Roberta Zahra was right to complain about the state of St Thomas Bay. She is equally right to describe St Thomas Bay as one of the loveliest areas in the south and indeed in the whole of the Maltese Islands. She is right to blame the central government. She is very wrong, however, to vent her anger on the Marsascala local council, which has no jurisdiction over the bay.

The council has repeatedly asked for remedial action. We have seen the shanty town grow: We have seen both public and private land taken over by the squatters in what seems to be the latest fad in modern piracy and one which seems to enjoy the blessing of the state. Does any of this concern the majority of the people of Malta? Apparently not, judging by the results of the last general election.

Yes, St Thomas Bay is a gem whose brilliance has been dulled by the inaction of a government that considers the south, especially the area of Marsascala, as one only fit for dumping purposes.

This has been known for a long time and the proof is there for all - including the blind - to see. But it seems that not all local people mind all that much as those who have answered calls for action have been a minority.