Malcom Falzon has over many years transformed his Sensi Hotel and Lido at Marsascala from a dump into a vibrant setting where tourists and Maltese come together to laugh and joke the days away. It is iconic.
Many times, however, I and others have pressed him on the need for his toilets to be improved. His response is that for 10 years he has tried to build new toilets on land he owns. However, he has been told by the local council he may not improve his toilet facilities.
He has the land available and he will ensure that waste is not allowed to run into the sea.
He will install underground tanks that may be emptied by tankers on a regular basis under strict contract to conform to regulations.
Yet the authorities refuse to allow him to create a new and properly sanitised toilet block next to his lido.
He owns the land and has, in theory, every right to upgrade his property to comply with the highest standards, all at his own expense.
I do not know whether there is a greater issue across Malta where obstructionist local authorities can hamper entrepreneurs from improving basic services like sanitation. If so, then bureaucracy is standing in the way of the gentrification of tourist venues.
Malta needs to demonstrate its commitment to a five-star experience. That means issues like good toilets must be firmly addressed.
We visited the public toilets along the bay and they are Third World. Mr Falzon insists his new toilet block will be open to all. He will post public messages inviting tourists to use his new facilities at no charge.
So I invite government representatives to visit Sensi and see for themselves what needs to be done. Let the spirit of enterprise blossom in the south.