Christian Peregin
What’s in store now for people in Sliema?
Collage does not include all candidates.
A knight, a circus organiser and the leader of the green party are all in the running for a place on the Sliema local council, which faces an early election after two years of unrest.
Only three of those elected in 2009 will be contesting again, so as 19 candidates vie for 11 places, residents can overhaul the dysfunctional council.
The Nationalist Party, which has a traditional stronghold in Sliema but lost five councillors in the past two years, has fielded 11 candidates while the Labour Party has put forward five.
Alternattiva Demokratika chairman Michael Briguglio, who was elected in 2003 and 2006 but lost his seat in 2009, will contest again on behalf of the green party.
Meanwhile, two newcomers will join the fray. Christopher Cassar will contest on a new party ticket called Partit Aħjar (A Better Party) while Melody Morgan-Busher, a British expat who helped found the Sliema Residents Association, is running as an independent councillor.
The only PN councillor to re-contest is Julian Galea, who kept a low public profile during the various crises at the council, which saw three councillors face council-related criminal charges.
Former mayor Nikki Dimech and Joanna Gonzi, who replaced Mr Dimech after he was ousted, have both decided to throw in the towel. So has deputy mayor Cyrus Engerer, who defected to Labour when Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi voted against divorce after the referendum.
The PN’s new candidates are: Kris Busietta, Antoinette Castaldi Paris (mother of Lija mayor Ian Castaldi Paris), Anthony Chircop, Vivienne Galea-Pace, Nicholai Grech, John Pillow, Pierre Paul Portelli, Paul Radmilli, (Chev) Philip Andrew Ransley and entrepreneur Silvio Zammit, who has brought controversial animal circuses to the island.
On the other hand, Labour has fielded two of its incumbents, Marianne Aquilina and Nicolai Gauci, as well as three new faces: Mary Camilleri, Lowell Fenech and Jesmond Marshall. The other previous Labour councillor, Martin Debono, whoalso faced council-related criminal charges and resigned from the party, will not contest.
The Times spoke to the three main parties to see why frustrated Sliema residents should give them their vote.
PN’s last standing councillor Julian Galea says the party should be rewarded because it did not tolerate any nonsense or illegalities from its councillors.
“We always led a serious council and when the situation was unacceptable we dissolved the council, unlike Labour which played games and wanted to keep the council going. We also have the best candidates and the best plan for this year. PN councillors will give Sliema back its dignity.”
Labour’s Marianne Aquilina, who had earned most votes for her party after Mr Debono, said her party always worked for all residents and with all councillors and never displayed the “back-stabbing” which PN councillors showed.
“PN councillors plotted against each other, but when we had enough independent councillors to remove Joanna Gonzi, we did not. We just wanted and still want to work together for all residents, regardless of political colour.”
Meanwhile, AD’s Dr Briguglio warned residents that both big parties were “held hostage” by big developers because of their close financial ties, while autonomous candidates could take a clear stand on issues which affected residents.
“Being autonomous from the construction industry enables us to fight for residents’ rights, not only when it comes to big developments but also when it comes to roads, pavements, noise pollution and other inconveniences.”
As the March 10 election approaches, it is certain each candidate has a lot of persuading to do, be it at house visits or Facebook campaigns, if they are to convince Sliema residents to vote after two unimpressive years.
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Valerie Calleja
Feb 26th, 21:00
The disbanded Sliema council helped to destroy Sliema, however greed by the so called developers, who were given permits to destroy the lovely buildings in our town played the biggest part.Permits are still being issued by unscrupulous people in powerful positions .Stop the rot Dr Gonzi and encourage conservation instead, and show some consideration for the residents who have to go about their daily lives.Many lives are now pitiful because of the chaos created by the continuous destruction. Sliema now resembles a warzone.So a sympathetic council will help, but a moritorium in building more ugly flats is the answer.
Sandra Camilleri
Feb 26th, 17:41
m. attard your comments are not nice are they - residents have a right to comment - and this makes living healthier -
councillors should not be tired down with business - most of the new candidates have time to spare for the council! I hope so because it is not an easy task really!
Residents do not need your comments!
M Attard
Feb 24th, 17:28
Oh dear! Oh dear! Thank God that most of the people who are commenting are not contesting!!!
Sandra Camilleri
Feb 22nd, 17:32
Well written City Busuttil - Sliema Council needs persons who are available all the time and NOT persons
tired down to other committments. That was the main down fall of the previous council - councillors to busy at
their main job. Councill work is a full time job to look after the residents interrest and to ensure security of the
elderly at all times.
city busuttil
Feb 22nd, 11:06
As a Sliema resident, if I do vote, it will be for anyone who has sought the interests of the residents first and foremost, already given us a voice, defended the residents' rights, and will continue to do so. Anyone, but anyone with the remotest connection to business is OUT.
Joe Morana
Feb 21st, 20:10
Many Sliema residents feel let down by the 'dissolved' Sliema Local Council to say the least.
In view of the circumstances and turbulances that lead to the dissolution of the Sliema Local Council lead many to understand that the 'partisan' system of fielding candidates does not guarantee niether stability much less the 'best' Council.
I beleive that the Sliema Council 'experience' has proved to one and all that it is the 'best' candidates that make the 'best' Councilors irrespective of 'party' politics. Party Politics has failed miserably in Sliema to teh detriment of residents' legitimate rights and expectaions to a healthy envrionment and safeguard of a good and sustainable quality of life.. Medidate....!!!!
Sandra Camilleri
Feb 21st, 18:42
Julian where were you for a period of 3 months? I attended for most of the 84 council meetings, I was never late for meetings - always on time.
So just keep quiet and let the residents vote with their conscience. If I am a HYPOCRITE what are you my !!!!!
I worked hard for ALL residents, and I am proud to have been of service. STOP BLUFFING.
Rosalind Agius
Feb 21st, 17:30
Silvio Zammit is the person who is bringing the circus to our shores and now he has the audicity to seek votes? What a shame.
Franco Farrugia
Feb 21st, 18:39
My point exactly. And the PN is priding itself with having vetted all prospective candidates. Now we have two, not one party, shooting themselves in the foot!
Sandra Camilleri
Feb 21st, 16:27
WELL WELL WELL,here we go again - already fighting for votes between PN candidates - what is all this that
his party must be rewarded for the tolerance or irregularities from its councillors. Who kept a low profile!
Who was the one who wanted JOANNA GONZI out, last October, asking the Independent Councillors and Labour Councillors to put a vote of no confidience,.and vote for him as(Juluan Galea ) Mayor. Who sent emails to sliema residents that the council could not work due to NO MAJORITY.
STOP ALL these lies - Sliema people are NOT stupid anymore - VOTE as your conscience says!!
These councillors must remember whether they are in the MAJORITY OR MINORITY they represent the residents.
The previous council did function very well but not to someones liking. The council dissolvement is still not clear.
Julian Galea
Feb 21st, 17:09
Sandra unfortunately your wrong attitude was one main reason for what happened in the past. Hypocrites are finally out and Sliema is looking forward to a more stable council rather than having people like you represent them.
The PN candidates are working as a team and would keep on working that way even once elected.
I have met all the PN Candidates and they are all anxious to start working together for a cleaner and better Sliema. Therefore one must vote for all the PN candidates in the way they deem best.
The council had to be dissolved the same way the Mosta council should have been dissolved
Andre` Vella
Feb 21st, 16:25
It's obvious that Michael Briguglio deserves to be mayor of Sliema this time round! PN had the chance and blew it, an dwe now PL will do thee same like they did with Mosta. Sliema residents deserve the best, and the best is Michael Briguglio.
Edward Curmi
Feb 22nd, 11:26
AD are in minority and cant do much alone!!!
Neville Debattista
Feb 21st, 15:15
A knight in shining armour I should say.
Richard Schranz
Feb 21st, 16:50
Definitely, Sir.
And what he'll need to hold in his hand will not be a sword but a big clean broom.
Richard Schranz
Feb 21st, 15:08
Spot on! Mr Andrew Camilleri.
I encourage voters in Sliema, my birthplace, to do some serious soul-searching, cast aside their misconceptions/prejudices about AD, ignore the scare-mongering campaigns perpetuated so often in past elections, and vote for Michael Briguglio. Here's a young, gifted, highly qualified and motivated politician, who, frankly, stands head and shoulders above the rest. What's more, he has proved himself in the past and is determined to continue doing so because he has the real interests of people in mind and none other. Aging people, like myself, be comforted in the fact that Michael will fight for your health and safety when you walk in the streets of Sliema. Families with children, who have had to put up with so much disruption in your normal daily lives for so many years with unbelievable patience, be sure that you will have a Councillor (hopefully a Mayor) who will leave no stones unturned (excuse the pun) to make your lives more bearable and healthier
m. borg (slm)
Feb 21st, 15:04
How about the two independents thoughts why they should be elected, why just PN,PL and AD.
Personnally I am pro labour but as far as councills are concerned I still believe in Dr Sant's idea of independents running for councills shorn of political manipulation. I believe PL's invitation to withdraw party politics from councills is still open, but until PN agree to do like wise PL has every right to use its political influence.
m. borg (slm)
Feb 21st, 14:57
"PN councillors will give Sliema back its dignity.”
This only goes to show that Sliema has lost its dignity through successive PN led councills. What a bunch of hypocrital prats, first they destroyed Sliema's self respect, now they are promising to give it back.
Ronald Attard
Feb 21st, 16:49
Well if you read this article well, you will notice that all but one PN candidates who are contesting are new to the political scene !
m. borg (slm)
Feb 22nd, 09:58
Still you do not contest my assertion that successive pn councills have divested Sliema of its dignity. Do not forget that your party is making a fuss over Mosta and your beloved leader promised a Mosta councill led by PN will get his support but not if it is a PL led councill.
Joanne Schembri
Feb 21st, 14:49
Was hoping to see members of the Sliema Residents' Association contest the local council elections. Good luck Ms Morgan-Busher!
Peter Galea
Feb 21st, 13:30
min dan kollu li qed jinghad, u li naraw b'ghajnejna, l-ghazla ghal min tivvota hija carissima. A.D.
Ronald Attard
Feb 21st, 12:49
I sincerely believe that ONLY young candidates, who really have Sliema at heart can give a real push to our community ! They are the future of this country and we can help them out by casting our vote in their favour on March 10th...
PAUL BUSUTTIL
Feb 21st, 14:38
Dream on, with the young canditates show so far ? A bitter experience !
Ronald Attard
Feb 21st, 16:47
Titfax lil kulhadd f'borma wahda, qed turi l-immaturita' tieghek Sur Busuttil, jekk ried l-anzjani johorgu ghall-elezzjonijiet tal-kunsilli missek mort issaqsihom !
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Feb 21st, 12:37
Here is a chance for the Sliema people to make a difference in their lives. Both of the big parties have let them down over the past years. Voting for AD will make all that difference, If they do not elect AD to Sliema Local Council, then the Sliemizi will have nobody else but themselves to blame for the continued destruction, pollution, disturbances and problems Sliema is now facing thanks to the alliance between the two big parties and the contractors.
Darren Vassallo
Feb 21st, 11:42
NO I AM NOT FROM SLIEMA AND MY MALTESE ARE BETTER HEHE
Hamish Dempster
Feb 21st, 11:38
This time i will not waste my time. This is all a carousel.
Franco Buttigieg
Feb 21st, 14:43
I totally agree with your view. When the administration of our towns does not involve politics any longer, I will make sure that I will have all the time in the world to give my support to the people representing us.
Darren Vassallo
Feb 21st, 11:21
I THINK AD'S DR. BRIGUGLIO HAVE A REAL CANS NOW TO BE ELECTED AND POSSIBLE BE THE NEW
MAYOR OF SLIEMA, PN WILL LOSE A LOT OF VOTES FROM SLIEMA AND PL WILL WIN VOTES,BUT PN
STILL AT THE END OF TIME HAVE MORE VOTES THAN PL, AT THE END WE ARE TALKING ABOUT SLIEMA
LIKE BORMLA TO PL!!
Robert Caruana
Feb 21st, 11:33
Your English is perfect Darren! I am sure you are from Sliema.
ALFRED BONELLO
Feb 21st, 13:57
Please Mr, do not shout at us, would you?
ajb
W Cassar
Feb 21st, 15:26
I wonder why that is? Sliema seems very well catered for under the PN...Bormla is forgotten so its only natural that the two places reflect this!!!!
The PN only look at their own! Time for change!
John Scerri
Feb 21st, 11:15
'A knight, a circus organiser and the leader of the green party are all in the running'
A good example of who will NOT be suitable to be elected.
E. Azzopardi
Feb 21st, 10:58
The residents do not care about the political party candidates come from. They need people who look after their town and not let it rot in filth, shabbiness and disorganization. The council is not even elected yet and some are already at it, as they did previously, blaming the other part, to put it mildly. Does not augur well for the next council, does it? I think we shall have more of the same with the new council. Great immaturity and shows that there are those who have not learnt anything from the recent part. Very sad indeed. Good luck Sliema.
Ms Maria Vella
Feb 21st, 11:42
Shabbiness does not necessarily stem from the incompetence of a council....it can stem from the residents as well
Joseph Camilleri
Feb 21st, 10:35
Sliema residents seriously need mature candidates. The list of young immatures doesnt really augur us well. Do we need to say more?
The recent show we had with so many councillors facing this and that , speaks for itself , that the electorate in sliema needs to vote only those with a background of good knowledge of what it takes to run a locality which is so sensitive.
sliema needs care because it is a top hub of tourism. Needs severe attention against monstrous developers who care nothing about the welfare of old age! Parking for residents and non residents is leaving everyone speachless. There are so many issues like drugs and noise pollution lights. In a nutshell , the voter has to seriously think how to vote. They should avoid fatal looks which could put them into embarassing saga as previously experienced.
Franco Farrugia
Feb 21st, 10:46
I know what you are referring to. Have you ever considered how many 'mature' brightsparks were involved in controversies, lack of transparency, etc....
Please, refrain from making sweeping statements, or you risk being laughed out of court.
William Calleja
Feb 21st, 11:02
Yep, all those old politicians really know how to get things done with the exasperatingly large mounds of evidence of corruption, scandals, bribery, theft and outright abortion of duty. Let's keep using the same methods and expecting different results and then you wonder why so many are losing interest in the voting process...
Ms Sandra Grech
Feb 21st, 14:22
Can you please enlighten me as to what makes Sliema a 'top hub of tourism'???? The culture of digging and cranes? Or the shops?! (Cough, Splatter)
PAUL BUSUTTIL
Feb 21st, 10:21
And Sliema remains " A CIRCUS " once one of the most sought after places to live in, today a jungle of monstrosities in every which way.
Rosalie Chetcuti
Apr 15th, 13:05
SO VERY TRUE. STOP BUILDING, iI PRAY. THERE ARE SO MANY EMPTY FATS AND HOUSES. . YOU SEE MNOTHING BUT CRANES !!!!!!!
Franco Farrugia
Feb 21st, 10:10
No wonder our requests to put an end to animal circuses fell on deaf ears!