All’s well that ends well (2)

It is with deep regret that we read Giles Oakley’s letter (May 30) since Heritage Malta was never made aware of this matter by Mr Oakley.

In any case, Heritage Malta, and its predecessor, the Museums Department, can assure Mr Oakley that it was never the intention to discredit his father in any way. He was and still is held in the highest regard by all who had the privilege to make his acquaintance and those who are aware of his seminal scientific contributions. In the display in question, the museum was highlighting key issues related to Neanderthal man in Malta, including the statements made by Anton Mifsud and Simon Mifsud in their 1997 publication Dossier Malta. However, the display was merely presenting a complete picture without in any way endorsing those statements. It was never intended to offend anyone in any way, least of all Dr Oakley.

Since it was misinterpreted, however, it was agreed by all, including the designer of the display, former museum curator George Zammit Maempel (a long-time friend of Dr Oakley), to remove the sentence in question from the display, as has been duly done.

Heritage Malta thus believes that any misunderstandings regarding this matter have been clarified.