MIP offered to have Carnival Village at Ta' Qali
Updated 8.25 p.m.
Malta Industrial Parks, the government agency which manages industrial estates, said this evening that it had offered the possibility of setting up a Carnival Village within the Crafts Village at Ta’ Qali, but this was rejected by the float builders,
MIP was reacting to comments by Carnival float builders who complained that they had been asked by MIP to vacate large stores at Luqa once Carnival is over.
Eviction notices signed by MIP Chairman Alan Camilleri were delivered to the float builders by the police yesterday.
A spokesman for the Ghaqda Partecipanti Karnival ta' Malta said this was a major and unexpected blow.
"I do not know how we can recover from this one. By the time Carnival is over, we have to vacate three premises - these stores, Lower Fort St Elmo and the chapel near the Mediterranean Conference Centre. And we have nowhere to go," spokesman Jason Busuttil said.
The enthusiasts were told to evict Lower Fort St Elmo just over a year ago and they were also given advance notice to leave the old chapel.
"We have over the years made various proposals to the authorities over alternative premises, but nothing was ever accepted," Mr Busuttil said.
"Two years ago we asked for €750,000 to build a carnival village with 25 tents, but nothing came of it. Then we suggested using the old, disused Soldini factory but that was refused, even though the factory is still closed. Now MIP are saying they need that factory too.
"We do not know what will happen, many of us are simply thinking of giving up," said an exasperated and downcast Mr Busuttil.
MALTA INDUSTRIAL PARKS REACTION
Malta Industrial Parks in a statement this evening said the site was transferred to its portfolio in 2008 as a result of a new industrial project which required the allocation of land.
It said that since 2008, it had initiated the required action to clear the temporary occupiers, since no trace or proof of occupation was found.
"MIP to this effect, has been in constant and frequent contact with the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs (who had given a kind of concession to the occupiers under dubious title) and the Lands Department. This action was stepped up in recent months in view of an instruction from the Magistrate’s Courts to take all the necessary action to hand over the site in its free and unencumbered state to its right title holder."
MIP said that in no instance had it ever allocated the site to the float builders nor had it done so with any other sites to any other float builders in the past.
It was informed that the float builders were granted permission for the temporary use of the site prior to 2008.
With regards to the request for the ex-Soldini factory, MIP said that industrial property could only be allocated to industrial projects as detailed in the Business Promotion Act. Moreover, the location and size of the ex-Soldini factory made it a prime strategic site which was being reserved for potential high value-added investments.
"It is worth noting that MIP had offered the possibility of the Carnival Village being integrated within the Crafts Village concept at Ta’ Qali, but this was rejected by the float builders," MIP said.
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Steve Borg
Jan 28th 2010, 12:08
I agree with Mr Joe Morana that it is a national shame that Fort St Elmo has been so badly misused for so many years. It is a prime heritage site that is an attraction and an important component of our patrimony.
Considering that most of the carnival float builders live in the Valletta area, the most appropriate area should be the Marsa industrial estate. It's close to Valletta, is serviced by arterial roads that faciliate the movement of floats to the capital, and naturally away from our fortifications.
Someone somewhere within government should see to the needs of the float builders without delay. Their floats are works of art after all, they contribute to our cultural calendar and attract visitors to these islands. Their problem of workshops relocation has been put on the back burner for so many years.
Anthony Pace Gouder
Jan 27th 2010, 21:39
M I P offering a Carnival Village integrated within the Crafts Village ! AT TA'QALI ?
Sometimes I think I'm in Babelonia . Come on let' s be serious !
As far as I know the Government's plan is/was /? , to re-locate the Crafts Village, and the Area totally cleared of buildings , and finish off the Park according to the plans . Remember , there was the NUMBER 1 DOCK proposal MENTIONED last year !
This has been the concept ever since the Layout Plans of the National Park were first drawn ! The Park ,in fact ,is less than half-done as can be seen from the Main Passages coming to an abrupt end .
I just cannot fathom how mip can be taken seriously in its offer . Most likely , this is another case of the left hand insensitive to the right .
The Malta Carnival may be in jeopardy , but the way things are going some have good reason to say, " Malta karnival is-sena kolla !. ""
Carl Drury
Jan 27th 2010, 17:38
As a regular visitor to Malta and having attended last years carnival (visited Malta especially for the carnival) I feel it would be short sited not to find suitable accomadation for this to continue. Not only is it a highlight for the locals but also for Tourists and visitors. I know there have been people like myself who have arranged Holidays at this time particularly for the carnival. It must provide a boost to the island's econamy through tourism.
g.portelli
Jan 27th 2010, 13:04
@Antoine Vella
Do Maltese politicians need a spanking new parliament hogging the space in Freedom Square.? There aren't that many of them and most are very boring and creatively challenged to boot! Their record for keeping electoral promises proclaimed so loudly in pre election manifestos is abysmal. These people tend to care mostly for themselves and theirs. They also perpetuate a culture of division which lets face it hasn't got us much far. They consume energy, resources and parking space alarmingly. I am sure we can watch the dismal and fragmentary spectacle of Maltese politics played out in any old concrete building anywhere on the island. Ta Qali seems a good choice, a couple of Nissan huts etc etc might also do the trick. Tax payers money should not be wasted on these people either they have a history of failing to deliver.
PS. Why not democratise carnival by repealing the libel laws than the true character of the Maltese carnival can re emerge. It is about time the Maltese MP loses his/her demi-god status particularly during Carnival. What better way to celebrate the European spirit than for honest truth to be told in jest?
K Spiteri
Jan 27th 2010, 12:29
MIP have to reason things out before offering sites...
Do you think that Ta' Qali is a suitable site close to Valletta? Imagine in a winter weather full of wind and rain, floats driving at around 10km/h from Ta' Qali to Valletta... How long does the journey take? Maybe hours... And will the float make it to Valletta? Probably not!!!
Reason things out dear MIP don't be government's puppet on a string!!!
D. Mizzi
Jan 27th 2010, 08:40
I hope this will not be yet another disaster as the former Bieb il-Belt. It seems that there is a history of proposing areas and after it is heavily abused of we move on to somewhere else.
I am not trying to be political or anything because culture, heritage and the Maltese Islands are ours and irrespective of politics we have to take care of them.
KARMBALDACCHINO
Jan 26th 2010, 22:19
MIP is forgetting our govt proposals for the displacement of same Crafts village to another place. Why thus create non-fundamental answers or beliefs towards people who beg for their meritorious needs. Do we truly believe in the concepts of Art and Culture? Do we truly appreciate such unpaid efforts? Is it true that we may not create or find the righteous habitat for their workmanship and display? Do we still have to listen and wait for the sunshine? Some years ago they had presented their plans with a request for €750,000 to build MALTA's CARNIVAL VILLAGE with 25 tents. Is it so possible that no true taxpayer here on this our island, can present the rightful solution for such a GREAT HISTORIC EVENT in our calendar? Well maybe ONLY what our high authorities say and organize counts, even if they are so BORING through their concepts ! Let us open SPACE to more IDEAS thus generating: "The essence of CARNIVAL that is to have the pleasure in giving pleasure.".
Joseph A. Borda
Jan 26th 2010, 22:00
We need to take action now dear friends.......or else don't take part in the Carnival events any more before tents or workshops are build near Valletta or Floriana.
Where are our National Expertise in Culture-Carnival.....Sleepy ones....Kindly please take action.......
Dear Friends in Carnival..........
Please note.....take action now before Carnival activities starts this years within three weeks time......So take my opion...abon all your work done so far and do not take part in the National activities......Organize an activity within your Forum.........
Still a great supporter of carnival...........
Peter Abela
Jan 26th 2010, 21:57
DEAR ALL MDC ,ME, MIP WHATEEVER NEXT will u stop pissing about with the crafts village people.
Dont u ever stop, screwing things up for them. From fiore di Malta to the vetrina and now it seems to redicule whats next.
JUST DECIDE FOR ONCE AND BRING THE 30 YEAR SAGA TO AN END. CASTELLI IN ARIA
C.Busuttil
Jan 26th 2010, 18:33
@J. farrugia
I am no carnival lover but people like you make me realize how beautiful carnival is. You hate anything that you don't like, you can't stand others having fun. A day will come when something you enjoy to do will annoy others and you will receive a taste of your own medicine. Can't you realize that you are talking of 3 days from 365. Destroying carnival is just another step in destroying a part of our folklore and culture. You are just like little children that when they dont want to take part they try to ruin others fun. You should be ashamed, I repeat I don't like Carnival put never it will pass through my mind to gloat if its not held. I can understand that having a float requires lot of hard work and above all talent, just because I don't like carnival It does not mean I can't appreciate the work it requires.
@David Gulia
I hope the maltese will not ruin the fun of the Nadur people, they used to have a spontaneous carnival until the maltese started to flock there and make it controversial with their bad tastes. PS -I am Maltese.
Jimmy Magro
Jan 26th 2010, 18:32
forget the whole thing. stop wasting your time. it is quite evident that the administration wants to remove carnival from the calendar. what will happen when parliament will be built in freedom square?
invest your time and money in the interests of your families.
Antoine Vella
Jan 26th 2010, 16:58
Why do carnival floats have to be so huge? And ugly? And so repetitive - all look the same. It seems that size over quality is the standard. There would be less difficulty in finding storage space if floats were smaller.
By the way, let us not forget that the old Kingsgate was destroyed to allow extra-large floats to pass through, so these people have a history of not caring about anything apart from their garish papier-mache monstrosities.
They have a perfectly enjoyable and fun carnival in Gozo, especially Nadur, with hardly any floats. We don't need them really.
david gulia
Jan 26th 2010, 16:53
Nadur carnival is very popular and where all the gozitan hotels will be fully booked by maltese people who attend this carnival of a kind............and where one dont see any carnival trailers!
Jon Vercellono
Jan 26th 2010, 16:28
@Joe Morana - This is what you do for two years in a row? Monitor rubbish collection?
Joe Morana
Jan 26th 2010, 16:20
Perhaps some readers may wish to learn more about the 'other side' of our Carnival........ !!!!
anad may wish to access:
http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20100116/letters/lower-fort-st-elmo-back-to-the-future
O Galea
Jan 26th 2010, 16:17
@Adrian agius
And you think this 'beloved' government is crazy? I don't think so. A just solution is always found at the end. The problem is bueraucracy and the long time they take to decide. One of the major defects of this government. Carnival is a money spinner and important for its socio and cultural aspect and the authorities cherish it. Lets just only wish them good luck for the weather.
Eric Gahn
Jan 26th 2010, 16:03
I am a VERY non carnival person but appreciate its cultural significance. The Govt should (yet another time) be ashamed at not providing any support. I completely agree with J Borg and Adrian Agius that the best course of action would be to not participate this year.
IF you decide to go this way do make sure that definite solutions are provided and not guartanees of solutions after the event. The latter case would mean that the Govt gets its way this year and hold your string until next year.
Carnival can be a good vehicle for tourism promotion. Mention Rio to anyone and immedietly they think of carnival. It could be made the same here (without the half naked women lest some people feel tempted to sin). That said, it is not like the Govt is doing much to help tourism these days. Most days I cannot but help think that this island is a sinking ship and the skipper is just widening the flooding hole and switching off the bilge pumps.
J Farrugia
Jan 26th 2010, 16:00
@ J Borg and Adrian Agius - Yes do what you are inciting otherss to do. Dont participate in this year's carnival. Mercy me that will be a sollievo. We will be saved from those terrible noises and horrible faces which will get hold of our capital for the three whole days in which carnival is held. I will thank you from the deepest of my heart for giving all of us a break from all this tantrum.
Alfred Farrugia
Jan 26th 2010, 15:53
There was a time when at the Naxxar Secondary Technical School everything – including stationery - was rationed, until the time for the preparation of the Carnival floats was approaching. Then paper, brown paper and everything else were made available to the students and their teachers to build the Carnival floats. It appears that every now and then the authorities concerned go from one extreme to another. Why cannot the authorities concerned plan ahead and consult the parties involved for the smooth running of certain activities?
Alexander Azzopardi Qormi
Jan 26th 2010, 15:40
Uwejja don't take it wrong
the goverment is just Jealous you can compete with his all year round carnival !!'
T.Saliba
Jan 26th 2010, 15:29
We need a change! GonziPN qed joqtol il kultura maltija
ALEXANDER PACE GOUDER
Jan 26th 2010, 15:25
It seem that at the moment everything is being illtimed. A vacation order on Carnival Festivities eve . Is the idea behind this to spoil the fun for these keen float builders?!!!!!!!!!!!!. Is this a thank you for the hard work and time they spend to build the fantastic Floats.The Art Work especially in the Floats in Catagory A and B is so fantastic. A good example are the floats build by IC CICCO and TAL BANDA to mention two of the keen Float Builders. The rest also construct beautiful floats. A Carnival Village is a must. This will help these keen Carnival People and also be a wonderful Tourist Attraction. It is these people who make Carnival a Success . They have been Promised a centre and also a good place to build their floats. Now they get the kick. This is the new system and way everbody is being treated on this Island. Promises, Promises. Promises. It is Carnival's time in the list to RIP. Such a move exectly on the eve of the Festivities has definitly ruined the fun. These people NEED SOMEONE TO GIVE THEM A HAND AND NOT SUCH AN ILL TIMED STEP.
adrian agius
Jan 26th 2010, 15:19
I AGREE 100000%%% WITH MR.J.BORG.
JUST DON'T TAKE PART IN THIS YEAR'S CARNIVAL IN PROTEST, THAT WAY OUR BELOVED GOVERNMENT WILL REALISE WHAT A TOURIST ATTRACTION THEY ARE LOSING. DON'T FORGET A LOT OF TOURISTS HAVE BOOKED A HOLIDAY THIS YEAR TO COME AND SEE CARNIVAL, ESPECIALLY THIS YEAR SCHOOL MID TERM HOLIDAYS IN THE UK ARE EXACTLY IN THE SAME WEEK AS OUR CARNIVAL !!!
I CAN ASSURE YOU THAT A PLACE WILL BE OFFERED MAGICALLY.
Joe Morana
Jan 26th 2010, 15:13
Just over a year ago I publicly congratulated workers from the Ministry for Resources and Rural Affairs for the thorough clean- up job of Lower Fort St Elmo where they cleared circa 90 tonnes of rubbish from within this site . Access to this part of this Fort was since guarded and access limited to the Carnival float builders listed on a special list.
Will the carnival float builders who have been allowed to make use Lower Fort St Elmo under the watchful eye and protected by our security forces, therefore be made to clean up the TRUCK LOADS of rubbish which has AGAIN accumulated inside this Fort, before they vacate this hostorical site ?
Taxpayers rightfully expect answers from the authorities.
victor pulis
Jan 26th 2010, 14:59
This yearly farce is turning out to be a veritable 'CARNIVAL'
H. Camilleri
Jan 26th 2010, 14:53
I can't believe what i'm reading.....
We need action! or else, byebye carnival floats and malta's unique creativity
J.Borg
Jan 26th 2010, 14:52
There's one thing float builders have to do. Just don't take part in this year's carnival as a protest.....that's how this government needs to be tackled.
Since street protest stopped in Malta, the people are being steamrolled all over.
So take action, abon al work done so far and do not take part in this years carnival activities.
m.portelli
Jan 26th 2010, 14:49
Excellent cultural management! Bravo! 'Lascaris' strikes again? Who will be cataloguing the demise of carnival culture in lower Valletta? It may lack the spontaneity of pre war carnivals but goodness me do we need to kill it all together? It seems authoritarian philistines know no bounds. Talk about culture and democratisation! Is the carnival museum still on the books? Now may be the time to gather the relics and memories! Shame! Bet the tourism industry is overjoyed at the news!
PS. It may also be the time to repeal the libel laws on political satire/lampooning/ridicule and carnival! God knows our sense of humour needs a creative boost!
Charles Caligari Conti
Jan 26th 2010, 14:40
What a pity - What about a centre at the Ta' Qali Crafts Village, where the previous year's floats can be displayed as a tourist attraction and sales of souvenirs be made to easy the financial burden of building the current year's float(s). More people would be attracted to this site and this will generate even more business for the current businesses.
MARK TANTI
Jan 26th 2010, 14:36
TIBZAWX ULIEDI F'MOHHNA QEGHDIN. AHNA QALBNA MAGHKOM. IZDA MHUX GHALISSA, STENNEW FTIT IEHOR SA KEMM INKUN KOMDU JIEN BIEX NISRAQILKOM IL-VOT.
MHUX VERA JEW?