment against urban sprawl are being bypassed through a succession of piecemeal applications, resulting in a development that is by far in excess of the originally envisaged ‘reconstruction of existing structures with very minor alteration to facilitate use’”

Part 3 to follow

Alex Vella

Dec 9th 2009, 11:01

Part 1.
The NGOs must remain focused. It has to be realized that there is an agenda being sustained by the same nucleus of people. The agenda is to strain to the limit the honesty of the NGOs and their leaders, to put them on the defensive through false allegations. The objective of the agenda is to stop the NGOs from revealing irregularities and illegalities that are being committed by Mepa to the detriment of the common natural and cultural heritage. The NGOs have to remain focused on this theme, and remain on the offensive. All the rest is waste of time. And time is a resource that cannot be spared by the volunteer part-timers whose public-spiritedness is undoubted by the silent majority. For has it not been even the Prime Minister himself who has lauded the altruism of the NGOs on many an occasion!

Malcolm Mifsud

Dec 9th 2009, 10:38

I am all out against the development at Il-Wied tal-Marca, however, Ms Vella and Mr Bugeja should have made it a point to appear on Xarabank to rebut Dr Scerri's allegations there and then. Your credibility has faltered after this, sorry.

Joe Busuttil

Dec 8th 2009, 19:10

Good for you Astrid and Lino. You are regarded as people of principle by all decent people and we always believe what you say.

Victor Laiviera

Dec 8th 2009, 18:11

Mr J Martinelli asks: "What has the NP got to do with MEPA's erratic permit decisions"?

The answer is quite simple.

1) Mepa decisions are ultimately taken by a vote of the Board.

2) The members of the MEPA Board are all personally hand-picked and appointed by Dr Gonzi.

3) Dr Gonzi is the Leader of the PN.

QED

J. Mifsud

Dec 8th 2009, 15:27

I wish Malta had a few tens of people like Ms Astrid Vella, a person who in my opinion has no hidden agenda.
Keep it up Ms Vella. You are doing a great service to the man/woman in the street, which is greatly appreciated by the silent majority.

Muscat Pat

Dec 8th 2009, 14:55

@ Astrid Vella.
When the Party in Government takes over the apparatus of the State- for example,illegal violations and dissimination of information and protected data on its private citizens- there is little that the ordinary citizen can do. On the other hand, those with power and with very close connection to the State's appparatus, usually abuse of the system to further their own personal agenda. When this happens, it becomes very dangerous for the ordinary citizen and the State simply becomes the State of the many for the benefit of the few.

Astrid Vella

Dec 8th 2009, 14:07

@Norman Vella: You know very well, as we told you several times over, that the reason that Lino and I refused to even give a clip is that the programme was entitled,to the very end,"Ir-Risenji Politici" and the vox pop question was about politicians' private lives. We stated that due to our statutes as non-political NGOs we cannot take part in poltical programmes and it doesn't get any more political than that.

In spite of your assurances that the programme would be environmental, the titles didn't change.Given that such programmes on Xarabank have the reputation of being more of a political circus than a serious debate, we preferred not to risk violating our own statutes.

Our hesitation was proven right by the fact that in the course of the programme, never once was it mentioned that Bahrija is a Natura 2000 site,home to rare species which will be further endangered by the work on the site. With the whole crux of the matter missing, the programme was not environmental but as we imagined, an hour of bickering culminated by slanderous attacks on those who had declined an invitation to attend, which they had every right to do.

Astrid Vella

Dec 8th 2009, 13:41

@ F Mercieca, thank you for your support.You mention sending 'our expert' on planning.Who? Architects know that whoever appears with us will be blacklisted for Government contracts, just like our brave lawyer is.We can't even reasonably ask anyone to appear &be ostracized in such circumstances.

@ D Calleja: I don't know Franco Farrugia but from what I read of him,he would be the last person to suggest a luna park in the countryside. Let us keep an intelligent discussion &not descend to banalities.The countryside is supposed to be protected for the preservation of our natural heritage and biodiversity as MEPA repeats ad nauseaum but then fails to uphold.

Unlike what Perit Musumeci tried to make out, this is not simply a question of site of footprints, which have been overstepped, but the fragility of the site. The watercourse has already been affected by the excavations and reduced to a drizzle. Whether the fresh-water crab (qabru) will survive such an assault on its habitat is anyone's guess.

Brian Hansford

Dec 8th 2009, 13:05

@Mercieca F wrote,90% of the media is orchestrated by the same group of families who run the show(country) and those who disagree are demonized or even persecuted. Is this any different from a modern 'democratic' dictatorship?
i am happy to form part of that 10% that is not orchestrated or dictated as to what to discuss in our programs .

@J Martinelli i disagree that the Valletta project was turned into a political football,Maybe it was sold to sound as if it was?
Why is it In Malta if someone doesn't agree with the way things are done it must be political ?
Or is it the easiest way out to blame it on the other party ?
When are we going to grow up and call a spade a spade.

For this reason i have decided to tackle the issue that was reported in the Times and later on the blogs for our next program on Thursday in Realta'

We will ask those pertinent questions and expect answers.

A. Borg

Dec 8th 2009, 12:03

Sandro,iktar kont niehu pjacir li stiedintu xi ufficjal tal-Mepa biex jghidilna kif pemess bhal dak hareg ghas-skapitu tieghek tieghi u tal-poplu malti! Jekk kien hemm min zbalja biex hareg ghandu jhallas ghal dak l-izball u mhux f'Malta hadd mhu accountable.Xebgha l-poplu jhallas ghall-zbalji li saru minn nies li kienu fi tmexxija li wara l-poplu malti mit-taxxi kellu jaghmel tajjeb ghalihom!

D.Calleja

Dec 8th 2009, 11:53

@Franco Farrugia

So, according to you, it is the enjoyment of the many that should be the guiding principle in assessing development in ODZ areas!!

Tajba din! So you would not complain if the Bahrija site application had been to demolish dilapidated building and erect a Luna Park!!

U Hallina tridx!!

Norman Vella

Dec 8th 2009, 11:16

Qatt ma xtaqt nidhol f'din il-kontroversja, imma tajjeb tkunu tafu li fuq programm fuq ONE TV jismu TX (ta' Miriam Dalli) li ghalih ma' kienx mistieden Dr. Victor Scerri izda kienu mistiedna c-chairman tal-MEPA, Sandro Chetcuti tal-GRTU u s-Sur LIno Bugeja tar-Ramblers id-diskussjoni kienet dwar ir-riforma fil-MEPA.
Gara li f'nofs id-diskussjoni kien IS-SUR LINO BUGEJA, b'inizjattiva ESKLUSSIVA tieghu li qala' s-suggett tal-Bahrija (ta' din ghandi rekording). Ghamel xi haga hazina b'daqshekk? Assolutament LE.
Imma nistaqsi GHALA F'XARABANK LE?
Jew GHALA WICC IMB'WICC MA' SID L-ART LE?
Ghadu ma ndunax Lino Bugeja li s-suggett tal-ambjent huwa suggett politiku?
Dawk li qed jghidu li s-Sur Bugeja ghandu right of reply fuq Xarabank forsi nsew kemm-il darba stedinna s-Sur Bugeja... u mhux biss biex ikun fil-programm imma anke biex sempliciment itina intervista rrekordjata fuq il-kaz.
Dan ifisser li s-Sur Lino Bugeja LANQAS intervista fuq l-Ambjent tal-Bahrija ma ried jaghti.
Issa kulhadd jiggudika hu.
Il-korrispondenza kollha bejni u bejn is-Sur Bugeja u Astrid Vella issibuha IPPUBLIKATA KOLLHA hawnhekk:

http://www.xarabank.com/index.php?lid=1&id=0&type=noticeboard&cid=274

U tajjeb nghidu li konnha ahna biss li ppublikajna kollox u hadd iktar.

F Micallef

Dec 8th 2009, 11:11

Astrid, I support you beyond boundaries...but it is difficult to fathom that we could not send our expert to Xarabank programme. People in the streets woke up the next morning saying victor scerri kemm hu miskin u musumeci kemm hu bravu.

Mercieca F

Dec 8th 2009, 10:10

We need more people like you Astrid to defend the truth.
We are in a sad pitiful state in Malta. Back to the early eighties in a more subtle mind-boggling way.
90% of the media is orchestrated by the same group of families who run the show(country) and those who disagree are demonized or even persecuted. Is this any different from a modern 'democratic' dictatorship?

Franco Farrugia

Dec 8th 2009, 09:44

@D. Calleja: I have no need to be a 'liar' and a 'cheat' in this issue because I have nothing to do with the Dar Betsajda. But I stick to my first assertion that even up to 20-25 years ago, the place was already in a very, very bad state and needed complete rebuilding. Now, you can pore over as many plans as you wish, you can say whatever you like to the contrary.
People who have an idea what Dar Betsajda is and what it was like, will know which one of us is speaking with a chip on his shoulder and with an axe to grind.

When I explained the difference between Dar Betsajda and Victor Scerri's countryhouse, I meant that while the first is enjoyed by the many, the countryhouse was going to be an individual's private property!

A. Borg

Dec 8th 2009, 09:23

The important point is that Dr.Scerri has ruined part of the small existing countryside with the develpement. Punto e Basta!

Victor Laiviera

Dec 8th 2009, 09:00

Ms Astrid Vella and Mr Lino Bugeja should seek legal redress. According to the Press Law (which, as far as I know, also applies to broadcasting), they have the Right of Reply.

They should demand an opportunity to rebut the unjust accusations made against them.

An edition of Dissett, with a REAL journalist like Mr Reno Bugeja, might be the proper occasion.

D Zammit

Dec 8th 2009, 08:47

I have to repeat my previous comment. It is becoming quite worrying that who ever points out any mis conduct is becoming a target. Could this be a tactic to shut people's mouths and as a warning to any one who is thinking of pointing out any wrong doing?

It's also very worrying how some people are ready to excuse anything as long as it is done under the BLUE sky!! I have to say I pity such people.

Astrid Vella

Dec 8th 2009, 08:28

@ Pat Muscat: how right you are! Finding information on a random application of almost 12 years ago is almost impossible unless you have access to inside information from MEPA's in-house systems. Will an internal inquiry be held on this? Don't hold your breath.

As for the fact that our field was bought after our maisonette, again, that is almost impossible to trace without a contract date or number. But does anything surprise us after Paul Borg Olivier's well-publicised instructions for information to be transferred from Government departments to Nationalist Party officials?A friend had told me that he had seen a file being compiled on me; I presume this has been done on others too. We may not be a police state, but Big Brother is certainly watching us and busy violating the much-vaunted Data Protection Act.

It is shameful that PBS, supposedly an impartial national station, allowed Victor Scerri to add further false and speculative allegations on PBS news, without even carrying a reply to set the record straight. This would never have been done on a serious TV channel. Is this the impartiality of our national broadcaster?

Astrid Vella

Dec 8th 2009, 07:37

@ C Zammit & F Micallef: I understand your disappointment that the NGOs did not appear and certain parties could put across their own warped view, but please understand that the show was billed, right up to the end, as "Ir-Rizenji Politici" & in fact the vox pop was "Ghandu l-pubbliku jaf fuq il-hajja privata tal-politici". We had never called for the resignation of Victor Scerri and as non-political groups it certainly would not have been appropriate for us to comment on it now. In spite of Xarabank's claims that this was going to be an environmental programme, the titles never changed to reflect that.

As you know, our non-political status is established in our statutes. We have often been strongly criticised if we even approach political subjects. With titles like those, we our participation would definitely not have been in keeping with our status.

Your suggestion of appointing an expert in planning is a good one but no one would have accepted. Whenever we have found such a person, he has been 'warned' either overtly or sublty, and has stepped down.

That is the sorry state that we live in.

a attard

Dec 8th 2009, 07:37

Bahrija means Oasis in Arabic, and Bahrija is a natural beauty jewel and a rare environment for the Maltese Islands. Bahrija should have been give special protection status and not have permits issues for a private residences. This area should have never been messed with in the first place as simple as that.

D.Calleja

Dec 8th 2009, 01:21

@ John Schembri

"Dar Betsajda was issued with a permit because when the permit was issued Malta was not in the EU and there was no Habitat Directive."

We are talking about decisions taken a few years ago and not during the PAPB era. The structure plan and other policies regulating ODZ development had been brought into affect as early as 1988!!

The Dar Betsajda outline development application was advertised on the 13 March 1999 and the PA permit was granted on the 5 November 1999. Very efficient processing time from an Authority maligned for its procrastination, especially on ODZ applications!!!

The full development application was published on the 2 June 2001 and the permit granted on 15 January 2002. Another incredible delivery time by MEPA!!! Must qualify as a record!!

Can somebody explain to us how there can be such a great difference between the processing times of the Cirkewwa and the Bahrija applications?

What has happened to investigative journalism - will anyone of the journalists who usually fly off their chairs to bring us the stories by the impeccable NGOs take some time to check these facts?!

One thing's for sure, I WILL NOT BE HOLDING MY BREATH!!!

Julia Farrugia

Dec 8th 2009, 00:50

This is my reply to A Zammit.

1. I am no PL journalist.
2. I do not owe Mr Scerri's wife an apology as I had never ever written 1 single sentence on this case, prior my appearance on Xarabank.

Julia Farrugia
Deputy Editor Illum & MediaToday journalist

D.Calleja

Dec 8th 2009, 00:45

@Franco Farrugia

What the heck is your argument?

You have the cheek to comment "The difference between Dar Betsajda and Victor Scerri's house is that the first is used and enjoyed by 'ulied il-haddiema', that is, the young people who frequent the Christine Doctrine classes, while Victor Scerri's house is .... well, Victor Scerri's!"

So you recognise that both cases are identical i.e. both applicants requested a permit to demolish and rebuild dilapidated buildings. By your own admission the only difference lies in the fact that the applications were submitted by different persons and architects.

If you really remember the structure that existed in Cirkewwa before it was demolished and still state that it "was pulled down and another one, of exactly the same size, was built." then you are either a liar and a cheat or have a very weak memory! If you want to refresh your memories I invite you to verify the facts by inspecting the files of the applications submitted by Mr. Falzon when he did not yet hold the post of Audit Officer.

J Martinelli

Dec 8th 2009, 00:38

@ Astrid Vella

"... when people can't come up with justified criticism, they fall back on personal and petty criticism".

Defend the following:

Initial application to MEPA: To replace a dilapidated building on the same footprint. MEPA approved but with a condition that a water cistern be dug. Condition accepted and application was approved.

Some time later application was resubmitted adding two rooms which would be constructed outside the original footprint but within restricted expansion provisions regarding ODZ properties. Application was approved again. Therefore Dr.&Mrs.Scerri had an approval for a house to be built as originally planned, plus water cistern (MEPA's condition), plus two extra rooms.

Enter FAA, Ramblers et al. Application revisited, 'error' found and last application revoked!

1. Who brought this issue up with FAA ?
2. Why such a vindictive crusade against Dr.Scerri when, if any, it was MEPA's error?
3. Why did FAA not hold a protest at MEPA's offices rather than on private property?
4. Why did MEPA rule that property should have a cistern and now that too was deleted?
5. Your 'former' property looks derelict - do FAA and Ramblers ever hike over there?
6. Is there any FAA/MEPA Auditor connection?

J Martinelli

Dec 8th 2009, 00:15

@FrancoFarrugia

What has the NP got to do with MEPA's erratic permit decisions which, obviously, consistently go against anyone connected with the NP, but approvals seem to come easy for others?

As a frequent visitor I am familiar with the (former) MUSEUM property which was no architectural gem to begin with, but the point is that it was purchased many years ago before anyone gave two kicks about our countryside, 'environment' was a word only found in dictionaries, while the demolition and reconstruction happened very much after MEPA came into being and apparently without any problems. Once again, I fully support the MUSEUM project which goes a long way towards replacing a drab building.
If you did not watch Xarabank and had an opportunity to hear Dr.Scerri give, in perfect chronological order, his wife's application to MEPA from day one, then it's unfair for anyone to continue to doubt his integrity. The fact remains that MEPA itself showed lack of moral judgment by retiring the last application - only because it can - using the excuse that 'it had made an error'!

My criticism of Astrid started when she turned this and the Valletta project into a political football.

James A. Tyrrell

Dec 7th 2009, 23:37

@Dennis Zammit. I’ve never read where Ms. Vella described herself as a saint. Perhaps you could enlighten us. As for the swimming pool issue you are just mud slinging. If you check back you will see that the criteria for measuring ODZ has changed. She describes it very clearly in her statement if you can read.

@Joseph Cauchi. What you have written here is nothing short of an untruth. Even I a foreigner can see that. FAA has been involved in many protests against Labour Party members and supporters.

@J Martinelli. What a silly childish comment. The photograph clearly states ‘a present-day photo of the terrace of the property formerly owned by Astrid Vella.’ Is there some part of ‘present day’ and ‘formerly owned’ that you don’t understand and would like explained?

God help Malta when the present Government has people like you for supporters!

As for Ms.Vella in particular, FAA in general and of course the Ramblers keep up the good work folks, as it is obvious you have them running scared.

carmen Galea

Dec 7th 2009, 23:22

to Astrid and Ramblers,
It appears to me that last Friday's show was aimed to discredit your hard work to save what is left in these islands.(and obviously to turn the other party into a hero) Even the audience appeared hand picked. That show made me sick especially when they were clapping in approval of destroying the bahrija area.
Whoever is complaining that FAA is attacking politicians from one party only, should know that whoever is in govt mainly has the power to obtain such controversial permits.
I wonder if Xarabank is going to give FAA and Ramblers the right to reply.
After seeing the above photo it makes me wonder if it was going to damage as much as the villa in Bahrija!!!

Brian Hanfsord

Dec 7th 2009, 23:13

@J Martinelli the environmentalist will be asked the relevant questions on our next Realta's editon on Thursday.

@ manuel lia , l-ambjentalisti huma mistiedna biex nhar il-hamis jiehdu sehem fil-program . F'Realta' nistaqsu dak li qed jistaqsi l-poplu minghajr agenda mohbija.

Lesley Kreupl

Dec 7th 2009, 23:08

Astrid, keep up the good work that you and your FAA team are doing. Obviously someone is very scared of you and has something to hide, hence the hate campaign aimed at yourselves and Lino Bugeja and the Rambler's Association. It somehow reminds me of a witch hunt – a common occurrence during the inquisition!

Romano Cassar

Dec 7th 2009, 22:40

Norman Vella (Xarabank) has still not uploaded the 30th November reply from RAM to Xarabank on his website. Here it is anyway:
Sur Vella,
Nirringrazzjak tal-istedina li għoġbok terġa’ tagħmlilna biex nieħdu sehem fil-programm ‘Riżenji Politiċi’ ta’ Xarabank.

Aħna konvinti li dan il-programm la ser jiccara xi fatti li issa jafhom kulhadd, la ser johrog xi fatti godda u wisq inqas ma jista’ jwassal għall-ebda soluzzjoni tal-problema.

Ninkonfermawlek ghalhekk li m’għandna l-ebda ħsieb li nieħdu sehem fil programm sakemm it-titlu jibqa “Ir-Rizenji Politici”. Aħna, l-għaqdiet ambjentali, għajjurin tal-pożizzjoni apolitika tagħna u mhux se nħallu la lil Xarabank u lanqas lil ħaddieħor li jdaħħalna f’dan it-tip ta’ konfront politiku.

Aħna diġa spiegajna illi l-assoccjazzjoni tagħna hi apolitika u ma tistax tieħu sehem f'diskussjonijiet politici. Sakem fil-programm tiegħek tpoġġi ir-risposta tagħna għad-domanda li għamiltilna, inti tista tgħid dak li qed issa tgħid. Pero biex dan ma' jkunx rikatt trid iżżid tgħid li ahna tlabna biex is-suggett jinbidel u intom ma lqajtux is-suġġeriment għal-finijiet tagħkom.

Fl-istess ħin ninkonfermawlek ukoll li kemm-il darba intom jogħġobkom ittellgħu programm esklużivament fuq l-ambjent u l-ħarsien tiegħu, aħna dejjem lesti li nieħdu sehem.

Inselli għalik,
Lino Bugeja

C Zammit

Dec 7th 2009, 22:38

Its a pity that the NGO did not turn up for Xarabank. It was unexpected and irresponsible. The opposing labourites were not the right persons to represent the general public first because they were only interested in polictical partisanship, they helped turn the issue into a political issue and thirdly they are ill informed. The NGO's should have at least appointed an expert in planning to argue against the policies that were being misquoted. Some of the things that were said are inaccurate to say the least. The same applies to other discussions such as the one on Super one also about MEPA which included so much inacuracies that I pity the general public who have high hopes of the MEPA reform.

Muscat. Pat

Dec 7th 2009, 22:00

First of all I have this question to ask. Where did Victor Scerri the prospective (PN) and ex President of the PN got the information from about these two private citizens, and then, to air them on a TV programme? What exactly is Data Protection in Malta?
This attack on two members of leading NGO's, remind me of the crocodile tears Dr Fenech Adami and his flock use to shed whilst defending the environment during the 80's! If it was right then, why is it bad now? Perhaps the "holier than thou" Brigade can dig deep into their pockets and try to find some veritable excuses! Corruption and the rape of the Maltese environment has never been as prominent as it is now under this administation.

Astrid Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 21:55

@ Manuel Lia:Why was I not on Xarabank?Simple,because I was in Strasbourg &also because it was not about environment but politics,both facts which were supposed to be broadcast on the programme but were left out,so much for balance.

I am very happy to tell you where I was before 1987, I was losing my father, a victim of the regime. I was taking part in the University riots against Mintoff. I was the ONLY one in a office of 110 who went out on strike during the Mnarja strike, while others who were and still are leading Nationalists remained safely at their posts. For that I was, as a young woman transferred to the Kalafrana building site, to carry stones. You can't believe that? Ask our HR manager. Funny, I didn’t see you or any of your like there. And yes, I was also beaten up and have the medical certificates and legal representation of Guido De Marco to prove it.

That is why it hurts people like us so much to see the country we sacrificed so much for, now slide into the very same corruption, bullying and undemocratic tactics.

Astrid Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 21:46

@ Alex Vella: With respect, it’s bad enough that we are expected to act as the guardians of the environment instead of MEPA now, but a bit much to blame us for the infringements of the past.Other environmentalists were active then.This is a very stressful role, no wonder many of them burnt out.

@ J Busuttil: It should be clear from this photo that the building line runs from the neighbouring property,round the edge of the terrace. The pool was clearly planned within the line. The buildings are in the Urban Conservation Area.

@ I Cilia: as Perit Magri stated in yesterday’s Sunday Times Classified article, private property belongs to the individual,but the permitting process does not.MEPA is supposed to rule in the interests of the community. This is respected in many other sectors like cars which are our private property, but still we have to respect regulations about the way we keep them so that they do not cause accidents or choke others with toxic fumes.Third Party insurance, is exactly that, not insurance for the private car owner, but for the community interest.Why is it that we accept this principle in various spheres but not about land?

Astrid Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 21:28

@ Martinelli: The photo caption says “A present-day photo of a property previously owned by Astrid Vella”. But as someone else said, when people can’t come up with justified criticism, they fall back on personal and petty criticism.

Incidentally the excavation is far from 8 feet in size.

F Micallef

Dec 7th 2009, 20:42

I am an adamant supporter of NGOs….but our absence during the Xarabank programme gave Musumeci a field day! His persuasion tactics are very strong…so unfortunately he came triumphant and all our past effort are now rendered in vain !!! PITY!

Franco Farrugia

Dec 7th 2009, 20:17

@ Martinelli: You also sow doubts as to the bad state that Dar Betsajda was in. I can vouch for the fact that even up to .... 20, 25 years ago, such was the state of the house! Now, if you, from far-flung Canada, think otherwise, .... hey, I say, it's a free country! No, world!

Franco Farrugia

Dec 7th 2009, 20:15

@ Martinelli: I simply have no idea what you are on about except the fact that as usual, you find nothing wrong with anything the NP and its stalwarts do, and you find everything wrong with anything those who criticise sa(i)d Party say. So, what can I say? I don't watch Xarabank - apparently, you do from far-flung Canada!

D. Spiteri

Dec 7th 2009, 19:30

It's one thing to own land which is designated as ODZ, it's another thing to apply to develop it. That's the difference between Lino Bugeja and Victor Scerri, and that's the difference between an environmentalist and a politician. The Ramblers did well to shun Xarabank; the programme was hopelessly politicized and the Ramblers are interested in the workings of MEPA, not political resignations. Let the political party deal with its members who insensitively choose to build in environmentally protected sites.

Raymond Sammut

Dec 7th 2009, 19:29

@ S Aquilina It's everyone's responsibility. It's up to the community to be active and protect its own environment. No point in telling someone else to "hurry up". It's a community effort, and everyone has to be involved. From what you are saying: I am prompted to ask: Is MEPA required by law to inform all affected parties in writing before taking a decision? People should not have to find out through the Sunday Times. MEPA should be required by law to inform people in advance and in writing.

J Martinelli

Dec 7th 2009, 19:12

@ Franco Farrugia So, Dr.Scerri was also right after all when on Xarabank, he pointed out that the vicious attack on his proposed structure was because the property belonged to him and nobody else's! Very well said, Franco! Funny how things calmed down until Xarabank stirred up things again because of the presence of a Labour Party head of news department who described an eight foot excavation as a barriera (quarry)! Does Malta measure in metric, imperial or elastic bands? Does Malta weigh in pounds, or Kilos?

alex vella

Dec 7th 2009, 19:02

Astrid. I used to hold you in high esteem before. I think all this has become a political football. Where were these two when other developments were planned in the past?

Andrew Cumbo

Dec 7th 2009, 18:54

@ Norman Vella Jekk int tpapija tajjeb bi sahha ta Xarabank, mhux hekk jaqbilek tghid. U biex nighdlek qieghed tpapija min flus il-poplu, li ta kull sena jhallas il-licenzja biex jara programmi manipulati u li jagevolaw biss il- Gvern ta' gurnata. Jien nistaqsik meta ha taghmlu programm fuq il- kas ta' kuntratt ta BWSC jew fuq il- Fairmount? U fuq hafna ohrajn li poplu ghandu kull dritt li jkun jaf.

wenzu cachia

Dec 7th 2009, 18:50

Astrid Vella, Ramblers continue the good work! we need a new MEPA ,one that is real to its name , sorry you at bahria no vote will be given your way ta

J Busuttil

Dec 7th 2009, 18:44

As shown in this photo the building seems to be in the COUNTRYSIDE.

d.attard

Dec 7th 2009, 18:29

d.zammit, you hit the nail on its proverbial head. political spin is the order of the day. To attack those who militate for a cause rather than focus on the merits of the cause, has become a way how to dictate which causes are to be discussed and which are to be sanatised and buried...it is unfortunate that the guys involved seem to lack some basic knowledge of history. The deeper that a hole is dug, the longer it takes for all of us to climb out into the light of day...what worries me is that the guy who lauds xarabank seems to actually believe what he says, and may God help us.

S Aquilina

Dec 7th 2009, 18:27

Dear Astrid...What about the ILLEGAL petrol station built in Qormi on the road leading to Luqa. If the development in Bahrija is wrong this was even worse.

The Sunday Times columnist remarked that should no objections be fowarded by next Sunday the permit will be granted. Hurry up!

Charles DeMicoli

Dec 7th 2009, 18:06

Astrid, FAA, Ramblers - thank you and keep up the good work. I hope you have thick skin, because this is the beginning of a systematic plan of character assassination.

Joseph Agius

Dec 7th 2009, 18:04

@Norman Vella
You refer readers to the Xarabank site which, you say, shows ALL the correspondence exchanged with the NGOs. You must have missed our (Ramblers') last letter dated 30 November. Is there any chance of your tracing it and uploading it. Thank you.
Joseph Agius (Not the same commentor as the one below)
@AP Scerri
You seem to have a great interest in this case, seeing that you sent in 3 comments. You ask, very rightly, what about the other 2 of the 4 cases mentioned by the Auditor. May we ask you to make public the information you have about the other 2. Ramblers might even take up your challenge right away.

Charles Zammit

Dec 7th 2009, 17:50

@Norman Vella

Your invitation to the NGOs leaves no doubt as to the subject you intended to discuss - 'Rizenji politici'. Your subsequent correspondence was more elusive but it left no doubt that your motivation had strong political undertones. Your boss Peppi Azzopardi did not mince words when he said that NGOs attended a similar programme on Super One. What he failed to mention was the subject matter debated and the title of the programme concerned. What a coincidence!! Did Peppi mean that the NGOs discussed 'Rizenji politici' on Super One? I am sure they did not. It comes with no surprise that the two NGOs in question refused your invitation as the subject matter does not fall in their bailiwick.

As to the list of past transmissions carried out by Xarabank I fail to see the connection with the immoral rape of il-Bahrija. Legal considerations apart, the development is a permanent scar on the natural habitat irrespective of who the perpetrator is. Xarabank seemed more interested in depicting Dr. Scerri as a victim than anything else

laurence schembri

Dec 7th 2009, 17:50

The point is that the ODZ was in existence, it was up to the then Planning Authority to reject the plan. I will ask again; Was this government land? If it was,who sold it to Victor Scerri? And under what promises?

Agelo Xerri

Dec 7th 2009, 17:38

May be MEPA should change the name to Malfunction Enterprice and Polluting Agency, they can still call it MEPA. Good going Astrid and Ramblers, keep it up you have lots of support and thank you for trying to save the little of the environment that is left on the the Maltese Islands. Nobody can trust the politicians to do it.

Henry Farrugia

Dec 7th 2009, 17:26

Habib - qed thallat il-hass mall-qaraghbali! X'ghandu x'jaqsam il-kas tac-Cirkewwa mal-kas tal-Bahrija?! U ghalfejn se tergghu taqbdu mall-Perit Falzon? Komplu ghazqu fil-hama!!!!

Felix H. Grima

Dec 7th 2009, 17:21

To Astrid Vella and Lino Bugeja
Personally I wouldn't have even answered the wild and unfounded allegations made by Victor Scerri. Let him wallow in the filth that he has dragged himself into. With the support of his party, its apologists and the PN media (including PBS and Where's Everybody) he has now made himself unelectable and a pariah to all Maltese people of good will. Shame!

manuel lia

Dec 7th 2009, 17:15

dear mrs astrid vella.....kellek ic cans kollu li tmur fuq xarabank u tghid tieghek...ghax ma mortx?forsi ma hallukx tuzah il megaphone?u bilhaqq.....fejn kont int qabel is sena 1987?kont tghix malta jew abroad?ghax jekk ma kontx nista nghidlek jien kif kienu jigu trattati dawk li kienu jaghmlu xi protesta favur lambjent malti.....bid daqqiet ta sieq,daqqiet tal lembubi u arresti.....taf minn min hux nimmagina?mil marmalja socjalista mghejjuna mill kriminali laburisti lebsin luniformi....kont tmurlu bil megaphone lill ex ministru tax xoghlijiet socjalista....u tkellmu blingliz.....kieku ibqa certa li lanqas kienu jgharfuk bid damdima li kienu jtuk...

J. Schembri

Dec 7th 2009, 17:05

@ D. Callejja: Dar Betsajda was issued with a permit because when the permit was issued Malta was not in the EU and there was no Habitat Directive.
@ Norman Vella: Your original invitation to FAA & Ramblers was not on the permit but on a resignation.
I find the Auditor's comments on the Xarabank interview very fair towards Mr Scerri's application .He even implied that people in politics are disadvantaged when it comes to action by MEPA. He investigates and reports , MEPA takes action.
I believe that Mr Scerri's development at Bahrija should take place, it is within the parameters of our planning laws. Now that the excavations took place and were done according to previous permits I find it strange why Mr Scerri's reservoir cannot be included in the development.

Michael Catania

Dec 7th 2009, 17:04

To all of those who took exception to my lack of watching Xarabank , namely Tonna and Martinelli I do not have to watch that type of circus to enlighten myself of the issue, as always the result is a forgone conclusion going by past experience. I leave that to conservatives apologists like you both. Astrid Vella and Lino Bugeja are a pair of decent Maltese citizens who are trying to preserve an agreeable enviroment to all the Maltese no matter what political colour they are from. I suppose both of you have read the above statements and if you had any decency you will both make an unconditional apology or else crawl back and dig a deeper hole

J Martinelli

Dec 7th 2009, 17:00

@ D Calleja

Good comments but I would have added one more question to Mr.Falzon since, in his report, he commented on the 'possibility of corruption' and the speculation that 'Dr.Scerri or his architect could have held private meetings or used political influence' to have the permit approved.

Can Mr. Falzon, being on the 'inside' and being MEPA's Auditor categorically affirm that he used no influence, held no private conversations with anyone connected in the MUSEUM application?

This is no criticism for the MUSEUM property although it is hard to believe that the application bore the description of the then property as: "a dilapidated building and (to) construct a two storey building with an underlying basement." (PA1095/99). Unattractive, the building certainly was, but dilapidated?

Two weights and two measures? Something here smells foul! He who lives in a glass house.....

Franco Farrugia

Dec 7th 2009, 16:52

@ D. Calleja: Dar Betsajda has been standing there for at least 50 years, if not more. What happened was that the house, which became derelict, was pulled down and another one, of exactly the same size, was built.
The difference between Dar Betsajda and Victor Scerri's house is that the first is used and enjoyed by 'ulied il-haddiema', that is, the young people who frequent the Christine Doctrine classes, while Victor Scerri's house is .... well, Victor Scerri's!

Joseph D Borg

Dec 7th 2009, 16:45

@ Mr. Norman Vella


Mr. Vella I find it very strange that your team made this program in December and not earlier? Don’t you think it was 4 months too late?
1) Can I ask when are you going to invite to the program the Minister Tonio Fenech and ask him to produce the receipts from Montebello Bros? & if he refuses are you going to put the correspondence online too?

2) Can I ask when are you going to invite to the program the Mr. Joe Vella to ask him what happened in the extension of the power station & who is the politician he referred to in his email? & if he refuses are you going to put the correspondence online too?

c. camilleri

Dec 7th 2009, 16:39

All this boils down to one point. That Dr. V. Scerri has done nothing wrong and is within the law.
We heard the Head of Mepa on Xarabank saying that Dr. V. Scerri is legally correct to replace that old shack on his land like other applicants did in similar cases.
A couple of yrs back we had a similar case involving a Gozo Labour MP and no fuss was raised by any association. In fact this MP was faced with a stop order and nobody knows how the cased ended including Astrid and Ramblers.

J Martinelli

Dec 7th 2009, 16:37

@ Astrid Vella

Regarding the possible 'spoiling of the environment' by Victor Scerri's project, as pointed out by you several times, can you tell me how your property and the rubbish around it (thank you for the photo) enhances or even protect the environment?

Maybe pig sties are permitted in the general area?

You should spend more time to housekeeping! I cannot imagine what the 'swimming pool' would have looked like had you undertaken to complete its installation with MEPA's permission?

D Attard

Dec 7th 2009, 16:32

@Norman Vella
There's no need for free advertising of Xarabank. Plus being the only TV programme hosted from the Vatican piazza does not qualify it as quality tv.

Paul Ciantar

Dec 7th 2009, 16:32

Astrid there is a maltese saying biex tiskongra trid tkun pur especially if you are trying to emulate the knight in the shining armour. Well done Victor at least all you said seems to be true ... the rest are the legal excuses s Astrid likes to say. Now the ball is in the NGOs court!!!!!! By the way if Victor did not say the truth vide Mepa permit in name of Astrid Vella - Outside Scheme...the only way out now is for Astrid to resign as she expects others to do.

D Zammit

Dec 7th 2009, 16:30

Mention somebody who tried to unveil a scandal or any wrong doing in Malta and wasn't attacked!! Anzi s/he ends up as the wrong doer!! I'm not surprised cause even the PM got confused regarding the whistleblower's act. To all apologists here, I hope you, your children and grandchildren will enjoy going to Bahrija watching the structure being built. It's a lovely view.

D.Calleja

Dec 7th 2009, 16:09

On the road leading to Cirkewwa there is a conspicuous building belonging to the MUSEUM society with whom the Auditor is affiliated. Mr Falzon was the architect for two applications on that site identified as Dar Betsajda.

In 1999 he applied for an outline permit “To demolish existing dilapidated building and construct a two storey building with an underlying basement.” (PA1095/99). The application was recommended for refusal but the DCC still issued the permit.

In 2001 he applied for the full development permit (PA2010/01). This permit was also approved.

Now let’s try to compare it to the Bahrija case. Both situations involved a dilapidated building. Both are in scenic areas. Both are completely ODZ. Both involved massive excavations. Both involved extensions to what already existed. Both proposed two stories instead of one.

Can the auditor explain why he submitted the Cirkewwa development when he is so adamant that the Bahrija case was outright not acceptable?

Mind you I do not have any proof of this but, seeing as how incomprehensible the whole matter is can I exclude that there might have been manoeuvring by Mr. Falzon during the processing of his applications?

P.Cassar

Dec 7th 2009, 16:05

@Norman Vella
what you failed to mention

the many national topics which were never discussed on Xarabank ( Fairmount etc etc)

the way topics/panels are chosen

and you don't simply have balance during a debate by saying that speakers are given equal time. Interventions, the type of questions and subsequent questions, the pressing for answers, the photos/ films and how they are taken (to mention a few), are all crucial to have real balance.

Miguel Borg

Dec 7th 2009, 16:02

Prosit Astrid u Sur Bugeja. Qtajtu l-ghatx bil-perzuta lil min irrid ihhamigkom ingustament. Ibqghu barra mill-politika kif qed taghmlu ha tibqghu kreddibli avolja l-PN u Victor Scerri jaqbilhom jipruvaw ippingukom u jaghtu imressjoni differenti taghkom. Grazzi Astrid ghax salvajt fost l-ohrajn il-Pjazza li kienet se taqa taht il-mannara tal-ispekulaturi u l-hbieb taghhom fil-Gvern. Sistemi tal-biza f'dan il-pajjiz. Ma tistax tesprimi ruhek kontra l-Partit fil-gvern jew kontra l-istess gvern jew nies prominenti fi hdanhom. Malli taghmel hekk tigi attakat bl-aktar mod ingust u salvagg. Ez: Ombudsman, Ombudsman tal-MEPA, Qorti, NGO's (FKNK, AA, Ramblers etc...). Din Demokrazzija? Jew Farsa Demokratika?

I. Cilia

Dec 7th 2009, 15:55

@Norman Vella,

I have to say that i found it particularly amusing that the high and mighty NGO representatives, refused to be allowed to be called by their first name and you had to resort to using the formal way of addressing them after you realised that they answered you again in the formal way.

re the issue at hand, i did not see the Xarabank programme last friday so i deem it fair that i do not comment on the programme per se...

however there is an issue which irks me somewhat in the attitude taken by these NGO's. While i believe that one has to control development , particularly in sensitive areas, one must not also expect that in private land, one has the right to interfere on the pretext that one has to enjoy the countryside.
Public land belongs to all, but private land cannot be enjoyed by everyone since it is not owned by everyone. i do not immagine a tower in the middle of the bahrija valley, but if Victor Scerri wants to revamp a derelict and dilapidated house i see no issues, as long as within the parameters of the law..

C Mallia

Dec 7th 2009, 15:54

It is amazing to what extent Victor Scerri is ready to take this issue. When a person looses his credibility, the next best method of attack is by personalising, to discredit certain valid people and deviate from the real issue: his ODZ application.

Astrid Vella, Ramblers continue the good work!

Franco Farrugia

Dec 7th 2009, 15:43

@ Norman Vella: Ma jfisser assolutament xejn dak li qed tghid: juri biss li ghandkom hafna introjtu u ghandkom nies li huma, iva, kapaci hafna li jamministraw u jorganizzaw .... ovvjament ghax ghandhom l-ghajnuna. Xorta jibqa' l-fatt li f'ghajnejja, huwa programm li jdejjaqni anke meta naghfas fuqu ghal ftit minuti, u niddispra narah. U niddispra wkoll nara lill-prezentatur. Ghalija, Peppi ghandu hafna kwalitajiet tajba imma mhux prezentatur tajjeb ghax jistressjak, anke ma jitkellem xejn, jistressjak bil-mannerisms' tieghu ta' jdejh fuq halqu! Dik opinjoni tieghi.

J. Borg

Dec 7th 2009, 15:22

if the PN thinks it is going to limit the damage to its credibility by attacking NGOs - then it is only fixing its own fate......continue digging

the members of the NGOs who have to face the state of our environment and the inhertia of the "authorities" should be commended if they have to stick to these machiavellian tatics by the political establishment and those who have political vested interests.

Norman Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 15:16

Lil dawk li l’hena taghhom jghajjru lil Xarabank (ovvjament minghajr ma jarawh… dejjem hekk jiktbu!) tajjeb infakkruhom f’dan li gej:
Xarabank kien l-EWWEL programm fid-DINJA li xandar programm LIVE mill-Pjazza tal-Vatikan
Xarabank kien l-EWWEL programm f’Malta li xandar programm LIVE minn pajjiz barra minn Malta (u din ghamilha iktar minn darba)
Xarabank rebah kull Award li jezisti fil-Gzejjer Maltin, minn Awards fil-Gurnalizmu ghal Awards li jippremjaw il-kwalita’ u l-livell gholi sa Awards tat-televixin u tal-Awtorita’ tax-Xandir
Xarabank kien l-EWWEL programm f’Malta li dahhal id-demokrazija fit-televixin u ta l-vuci lin-nies
Xarabank kien l-EWWEL programm f’Malta li fih iltaqghu f’dibattitu politiku Dr. Lawrence Gonzi u Dr. Joseph Muscat
Xarabank kien l-UNIKU programm Malti li kien prezenti f’ahbarijiet internazzjonali, bhall-attakk terroristiku fuq it-Twin Towers fi New York, il-Gwerra fil-Palestina, l-attakk terroristiku fi skola f’Beslan, fit-Tsunami tal-2004, fl-ghibien tat-tifla Madeleine Mc Cann etc.
Xarabank kien l-EWWEL programm f’Malta li kellu l-kuragg jinvestiga u jqajjem issues li kienu taboo
Kemm ilu jsir, Xarabank dejjem kien l-iktar programm segwit mill-poplu Malti, bl-ahhar survey tal-Media Warehouse jiddikjara udjenza ta’ 158,000 telespettatur li bhala percentwal tal-popolazzjoni huwa rekord Ewropew jekk mhux Dinji.
Ikolli nieqaf ghax spiccaw il-200 kelma… imma baqa hafna iktar xi nghid!

Ray Sultana

Dec 7th 2009, 15:03

The smear campaign continues.

Some people are hellbent on discrediting the people who are actively trying to safeguard the little that is left of our enviornment from the speculators and Mepa.

J Martinelli, what makes you think that the NGOs "decided to band together and align themselves with the LP"? This is completely untrue. Have we arrived at a point were we are not allowed to criticise anyone involved with the Pn (or the Pl), because otherwise we would be considered Laburisti or vice versa?

I'm sure if the person involved were a prominent Lp member, they would have done the same.

Actually the NGOs were very reponsible. The issue was mentioned by the Pl media a few days before the European elections, but the NGOs waited for the elections to pass before organising the protest. If they had been Pl accomplices, they would have done it before the elections, don't you think?

Norman Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 14:57

Whoever wants to know why the three Environmental NGOs (who organised the protest against the MEPA permits issued to Dr. Victor Scerri) refused to take part in Friday’s Xarabank please click on the following link:

http://www.xarabank.com/index.php?lid=1&id=0&type=noticeboard&cid=274

As you will see by yourself, Xarabank published all the correspondence between the production team and the NGOs.

Thanks.

Astrid Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 14:49

PART1:I’m back in Malta and found my plans of 11 years ago CLEARLY showing an application to build a pool larger than a jacuzzi ON A TERRACE 20feet wide leading directly off our sitting room.This terrace was within the building line and at no point was the field below involved in the pool plans.In fact the field was not even developed into a garden,let alone a pool,and left untouched, in its natural state.

In the architect’s application there is no mention of Out of DevelopmentZone.When asked why the application was labelled ODZ by MEPA,my architect could only surmise that since the block was built on a slope,the bottom flat,although still within the building line,extended more than 25metres from the road.This used to be the benchmark for ODZdesignation for MEPA Gozo,even for buildings which on the MEPA site maps clearly show up within the building line.The incorrectness of MEPA’s labelling our application is proven by the Case Officer Report which talks in terms of valley dams and dredging,impact on natural watercourses and on the traditional skyline and destruction of trees and plants,none of which are even remotely relevant to the sinking of a small pool on a bare ‘terrazin’.

Astrid Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 14:48

PART2:I will proceed to scan the plans and make them and photos publicly available as I have nothing to hide.

Contrary to what was claimed, my application bears no resemblance whatsoever to VictorScerri's application in a scheduled ODZ site.Not only is the pool applied for within the building line, but the site is not sensitive,so much so that a subsequent applicant was automatically granted for 2pools in the field.This was denied to us, because the Case Officer report is just a ‘cut&paste’ job that bears no relevance at all to our application - a testament to MEPA’s lack of interest in applications presented by the ‘little man’ and MEPA’s well-known inconsistency. I point out also that unlike Dr. Scerri, when our application was refused, we respected MEPA’s decision and did not apply for reconsiderations or appeals, still less did we submit three more ever-increasing applications.

This all shows how right we were to decline to take part in what has proven to be a political circus characterised by false accusations and a disgustingly antagonistic tone, rather than a serious debate on the environment as the producers tried to have us believe.

Astrid Vella

Dec 7th 2009, 14:47

PART 3: I also repeat that when we took up the Bahrija case we had absolutely no idea whose it was,being submitted under Dr Scerri’s wife’s former name. My application is in my name as I have nothing to hide.

Another false accusation is that we only take up PN political cases.FAA has publicized many cases which include the B’bugia scrapyard, the Attard petrol station, the Art Nouveau house in Dingli Street, Sliema, the public garden at Marsaskala, the Tal-Papa Farm at B’Bugia, the Wied il-Madonna hotel extension at Mellieha, the Wied Ghajn Zejtuna and Seabank Hotel cases at Mellieha, Windsor Terrace Sliema, the Balluta car park, Villa Bologna, Attard, the Qormi Armoury and in Gozo, Ramla l-Hamra, Dwejra, Ta’ Cenc, Hondoq ir-Rummien and Xerri il-Bukkett. The only other case we have highlighted which involves politicians is the Australia Hall in Pembroke, property of the PL.

This proves that this unwarranted attack on NGO activists is just part of the smear campaign which has been ongoing for three years, in an attempt to gag the voice of anyone who speaks any inconvenient truths; a sad reflection of the state of democracy and free speech in this country.

DMifsud

Dec 7th 2009, 14:17

@Ms Astrid Vella Well done and keep the good work.

I cant understand why some ppl are trying to justify this case with fact that there were 4 other applicaitons which were invstigated by the mepa auditor. The fact that there was no fuss made about the others doesnt justify this case, its just how politics work. We should try to make a fuss also on the other ones and not defend this one simply because other cases were not publicised as much as this case

S Debono

Dec 7th 2009, 14:14

Thank you Ramblers. Keep up the good work.

As Mr Pace said, Mr. Scerri and the rest can be within the 'legal' permits as much as they like to say, but not much sensitivity to the rural environment is being shown. There is not much trust in the permit issuing neither.

G Muscat

Dec 7th 2009, 14:10

@ Astrid Vella

I think all you want is that all Maltese start living in a cave

C.Scerri@laurence schembri

Dec 7th 2009, 13:24

It seems that you have never heard of privately owned land!

J.Tonna

Dec 7th 2009, 12:59

@ Michael Catania - It is a pity you did not watch Xarabank, you might have learned more before writing.

Charles Zammit

Dec 7th 2009, 12:59

1. There is no doubt that Dr. Scerri's development in Bahrija is being made in an ODZ. Dr. Scerri comes from a party that professes a commitment to the environment. It follows that Dr. Scerri's development went against the PN's policy where it concerns the environment - or am I wrong? If the foregoing is correct Dr. Scerri's forefront position in the party creates a conflict.

2. Dr. Scerri's puerile attack on Ms. Vella and Mr. Bugeja has backfired. These people provided explanations to clarify Dr. Scerri's insinuations. Dr. Scerri should be a man, apologise to Ms. Vella and Mr. Bugeja and to the public in general and admit that his statements were a deviation from the truth.

J Martinelli

Dec 7th 2009, 12:48

@ Michael Catania

If you didn't watch the programme, don't try to comment only on one side of the issue. Dr.Scerri explained in straightforward terms the whole history of the application which MEPA dragged on for nine years, and it was clear that not only he was legally right but also morally right since the area of the proposed building was NOT VIRGIN LAND, unless of course, you still consider the dilapidated structure existing there for more than 40 years, as virgin!

Secondly, Dr.Scerri, or more accurately his wife, possibly both, instructed their architect what they wished to replace the ruins with - within the original footprint and the architect, Mr. Musumeci put forward the application. As he explained, it was his duty to see the successful conclusion to his clients' wishes. The application which was WITHDRAWN included and additional two room extension, allowable even in ODZs but which MEPA withdrew under the pretext that 'they had made an error'!

The fact remains that all this was politically motivated, immoral and one sided since NGOs (FAA, Ramblers, etc) decided to band together and align themselves with the LP who with much cowardice, were fanning the fire behind the scenes.

Lina Caruana

Dec 7th 2009, 12:35

In Malta we tend to argue passionately about anything and everyone. Rambler's association is all right when it seeks to encourage the rehabilitation of tracts of land which can be utilized for country walks . But is it right to attach itself too much to other people's property? The purchasing of property in Malta has its own history and it may not be always an honest purchase. There are areas where MEPA cannot do much about it because the harm and loss to families caused is much higher than environmental issues.

Joseph Cauchi

Dec 7th 2009, 12:27

What really baffles me, is the fact that all the protests emanated by the Ramblers Association and the Flimkien Ghall-Ambjent Ahjar (F.A.A.) are ALWAYS against the PN government or members of the PN.

Do I smell any political bias?

JC.

M. Calleja

Dec 7th 2009, 11:55

Is anyone interested to comment on this article actually?

The Ramblers are saying that the allegations made by Victor Scerri on Mr. Bugejja are false. Verifying who is saying the truth is easy since if Mr. Bugejja applied for a MEPA permit there should be some documentation of this at MEPA.

Or are you trying to say that Mr. Bugejja’s permit application also went lost as happened in the case of the documentation for Victor’s first permit at Bahrija?

laurence schembri

Dec 7th 2009, 11:51

Baffled to say the least, that so many poeple want to see our countryside ruined. Why does everything have to be political? A big hole in a pristine valley is a big hole and there is nothing you can do to hide, no matter what the architect say, the problems with all the ugly Maltese buildings since the late 50`s is down to our architects, now we have MEPA adding and abetting. Take a good look and see what happened to the once beautiful village of Attard, it`s bigger than Valletta.

sandro pace

Dec 7th 2009, 11:35

Whatever. Stop ruining the countryside. Mr. Scerri and the rest can be within the 'legal' permits as much as they like to say, but not much sensitivity to the rural environment is being shown. There is not much trust in the permit issuing neither. Regulations can be twisted, as much as a pile of stones can be termed as a 'dilapidated' building and converted to a house.

Neither can one accept the issue of 'precedence'. For if so, where will one stop?? There was a time when the PN was an environmental stalwart. But its environmental credentials are now dwindling down fast. The prime minister has made a pre-electoral promise of zero ODZ development and permits. Its time that he start keeping his word. He should take political responsibility and draw a line, and not hide behind authorities.

APScerri

Dec 7th 2009, 11:32

Dear all
Just as MEPA Auditor Mr Falzon claims that he can not exclude various illegal behaviours even though he has no proof of any (even though on a TV programme last Friday he stated that he has no evidence that Victor Scerri did any wrong), do I also have a right to say that I CAN NOT exclude various illegal behaviour by Mr Falzon?? I do NOT have proof of any, and I am not claiming that I know of any!! BUT I CAN NOT EXCLUDE...........!!

Rudolph Camilleri

Dec 7th 2009, 11:23

@ Dennis Zammit.

Just to confirm what you are saying, just check out PA 4999/98 on MEPA's website, as copied and pasted below. Application was clearly outside scheme (check Case Category field) when submitted, which is what counts. And thhis is for a swimming pool!!!! with all THAT entails, and in Gozo which Ms vella has always claimed has scenic value -

Application Details
Case Number: PA/04999/98
Location of development: Terrazzin Spring Court, Triq ir-Rebbiegha, Xaghra, Gozo
Description of works: Construction of pool.
Applicant: Mr Astrid Vella
Architect: Mr. Samuel Formosa
Reception date: 11 August 1998
Initial Processing
Validation Date: 11 August 1998
Target Date: 03 April 1999
Application Type: Full development permission
Case Category: Outside Scheme
Date Published in Newspapers: 22 August 1998
Representation Expiry Date: 06 September 1998
The period for Representations is 15 days. However the Authority reserves the right to reduce the representation period for special cases.

A Galea

Dec 7th 2009, 11:18

@ PN apologists: You continue to defend Dr Scerri, when your own party did NOTHING to defend him! So you are now saying that what Dr Scerri is saying is right and the rest are wrong. Just look at what a pitiful state you apologists have run to!

A Galea

Dec 7th 2009, 11:15

@ Ivo Galea: So Developing in an ODZ is nothing wrong. Ok so now I can take St John's cathedral by myself and make it a disco. I am doing nothing wrong am I!!!!

J.Tonna

Dec 7th 2009, 11:13

If this and other environmental NGO's are really apolitical why do they always target political developers, especially PN's???

Why do they criticise every new project announced by the PN Government?? May be because they are allowed to criticise and not subjected to violence against them.

APScerri

Dec 7th 2009, 11:11

@ D. Spiteri

CanNOT leave politics out of this as Victor Scerri was targetted because he is a politician. Even MEPA Auditor Falzon stated that steps were taken in the case of two politicians but not in the case of others!!! WHY??

Raymond Sammut

Dec 7th 2009, 11:05

"...people clapping to Victor Scerri on Xarabank!" This sounds like trial by media. If Mr Scerri brought a "gaffa" into an ODZ, then why are people clapping on TV? If the land is in an ODZ, Mr Scerri has got to get that gaffa out of there and repair the damage to the ODZ land. What these type of people have been doing to Malta's countryside over the years (mostly post-WWII) is absolutely appalling and disgusting, and the onus is on the Maltese authorities and squarely on the Prime Minister who is directly in charge of MEPA.

Ivo Galea

Dec 7th 2009, 11:02

The program provided without doubt that Dr. Scerri did not wrong and did not break any laws. This was stated by MEPA auditor and even by Julia Farrugia. Why Super1 or 1 only (without the Super) is continuing sidelining the public proves that their intention is only Political and to try to pin something on the PN Government by using Victor Scerri.

Dennis Zammit

Dec 7th 2009, 10:58

Victor Scerri was totally right when he referred to the land and application for a swimming pool of Astrid Vella around 1999.

She herself just stated yesterday that since her application date, NOW the land is within the ODZ. This clearly indicates that her application was for outside the development zone ODZ whatever way she tries to call it not that we know that even Astrid Vella herself stated that the application was effective.

Pity all these environmentalists try to convince the people that they are saints.

victor vella

Dec 7th 2009, 10:54

@A.Zammit
The PL Journalist was nothing more then Glen Beddingfield,I don't think I need to add more ux

Jennifer Micallef

Dec 7th 2009, 10:41

The Association defends its President??? That s ripe, as the PN did not defend ITS president in this case, but let matters run their course, and public opinion form itself on the basis of all the comments and assertions floating around. But it seems that NGO's do not take too kindly when assertions are levelled at them. I remember once being told that when one points a finger, it is only natural that there are four pointed back at you.

APScerri

Dec 7th 2009, 10:34

Dear Ramblers, Dear Astrid, Dear Partit Laburista and all those who participated in the protest at Bahrija: we have now heard the other side of the story!! As for the 4 cases identified by the Auditor, when will you be organising national protests regarding the other two? Or do you just protest about PN members?

A Zammit

Dec 7th 2009, 10:09

The worst part of the Victor Scerri case was the involvement of his wife's private life. She had to go to Xarabank and tell in front of the public her private life to help her husband clear the doubts being cast on him. What I find offensive is that the PL 'journalists' present did not even give her an apology...just the usual sarcastic stupid smile.

David Spiteri

Dec 7th 2009, 10:07

With every respect to all, leave Politics out!


I was sick hearing people clapping to Victor Scerri on Xarabank! Unbelievable!


Misskom tisthu!

JosephAgius

Dec 7th 2009, 09:54

Victor Scerri must be ashamed more than ever.

Joe Micallef

Dec 7th 2009, 09:48

Ramblers, as FAA, allowed themselves to used for political purposes, but now that they've launched the attack they are hiding themselves, shying away from allowing a contradictory argument to their conspiracy theory.

You either have an unassailable case or you are celebrated cowards!

On this case I am also flabbergasted by the conclusion of the MEPA auditor. Against all audit practices he had the cheek to state that although he could not find any wrongdoing by the applicant, he couldn’t exclude it – This establishing a very dangerous principle!

Anthony Mercieca

Dec 7th 2009, 09:44

I watched last Friday's Xarabank. I listened very attentively to the MEPA auditor, Mr. Falzon. The gentleman mentioned that he had investigated 4 ODZ applications, but only two politicians' development were brought to his attention by environmental organizations/lobby groups. On basis of such statement, I consider the non-participation of Ramblers Association very weak for refusing to participate in the program