Are they beach inspectors or wardens?

Last Saturday I was enjoying a beautiful afternoon on the beach at Għadira bay. Behind us, all the way back close to the wall, there were four elderly British tourists enjoying themselves in the 1.5-metre shade of a pop-up UV blocker. This UV blocker is half the size of the larger tents for rent available at the beach concession.

Out of nowhere, two Malta Tourism Authority beach inspectors approached these four tourists and demanded that the pop-up tent should be dismantled immediately. There was no reason for this action. The tent was smaller than an umbrella and there was nobody behind the tent.

One of the ladies got up half stunned and told the inspector that they required the UV blocker because the umbrellas available at the beach concessions did not offer any protection. Also, I must add that the umbrellas are in a disgusting state. The inspectors kept insisting until the woman produced a document for this gadget detailing its size and purpose.

I urge the newly-appointed MTA chairman to instruct all involved to use some common sense. This type of attitude was initially shown by local wardens and after a few incidents all concerned levelled out. Let us keep our cool this summer.