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I have recently returned to Malta from southern Germany. The country is beautiful and clean; the people are most courteous and helpful towards visitors. These being the same people that lost World War II and a country that was bombed flat by the Allies. Bavaria is a joy even with the tens of thousands of football fans who were visiting. Coming from Malta, I was amazed that in 10 days I saw only 10 cranes.
Returning to Malta, I read the headlines: MTA president resigns; Tourism down by 8%; More immigrants landing on our shores; building industry booming! As far as the latter is concerned, the more they build, the more units remain vacant. It should be obvious to all that the 300-odd million pounds that were repatriated are being put into property, which gives a better return in the long term, than money being put into the bank or in other businesses.
Yes, ‘Malta is being bombed out of business’ at the expense of the tourist industry which long-term is by far more beneficial to our economy than mere construction. The building boom that has artificially exploded is only temporarily solving the unemployment problem, which sooner or later we all have to pay for.
Malta is a tiny island and, when there is no land left, our cowboy speculators will try their luck in places such as Romania, Bulgaria, Libya and Sicily. But they will not find these countries so easy on account of the local Mafia, whereas in Malta they have all the help from friends of friends who are quite happy tagging along on the bandwagon, making easy money in the process.
Incidentally, why is it that scandals involving a certain untouchable contractor and even his name are hardly ever mentioned in newspapers such as the In-Nazzjon or the l-orizzont? And what an eye-opener if the Commissioner of Inland Revenue should be dining at my favourite restaurant in Sliema on a Saturday evening where he would be presented with a first-class show, starring all the cowboys arriving with their “ladies” in their Ferraris, Lamborghinis, BMWs and Mercedes.
Going back to tourism have you seen the CNN advert about “I am Malta”? What an expensive joke!
Is it possible that neither the President, nor the Prime Minister nor the Leader of the Opposition nor any one of the other 63 MPs is feeling guilty about what they are leaving their children and grandchildren to inherit? “Inshallah”, as our neighbours say.
At least, our generation saw Malta when it still had potential to be a tourist paradise. Now, we look with envy at those countries that have moved ahead of us. And we look over our shoulders at those, like Libya, that once asked for our expertise but may shortly overtake us.
George Grech
Sliema
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