In 2011, I had been told by an official at the Office of the Prime Minister to consider erecting a monument to my late father, Giovanni, who faithfully and honestly represented the Nationalist Party, Sliema and Malta for 20 years. The area proposed was near the palm trees planted at the back of the Balluta priory.

My father had officially opened a project there many years before as minister for tourism. The idea of the monument was, however, shelved and I was told at the time that “the Sliema council was in turmoil”.

In 2013, I was again given to understand by the mayor that it will be proposed to the Sliema council but, perhaps because there was a change of government, I heard nothing about it since.

As a family member and a Maltese national I feel deeply saddened and insulted that a monument to a genuine Maltese who got the respect of all the MPs of his time remains on the shelf.

All I am asking for is a small marble block in recognition of him in the place where he was born, lived and died and for which he dedicated his life, health and time. I humbly ask the Sliema council to please consider the request and hope Prime Minister Joseph Muscat can intervene.

May I ask Minister Leo Brincat, a former banker and a former resident of San Ġwann, where Iused to live many years ago, to bring the matter to the attention of the Prime Minister.

My father never distinguished between colour, creed or party and that is why he was considered a gentleman and was always elected to Parliament without having to make promises or compromises.

I fail to understand how a statue to Sri Chinmoy (who?) is more important to Sliema than a tribute to Giovanni Felice.