Ramblers again call on Mepa to stop Bahrija works

D. Spiteri

Dec 13th 2009, 18:41

@ Lou Bondi.

Hmm, I wonder how long you've known about the enforcement notices on Refalo's development....I wonder why you've not spoken out before.... political expediency? Live and let live? Whatever your reasons - organize a protest and I'll be standing right beside you.

G Farrugia

Dec 13th 2009, 00:08

Lou Bondi -mela tahseb li hadd ma jaf juza l-website tal-mepa biex jara x'qed tghid?

Jekk tqabbel l-applikazzjoni ta' anton refalo ma ta' victor scerri tkun qed taghmel paragun bejn it-tieqa ghal gol-kamra tal-bejt li qed napplika jien, ma' blokk flats li qed japplikaw ghalihom hdejja.

Just funny bondi.

Joe Agius

Dec 12th 2009, 15:37

@ Lou Bondi
As you see we were not so well-informed about Gozo. You were! Why did you not take the 'Where’s Everybody' troupe and invite us to join a protest on the site? Aren’t you environmentally sensitive enough? Didn’t you feel you had to do it? Or at least write about it so that others could take action? Did you feel sorry for Dr Refalo and wanted to protect him? Why is it only now that you chose to speak? It seems to me that your bravery was at a low at that time. Still, you have now all my admiration for your standing up to be counted in defence of the underdogs. In any case you’ve started the chase after Dr Refalo and we Ramblers have no difficulty in saying that we back your initiative.

Lou Bondi

Dec 12th 2009, 09:20

Joe Agius, as a member of the Ramblers Association, you should have the decency to at least get the facts rights before you pontificate to the nation. The enforcement notices on Anton Refalo's countryside villa in Gozo are very recent. It might be the case the the latest one is still there. Secondly, I have no brief to defend MEPA. It is an institution and it is there to give an account for its actions. But I do feel a moral obligation to stand up against the persecution of individuals for political reasons.

Joe Micallef

Dec 12th 2009, 06:14

To most.

Any way you look at this it is obvious that this was all politically motivated and strategically and unethically orchestrated by PL in the run up to the EP elections, with the consenting or less participation of FAA and Ramblers. If FAA and Ramblers have ODZ areas at heart (now even that is questioned given the actions of prominent members within) they should have campaigned otherwise, primarily with the government and other political parties. But by know it is obvious that members of these NGOs have been taken over by the opportunity to bask in the spot light irrespectively whether it is on the skin of someone who has a legal right to do something. Rather than the law they attack the person to the joy of PL.

Joe Portelli

Dec 12th 2009, 02:06

@ Lou Bondi

Your point regarding the Notices served , means the matter is in the hands of the authorities and if they dont follow-up the served notices than they are in breach themselves. In a way, Refalo's case has started and being heard (and seen) so one must await the offical outcome and hopefully get justice.

Until one is served with an official notice, the public have a right to complain and attract attraction and consideration for first legal step, Serving a Notice should always be left up to the proper authority. Til then, one cannot just say its political. A time and place for everything and only the voice of the unsatisfied people can create the change and bring teh attraction.

It is a shame on this tiny land we have a culture that embraces peer pressure and all want the big house etc., why cant we recognise we are over crowded and learn to live in high rise appartments and regain some land areas back for everyone to share, as they do in Singapore, HK , Macau and still have great quality of life. Seems we measure success by status and by the size of house car.

J Martinelli

Dec 11th 2009, 23:44

Dr. Scerri is proceeding according to the original approval by MEPA which sat there for Ramblers and FAA to see for eight full years. They had ample time to raise any objections and they did not until last MEP elections when they held hands with the Labour Party who is willing to suck up votes from anyone and anywhere. The parties concerned are unprincipled and will do anything to gain publicity.

Dr. Scerri promised to restore the site, so Ramblers and Astrid have to wait and see the results. Dr. Scerri, should ignore these threats and perhaps ask the Courts to issue an injunction prohibiting any harassment from FAA, Ramblers and the Labour Party!

C Galea

Dec 11th 2009, 23:00

ALL AT THE HELM'S OF MEPA SHOULD BE MADE TO RESIGN OVER THIS MANDATORY FULLSTOP.

Ray Sultana

Dec 11th 2009, 22:28

This is an utter disgrace!

Lou Bondi, this had nothing to do with politics, it has to do with the rape of one of the most beautiful and ecologically sensitive valleys in the Maltese islands. NGOs, given their limited resources, have to concentrate on the most sensitive and urgent cases, unfortunately to the detriment of other less sensitive developments. This is where Mepa (financed with our taxes precisely for this reason) should come in, ensuring that all development respects policies and the environment, something that it has often failed to do.

Dennis Zammit

Dec 11th 2009, 21:52

To Marisa Micallef,

Nice homework . . . it seems that you are behind the mechanism and the mud trowing, oops, blue clay, against Victor Scerri. Why don't you look around you? You 'new' friends, say Refalo in Gozo and Astrid and Lino have many questions and clarifications regarding their links to possible illegal buildings.

They only seem busy chasing Victor. Don't worry, it is only strengthening Victor in his eventual political campaign when the time comes. And he does not need to declare all this on his electoral application. Some people are lucky!!

So Marisa Micallef, try something else!!!!!!

c. camilleri

Dec 11th 2009, 19:56

This is all politics from the start. Who is going to believe any more these NGOs. They still persist in their haunting and persecution despite the fact that Victor has come out clear from every accusation hurled against him. Lou you have written enough to make sensible and unbiased persons realise that they have a lost case. But these people are using similar tactics used by the PL who persists in their mud throwing in the hope that some will stick.
Pity that this Govt give so much attention to these persons. In the meantime one awaits patiently a reply why in the case of Dr. Anton Refalo these environmental loving people refrained from raising a finger.

Joe Agius

Dec 11th 2009, 19:50

@ Lou Bondi
As for the Anton Refalo enforcement notices I have to repeat what I told Mr Pace. Mr Bondi, be informed that Ramblers was set up in 2005. I should think that the construction to which you refer goes back some ten years or more. YOUR Mepa has had all the time in the world to act on its Enforcement Notices. But feel you should attack US for not protesting not MEPA for its inaction. Your sense of fair play baffles me.
If Dr Refalo has broken the rules of the land RAM thinks that Mepa should take action, and do so immediately if it has left so many years pass by; or else explain what is stopping it from doing so.

Doreen Spiteri

Dec 11th 2009, 19:50

@ Lou Bondi.
The Ramblers are not interested in applicants who apply to develop areas designated as 'Outside Scheme'; let the political parties decide how politically sensitive it is of their members to even contemplate doing so. The Ramblers have a problem with MEPA and its regulations which contain enough loopholes to allow such a development in Bahrija to take place. Indeed, the Ramblers lodge several dozen complaints with MEPA on a regular basis. Perhaps Lou Bondi would like to do the same - only he'd probably hire a bunch of researchers to do so. The fact remains that the Ramblers and other environmental NGOs are voluntary, part-time watchdogs of the environment - we should be thankful for what they're doing. Theirs is a SELFLESS INTEREST - they get nothing but grief out of all this.

Joe Agius

Dec 11th 2009, 19:47

@ Lou Bondi
So now RAM can expect a polite invitation to Lou Bondi’s programme on this subject and feel assured to find a level playing ground. We have explained our case a hundred times but some people go on repeating only what is convenient. Mr Bondi, just in case you have not, do go through the Case Officers reports and read the 17 odd reasons for the repeated recommendations for refusals. And revisit the Auditor’s report; you might find parts which are not music to your ears. For those who want to hear, one explanation is enough; for those who don’t want to hear repetitions are never enough.
You quote Mepa to us; but who are the people who still believe in Mepa and DCC decisions?
You nearly made us cry with your moving appeal to our finer sentiments.

Lou Bondi

Dec 11th 2009, 18:44

George Debono: you are right - you dont know much about this case and you dont seem to be interested to know. Here a few howlers of yours. You say that Scerri is not being accused of breaking the low - "all he did wrong was to apply to MEPA". Why is he wrong? Is he an illegal immigrant? Has he lost his citizenship? If the land was yours, wouldnt you have applied? Secondly, you say that "only opposition to what MEPA had permitted put him in a bad light" Excuse me? You protested near his land. Are you now a member of the Opposition? Thirdly, you pooh pooh Anton Refalo's enforcement notices as just a small mistake. So let me get this straight. Victor Scerri, who wasnt even an MP, is crucified for not breaking the law and you turn a blind eye Labour MP who tried to break it. Two weights, two measures

P.Cassar

Dec 11th 2009, 18:26

@Lou Bondi
Questions:
Why is it that a few meters away fron V Scerri's land very simple (opening of a wimdow) permits were refused?
Do you really believe that, had it been A COMMON CITIZEN applying for the permit, it would have been given?
Does the photo not show great, ireparable damage to a very sensitive area?
Don't you think that mentioning other mistakes weaken your arguments?

Joe Agius

Dec 11th 2009, 18:07

@ Henry S. Pace
We members of the Ramblers’ Association of Malta (RAM) do not expect plaudits and thanks from one and all, but neither do we expect unfair comments like yours. Are you by any chance referring to the late Hon. Agatha Barbara’s house at Ghammar? If you are, then you know very well that that building has been there for at least 20 years. RAM was set up in 2005. We therefore suggest you direct your question to the various ministers and chairmen of Mepa during this period. They should give you a more informed answer. And just in case you didn’t know it, you could have made an objection to this development yourself. I’m not sure you’re still in time though.
@ Mick Tanti
If we have lost credibility with you it’s really no skin off our nose because we find little that is credible in your comment.

J Busuttil

Dec 11th 2009, 18:03

Astrid Vella and FAA and ramblers tell us if the MLP is restoring the buildings ar Pembroke .

jbusuttil

Dec 11th 2009, 17:59

What Lou Bondi has stated about the property in Gozo it has always been on my mind and was amazed how it had never come to light in this issue and finally Lou had the guts to spill it out.

Dear Astrid Vella now that you know about it I expect you to organise a protest if not than I personally can accuse you and your association of being political. At the end of the day both are political so what's the problem. May be you are afraid that now one will come to join you in this protest.

Lou Bondi

Dec 11th 2009, 17:35

This is exasperating. The question is not whether I or you or anyone else 'thinks' that Victor Scerri should have a permit but whether he has a right to one at law. God forbid if we go back to a time when someone or other or some minister rather than the law gives people rights to permits. So the only question that is relevant here is whether Victor Scerri has a legal right to build his house in Bahrija on the site of an already existing dwelling. So far, barring the right to build two extra rooms, he does. On which basis should this right be denied to him given the facts available and the declarations of all the competent authorities?

a attard

Dec 11th 2009, 17:30

Whats happening in Bahrija should have never ever been allowed by MEPA punto basta - this is a very sad story indeed.

diana cottis

Dec 11th 2009, 17:20

It is a shame that it is down to NGOs to try to safeguard the environment of this country when that job should be done by MEPA. Anyone who has actually been to see Bahrija valley and the watercourse (which is one of the last remaining places where the Maltese freshwater crab can be found) can see how fragile this ecosystem is. To permit ANY building so near a sensitive site is clearly endangering it. Mepa should have refused it on these grounds alone.

Adrian Borg Cardona

Dec 11th 2009, 17:14

As you can seen Lou Bondi is making a huge effort to label FAA and Ramblers as political associations. This shows how right they were to avoid appearing on Xarabank last week when the subject was purely political and nothing to do with the environment. They were clever enough not to fall into the trap. Well done FAA and Ramblers for the sterling work you are doing instead of our Govt which should be protecting our enviornment but does not.

Joe Micallef

Dec 11th 2009, 17:12

George Debono!

This is interesting

If as you claim you do not know much about the project, then how can you claim that someone else doesn't know either. With sincere apologies but dafter than daft!

That logic cleared.......ehmmm I have the slight feeling that you are trying to change the tone of all the allegations hurled at Dr.Scerri by the PL/FAA/Rambles cooperative. Emmmmm even more interesting....immoral but interesting!

Henry J Bonett

Dec 11th 2009, 17:11

As a journalist, Lou Bondi's role is to present facts as they are. But just as he is on record on TV saying how he just cannot control himself when watching his favourite squadra playing calcio, so it seems he is uncontrollable when things are not politically palatable to his side. What makes him so predictable is that he so obviously lists to one side that had he been a boat he would have definitely foundered on launching.

Astrid Vella

Dec 11th 2009, 17:11

Henry Pace: Neither FAA nor Ramblers existed at the time of the building of the villa you refer to opposite Ta Pinu.Its bad enough to be expected to do MEPA’s work monitoring developments now, but please, not back in history!

The same for Lou Bondi re Refalo’s villa in Gozo.I remind that when the Bahrija development was first brought to Ramblers’ attention,it was taken for granted that this was a Government project related to drains problems in the area.Ramblers imagined so because they are aware that in a Special Area of Conservation and Natura 2000 site, no development can take place other than works essential to the community. Given MEPA’s steadfast refusal to even run electricity cables for the elderly lady who lives to this day without electricity in this area, and a similar refusal to allow the opening of a window, Ramblers never dreamt that such a private development had been granted a permit.

FAA have never knowingly objected to any politically-development other that of the Australia Hall in Pembroke,property of the Labour Party.

And by the way, so sorry to ignore you, but your blog was not up at the time I posted my comment.

D.Calleja

Dec 11th 2009, 17:06

On the road leading to Cirkewwa there is a very conspicuous building. The MEPA auditor Mr Falzon was the architect for two applications on that site identified as Dar Betsajda. (tal-Muzew)

He first 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. Subsequently he applied for the full development permit (PA2010/01) and obtained it.

Compare it to the Bahrija case. Both involved a dilapidated building in scenic areas. Both are ODZ and involved massive excavations. Both requested extensions and proposed two stories instead of one.

The Cirkewwa outline development application took 8months from validation to approval. Very efficient from an Authority maligned for its procrastination!!! The Cirkewwa full development application was processed in 6months. Another incredible delivery time by MEPA!!! Must qualify as a record!! The Bahrija applications demanded years and years of processing!!

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

Can FAA and Ramblers kindly investigate?

Lou Bondi don’t hold your breath!

Pierre Fiorentino

Dec 11th 2009, 16:58

Jiena mistoqsija wahda please wegbuni; Jekk kull wiehed minnkom imur japplika ghal permess simili, tahsbu li jirnexxielkom iggibu l-permess biex tibnu villa? Jien cert li r-risposta hija LE kbira daqs ma nafx xiex. U jekk ic-cittadin komuni ma jistax igib tali permess, ifisser li iva xi haga tinten hemm. U mhux xi haga. harsu lejn is-sit fejn qed tinbena l-villa, morru hemm u araw xi hsara qed issir f'post ODZ. Spjegawli ghalfejn sit ODZ tasal biex tohrog permess ta' villa!

U please tinsulentawx l-intelligenza tal-qarrejja u tghidu li diga kien hemm bini. Ghax allura vera wasalna f'punt fejn in-nitfa kampanja li fadal nistghu nghidulha caw caw! U din naqtawha li ghax xi hadd li fl-ahhar mill-ahhar huwa ambjentalist u daqshekk, jikkritika lil xi hadd li inzerta mal-pn nippruvaw inkissruh. Mela allura x'nistghu nghidu fuq l-artikli li kitbu kuljum tant nies kontra l-PL, dawk political ukoll sur Bondi. inkdredibbli kif jitressqu argumenti patetici ghal-ahhar bhal dawn meta min jaghmilhom huwa parti minn strategija shiha biex partit jigi attakkat b'mod fin u l-partit l-iehor issirlu damagae control. Jien ottomist li fl-ahhar In-nies qed jindunaw b'dan kollu!

Lou Bondi

Dec 11th 2009, 16:57

To Sergio Galea Vincenti - oh I see. So to give a list of FACTS about a case as I did below now amounts to being an apoligist for corruption. Intelligent readers will notice that neither you nor Astrid Vella nor Lino Bugeja uttered a single word about the facts I listed. Not even about the one involving a Labour MP, Anton Refalo, who had two enforcement notices stuck to his house. And you have the gall to call me to account? Now about Australia Hall. You are either young or with a short-term memory. The PN's criticism of the PL and Australia Hall has been going on for decades. Astrid Vella and FAA added nothing to it. Finally, not only do I believe that environmental NGOs have a right to criticise and raise hell about any valid issue, but their contribution is indispensible to our democracy. What I object to is the character assasination of men like Victor Scerri who - according to ALL THE FACTS known so far - has done nothing wrong. Facts corraborated by the MEPA Auditor, the MEPA chairman and the Commissioner of Police.

George Debono

Dec 11th 2009, 16:56

@LOU BONDI
I don't really know much about the case - and, from what you write, you don't seem to know much either!

So excuse me if my naive comments about your comments may be equally daft! .


Not Scerri was hounded, but his proposal to rape an ODZ site of ecological sensitivity.

Nobody accused Scerri of breaking the law - all he did wrong was to apply to MEPA. (perfectly legal OK?)

MEPA broke the rules by giving him permission to build. - So he is on safe ground asking the Commissioner of Police to investigate him for any wrong-doing,

You say "AustinWalker/MEPA/ chairman, said that the revoking of...Scerri's permits was to redress mistakes committed by MEPA and not Scerri" ----- EXACTEMENT MON AMI !!!!!

Ramblers' Association, did not "publicly prosecute Victor Scerri …………..as if he were a war criminal" - only opposition to what MEPA had permitted put him in a bad light. .

If Anton Refalo, had two enforcement notices in Gozo, I assume that Ramblers (and others) were pleased about it, but Ramblers are not the police and cannot ENFORCE the law. Mere rambling would not have done the trick.

Maybe I'm talking rubbish.......................but. there!

M. Saliba

Dec 11th 2009, 16:56

@ Lou Bondi - from your comments I gather that you are in favour of the rape of the Bahrija valley. You try to belittle the sterling work of the Ramblers Association and Astrid Vella. I'm sure you agree that Malta's countryside deserves better and if what you are alleging is correct, two wrongs don't make a right!

marisa micallef

Dec 11th 2009, 16:54

lou bondi, many decent people have enforcement notices lou as astrid pointed out
it could happen to any of us
what is a shame here is the destruction of a valley
go and walk there and then post a blog
you may then possibly understand why people are not happy, and will not accept this.. please note, WHOEVER DID THIS, i dont need to mention names

Vincent Caruana

Dec 11th 2009, 16:42

@Lou Bondi
No single NGO can fight all battles. Your comments show a lack of understanding of the real capacity of NGOs, especially those who depend almost in total on voluntary work. They actually do miracles compared to their size, most probably because there is real passion for a just cause. I myself would not mind a scenario where Astrid and Lino are trying to save Bahrija and Lou is trying to save Gozo. As long as the latter demonstrates the same passion and concern for preserving mother nature. All Malta and Gozo citizens and future generations would stand to gain in the end.

Sergio Galea Vincenti

Dec 11th 2009, 16:34

@ Lou Bondi: Let's make things a bit simpler, shall we? Where were the same apologists of the Bahrija case when FAA raised objections in relation to the PL's Australia Hall in Pembroke and in cases where architects were from the PL camp?

Ray Buhagiar

Dec 11th 2009, 16:18

And when are these environment NGOs going to protest against noise pollution from dogs who are left on rooftops for no obvious reason except cruelty.

J. Aquilina

Dec 11th 2009, 15:59

No matter who took the mistake, the fact is that this is one the most special ecological interest in our small Island. MEPA declared it took the mistake. Now Mr. Scerri have a nice declaration to sue MEPA for charges and irregularties.

I am quiet sure that eveyone dreams of nice home across a beatiful valley. If everyone thinks the same then nature could have been gone.

I would like to thanks Ramblers & FAA for their efforts. I completely disagree with your absence at Xarabank last week.

J.Tonna

Dec 11th 2009, 15:50

Ghandux ragun jew m'ghandux, Dr. scerri, issa dahlet pika personali (jekk mhux politika wkoll) mieghu u kull ma jridu hu li jwaqqfuh. "Is-sewwa jirbah zgur" - hawn min jghid!

Lewis Muscat

Dec 11th 2009, 15:49

If this is not political, than I don't know what is. Even M.M. has now joined the wagon.

Adrian Borg Cardona

Dec 11th 2009, 15:45

If Victor Scerri is a private citizen, how does politics come into it? Oh yes, in this weird country unless you criticise someone from both parties then you must be political. Love for Malta's environment does not come into it. But what happens when for example FAA praises the Govt as it recently has? Should the Opposition label FAA political? Tthe Ramblers Associaton letter does not mention Dr. Scerri. The criticism is aimed at MePA for, once again, closing its eyes to what is happening in Bahrija. Mr. Bondi forgot that fact that the MePA Auditor stated that the Development Control Commission completely ignored all policies meant to protect and safeguard the environment in the case of Bahrija.

N.Calleja

Dec 11th 2009, 15:43

For me and many others, Astrid Vella and Lino Bugeja lost the last bit of credibility when following their excuse that they did not take part in Xarabank because they do not participate in politically orientated programmes, they were front liners on Realta on Super One TV last night. As if they do not understand that anything produced by One TV and,especially by its producer and presenter, Brian Hansford are not politically immersed against anything done during this legislation? Surely they are not that naive!! They were afraid to face Victor Scerri and Robert Musumeci because their arguments would have been floored. Mr Scerri was invited by Realta on the same day of the programme . Did Hansford come up with the idea of presenting the programme also on that same day? We are not chickens eh!!

Charles Micallef

Dec 11th 2009, 15:43

Oh no.............. not that house in Bahrija Valley in the news again.!

salvu calleja

Dec 11th 2009, 15:42

To all MOANERS
I suggest you to attend the Forum at the Phonicia next Sunday morning so everybody can say his/her point of view, and I also hope Mr.Scerri will attend as Mr.Bugeja And Mrs Vella will do so the general public can ask some interesting questions..... Or we need to go on Xarabank as it is the only program where you can make civil discussion......

lou Bondi

Dec 11th 2009, 15:37

I see that below Astrid Vella of FAA is unwilling to address the facts I posted before her. Let me remind her again: A Labour MP, Anton Refalo, has had not one but two enforcement notices nailed to his house in Gozo. And yet neither Astrid Vella nor the Ramblers rushed to have a protest in front of Refalo's house and to persecute him to the point of resignation. Why? In the absence of an answer, it is clear who is being political.

C.Agius

Dec 11th 2009, 15:32

Jekk taqbel ma dan l-izvilupp - int Blue
jekk ma taqbilx - int Ahmar

l-ahdar ma jidher imkien.

Ghandu jew m'ghndux permess, imissu Dr Scerri qatt m'applika jekk veru rridu nibzghu ghad-daqsxejn sbuhija naturali li ghandna - pero' l-egoizmu dejjem irrenja fostna.

Sergio Galea Vincenti

Dec 11th 2009, 15:11

@ R. Spiteri: It seems that you didn't follow the Super One programme, Realta', as you would have known what actually went on behind the scenes in relation to the programme.

J. Borg

Dec 11th 2009, 15:07

One can only wonder how Ms. Astrid Vella and Mr. Lino Bugeja can continue their thankless sterling work........when they get lambasted by expired politicians and their buddies.

And considering that Ms. Vella and Mr. Bugeja, together with the environmental NGOs are only trying to uphold what the supposedly "competent authority" - veiling the government - is so incompetent to do.

The vested interest and personal gains are evident from the "developer" and government side..........NGOs just gain less time with their families but hopefully the satisfaction of looking at their children and say 'I tried my best to defend what is essentially your heritage'!

Charles Cachia

Dec 11th 2009, 15:03

`reconstruction of a dilapidated farmhouse`. Xi Tfisser?? Se nibnu l-istess imma din id-darba taht permess li diga hareg?. Reconstruction tista tfisser hafna affarijiet.

mick tanti

Dec 11th 2009, 14:55

L ewwel nett ma naqbilx mal izvilupp f dawn l inhawi pero finalment nahseb li is sur Victor Scerri ( li ma naqbilx mijaw politikament ) andu ragun !....tar ramblers assosciation tilfu l kredibilita la ma marrux f xarabank...kienet tkun l oppurtunita perfetta ghalihom !!

Astrid Vella

Dec 11th 2009, 14:51

In the last two days it was FAA and Ramblers who insisted with the producers of Realta that Victor Scerri should be invited onto Realta for a civilized debate. If it were not for the interference and pressure of a leading PN politcal figure on the Wednesday, Dr. Scerri would have been invited on the same day as us. This can be confirmed with the producers.

Unfortunately, Dr. Scerri was informed the day after, ie, on the morning of the programme and chose not to come, as he has every right to do. He had his reasons and we shall not be launching a media slanging match as to why he decided that way, as was meted out to us.

Joe Cassar

Dec 11th 2009, 14:49

Ms Vella and Mr Buigeja, please don't give in. We are all behind you.

marisa micallef

Dec 11th 2009, 14:49

astrid and lino definitley do not seem afraid ,and did not seem afraid on realta
some bloggers here do though

all of middle malta supports astrid and lino whatever their colour
shame on victor and those who defend such behaviour

maria falzon

Dec 11th 2009, 14:45

@ R Spiteri & John Bugeja.

I'm sure you guys agree with the destruction of this pristine area. with your standards we can have malta built and tarmacked allover, and you'll always have a nice excuse.

Muscat. Pat

Dec 11th 2009, 14:44

Where have all the PN green credentials gone? Its clear now that the "green" charade of the 1980's were just an excuse to win power. All those crocodile's tears, all the talk about the "green areas" were all hypocisy.
Whilst most of the world at Copenahagen is discussing how to reduce our ( carbon) footprint; Dr Victor Scerri is determined to leave his" footprint" in the middle of the prestine Bahrija valley.!

Jon Vercellono

Dec 11th 2009, 14:40

This entire development, scenario is out of control; better to STOP now rather than cause a serious accident for an automobile or person. Thank you Ramblers and Mr. Bugeja for your concern for our collective health.

Lou Bondi

Dec 11th 2009, 14:36

The Ramblers Association has been hounding Victor Scerri for months. Let us look at the confirmed FACTS so far: (a) Scerri did not break any law or MEPA rules (b) he has asked the Commissioner of Police to investigate him for any wrong-doing (c) Joe Falzon, the MEPA Auditor declared that there is no evidence that Scerri did anything wrong (d) Austin Walker, the MEPA chairman, said that the revoking of the last of Scerri's permits was to redress mistakes committed by MEPA and not Scerri (e) Robert Musumeci, who is Scerri's architect, declared that he is even contesting the withdrawal of this last permit at law. Despite all this, the Ramblers' Association, continues to publicly prosecute Victor Scerri, who is now a private citizen, as if he were a war criminal. At the same time a Labour MP, Anton Refalo, has had not one but two enforcement notices nailed to his house in Gozo. And yet the Ramblers never rambled to have a protest in front of Refalo's house. If this is not being political, I would like to know what is.

Henry s Pace

Dec 11th 2009, 14:33

'The ramblers called on the authority to stop the works in view of these developments or to give a satisfactory explanation.'

Did they ever request such an explanation when that huge villa was built on the Ghammar Slope opposite the Ta'inu Shrine.

The answer might be NO.

R Spiteri

Dec 11th 2009, 14:12

Yesterday Astrid Vella and Lino Bugeja of the Ramblers were on Super 1 TV.

They were afraid to face Victor Scerri on TVM.

C.Agius

Dec 11th 2009, 14:09

Watch the daily unfolding news in Italy and compare them to Malta's.

You'd be amazed.

John Bugeja

Dec 11th 2009, 14:02

Sur Bugeja,
Trid tinqeda bit-tafal issa, mela spicca t-TAJN.???