Momentum celebrates a landmark victory for civil society in the steadfast and inspiring campaign to protect Manoel Island for the public good. The recent positive shifts in the positions of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition, and now MIDI themselves, are a direct result of the unwavering dedication of thousands of citizens, volunteers, and activists. This success serves as a powerful blueprint for future action to safeguard Malta’s natural and historical heritage.
We extend our heartfelt commendations to the leaders of this movement, in particular Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar. Their tireless efforts and resilience in the face of initial political hurdles have been instrumental. They, along with nearly 50 other organizations and community groups, have demonstrated the profound impact of principled and persistent advocacy. Momentum is proud to have worked closely with all these activists to achieve this result, through the solution that had been advocated by Arnold Cassola and other activists as early as 2017.
This momentous achievement was made possible by the overwhelming support of the public, with an incredible 29,042 individuals signing a parliamentary petition. This powerful collective voice was impossible to ignore and has been pivotal in compelling a welcome re-evaluation of the island’s future. It is a clear and inspiring demonstration that when the people unite for a common cause, they can achieve remarkable results.
“The power of the people has shone brightly in the case of Manoel Island,” said Matthew Agius for Momentum. “This is a victory for every person who envisions a Malta where our shared spaces are preserved for everyone to enjoy. It is a testament to what can be accomplished when we stand together for what is right and for what is ours.”
The spirit of this success must now fuel our collective determination to address other pressing environmental concerns.
“We are fighting the right battles, not just for ourselves, but for the legacy we leave for future generations,” Matthew continued. “Justice and common sense are on our side. The victory for Manoel Island is not the end of the story, but the beginning of a new chapter of empowered, citizen-led action to protect our beloved islands.”
Momentum is confident that the same passion and unity that saved Manoel Island will continue to drive positive change across Malta and Gozo. We stand in solidarity with all who are working towards a more sustainable and beautiful future for our nation.
