In his comment piece (November 7), environmentalist Alfred Baldacchino praises the well-organised Birgu By Candlelight festival but complains that his experience was marred by his observation of the lack of respect for local biodiversity in the surrounding historical heritage, through the introduction of alien species of trees and plants for street decoration in preference to indigenous Maltese flora.

In particular, he mentions that the Freedom Monument in front of St Lawrence parish church has been overrun by numerous exotic invasive species.

It is quite clear that the Freedom Monument, with such overgrowth and unkempt vegetation, has itself become alien to its historical setting. The picture of the monument accompanying Baldacchino’s article showing Vittoriosa wharf from the opposite side of the creek indeed demonstrates that it is a queer creation, undeniably out of place. The heap of rustic garigue blocks artificially placed jar strikingly with the baroque facade of St Lawrence church in the background and, indeed, with the entire classic style palaces along the Vittoriosa waterfront.

Vittoriosa, having hosted the Royal Navy base at Fort St Angelo for a century and a half, is proud to be the repository of the national landmark of the departure of the British forces from Malta in 1979. However, it is felt that such a significant event should be commemorated by a more edifying structure.

The present bronze statutes by distinguished sculptor Anton Agius, representing the raising of the Maltese flag atop the stone hill, now hardly visible, should, of course, be retained. However, they should be arranged prominently on a dignified and artistic plinth and surrounded with an open public space, decorously designed and fittingly called Freedom Square, with the renovated Freedom Monument standing at the centre.