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OPINION | Wednesday, 08 August 2007

Gozo’s fine lace

RENO BORG

Have you ever thought that it is not that difficult to spin ribbon embroidery and produce fine lace? Give it a shot and see what you can come up with. If you are disheartened there are some clues that would help you in your endeavour.
Some Gozitans told me recently that the Ministry for Gozo hosts experts in creating new patterns and do not lack a sense of adventure. By the way, there are four cardinal requisites to fine lace creation: fabric to stitch on, a needle with a wide eye, ribbon, and your own sense of adventure.
As soon as you leave the ferry at Mgarr you are greeted by a bunker-like huge concrete structure that has absorbed the picturesque scene of yesteryear when we had the luxury of stretching our eyelids and enjoy the sight of the small harbour spotted with small and colourful boats. Now not the even the Ghajnsielem church could be seen. It is the fabric to a “modernised Gozo”, as the minister for Gozo very often describes the adulterated island. The stitches on the fabric have grown so grotesque that Gozo is rapidly being transformed into another ugly building site to complement her bigger sister.
After spending so many millions on the ‘harbour’ (or port?) project, a notice supposedly hung to satisfy MEPA rules unhesitatingly advises that the authorities who may be, want to change once again the “development and façade” of the monstrous Mgarr harbour. After spending so many millions out of our taxes, why does the ministry ask if there is any objection to modify the façade of something which is even hardly completed? Who advised the government to adorn Mgarr with such a horrid structure and what does the “new” face entail? Naturally it would involve another big spending. Who would be the beneficiaries of such a handsome handout?
If you ever had any doubt, ask the Gozitans who reservedly and in private would whisper names, and a company or two. But silence and a deep sense of mystery would remind the visitor of a legendary past which is fast disappearing.
Recently, Paul Buttigieg who together with many others are working hard to save Hondoq ir-Rummien, passed to me very useful information on the efforts being done to save the place from the butchery development proposed for the area. The Prime Minister and the Minster for Gozo have repeatedly declared that they give their blessing for such a “splendid” idea notwithstanding the fact that thousands have protested against it and much more thousands do so in their quiet homes in Gozo.
The second requisites for fine lace is: ribbon. The government has spent so many millions in “projects” for Gozo, that the necessary “ribbon” has been successfully provided. It has tied up the future so tightly that new generations would not have the luxury of choosing a pattern for their landscapes. It has been predestined and they would only thank their fathers for such bequeathed beauty.
When I recently ( and hurriedly) spent a few hours in Gozo I was amazed with the ingenuity of Giovanna Debono’s ministerial achievements. The road leading from Mgarr to Rabat has once again been disturbed with heavy plant machinery, heaps of dust and gravel, tarmac and most of all a bumpy surface. Car owners are surely disappointed with the ministry’s wisdom of “modernising” Gozo in the heat of summer. This would surely add value to the Gozo product which is becoming so expensive and obscene. Who in his senses would cross the archipelago to be greeted by such a mess?
The Gozitans grumble, are disheartened but they continue to elect a Minister who has been such a huge disappointment. But in Maltese politics the “clientele’s needs” play a prominent role in who is elected to parliament.
If you had any doubts how Gozo is being ruined, visit the sites which are battling for survival. Ramla l-Hamra, Ta’ Cenc and Hondoq ir-Rummien are only a few examples of the government’s intentions to “develop” the sister island. The recent declaration by the Leader of the Opposition that a future Labour Government would halt the massacre of Ramla l-Hamra has found little space in our written or broadcasting media.
I know that some activists labouring for the preservation of Gozo’s natural beauty have also contacted European institutions and organisations for their assistance. International pressure on the government is a must but the Gozitans themselves should come out of their homes and join in the protest. It is not easy to transform a mentality but they would be fighting for their survival after all. To be fair, we have to admit that the Gozitans use their vote how it suits them and I have no doubt that during the coming elections the government would regret having taken decisions benefiting the few to the detriment of many others.
I cannot imagine the sight of Gozo in two, three or five years time where white stones, bricks and concrete would reign the day. If I would be asked to contribute the last requisite to complete the task of ribbon embroidery: “my own sense of adventure”, I would do it. I would spend my holiday in some Greek Island. Who knows, perhaps I would meet Ulysses who would be keen to ask how Calypso is faring after his long absence.



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