A small inlet opposite the former Sea View Hotel where, over the past years, the foreshore was covered with sand for the convenience of the public, is being privatised leaving little room for the public.

Last year, water sports services were being offered a few metres offshore for the enjoyment of paying patrons. A small booking stand was placed just below the road and this now occupies quite a larger area on the rocks.

This year, the concession has been extended, occupying not only the area of the water sports but also a large part of the sea that was formerly used by the public. In that area is a concrete platform with a ladder that allowed easy access to and from the sea, again by the public. Facilities have now been placed there to carry patrons to the water sports area by means of a boat and buoys have also appeared.

A few days ago, people were told to leave the concrete platform and told this was now private area and not even the ladder could be used.

Why does the government grant concessions on public beaches, thus reducing the few spaces left for the enjoyment of members of the public who could not afford a swimming pool at home or a day by a private pool?

In 1998, former prime minister Dom Mintoff had toppled Alfred Sant’s Labour government for giving a concession to the private sector to occupy the Vittoriosa waterfront, leaving no space for the poor vendor selling ice cream and cold drinks.

It seems capitalism has overwhelmingly taken over socialism under this government.