Floriana council distances itself from mayor

The Floriana local council distanced itself from a statement issued yesterday by mayor Nigel Holland, who claimed that the new Prospettiva monument outside City Gate was not subjected to proper MEPA scrutiny.

In a statement issued today, the council noted that the original statement was not approved because the majority of councillors disagreed with the statement, or parts of it.

Moreover, the majority of councillors objected to the tone of the statement proposed by Holland.

In his statement, Holland said “It doesn’t make sense that such a large monument can be installed by simply notifying the authorities, without passing it through the scrutiny process that much smaller and less visible projects have to pass through.”

He added that the V.18 Foundation didn’t consult with the Floriana Local Council about this monument, despite the council’s request. Holland, an independent councillor, also said that the V.18 Foundation should focus on restoring Malta’s existing cultural sites, such as the Herbert Ganado Garden and the Sarria Church in Floriana, “before spending money on new artistic projects.”

The Prospettiva monument, which celebrates Valletta becoming European Capital for Culture in 2018, was inaugurated by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat on Monday. The monument was designed by Chris Briffa Architects and was chosen by a panel composed of artists Richard England, Rupert Cefai and Carlo Schembri on behalf of the Valletta 2018 (V.18) Foundation. 

The council added that Holland “unilaterally” decided to issue the statement in his name, however he signed the press release in his capacity as mayor which was issued on the council’s letterhead.

While pointing out that in past instances individual councillors were allowed to express their personal opinions in public, the Floriana council said this was never done through council resources.

“The council believes that the statement should have never been issued on the council’s letterhead because it can give an impression that the views expressed belonged to the council and not to the person involved.”

In it reaction to Holland’s statement, the V.18 Foundation said that the installation of Prospettiva “respected all necessary procedures as set by MEP, the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, and Transport Malta". 

V.18 accused Holland of "choosing to ignore" the Floriana Local Council's contribution to V.18, including in the illumination of parts of Floriana during Notte Bianca last weekend. 

“It is worth asking whether Mr Holland’s statement was made on behalf of the Floriana Local Council or otherwise," the foundation said.