It has been reported that Midi is considering a strategic partner for the further development of Manoel Island. I suspect that such a move will entail the building of concrete houses, flats, car parks, supermarkets and other commercial structures.

Cluttering the island with these matchbox structures will be an environmental sacrilege.

It is not an exaggeration to say that Malta is starving for parks and places of relaxation. One only has to look at Kennedy Park at Salina to see the large number of people that fill to capacity this tiny green space in their quest for an open space.

Prior to joining Europe I had written to the press suggesting that, as a Millennium Project, the government should pass on Manoel Island for the pleasure and relaxation of the people.

The island is surrounded by the most densely populated area in Malta. It could be developed into a park with open areas of green grass, a picnic area and a small interactive theme park about historic events that affected the island.

It is good that some of the historical buildings have been preserved, that is how it should be, but the remaining space should be left open. The island is engulfed by the cacophony and hectic life of its surroundings (Valletta, Sliema, Gżira), and steeped in history, and it should be preserved like a sanctuary, a green oasis, for the people.

Of course, the contracts have been signed and land sold in perpetuity but I have a tiny hope, or dream, that the new government will be more sensitive to the true needs of the man in the street. I think of Tiksam Square where the Turkish government wanted to commercialise the park and the people responded by protesting in their thousands.

As Richard England said, we cannot afford to lose more land.