Shhhh...Ta' Cenc......don't tell anyone....

After all these years battling to safeguard Ta' Cenc pristine plateau, everybody knows of its national and international importance with regards to its richness in plant biodiversity and habitat, of geological and archaeological interest. This, not to mention Ta' cenc as the most important regional site for birds and its high landscape value.

Well if some Maltese tax-payer is still not aware, I will do good to remind that the Ta' Cenc issue is also currently subject to a pending infringement procedure for insufficient special protection area designation opened against Malta by the European Commission in June. The infringement procedure opened against Malta by the European Commission relates to an insufficient Special Protection Area designation for Ta' Cenc.

It is most unfair for the Maltese tax-payer to be asked to fork out money for fines due to negligence from the Maltese Authorities.


During the past days, new plans were submitted to MEPA by the developers. No you could not see these on-line from the mepa website. There was a very limited time for those concerned to go and view them at the MEPA Office. We at AD called for transparency in this issue and we said that the lack of it is 'disrespect to the citizens'. (Read HERE)

Following that, the developers held meetings with some of the environmental NGOs and the Sannat local Council.

Thank god that the people of Sannat elected an AD Councillor on their council. This way we at AD can keep you informed of the happenings whenever we can.


Whilst welcoming the meetings held by the Ta' Cenc developers with some of the main environmental NGOs and the Sannat Local Council, Alternattiva Demokratika firmly believes that information should be made more public. In particular, the Mayor of Sannat has a duty to inform all his residents of the Council's stand on the new plans. It seems that the MLP mayor opted to remain silent on this national issue. Such stand is unacceptable in this time and year considering the national and international importance of Ta' Cenc.

John Michael Mizzi, the AD Councillor in Sannat said that: "Following the meeting between the developers and the Council, the Public has a right to consider if any development of Ta' Cenc can be reconciled with the Government's policy of Gozo as an Eco-Island. It now transpires that the Hotel would be extending its building to cover the existing carpark on one side and extending to about 130metres from the cliff edge on the other. Can such a sensitive area designated as potential Natura2000 site be built so extensively?"

During a press conference held at ta' Cenc on the 13th of Sepbtember 2008, Prof. Arnold Cassola, the Green Party leader said that "Alternattiva Demokratika eagerly awaits press statements from those NGOs which attended the meetings. AD also asks that the PN and MLP to declare their stance on the Ta' Cenc Development. Politicians, especially those whose portfolio comprises the environment should not shy away from expressing an opinion. Ta' Cenc was designated an Important Bird Area (IBA) for its internationally important breeding colonies of seabirds including the Yelkouan Shearwater, the largest breeding colony of Cory's Shearwater and the only colony of European Storm-petrels outside Filfla in the Maltese Islands."

Tourists…rubbish…throw them out…burn them…send them away

Aleander Balzan is another journalist who I feel is very promising in investigative journalism. Besides, his style of writing shows that he has, what in the books it is referred to as the ‘Maltese heritage’, close to his heart.

Aleander is a journalist with il-Kulhadd, and last Sunday he wrote an interesting episode which he named: “An archaeological treasure is transformed into a rubbish dump”. I suggest that you read this report of Aleander by accessing this link and understanding why I am mentioning this entry in the blog entitled ‘Tourists…rubbish etc., etc.’

I need to thank the AD local councillor for Sannat John Mizzi who took photographs in the area of Ta’ Lambert in Xewkija, more specifically, on the other side of Ta’ Cenc – right in the location of the heliport and where a couple of individuals closely connected to politics are saying that tourism in Gozo needs an airstrip in order to survive… see blog of gozoairstrip here.

This time John Mizzi has not been arrested for taking pictures in this despicable location. Do you remember when the police who reign Gozo deleted all John’s photographs which he snapped in Wied l-Infern while the people at MEPA came to clean the disaster made by the Zebbug mayor? If you forgot, you can read here.

But you would surely agree that while looking at these pictures you feel infuriated!

This is more so when the Superintendent in charge of the cultural heritage has just published his annual report and appealed to MEPA so that all the areas in Ta’ Cenc are protected (scheduled).

Furthermore, in his report, the Superintendent urged that in the other side of Mgarr ix-Xini, that is, the side of the heliport known as Ta’ Lambert, there remain archaeological sites that are not yet so discovered and hence also need to be protected.

This is exactly what you can see in the picture, my friend!

But if you study these pictures closely you will start to confirm that this report, like numerous other appeals from various sources, the Gozo Authorities seem to be protecting those who go and destroy these locations in pure daylight.

And this is despite the fact that the government of a relative majority (not absolute) says (before election) that he is going to adopt Alternattiva Demokratika’s vision to transform Gozo into an ecological island.

And so as I commented in the report of the young journalist Aleander, I think that I am right in saying that “either the Prime Minister was not aware of what he was trying to copy or else the environmental pole has deteriorated.”

When you see these pictures you really feel like crying. You need to be uneducated, as they say, or couldn’t care less, not feel ashamed.

When will the Minister for Gozo start to understand that the protection of the environment and historical sites are of an enormous value and help in the development of another niche for tourism from which Gozo can greatly benefit?

Is it possible that she is not yet aware that Gozo is also frequented by tourists who come specifically for the island’s natural beauty?

In fact, I know friends from Malta who tell me that they like to visit Gozo specifically because they appreciate its peace and natural beauty!

I met tourists who visit Gozo for its historical riches.

I also know people who came to Gozo (and left money) specifically because they like to walk in our countryside and enjoy the flora and fauna that make the island as beautiful as God intended.

But look at this picture of the crucifix in the rubbish dump of Ta’ Lambert!

Those who followed us before election may remember that we issued an electoral manifesto specifically for Gozo and among a lot of proposals, we proposed the development of different niches of tourism. (See here). We mentioned, amongst other proposals, the need for Religious Tourism to be developed. Apparently they got us wrong even here because this poor crucifix ended up being placed here in this rubbish dump of Ta’ Lambert, close to the government bore hole. Could this also be part of the Gozo echo?

As my friend John Mizzi said, who took these photographs, “it is a shame. This place need to be cared for and cleaned under the supervision of experts so that no more historical structures are lost.”

And if I form part of the Xewkija local council, I would definitely react to this!


Is it possible that from five local councillors (nationalists and labourites) nobody even stirs? How come the major did not mention this disaster when she attended the famous ‘consultation’ regarding the echo in Gozo in Lunzjata Valley. I was there and listened to every word that was uttered.

Do you want me to believe what they say, that is “Don’t we know who?” … oh come on!

Or is this a question of instilling fear by means of votes in those who should take care of and protect their locality?

If this is so, I have many ideas of what I can do!

So no wonder that those people who couldn’t care less, do not really care neither for the tourists. Rubbish…throw them out… burn them. In other words, send them away.

So excuse me but I cannot not criticise what they call Gozo Association of Tourism (GTA). Those of the GTA that straight after every budget they come on Net tv praising its merits.

I believe that there are a couple of genuine individuals in GTA, but like every association in Gozo that is controlled by a medieval system or perhaps even more recent … a system of feudal politics; these few need to keep their mouths shut.

Don't worry, I will not.

Cheers
Victor

Last article by Dr. Harry Vassallo on The Times as the AD Leader

Friday, 13th June 2008

Give them the tools

Harry Vassallo

It appears that many people too easily assumed that my promise to resign my post as chairman of the Green party was to be taken with a pinch of salt. It appears that power is intoxicating and not a few make fools of themselves in the end by clinging on too long.

Perhaps I have the advantage on them because the power and glory that is the share of the leader of the Greens is just a tot and not enough to inebriate anybody. It is time to go and I am going.

In this too I believe that I serve the political party I have co-founded and served as soldier, staff officer and general for almost 19 years: Alternattiva Demokratika, as all political parties, will contest the European Parliament elections this time next year. In order to present a fresh proposal, it would be best to have a break with the past, a new image. And how better than by having somebody new flying the flag?

There is not much time available to make all the necessary changes and to establish the leadership in the public mind, not a day to spare. Judging by the report prepared by the commission engaged to analyse the general election results, AD will have to start from scratch. It seems there was nothing there at all. Certainly no money to speak of and the handful of people involved were obliged to multitask to breaking point. It's all true.

It has been a matter of keeping up appearances for a very long time. The age of volunteers is long gone, our socio-economic model has changed over the years and people expect to be paid for work, not least for hard work and often unrewarding of itself. The few who do it gratis are overburdened twice over because they are so few and because they too have to survive in the rat race.

It is poor consolation that AD may be the only political party with its books in the black and its soul intact. The commission's report certifies the Greens clean. But clean and unable to communicate one's vision is also a betrayal of a sacred trust.

Although still out in the cold, the Greens have positioned themselves evenly between the PN and the MLP, sitting astride the centre with a support exceeding the difference between the main contenders. The fact that the PN and the MLP together with the mainstream media avoid this fact as though observing a taboo only serves to underscore the Greens' potential for themselves, for a possible political ally and for all those seeking a radical change and able to invest time, effort or money to achieve it.

Tomorrow's extraordinary general meeting is billed as a changing of the guard and as the start of the discussion on the clinical dissection which the commission's report claims to be. Nobody will be asked to take a vote; there is nothing to be decided on; no official document before us to approve or otherwise, so nobody will check whether one's subscription is paid up. Party members, old and new, as well as interested bystanders, will be most welcome.

I do not expect that there will be time for everybody to have their say on each of the very many issues raised in the commission's report, so the event will be something of a media ritual, but this does not make it any less a watershed in our history which should be attended by those who have watched our progress with interest.

It will also be a farewell and a time to augur the new leadership the strength and persistence it will need to address the many shortcomings pointed out by the commission as well as the wisdom to weigh up and decide on the policy and strategy issues raised. I certainly hope that, in the coming weeks, it will have the benefit of many contributions from the party grassroots and not only the good wishes of all concerned. It is time to look forward, for me and for the party. I confess that I am looking forward to charging realistically for my services once more: no more free legal advice, no more environmental consultation gratis, no more political lobbying as an unpaid public service, no more articles, policy documents or even formal correspondence written without significant financial reward. At last it will become politically correct for me to accept the tempting eco-business proposals I have puritanically refused by the dozen.

It may not be a bad idea for the party to work out something on these lines itself. With no public financing of political parties available, how can all those who turn to the Greens for support continue to expect them to campaign for them with no resources? Perhaps the commission's report will make the matter more easily acceptable.

The Greens need almost nothing more than this: the commitment is there, the vision is clear, their relevance grows by the minute. They do need support and encouragement. It is Malta that needs the Greens and not the other way around. Perhaps we should all stop taking them for granted.

Dr Vassallo is the outgoing chairman of Alternattiva Demokratika - the Green party.

www.alternattiva.org.mt, www.adgozo.com

Gozo an ecological island? No joke!

Right to Left: Prof. Arnold Cassola, Gisela Kallenbach MEP and myself at Ta' Cenc.

Spending the day with the German Green MEP Gisela Kallenbach was an experience in itself. Touring her around the Island on Thursday last is an experience I will hardly ever forget.



Photo: Meeting with Perm. Sec. at the Ministry for Gozo


It was the Green Party's dream/vision to see Gozo being turned into an ecological island. It was part of the AD's (The Green Party) political manifesto for Gozo. Still is. Read specifically the section on 23 proposals for creating new, modern and sustainable jobs in Gozo by clicking here.


It was great having somebody from abroad who states that what we are proposing for the island of Gozo makes sense. (Mind you, even GonziPN said so before last general election by adopting our proposal in his list of electoral promises). Remember?

This was Ms. Kallenbach's 2nd visit to Gozo. She came as a holiday maker about 10 years ago.

The 1st thing that she noticed which driving her about was the lack of public transport and the massive increase in traffic especially in Victoria. Infact, due to the traffic jams, we were 10 minutes late for our appointment at the Gozo Ministry.

The 2nd thing she noticed was the amount of empty shell flats in places like Marsalforn and Xlendi and the empty neglected dwellings in the village cores. In my mind I was enyouing playing a game: I was counting the signs saying 'FOR SALE' on the way from Ta' Cenc to Sannat and Munxar. When we arrived in Xlendi I simply gave up.

The 3rd thing the MEP noticed was the new EU funded roads from Mgarr to Victoria (opps sorry...from Mgarr to Ghajnsielem) and the Victoria - St. Lawrence (opps again! the Victoria to Gharb) roads. "Why talking about an eco-island and no single bicycle lane?" Then on the road to Gharb, she told me to stop the car. She wanted to take a photo! "No space for bicycle lanes but huge space to put the EU Propaganda board."



We visited many places besides Ta' Cenc, Hondoq, Ramla l-Hamra. and Dwejra's concrete new building. We visited the new cemetery of Nadur on our way to Ramla l-Hamra. Farmers explained how the Church destroyed the water table by digging on the water aquifer in order to sell graves in this pristine land. Yes. money talks money walks.


Photo: Destroying pristine land at Nadur


We visited other places and Gozitan workers (read by clicking here).

During her tour on Gozo, the Green MEP Gisela Kallenbach concluded that besides all the mishaps “Gozo has all the potential for innovative sustainable jobs”.

Later on in the evening, Ms. Kallenbach was invited by the EP Office - Valletta to be their gueat speaker for a 'civil forum' on 'Gozo as an ecological Island'. The Malta Independent on Sunday Editor Noel Grima, did an interesting feature about this. Click here. I especially like the title: Gozo an ecological island? You must be joking

Who is providing poles in Gozo?

Some time ago, I was informed that in Ghasri, a man who built an illegal borehole (one on the so many in Gozo) and electric poles were installed in the countryside in order for this man to have access to electricity. You can read more about this by clicking here.

I am not sure if there were any formal objectors for this site.

I would like to give you an example of what happens when citizens are not afraid to report/object to something which is unjust.

Our (AD) candidate for Munxar and Xlendi, Mr. Michael Bajada, recently formally objected to the installation of electrical poles without permit in Triq Ras il-Bajjada and Triq il-Qsajjam, forming part of an undisturbed stretch of countryside leading from the tranquil village of Munxar to Xlendi cliffs.

Journalist Francesca Vella from the Malta Independent wrote extensively about this back in October 9th 2007. Please press the link here to read about it.

Result:
Electricity poles finally removed from rural area in Gozo. Please press the link here and read about this success story of what happens when citizens are not afraid to report irregularities, on time and to the right authorities.

I would also like to thank journalist David Darmanin from MaltaToday for bringing up this subject to light in his article 'No Mepa policy for poles and pylons'. Read here.

AD remains here for your service. Use it.

Have a look at this photo gallery:





These old poles were removed in early 90's from Triq Ras il-Bajjada from Munxar to Xlendi.









The counrtyside looks better without poles and no light pollution.










Then in December 2007, Enemalta erected again the poles at Triq Ras il-Bajjada and Triq il-Qsajjam, forming part of an undisturbed stretch of countryside leading from the tranquil village of Munxar to Xlendi cliffs.







AD took immediate action; the site is back to normal by end of March 2008.







Reminder: AD is the best tool for Gozitans of goodwill. If you are one of them, get in touch. Let's work together for the benefit of our island.

Cheers,

Victor

Ta' Cenc: Authorised persons only.

Ta' Cenc - attached a photo of the sign. Who are the only authorised persons?

People want to know why the Ta' Cenc road is being blocked.

Are they welcome to walk at Ta' Cenc?

Meeting first time AD voters

Had quite a busy week.

Monday: the debate on Bondi+
It was my first time experience to debate with opposition leader Dr. Alfred Sant
Not the first time I met Georg Sapiano. He once invited me for his TV programme when he was a presenter on NET.
During the programm I felt that I could relate with many voters who are fed up of the bi-partisan politics of 'everything wrong vs everything right' approaches. Did my best to be moderate. I received positive feedback especially from new people saying that they liked it when I told the PN and MLP reps. that they 'ipappuwa flimkien'.

Tuesday: Press conference organised by AN
The subject was Transparency.
As expected the discussion was totally out of subject. The PN representative Dr. Tonio Borg and the MLP representative Leo Brincat were more interested to attack each other rather than discussing how their parties are proposing to create a transparent administration.
On the other hand I talked about what AD is proposing: A freedom of Information Act, a Whistle Blower Act and a law controlling political party finances amongst other proposals.
Many Gozitans called to say they were happy that I mentioned Ta' Cenc, Ramla l-Hamra and Hondoq and how these beautiful spots will be destroyed if AD is not elected to parliament next election.
Viewers also liked it when I explained that the vote belongs to the people and they can vote freely to whoever they want.

Wednesday:
I dedicated this day to home visits. At one point, we noticed a car following us while in Kercem. The people in the car thought that I am stupid. Of course I realised that one of the men was calling people via his mobile instructing families not to open the door. This was confirmed later by three families excusing themselves for not opening since they are 'afraid' from the three men in the car. How funny. The three men in the car were helping me acquire some new votes :)
These tactics are of old.....and self-destructive. When will these people learn?

Thursday:
Another day for home visits. Very inspiring. I am learning a lot why people are voting AD for the first time. Very encouraging.

Tomorrow is another day.

Cheers

Victor

A democratically elected Gozo Regional Council

A section of the AD Gozo Manifesto talks specifically about Gozo public administration towards a full democratic and transparent participation in decision-making. (Read more here)

Our interest in the island-region of Gozo comes before that of party politics.

Nowhere more than in Gozo has it become so clear that the ‘special favours’ political culture directly undermines the confidence ordinary citizens, business operators and their employees need in order to develop a strong and healthy local economy. This was my main contribution during a public debate I was invited to yesterday at the Circolo Gozitano.

Gozitans want and deserve better. We know that transformation can happen for the better.

Today, even those who have materially gained from the feudal favours system, crippling Gozo, realize that they are sliding downhill with everybody else. Gozo is ripe for a reform, which will propel it from an abandoned periphery of Malta to its most successful region. Although not yet represented in parliament, Alternattiva Demokratika, is already significantly influencing government policies for Gozo.

The greatest reform would be for Gozitans to be represented in Parliament by AD, a party characterized by long term, consistent commitment to the benefit of Gozo and the welfare of Gozitans.

Alternattiva Demokratika is committed to supporting Gozitans in safeguarding their island home from private greed. This also shows that AD has Gozo at heart and cares for it and all Gozitans.

Moreover, The Greens will endlessly work to increase Gozitan participation at every level of government and to ensure that our public representatives are fully accountable to the electorate.

Once elected to parliament, Alternattiva Demokratika will embark upon a number of initiatives among which several administrative and organizational affairs will be addressed:

1. AD proposes the set-up of an inclusive Parliamentary Committee for Gozo Affairs made up of all Gozo’s MPs. The Standing Committee will ensure transparent and serious governance by the Ministry for Gozo;

2. Eliminate once and for all the prevalent stagnant clientelist nepotism and in its stead institute an administrative framework to inform and to guarantee the inalienable rights of all citizens and economic operators;

3. Set up an administrative structure to which Gozo residents can address their complaints and through which they can be informed on matters related to construction industry sites affecting directly their everyday life;

4. See that meritocracy replaces the prevailing practice of exclusive selection of ‘‘jobs-for-the party-boys-and-girls’;

5. Demand the enactment of the Whistleblower Act to ensure that those who have the courage of speaking up are not victimised;

6. Demand the enactment of a Freedom of Information Act – to ensure that all citizens are informed of the manner in which government through its politicians and civil servants is acting on its behalf;

7. Endeavour to set up new forms of political organisations aiming to expand the evolution of participatory democracy for Gozitans through direct citizens involvement in the decision-making process. A democratically elected Regional Council is completely in line with Green Politics;

8. Institute a legislative function, drawn from the Local Council Act, modified to eliminate reference to byelaws of government departments. This enables the Gozo Parliamentary Committee to raise issues regarding conflict of remit;

9. Based on effective democracy for Gozo and Gozitans, the executive of this Gozo Regional Council will appoint a 'head of ministry', to effectively administer the annual budget allocated to the Gozo Region.;

10. Formulate the legal framework for a Regional Status for Gozo. The concept of this Regional Statusis intended to gain more autonomy for Gozo as well as to acquire the legislative and executive potential based on effective democracy;

11. Encourage the close collaboration between the Gozo MPs of different leanings to optimise existing local human talent as oppose to wasting such resources simply because of varied political creeds;

12. Insert effective review mechanisms to ensure constant transparency. Gozo has inherent promising opportunities but also threats emanating from the omerta’ symptom and the structural weakness of social aggression. These challenges shall be explicitly addressed by AD for a better life and work environment in Gozo;

13. A Regional Institution to include a Public Registry, a Regional Police HeadQuarters with lock up cells, a fire brigade and Rescue Centre, Regional Attorney General office, Regional office for Local Government and any other departments which fall under the aegis of the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs;

14. Ensure a full manpower of police officers for Gozo;

15. Ensure all police stations are manned;

16. Guarantee the right of a fair, impartial and effective police protection for Gozitans in the course of their daily activities;

17. Certify that all ranks in the police force are entitled to modern training techniques, to be supported and equipped with the latest technological apparatus to provide a service of excellence;

18. Strive to obtain a fair, proportionate representation for Gozo voters in that the quota of Gozo’s MPs reflect the number of Gozo’s registered voters This means that Gozo should be allocated a sixth elected MP to its current five representatibes.

Difiza ta' l-ambjent ghal Xoghol ta' kwalita'

Il-Billboard tieghi f'Ghawdex qieghdha ezattament hdejn it-traffic lights tax-Xewkija - taht il-Mithna.

Sa' ftit jiem ilu l-messagg kien ' juzawk u jarmuk - ahna nistmawk dejjem'.

Ftit jiem ilu inbidel f'dan:

B'wicci minn quddiem nista' nghid li Alternattiva Demokrtika biss ghandha policies cari dwar il-futur ambjentali f'Ghawdex.

Kemm ilna nezistu bhala Kumitat Regjonali ta' l-AD Ghawdex, iltqajna ma mijiet ta' Ghawdxin fuq bazi individwali u qasmu mieghi esperjenzi ta' ngustizzji minn naha ta' Awtorita' li suppost tiehu hsieb l-ippjanar. Mijiet ta' Ghawdxin li sa ftit ilu kienu jxejjru imkatar homor jew blu' avvicinawna ghax jafu li ahna ma ninxtrawx. Jafu li l-fondi tal-partit taghna m'humiex gejjin minn ghand xi hadd b'sahhtu. Jafu li ahna genwinament jinteressawna nies li m'ghandhomx vuci, jew li l-vuci taghhom ma tinstemax jekk m'ghandhomx ir-rih fil-qala'.

Ghalfejn difiza ta' l-ambjent?
Ghax l-Ghawdxin jixirqilhom xoghol f'Ghawdex u xoghol ta' kwalita'

Ha nispjega ftit:

Kulhadd jaf li Ghawdex jigbed eluf ta' turisti u Maltin propju ghax Ghawdex sabih. X'fiha hazin allura li nzommu lil Ghawdex sabih?

Inzommu lil Ghawdex sabih mhux billi nehduha kontra kull tip ta' zvilupp jew kull tip ta' kostruzzjoni. Irridu li jsir zvilupp f'Ghawdex - imma rridu li jsir zvilupp bil-ghaqal. Ma rridux li Ghawdex jibqa' presepju imma lanqas irridu li Ghawdex isir Manhattan fil-Mediterran.

Minflok inkomplu innaqqru mill-kampanja taghna, hemm bzonn li nikkonvertu bini li huwa abbandunat u mitluq u jigu mibdula f'residenzi sbieh li jaqblu mall-karattru Ghawdxi.

Qatt rajt turisti jiehdu ritratti ta' faccata ta' xi dar sabiha tipikament Ghawdxija?

Qatt rajt turisti jiehdu ritratt ta' xi blokka gebubi ta' flettijiet vojta li ma joqghod fihom hadd hlief li jinkrew ftit jiem fis-sena lil xi erba' Maltin f'Santa Marija?

Mhux dan it-tip ta' xoghol irridu noffru lill-Ghawdxin, xoghol ta' seftur/a tahsel xi par lozor wara li alla jaf kif wiehed kera xi week-end lil xi familja Maltin.

L-ideat taghna ghal xoghol ta' kwalita' jinstabu fil-proposti taghna ghal Ghawdex. Nitolbok taghfas hawnhekk biex issir taf aktar.

Ilna s-snin nitkellmu dwar li Ghawdex ghandu jkun gzira ekologija b'holqien ta' mpjiegi godda u morderni. X'gara s'issa?

U nirrepeti dak li qed jistaqsuni n-nies:

X'ser jigri mir-Ramlaq, Ta' Cenc u Hondoq wara l-elezzjoni?

u jien nghidilhom: "Jiddependi mill-vot tieghek siheb"