NGOs hold environment protest

Joe Xuereb

Mar 18th 2010, 11:20

@ Zarb Darmanin. Life is too short for anyone to strive to be valuable and interesting to others, killers of birds of all people and others who see nothing untoward in a city wall that's more of set of dentures missing a dentoid (never mind the roofless joke0. But life is too long for us NOT to strive to be just and threatening enough - gently does it, at first - to nudge the sleepy deniers from their anaesthesised somnolence. This is maturity. Nothing to do with being valuable and interesting. To my fellow, bird-killing men? You have to be joking Silf!
Have to go now. My pink camouflage is in the tumble-drier

Joe Xuereb

Mar 17th 2010, 16:56

I imagine MEPs were elected on tickets other than them not minding the massacre of birds (which I doubt but be that as it may). The Maltese vote on all kinds of tickets might I presume? maturity at last? But the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Malta is in a mess. And even I, a non-politico animal - but I make a lovely collectible papier-mache` effigy daubed in lurid pink - know that an ambitious MEP is not above pandering to whateverit is if it means garnering a few bloody-feathered votes. Only in Malta! Sanction a roofless joke and ensure your name lives forever, even if for the wrong reasons. Ah! what we do for votes if that is the only thing we aspire to in life!
I suggested the papier-mache` effigy be placed in the middle of the field. Not as some kind of prized dining-table centrepiece - known as 'centru' in nanna's days - a wedding gift from a distant cousin twice removed and long since dead....from goodness knows when way back. Possession has different meanings - in the middle of a field is one thing. Tucked strategically with one under the duvet is another.

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 17th 2010, 10:47

Joe Xuereb, the Maltese have already demostrated that they are not bothered with hunting. I refer you to the recent MEP elections where those in favour got elected whereas those against got minimal amount of votes!

Finally, Sir, I only keep valuable and interesting objects in my possession!!

Joe Xuereb

Mar 17th 2010, 01:06

It never ceases to amaze me. Take one, any, undeniably glaring shortcoming in this blessed country. Say, pot-hole. Or the massacre of birds which simply want to take to the air without being pulverised. Don't forget. Undeniably wrong. And take one demonstrator, or ten thousand to highlight this sad state of affairs, and - one still gets this Maltese peculiarity that sees no wrong in pot-holes, bloodied feathers, etc. I find this very odd. Unless of course it's all tied up with partisanship which explains everything.
Sylvana Zarb Darmanin. Why don't you put your money where your mouth is? Why don't you organise a demo. But be careful. By definition, the Maltese will cry down the demonstrator because it is the done thing, true to form. And then we'll know whether the Maltese really are not bothered with hunting. And you might have to swallow your words if only by default.
My presence will have to be by proxy (I'm in UK). I'll send a cardboard cutout in pink camouflage. Or maybe a three-dimentional effigy in papier-mache`. You can keep it after your demo and install it in your field to frighten off the birds.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 16th 2010, 16:12

Call me a pink camouflaged intellectual if you want to, see if I GIVE a damn. The only modus operandi, or modus vivendi, or whatever modus you care to apply, is modus lateral-thinking. It is a tough modus not given to many. But it is the only modus. What other modus is there? And yes, there are times when he makes a din, this Modest Modus. He needs to make his needs known. Not for him, cowiering quietly in a corner, like some dunce*, accepting all the debris that is thrown at him. Colluding with his oppressor. And then when the proverbial hits the fan, he comes to me for tea and sympathy. No, it don't work like lthat Mr. Incomodus. * After the great John Duns Scotus - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dunce

Fabian Borg

Mar 15th 2010, 18:50

How many people were present at the protest ? The picture is not giving us any idea unfortunately. Also Tolga Temuge, representing BirdLife, said the government should not be strong with the weak and weak with the strong. Exactly! the government should be strong with the EU and have the courage, apart from having the belief that it is the right thing to do, and apply a derogation and allow spring hunting for turtle dove and quail as was done far ages in Malta and as was promised in writing and said to have been agreed with the EU prior to tyhe 2003 referendum vote.

J Martinelli

Mar 14th 2010, 23:21

Very impressive crowd, if I may say so!
Exactly what were the couple of hundred protesting?

Illegal hunting? MEPA? Piano project? Bird trapping? Bidnija? Hondoq ir-Rummien? Marsascala projects, environmental issues?

For so many beefs, I would have expected ten times the crowd present at the damp march!

Is this all Astrid could muster and with the help of seven other NGOs and Labour's MP Roderick Galdes not to count in the leader of Imperium Europa.

Cauchi L

Mar 14th 2010, 21:05

The Protest was successful. From several movements and the NGO’s were great even the Gozitans were there to protect their environment, agriculture land and ground water. The last one is so scarce! Unfortunately as time passes by, the sources of water is getting less and less.... So let s get all together and protect our precious ground water!

James A. Tyrrell

Mar 14th 2010, 20:12

@Andrew Farrugia. Nothing whatsoever wrong with my reading skills Andrew unless I misread your comment where you referred to people standing up for their rights as "delinquents". I can't say the same for your reading skills as you seem to misread what you yourself have written and then attack those who pick you up on it.

Andrew Farrugia

Mar 14th 2010, 18:14

@ James Tyrrell
I am afraid that your reading skills leave much to be desired. You have dismally failed to understand both my and Ms A Vella's contribution/s. Or else you are trying to be funny and misrepresent other people's views.

Anglu Xerri

Mar 14th 2010, 18:13

Rain or shine the protest on saturday sent o good message to the authorities-- not to mess up with the environment to both sides and including the hunters. The real hunters and their Federations lost a golden opportunity not taking part, and as usual they shot themselfs in the foot yet again. They didn't realise that the protesters were there to save some of the ienvironment that they hunt on. Birdlife was there to stamp out illegal hunting not to abolish hunting altogether. The true hunters would have sent a message to those hunters that continually break the law, but by the criticisim in these comments they are condoning the infractions. So much for the wardens they are planning on to report law breakers.They haven't realized that by criticisim, confrontation and selfishness will not win them any backing. You have to work much harder to win a title, and call yourselfs Conservationists. For the NGO's that took part on Saturday Protest well done a very good disciplined job.

Andrew Farrugia

Mar 14th 2010, 17:45

@ G Debono
You may twist reality and what other people write as much as you please but you do not impress me much. I will have my say just as much as you and as for crawling back into woodwork i would appreciate you showing me how it may be done.

George Debono

Mar 14th 2010, 16:29

andrew.farrugia

RE "My..interest.....is....none...of...your...business....and....the....likes...of...you"

PRECISELY!

WELL SAID MR FARRUGIA !

By the same token neither are my interests any of your business - geddit?

SO:

1) if I'm worried (on good scientific grounds) about pollution and its threat to my health and that of my children and grand children

2) If I'm concerned that commercial interests have turned Malta into a dump which my grandchildren will have to live in

3) If I'm worried about illegal plundering of Malta's water table &c &c

THEN I have every right to do as I think fit about it - and that includes marching up Republic Street as is my democratic right -

…..and so on - If you disagree with any of what I think you are welcome to say why - BUT, on the other hand, I have every democratic right to go out and demonstrate in the street and YOU have no business to stop me or criticize me for doing so unless I step on your toes. And please stop being so right-wing in calling young environmental activists "delinquents".

Now PLEASE crawl back into the woodwork and do precisely what you preach, namely. minding your own business.

G

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 14th 2010, 15:46

Franco Farrugia, my comments bother you so much that you have to comment just for the sake of commenting! BirdLife Malta had no place in yesterday's protest. However, once it participated one would have expected that anti-hunting individuals should have been there. Sitting comfortably behind a PC screen and insulting hunters is not enough. I have been stating long enough that the majority of Maltese people are not bothered at all with hunting. Yesterday's poor show proves me right.

James A. Tyrrell

Mar 14th 2010, 15:06

@andrew farrugia. Ms. Vella in her comment was simply referring to the fact that more and more people today are suffering from conditions such as asthma, emphysema and pointing out the fact that these are linked to the air quality on Malta today. Your attack on her comment is not only infantile but shows that you care very little about the suffering of people in your own country especially children and the elderly. My grandfather had emphysema and I hope to God you never find yourself in the condition he was in.

andrew farrugia

Mar 14th 2010, 12:20

To Astrid Vella
as usual you have become particularly adept at generalising and shooting from the hip. For your information a. the medical circumstances of members of my family are none of your business and b. my political leanings or sympathies are equally beyond your obnoxious inquisitiveness. A careful reading of my contribution/s to this blog would have shown that i merely noted the presence of a group of anarchists who worship guevara in such activities. I did not comment about the aim, number or validity of the demonstration. For all you and your sidekick Debono (shut up all of you!) may know i could very well be sympathetic with your cause but am hardly likely to satisfy your curiosity or team up with delinquents whose logo consists of a clenched fist over red and black background.

DAVID BRIFFA

Mar 14th 2010, 11:52

@Astrid vella
what you said is true but would you please tell us what on earth was birdlife and graffiti doing there ?

R Muscat

Mar 14th 2010, 02:39

A word of encouragement to all who attended and the organisers PROSIT these people braved the weather for the future of our children, who will be faced with the prospect of living !!

In a concrete jungle of ugly urban sprawl, with nameless architecture that replaces a lot of our cultural heritage.
A polluted sea infested with jelly fish thanks to overfishing (Tuna), the virtual extinction of turtles in Maltese warers and the pumping of raw sewage directly into our sea off Xajghra etc(illegal under EU law).
No fresh air for those in the south, thanks to the power stations that are not even up to EU standards for emissions and for those in the north thanks to maghtab and badly managed landfills that still smell toxic, if it is not one of these two then its the dust that comes out of construction sites ,quarries, buses, trucks etc.
A plague of the flying rat ,the feral pigeon (Sliema front), thanks to those who think that a Maltese Falcon is better stuffed than flying (BTW a National Icon now EXTINCT. next Maltese fresh water crab tal 5c).
Drinking water that is already polluted with nitrates and other toxins.
What next?

savior cordina

Mar 13th 2010, 23:04

Who does he thinks he is this george debono bullying all and sundry to shut up and preaching about democracy.

C Buttigieg

Mar 13th 2010, 23:02

I would like to say a big WELL DONE to all the ngo's involved in organising this morning's rally. If it wasn't for these ngo's Malta and Gozo would be alot worse than what they are at the moment.

I also would like to say Well done to those people that attended the rally with great sacrfice consdering the rain that was coming down. You showed everyone where your heart is.

I am a gozitan an if it wasn't for these ngo's and people who have a big heart towards the environment, plaes like, Ramla, Hondoq ir-Rummien, Ta' cenc and others, will all be lost already by now.!!!

M. Cardona

Mar 13th 2010, 22:38

@All
I respect each and everyone's right to air their views, whichever orifice that air comes forth, However I really really couldn't help this one

@Mr Temuge

where was the majority against hunting? Probably gathering snails ( :-) like your CABS buddies) in the countryside you gave them back?

If we ever needed any more proof....

Here's a taste of that majority....

http://www.huntinginmalta.org.mt/uploads/24/304/Meeting_2.03_S.jpg

In Maltese we have a saying "Iz-zejt jitla f'wicc l-ilma!"

C.Spiteri

Mar 13th 2010, 21:25

Just one phrase - a bag of air goes puff!!!

Alfred Camilleri

Mar 13th 2010, 21:01

What is it with these 'lovers' of our country? One sends a non-protester to the corner. Another demands of several other non-protestors to shut up. George Debono. It seems today's miserable showing by the 8 NGOs got the protestors all hot under the collar. Gilbert Jones. Yes, one could see from today's demonstration how united NGOs are. Mary F. Fisher, Lesley Krempl. I was almost moved to tears by your concern for our children and future generations. Excuse my sarcasm, but these never ending negative attitudes by the know all , gloom and doom people, do not deserve any better. Incidentally, why are positive people dubbed as die-hard Nationalist lackeys, but negative, doom and gloom people are not dyed -in-the-wool labourites, or at best hostile to the NP government?

andrew farrugia

Mar 13th 2010, 20:55

Mr Debono
My interest is none of your business and the likes of you and your armies will never shut me up ; to J Borg: funny way the mass murderer guevara set about bringing about world revolution, am sure he is rotting in hell.

i.cilia

Mar 13th 2010, 20:50

While one can only applaud these NGO's and their followers for braving the rain and protesting about their ideals, which is a perfectly legitimate thing to do I say, there is a small thing that I think one needs to point out..

I can never accept that NGO's think that they are representatives of the people. NGO's are just pressure groups... nothing more, nothing less... they pressure the authorities.. but that is all they can do.. pressure and voice their opinion in an organised and stronger way than the individual citizen..

Do NGO's have any right to demand anything, as in by any form of right? Definitely not.. These are not elected by anyone, and definitely not a representation of the population.

So what these NGO;s can do is just make noise, and that is perfectly legitimate... but noise one can do something to stop this noise and react to whoever is making noise; or else just choose to ignore it..

again both are perfectly justified choices, particularly if the noise made by these NGO' is a pretty measly one..

Astrid Vella

Mar 13th 2010, 20:37

@ Mario Salnitro, saviour cordina,John F Portelli,m borg,Victor Dimech, Anthony Briffa, Joseph Cauchi, J.Schembri and Andrew Farrugia

Is there anyone in your family who suffers from asthma, emphysema and related coronary conditions, cancer, Alzheimer's or Parkinson's disease? Does it not occur to you that air pollution from toxic vehicle emissions contributes to these conditions?

Have you ever seen a child panic as it gasps, trying draw breath into its lungs?

Are you not ashamed of putting blind political fervour before these considerations, belittling the efforts of those who try to remedy the situation. You should all be pitching in, demanding immediate action from Government (instead of sham phone-in reports), to relieve the suffering of these people, possibly members of your immediate family. Your attitude on these issues disgusts any right-minded person.

Albert Bezzina

Mar 13th 2010, 19:53

Even if open space is built up at the rate of one LEGO brick a day, even if water is drawn up each day from the aquifer at the rate of one cup full more than the rate of replenishment, even if one bird more than the number which hatch and survive is taken from the wild every day, there will come a day on this Island when the last space for the last LEGO brick is taken up, a day when the last cupfull is drawn up from the aquifer and a day when the last bird of a species is killed. It is only a matter of time. That time cannot be too far away when one considers the rate building blocks are being layed, water is beind drawn and animal and plant species disappearing from our land.

MARK MIFSUD BONNICI

Mar 13th 2010, 19:46

Well done Mr. Kreupl

It's encouraging to see a foreigner put his feet where his mouth is. Several people commented on the weather as being the reason for their not participating. A few drops of rain kept them indoors I wonder what bulldozers and gantry cranes do to these sort?

Hypocrites that champion the environment are as useful as stale bread.

K Tabone

Mar 13th 2010, 19:34

Fejn hu Tony Zarb, we missed him......

M. Azzopardi

Mar 13th 2010, 19:08

Protest was just a bad taste sort of carnival!!! And it created a lot of noise pollution...

alfred e camilleri

Mar 13th 2010, 18:59

Jekk dawk li kitbu kontra din il-protesta kuntenti jghixu f'gungla tal-konkos jien miniex. Irrid ingawdi il-kampanja kif mahluqa u mhux kif irrida il-gvern. Meta nitilfuha imbghad nibku ghax uliedna m'ghandomx fejn jidevertu f'arja nadifa. Komplu ibnu bl-adocc imbghad ikun tard wisq. Imbghad ikollna nikuntentaw bir-ritratti antiki biex ingawdu ftit kampanja.
Jekk ghal xi uhud dawk li attendew kienu ftit infakarhom li kienu ftit li taw maggoranza li ll-gvern presenti !!!

Franco Farrugia

Mar 13th 2010, 18:54

@ Zarb Darmanin: Wow! I thought you were clever enough to understand the concept of the silent majority. I, for one, was not present and you, in particular, surely know what my feelings are about hunting.

lesley kreupl

Mar 13th 2010, 18:28

To all the negative, couch-potato know-it-alls!
Do you think that I, and all the other people who participated in the rally this morning, got up early in the cold, wet weather for fun? Don't you think that perhaps, we would also have liked to turn over in our cosy beds and go back to sleep?
Those of us who participated this morning did so because we CARE for the Maltese islands and because we CARE for the future generations of Maltese children. It has nothing to do with politics, but everything to do with right and wrong. Personally, if the Maltese archipelago sinks under all the concrete and pollution in a few years time, I couldn't give a damn – I will hopefully be dead and cremated by then. BUT I do care for my neighbour's children and the other hundred thousand children who live here!
Wake up before it is too late!

George Debono

Mar 13th 2010, 18:12

J Camilleri

RE "………I expected the so-called environmentalist leading the protest march with his dog (as shown in your video) to be seen carrying a poof-bag for the dog that was accompanying………"

Now this is truly THE most miserable poof blog to end all blogs.

1) The dog had already been out for a long country (poof) walk.
2) Tolga had a rucksack big enough to hold 50 dozen poof bags.
3) Everything that moves on this earth has been poofing for 150,000.000 years and this did no harm.

So Mr Camilleri - che centra?? E?

H

Sylvana Zarb Darmanin

Mar 13th 2010, 17:34

Wow! Seeing that the anti-hunting lobby persists in stating that the majority of the Maltese are against hunting, I would have expected over 200,000 protesters joining Tolga Temuge this morning!!

Joseph Degabriele

Mar 13th 2010, 17:24

I was there and came back home depressed by the very poor attendance.

It seems people are much more interested in using up oil in electricity than the very serious issues concerning the environment.

Such a pity.

George Debono

Mar 13th 2010, 17:21

So another bunch of gemgem critics have joined the blog.

Can Mario Salnitro, saviour cordina,John F>Portelli,m borg,Victor Dimech, J.Schembri and Andrew Farrugia please declare their interest?

Please answer this: Did the few people who care enough about Malta's problems to demonstrate for their country bother them in any way?

MarioSalnitro,saviourcordina,JohnF>Portelli,mborg,Victor DimechJ.Schembri.Andrew Farrugia:---- You are either completely satisfied with what is going on in Malta, or you don't know what is going on in Malta or you don't care what is going on in Malta.

If you don't know what is going on in Malta or you don't care what is going on in Malta then one can only suggest to you that you have no right to criticize those who do care and who are trying to do what they can for the good of their country. This is a democratic country and if people are worried about our environment and heritage and water supply and our wild-life and they are decent enough to get out of bed and to exercise their democratic right by going out & protesting - rain or shine - then it is no business of yours to criticise - this is our democratic right OK?

Richard Borg

Mar 13th 2010, 17:13

Lets not be impressed by the back seat leaders passing sarcastic comments on every blog. If you really want to make a difference to the future environmental state of this Country make sure to join one or more environmental groups and be sure to take active participation. Inaction will only lead to further destruction. We need positive action in the right direction. Unless you want the next generation crippled with drought, asthma and mental health problems you must act now without further hesitation. Its a matter of life or death. AND I'M NOT TALKING POLITICS. HEALTH AND SANITY ARE ABOVE POLITICS.

J Borg

Mar 13th 2010, 17:10

@ Andew Farrugia

Wikipedia "As a young medical student, Guevara traveled throughout Latin America and was transformed by the endemic poverty he witnessed.[5] His experiences and observations during these trips led him to conclude that the region's ingrained economic inequalities were an intrinsic result of monopoly capitalism, neocolonialism, and imperialism, with the only remedy being world revolution" He fought for what he believed, it is people like him that we need to change this unjust world!!!!

J Borg

Mar 13th 2010, 16:47

We are living in a world where work, money, politics and power have become the prime motivators of human beings...we have put aside our connection with the earth and her surroundings, we have decided we are in control and thus allow the depletion of mother earth and of the species we are sharing her with,...cannot you people understand that progress does not mean the distruction of our natural environment for the building of resorts, apartments etc, progress is the ability to find solutions towards living in a sustainable way and in harmony with nature. Today's protest consisted of people who have the natural environment at heart and are suffering at the idea of having Malta's natural habitat neglected..those who did not attend are surely those who workship greed, money and material success!

George Debono

Mar 13th 2010, 16:46

saviour cordina

RE "Where are the Fgura people who complain about the black dust? Parole palore palore..."

This pathetic remarke really takes first prize !

Please note ----------- Mr "Parole palore parole..."Cordina : ----- IF you feel strongly about the black dust - then DO SOMETHING - not just your idiotic talk with "Parole palore parole..."

That's the whole point about you guys. It's only "Parole palore parole..."(which translates into gemgem) while NGOs do something about it. OK?

Get with it !

G

Gilbert Jones

Mar 13th 2010, 16:42

George Debono, Anne Zammit, Paul Borg, MAry Fisher - you have said, between you, all that I want to say. May I congratulate all those who worked tirelessly to organisation today's demonstration about legality and democracy. How right about Piano - yes, people might flock (for a while) to see what he proposes to erect in Valletta (with the blessing of the Prime Minister) but the PM does not stop to reflect on what else visitors will see , and do see, when they visit our islands. Hideous development, dust, pollution - unbelievably ugliness. Hardly an inch of agricultural land left. The bees are dying. Every day this government allow developers to further scar our islands Midi, Fort Cambridge, Mellieha , Marsalforn - all in the belief that this is helping the MAltese economy. It is doing nothing of the kind. Tourists are going away from Malta in droves. Theycall it the world's largest buildng site. Our descendants will regard this government with shame. My last plea is to DLH - what unites us NGOs is much greater than what divides us. Our environment is more important than sucking up to the government !!

George Debono

Mar 13th 2010, 15:45

Just a general comment to the negative comments by J.Tonna,A.Damato,Anthony Briffa, Joseph Cauchi,Alfred Galea, Jbusuttil

It is clear that none of you care a fig about your country. Unfortunately civic-responsibility and "patriotism" is still a rare thing in Malta - so it is left to a few decent people to draw attention to our pollution, over-development, exploitation of our country for profit, the massacre of protected (and other) birds and the reluctance of our governments to listen to the people.

Therefore sarcastic remarks from the likes of J.Tonna, A.Damato, Anthony Briffa, Joseph Cauchi, Alfred Galea, and Jbusuttil are worthless because all it shows is this: as long they themselves are comfortable they don't care about anything else or anybody else - or about Malta's future.

So kindly shut up - unless you can show that you have done something for the good of your country. OK?

Thank goodness that there are a few people who care about their country among us………..people whose allegiance and patriotism goes beyond themselves - or football or petty party politics.

So - if you don't care about anything but yourselves - please just keep out of this and cut your sarcasm and insults.
G .

Carmel Cilia

Mar 13th 2010, 15:44

If there were more people at the protest someone would have certainly said that the P.L. was involved. Either way the p.n. sympathizers are always ready to excuse their beloved government. Well keep at it, however you should realise that it only needs 800 more votes to topple the government. How is that to clap your hands. Good luck to all.

Mary F.Fisher

Mar 13th 2010, 15:42

My husband and I have just returned from this morning's demo. We got absolutely saturated but it was worth the effort just to show how the ordinary member of the public feels at the way we are being trodden over by different contradictory laws and regulations. I feel quite upset that most of the bloggers here are so negative in their comments. They obviously were not there and also they could not care less about the environment and their beloved island. We were there because we have a heart and although we are elderly we are thinking of the young ones that have to grow up cursing us for not doing anything about the rape of the counrtyside and other matters that make Malta look so awful in the eyes of the world. New theatres and embellishment of Valletta will never be enough to make Malta a sure call for a tourist. There are so many other matters that have to be taken into consideration and those in power and otherwise are not lifting a finger to improve the quality of life on this island. Gos blessed us with natural beauty and we are ruining it.

Alfred Camilleri

Mar 13th 2010, 15:34

Several hundreds at the protest march. Yes, a couple of them at most. Joe Xuereb. Your hundreds are a HUGE number for Malta. Good for you if you are satisfied with so little. You may regret your absence, I don't regret mine, nor yours for that matter. The inevitable comments from Franco Farrugia, who was not there, but is consoled by the thought that numbers at a manifestation are of no importance at all. Tell that to some commentators on various blogs who believe that their disapproval ratings on various projects, government policy, etc., are shared by the whole of Malta. A. Damato. Teacher has sent you back to the corner. Now be a good boy and obey and don't be rude. You don't want to spoil teacher's happiness at the success of the protest now, do you? James A. Tyrall. What? all 200 of them?

Anne Zammit

Mar 13th 2010, 15:31

What could be more pressing than security of fresh water supply on this tiny island in decades ahead? All these years of knowing what's around the corner if we do not act, yet we have still not progressed beyond a mere Draft National Water Management Strategy without the legislation and enforcement teams in place to sustain such a basic resource. If government continues only to boast of minimal measures on a handful of illegal bowsers and stick with its virtual "do nothing" scenario we will all be paying very harshly. But who cares about the future?

Environment is vast and complex and may mean different things to different people. But no one will disagree that we must reach - and if possible do better than - basic European standards for water security (which meets needs and quality with the lowest possible carbon impact.) Same for clean air - target compliance for dust particles and all pollutants that cling to them, gaining entry to the body damaging lungs and - as recently acknowledged in the medical world - HEARTS too...

So quit the Poison Berry Picking. Let's never shut up about our right to a heathy place in which to live.

Paul Borg

Mar 13th 2010, 15:03

@ Anthony Briffa: What you report about Joseph Calleja's concert simply confirms that a roofless theatre is not needed since we already have plenty of open-air . The Granaries, Manoel Island, Mdina Square, Ta' Qali, Luxol, Ta' Liesse, Gianpula Fields, Main Guard, St Elmo, need I go on?

Since you read the article why were you so economical with the truth? Why didn't you tell us that the organisers have indicated a contingency date in case the weather is bad on the 24th. AND THIS IS JULY WE'RE TALKING ABOUT, not even April or October!! Can u imagine setting alternative dates for each and every performance at the open-air theatre as Piano suggested?

I wonder if Joseph Calleja's concert will be interrupted by firework bangs like his Manoel Island concert was?

Steve Compagno

Mar 13th 2010, 14:10

@those who think the protest was a flop because there weren't so many people compared to the utility bills protest:

I don't blame them if so many people didn't attend. Why? Because they've lost hope that the authorities will listen to them, they have lost hope that the authorities care, they have lost hope that ODZ's are ODZs! They have lost all faith in the system: so why protest? That's why. I for one have lost hope in the authorities' environmental concern.

Maybe that's a reason why. Unlike most of you who are making this sound political, you are on the other extreme: politically blinded - unable to listen, consider and accept what the true Maltese are saying. Listen to these people who care about the environment. Give them a chance. They are the true Maltese patriots who want to restore and save the Maltese environment, history and culture.

mario salnitro

Mar 13th 2010, 14:05

Fejn huma in_nies???

U Birdlife x'ghanda X'taqsam ???

Come on BIrdlife grow up !!!

Lanqas waqghajtu ghac-cajt proset.

Steve Compagno

Mar 13th 2010, 14:01

@ Anthony Briffa

I wonder if you've heard Claudio Baglioni's "L-ahhar bidwi f'Wied il-Ghasel"? Listen to the lyrics! I'm sure they're enough to answer your statement. It reflects how the environment is really suffering in Malta. Also,Mr.Briffa - what if that concert was held today? What would have happened to the concert? Probably postpone it because of the rain! Any solutions to your empty vessels? Sure - Astrid & co have the proposal: a theatre with a roof! You know what, sewwa jghidu....common sense is the rarest sense! :)

Adrian Sciberras

Mar 13th 2010, 13:56

We residents of Marsaskala forming part of residents group - "petition not to develop land in Marsaskala" have attended successfully this rally to lobby against the authorities for a development by a private hotel. MEPA should listen to us and not let this development go forward.

Carmen V.Gauci

Mar 13th 2010, 13:55

I for one wanted to be there but could not make it. We have so much to protest about, just look around you and see what is left of our countryside. I wonder what our children will get to see when they grow up !!

steve compagno

Mar 13th 2010, 13:52

@J.Tonna
It may be true that some people do not really care about the environment, but a sweeping statement such as yours reflects such stupidy. The environment is not trees or flowers only, it's about air quality, quality of water, fair development etc. Will your politically-blinded words of wisdom help the people of Fgura,Zejtun to lower the highest rate of respiratory problems in the World due to pollution? Will they help us to sustain the water tables that are drying up and will be completely dried out in 10-15years time? The NGO's are not against the government - just for your info the environment is not PL or PN - it's everybody's - including yours! The NGO's are the ones who really care about the environment because they are open-minded enough to balance an argument when it comes to the environment, rather than shift to a political side because they have been politically appointed as some authorities do. If you had some real concern about the environment, you would have attended and maybe listen to what the NGO's said: we are not against any political party or are not trying to work against the government. Get your facts right J.Tonna

Caroline Said

Mar 13th 2010, 13:45

Clearly the majority of Maltese feel nothing needs to be changed because nothing is wrong with breaking laws, bending rules, defaulting on promises. The majority of Maltese probably look at these foolhardy band of protesters as silly children who need to grow up, who like their own children in turn will learn that they too need to grow up and realise that the principles they are being taught either at home and/or at school and/or in church are a total load of baloney.

saviour cordina

Mar 13th 2010, 13:44

Where are the Fgura people who complain about the black dust?Parole palore palore...

John F> Portelli

Mar 13th 2010, 13:44

These demonstrations are so small in number that they have little impact. Where are the young people who should be in the forefront of these demonstrations. They are willing to attend the PN or PL meetings in their thousands, but for an environmental cause, all you see are middle aged and above citizens. Unless the young get more involved, the environment issues will not take hold as they should.

John J Schranz

Mar 13th 2010, 13:38

@Mr. AnthonyBriffa.
Your mistake (one of the big mistakes many are making) is thinking that music (and all performing arts) can only come from massive, multi-thousand watt speaker towers. Joseph Calleja's concert with Dionne (NOT "Dion") Warwick is one such event. Thank God, however, he doesn't only give Malta such shows.

That placard's message was crystal clear! Music ISN'T ONLY FORTISSIMO. MUSIC is the CONTRAST BETWEEN fortissimo AND Pianissimo ("Piano", in the placard).

THAT makes music.

Moreover, crucial to Performance are ABSOLUTE SILENCES - they abound in plays (long, some even 3 minutes or longer!) *and* Music (short).

For example, Mr. Briffa, I'd love to see you in your beloved roofless-toothless pseudo-theatre, listening to Beethoven's 5th symphony and, in the two ABSOLUTE SILENCES following each of the opening "ta-ta-ta-TAAAAs" of the symphony, someone outside bawls out "JODIE! MORNA FUEGO?!?"

THAT was the placard's warning, Mr.Briffa!! Anyone with ears, LISTEN!

Of course, for those who in Valletta's prime-site Theatre want *only* events with sound blaring from multi-thousand watt amplification systems, that's no problem...

EXCEPT that then we have that nasty little problem of those CRUCIAL SILENCES, don't we?

m borg

Mar 13th 2010, 13:36

Let’s do some arithmetic.

Let us, for argument's sake, assume that there were 300 protestors. Let us say they were protesting on six main issues, one of which was the City Gate development.

300 division by 6 gives 50.

So there were a grand total of 50 persons who took the trouble to protest against the Valletta project. Wow!

S Zammit

Mar 13th 2010, 13:21

Well done to all the 8 NGO's for their support and all the people who attended although it was raining. Well done!
Don't take any notice of the people below who enjoy commenting from their comfortable and warm computer chairs blurring at the monitor screen, not realising in what a shameful state our environment is!

@Alfed Galea

Please do not tell me that building and destroying valleys, ruining our villages with horrible match boxes that remain empty for years, illegal dumping, air pollution and other unsustainable projects are done in the name of progress? I call it ignorance and greed.

Victor Dimech

Mar 13th 2010, 13:11

One banner in this mornings protest read Stand up and be counted.From what I saw and yes I was in Valletta there wasnt much to count only a couple of hundreds.Maybe next time all NGO s taking part should march under one banner Malta grumblers assosiation.

J. Schembri

Mar 13th 2010, 13:06

This protest could be described as a soft anti-government protest. I for one am in favour of controled hunting , cannot understand why a perfectly legal rebuilding in Bahrija is being pin-pointed and downright illegal developments in ODZ areas are not brought to the attention of the public, am against the Hondoq ir-Rummien project and cannot make up my mind between choosing of the development of the freeport and the exigencies of the B'bugia residents.
What has the theatre to do with FAA and Birdlife?

Andrew Farrugia

Mar 13th 2010, 13:02

Can anyone tell me why that delinquent group of anarchists who adore che guevara are always present at such activities?

ROBERT HENRY BUGEJA

Mar 13th 2010, 13:00

@ Eric Gahn and the others of his ilk...

you should be ashamed not for a legal protest which aims to raise awereness but for the pitiful state which this government has brought in this country in a quarter of a century! And with no shame you pretend to be elected again next election? Ha ha....Dream on.

Franco Farrugia

Mar 13th 2010, 12:57

@ J. Tonna: By what warped logic do you come to your conclusions? Vide my reply to Mr A Damato.

J Camilleri

Mar 13th 2010, 12:55

I expected the so-called environmentalist leading the protest march with his dog (as shown in your video) to be seen carrying a poof-bag for the dog that was accompanying him. Practise what you preach hbieb!!

Darren J Galea

Mar 13th 2010, 12:54

In spite of the inclement weather hundreds of people managed to attend. I am amazed anyone truned up at all in this miserable weather. It just goes to show their love for their country and their wish, unlike many materialistic cranks commenting in these pages, to preserve what little nature is left for future generations. May they be remembered for their dedication in years to come, whereas people like A Briffa, A Damato and their ilk will be remembered for not sticking up for Malta when she needed them most.

J.Tonna

Mar 13th 2010, 12:47

There does not seem to be 'the majority of the Maltese' in this protest, as was said a few days ago on these blogs.

The fact that these NGO's, who are against anything that this govenment does or proposes to do, did not attract much people, means that those who did not attend do not agree with them.

There is much more to protest about.

Eric Gahn

Mar 13th 2010, 12:39

I agree with Jeremy. They should really be ashamed of themselves. Holding protests on a Saturday morning. The Govt is only interested in making this wonderful country more ..... more.....wonder what more.

adrian gatt

Mar 13th 2010, 12:39

It seems that most of the people commenting here are very happy with the environmental situation they are living in - unless they are happy with something else and so the environment drops down to second division or less. But to many, the environment is not as we wish it should be. With polluted air, development sprouting everywhere, etc.. do you call this progress. Get real and be informed. The same air you are breathing while reading this is killing you.

Louis Aquilina

Mar 13th 2010, 12:32

Circumstances prevented me from attending otherwise I would have been there.

I dare say the rain put a lot of people off to..good thing that at least they had'nt paid for a performance at a 'roofless' theatre.


May be the bad weather is demonstration enough to illustrate a point to a Government that does not seem to want to listen to reason.

Raymond Camilleri

Mar 13th 2010, 12:30

Alfred Galea...dissociate yourself as much as you like...with peopl like you no wonder we live in a medieval and backwrd country...the backwater of Europe! YOu probably support GonziPN... not that the moviment tal-oprogressivi is any better, mind you... even this fact shows that we are no where near a tuly European democracy but still with the tribal two-party mentality where PN and PL are basically one and the same...

stefan micallef

Mar 13th 2010, 12:26

look what a great majority of people that care about the environment.a "crowd of several hundred" for 8 NGO's...................................

James A. Tyrrell

Mar 13th 2010, 12:22

@Anthony Briffa. The trouble with people like you sir is that you are content to make your stupid little sniping remarks from the comfort of home oblivious to the destruction, which is happening on a daily basis in your own country. Perhaps you are a developer or a friend of one or just a die hard PN supporter who would walk over a cliff if Gonzi told you to, whatever your position it means nothing compared to the people taking part in today’s rally.

They didn't sit in the comfort of an armchair at home looking out at the rain. They care enough about the future of their country to get off their butts and go out and make their voices heard. Even if you couldn't care less yourself what happens in Malta and Gozo you should at least have the common decency to if not support the people who do at least refrain from attacking them in such a childish manner.

Franco Farrugia

Mar 13th 2010, 12:16

@ A Damato: Do not laugh so much or you might do some injury to yourself: I, for one, was not present, and I am totally in favour of what the NGOs were protesting about! So, quantity at manifestations is no way to measure people's sentiments! Now, go back to your corner.

Jeremy J Camilleri

Mar 13th 2010, 12:14

They should be ashamed of themselves...qed itellfu l-investiment....Ghidilom Gejtu Tanti!!!!!!!!

Anthony Paris

Mar 13th 2010, 12:10

@Anthony Briffa. You are correct. Several performers take part in open air concerts in London' Regents Park and New York's Central Park. That is no justification for a roofless Covent Garden or Metrolpolitan Opera house. Please grow up, and forbid yourself to be led by your nose by politicians of whatever colour.

k.pace

Mar 13th 2010, 12:01

They should be protesting against noise pollution.

A.Damato

Mar 13th 2010, 11:59

@ J.Bustuttil

Most probabbly Birdlife is leading ' the vast majority of Maltese who are against hunting' and which turned to the protest in their thousands !!!! U halluna tridu !!!

8 NGOS attract several hundred persons- This is the interest people have in their so called issues LOOOL!!!

Joseph Cauchi

Mar 13th 2010, 11:59

With all this hype, I expected much bigger crowds.

After all, this is the NOISY MINORITY!

JC.

David Saliba

Mar 13th 2010, 11:58

Ghal dawk kollha li jhobbu HONDOQ IR-RUMMIEN ma baqalhomx wisq x'igawdu hemm.
L'akwati t'hemm inbiegh bil- miljuni bil- kundizzjoni tal- permess.
Naf li hemm hafna Maltin li ihobbu l- gmiel tal- post u issa se ngerxuhom ukoll.
Prosit Giovanna u l- gvern mijak!

Alfred Galea

Mar 13th 2010, 11:57

much ado about nothing. These 200 something protester did not even know what they were protesting about> What ws the subject of the protest? The environment? It will remain the same because no one can stop progress. All I saw was some snobbish persons coming together with the most anarchist persons in Malta under the flag of Graffiti, insomma a kawlata of ideas who do not even represent themselves let alone, ourselves. No I dissociate myself completely from this kawlata of a protest, which is counterproductive to their suggested scope of the protest. Bahrija, Piano, Hunting, Hondoq, Birzebbugia? What have these got to do with the protest? As someone has already stated: EMPTY VESSELS MAKE MOST SOUND, but not even the passersby took any notice of them, save for the unbearable noises they made.

Anthony Briffa

Mar 13th 2010, 11:41

Before speaking at the protest Ms Vella must have missed the announcement in the TOM that Josph Calleja will be holding a concert on the roofless Floriana Granaries with Claudio Baglioni and Dion Warwick later this year. Even the person carrying the placard must have scribbled it either yesterday or very early this morning. I note that the report says that the protest was noisy. This could be true to the English saying 'Empty vessels make most sound'.

Joe Xuereb

Mar 13th 2010, 11:37

Hundreds at a demo in Malta is a huge number, make no mistake. My only regret that I was not there personally to feel the pulse, to further my strength and resolve to see this country from its kneeling position that it has endured for far too long. My congratulations and gratitude to the organisers.
I want to see equally large numbers at the next Gay Pride March. Come on 'boys and girls', what have you to lose given the detritus that surrounds you at every turn.

Oisin Jones-Dillon

Mar 13th 2010, 11:31

In respect of Gozo, please see:

http://www.alternattiva.org.mt/filebank/documents/ADs%20proposals%20for%20Gozo%20General%20Election%202008.pdf

Oisin Jones-Dillon

jbusuttil

Mar 13th 2010, 11:20

Can some one explain to me what has BirdLife has to do anything with this protest. Insomma it could be because of the pegeons in the area.