Following the infamous idea by university professor Godfrey Baldacchino for the Maltese government to buy the island of Pantelleria to ease overcrowding in Malta, the Pantescans’ opinions on the matter was studied.

During an ecological expedition on the volcanic and ecological paradise, more than 50 Pantescans out of a population of 8,000 residents, including candidates who contested the local commune elections in June 2018, were surveyed.

It was suggested that, by buying Pantelleria, overcrowding would be eased, the two islands would be bonded and economic growth expanded, thus benefiting the Pantescan community. Most of those  surveyed in Pantelleria said that though they would like to see some economic growth they would never risk their island home to be destroyed as happened in Malta. They prefer to stay as they are in their natural paradise, earning the minimum and having a decent life in touch with nature rather than being financially stable but living in a tight-packed polluted environment such as that in Malta.

Their pride in their island’s heritage is overwhelming and it is about time we take some tips from them and not the other way around.

They believe that tourism should be selective and only the genuine ecological and agricultural tourists should be attracted, not a market open to everyone.

Although some Pantescans that visited Malta enjoyed our history and cultural heritage, they pity the Maltese islands because of what they have become. In their opinion, our islands have become a place where to make a quick buck by the foreigners, leaving the mess for the local Maltese.

For them, living is much more important than existing.

The island of Pantelleria should be left in its glorious state. However, the main town and port area should be upgraded in a sustainable manner.