Momentum expresses disappointment at the recent comments made by Opposition Leader Bernard Grech regarding the parliamentary petition to return Manoel Island to the public as a national park. By insisting that the concession contract with MIDI must be honoured, despite growing evidence that MIDI has failed to meet its obligations, Dr Grech has aligned himself with the Prime Minister’s stance.
Momentum Chairperson Arnold Cassola stated: “On environmental matters, both Robert Abela and Bernard Grech are clearly on the same page, favouring developers’ interests over the public good, even when 29,000 citizens and over 40 civil society organisations have raised serious concerns.”
“The very least the Opposition Leader could have done is welcome a debate in Parliament. This is not the kind of leadership expected from someone who claims to ‘genuinely care about everyone’s opinion’, let alone from a Leader of the Opposition, who now appears more interested in opposing the public than holding the government to account.”
“Moreover, Bernard Grech has effectively admitted that, back in 2000, the Nationalist Party, with the support of the Labour party, did not deliver a beautiful dream to the Maltese people.”
Even Alfred Sant and Evarist Bartolo, who had voted in favour of the PN resolution in 2000, have today admitted their mistake and want Manoel Island given back to the public.
Momentum reiterates its full support for the petition and calls on Parliament to urgently debate the future of Manoel Island. This issue must be addressed transparently, with all Members of Parliament clearly stating their positions.
A national park on Manoel Island is neither a fantasy nor a “beautiful dream.” It is an attainable and necessary goal, one rooted in the public interest, environmental responsibility, and the evident failure of MIDI to uphold its contractual commitments.
We urge the Parliamentary Petitions Committee to move this petition forward without delay. Manoel Island belongs to the people, not to politicians or private interests.
