Closure of University during CHOGM 'undignifying', says AD

In the context of the forced closing down of the University of Malta during the CHOGM meeting, Prof Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, said: "Closing down our country because of two international meetings being held in Malta is not dignifying at all.

"For the Maltese government, closing down all our schools to give the impression that there are less cars on our roads is not enough. University has also been forced to close down, and this goes against the supposed autonomy that an institution like the University should have."

"On the same note, AD deplores the fact that the Malta Book Festival will be closing down before the original scheduled closure because of a serious lack of planning, especially considering that Sunday afternoon is the day which is normally more popular with the general public. This sudden change denotes a serious lack of coordination between different entities within the same government.  

"AD maintains that, apart from the damage caused to local publishing houses, such lack of planning can weaken the trust of foreign publishing houses that are participating in the Book festival and investing money in the event. It does not make sense for our country to try and attract foreign investment in our country on one hand and discouraging it because of bad planning, on the other.

"Our country deserves better," concluded Cassola