The Government should understand the plea of the people
Saving Manoel Island and returning it to the public has gained further momentum now that the Opposition has shifted its position and declared its support for the petition signed by over 29,000 citizens.
While seven NGOs welcome the decision announced today by Dr Bernard Grech, it also feels it is pertinent to recall several occasions when past governments altered development plans and designated sites as public parks. The Għadira Nature Reserve was created after a road originally planned to cut through it was rerouted towards the beach. The same applies to Majjistral Park, which had been earmarked for a massive golf complex.
The NGOs also welcome the invitation to a meeting by Prime Minister Dr Robert Abela, and they are hopeful that this Government will also leave a legacy by being bold enough to declare that it will protect Manoel Island from any development and create a public park that can be enjoyed by all.
The NGOs signatory to this statement are:
- Azzjoni: Tuna Artna Lura
- BirdLife Malta
- Din l-Art Ħelwa
- Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar
- Friends of the Earth Malta
- Moviment Graffitti
- Nature Trust – FEE Malta
You can read the press release in Maltese here.