I would like to make an appeal to the developers behind the Sliema and Mrieħel towers projects. Being citizens of our little island, like me, I’m sure they too have the country’s good at heart.

This island has a unique character, a particular topography, typically Maltese, a beautiful skyline. Despite decades of development, this skyline has basically retained its form.

So they should think again about what they are trying to do. The proposed towers will simply open the floodgates of destruction of what we thought none would dare to touch.

Our children will grow up in an island where towers mushroom haphazardly everywhere. Malta will become a Hong Kong in the Mediterranean.

Where is the Planning Authority?

Is making money and doing business all that matters? What about the quality of life, where we live and where our children and grandchildren will live, in this tiny island where you can almost see all Malta from some height? What will meet our eyes?

What about tourists? Are tourists interested in structures they can find elsewhere in the world?

Tourism is not a joke, it’s the lifeblood of our little Mediterranean island that we all love.

In the case of the Townsquare project, I think it is unkind and an insult to residents in Sliema when the authorities suggest closing the windows to shut off noise pollution when the work starts. Is that of any consolation or help?

So I ask the developers to, please, think again and consider the long-term effects of what now might appear to be a good business venture for some but will in fact be a very bad deal for all Malta and the Maltese in the near future.