After some months apparently enjoying some peace, the Mediterranean column was again in the news once the Pope's visit was fast approaching. The Luqa local council wanted it removed. Likewise, the parish priest and the inhabitants of Luqa. Various correspondents from all over the island expressed their opinion in public; however, the powers that be said there were no plans to remove it.

It is obvious that the people of Luqa are hurt. Neither the council nor the residents were ever consulted on the matter. They are now lumped with "a shameful, vulgar, obscene and embarrasing...object placed at the entrance of Luqa".

The artist himself, Paul Vella Critien, argued in favour of this monument as according to his artistic mind and ability, "it points to eternity, using abstract and irregular aspects in a futuristic and avant-garde style". Naturally, he is entitled to his own interpretation, just as the people have a right to say what they like and what they don't; but I don't feel he has any God given right to call whoever objects to this "work of art" as "ignorant". He furthered stated that by creating and exhibiting this "masterpiece", "he threw pearls to swine".

Goodness gracious me! After this arrogant statement, are we to expect more such artistic expressions from this talented gentleman, to beautify our roundabouts, paid from taxpayers' money?