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Tal-Virtu’ farmers present anti-golf course petition

The debate over the proposed golf course at Tal-Virtu’ yesterday reached a higher pitch when a total of 92 farmers working the area’s agricultural land signed a petition and presented it to the Vatican, the President of Malta, the Archbishop of Malta and the Secretary of the Nuncio in Malta.

The farmers, who are being represented by the Progressive Farmers’ Union and supported by the Front Kontra l-Golf Kors, are adamant that AX Holding’s proposed golf course be shelved in order to safeguard the agricultural land.

Progressive Farmers Union Secretary, Joe Farrugia, explained yesterday, "This land has been tilled by our forefathers and us for hundreds of years. Working this land is our means of earning a living for ourselves and for our families. Now land speculators have cast their eyes on this particular piece of agricultural land, with the specific aim of constructing a golf course. The land that we have treasured for so many years will be taken by a single company to become its sole beneficiary. It is not acceptable that wealth which is being enjoyed by so many, be acquired by a single company especially more so since our livelihood and that of our families depend on these 65 hectares of agricultural land."

"We feel that it is neither fair nor fitting that the property which had been donated by our forefathers to the Church for pious aims be now wrenched from the hands of their descendants and handed to a company extraneous to that place."

Regarding the Church’s position on the matter, Mr Farrugia added, "We appreciate the fact that the local Curia issued a statement on 17 January 2001 to clarify and state its position on the golf course case. In this statement, the local Curia reiterated that the conditions of the Agreement concluded by the Holy See and the Republic of Malta on 28 January 1991 be fully adhered to. We have complete trust that the Holy See will continue to protect our rights to work this land.

Harry Vassallo - Chairperson of Alternattiva Demokratika and representative of the Front Kontra l-Golf Kors - said that it is obvious to all that if this land is turned into a golf course a cruel and unjust act will be committed. He adds, "It is for this reason that we are supporting the farmers' appeal to retain the land and not be simply evicted and that greed will not triumph at the expense of their livelihoods and that of their families."

Dr Vassallo stated that the proposed golf course violates Malta's Structure Plan and that the Directorate of the Planning Authority has recommended outright refusal of the application. Vassallo added that the golf course is unsustainable for many reasons, including the fact that it will use large amounts of water. Besides, it will rob Malta of more agricultural land, which is already being lost at an average of two square kilometres per year."