When pictures and articles like the ones on pages one and six of The Times of October 29 appear - about the present state of Fort St Elmo - the hearts of the committee and members of our Association, the 3/11 Regiment RMA (T) Association, go asunder. We represent the remaining ex-servicemen from the last Maltese regiments to have served in that glorious fort, and for a long time too, like many other bodies and personalities in this country, have been expressing our distress at the current state of the place.
We have our sincere doubts as to whether €2.5 million can really return Fort St Elmo to a level of regained respect and glory as, we are sure, every true Maltese citizen wishes for the place. But, putting aside for the moment that doubtful aspect, we cannot but state that we are extremely disappointed that what rumblings or mutterings we keep hearing from time to time through the grapevine seem to be suggesting that the official approach towards saving the place seem to be proceeding very much along the lines of yet another touristic development that totally annuls the essential character of St Elmo as a fort.
When in the past the government requested suggestions we played our part and submitted, an outline plan to see restoration proceeding along a well-known model from another country, viz. that of Edinburgh Castle. There the characteristics of a fort, of museums, of retaining history with both structure and activities, of retaining the goodwill of servicemen for their previous working homes, as well as that of having the public (for which please also include tourists) continue to enjoy the fort and the lovely views therefrom, were all retained.
Not one government department concerned deigned to contact us about our proposals. Is "anything" being done by anyone about the problem? The least we expect is for whoever is responsible to recognise that here is a group of citizens with tangible reasons for their love for the place, and who expect at least the chance of discussing and making their own contribution towards whatever is done, to get things moving from the present disastrous state.