No sooner that the writing was affixed to the site for the proposed extension to St John's Co-Cathedral Museum when objections started to flow and damn any idea of any proposal.

I am neither in favour nor against for the time being but at least let us consider the whole plan. Let us explore what's in the bag. Let us have the view of our experts in such a delicate matter.

Unfortunately, these things are not the norm in Malta.

Criticise whatever does not sound right to our ears and goes against our likings. Abort in the first instance.

One of the world's greatest philosophers, while preaching his thoughts and convictions, gave the widest possible opportunity to his critics to air their views and even go further to defend what they have to say in full liberty. But not in Malta.

My suggestion is let us have the whole picture. Let us be assured of all the pros and cons of the project. Then let there be a healthy, holistic debate of the proposal based on the scientific details.

Had they been living in the 16th century some people would have objected to the plans submitted for St John's Co-Cathedral itself - for the sake of preserving some top soil at Mount Sciberras.