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Malta is bursting with a new vitality. True, it is that bi-party politics and the polarities these create have divided our islands, paralyzing the political, cultural and intellectual life of our country. However, the signs are there: the colossal party system can be challenged, the stagnating tactics of partisan politics can be stalled and new life injected into the country by the more independent-minded citizens, people who place democracy high on their political agenda. The newly-formed GIM, Grupp Indipendenti Marsaskala, under the leadership of Josie Muscat, with its implicit cry for independent militancy, will hopefully gather momentum and act as a role model for others to follow.
Dr Monica Borg
University of Birmingham
UK
As one looks at the results of last Saturday’s local elections, one can notice the PN suffered a great loss in Marsaskala. Things definitely are not right. I don’t agree with the Prime Minister’s comments that “these elections showed that either the people did not understand what we are doing or else our message is not getting across” (The Times, 13 March 2006, page 6).
Dr Gonzi should know by now that the people of Marsaskala are fed up with having to put up with other people’s problems. Marsaskala people expressed themselves with their vote last Saturday. The message was clear, “We do not want this monster (recycling plant) here. Do not go against out will or else you will get the same result in the general election.”
There is also something strange related to the issue of the recycling plant. According to The Times, of 6 March 2006, there was a prominent story regarding a large park for Marsaskala – not a bad idea after all the rubbish we had to put up with up (fish farms?!). But again where is it being proposed? A few metres away from the recycling plant. My question is: how can you imagine that I will take my children to this Disneyland in Marsaskala and know that a few metres away there is the huge recycling plant with great health hazards? And to top it all, how can I keep my mind at rest that all will be safe when the company responsible for this project is the same one (Wasteserv) which is also involved in the upgrading of the recycling plant? People always had brains for them to use and not to be manipulated by politicians.
Dr Gonzi, there is one big problem in this country: communication. Because it seems that not only the Malta Labour Party is not getting your message but also the people who support the Nationalist Party. To solve the rest of the problems one has to solve this one first.
Now the ball is in your court – all you have to do is play fairly and justly for all the nation and not just for those who say live in the northern part of the island!
Generoso Seychell
Marsaskala
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