The article regarding the “travesty” of the standard of works carried out at Auberge de Castille (November 5) reminded me of the British poet Benjamin Zephaniah.

I believe it was he that after having read one of his poems critical of the British government, in public and in China, was offered ‘asylum’ or at the least accommodation, as it was not believed that having been so critical of the British he would be allowed to return home.

Of course in a free society such as that of the UK such a notion is derisible and there it is open and honest to speak out and complain about politics and politicians without fear of retribution.

Oh that it was the case here in Malta. To quote from the article: “The architects who spoke to this newspaper were reluctant to go on record fearing possible political backlash which might affect their business.”

That’s the real travesty.