Momentum condemns Jason Micallef’s intimidation, demands transparency on Ta’ Qali park destruction

Momentum today condemned what it describes as threatening tactics used by Jason Micallef against the widely respected and accomplished digital creator Trudy Kerr, following her video highlighting the covering of a large green area in Ta’ Qali with gravel.

Ms Kerr’s video documented that the public works authority had transformed a popular public picnic area into a gravel wasteland. In response, Mr Micallef accused her of spreading “fake news” and that she had engaged in bullying.

Momentum General Secretary Mark Camilleri Gambin refuted these claims, stating, “The situation depicted in the video is a verifiable fact, not fake news. Ms Kerr was rightfully pointing out the tragic loss of a beloved green space, and Jason Micallef is making a completely illogical accusation that aims to intimidate genuine citizens from speaking up”.

Momentum stands in solidarity with Trudy Kerr and condemns Jason Micallef’s own use of social media to spread his signature brand of intimidation.

In support of the concerns raised by Ms Kerr and others, including Arnold Cassola  Citizen Watch page back in June, Momentum has now submitted a Freedom of Information request to the public works authority. The request seeks to clarify the exact process which led to this damaging decision.

Our full FOI request is reproduced below:

Ministry for Public Works (Ta’ Qali National Park Unit)

FOI request: Ta’ Qali Family Park picnic area gravel works,

Good morning,

Under the Freedom of Information Act (Cap. 496), I request answers and access to the following documents and records concerning the laying of gravel at the Ta’ Qali Family Park (picnic area).

• Provide all documents, reports, and communications that explain the necessity of the gravel works. This includes any project proposals, internal memoranda, and reports from or to the Environmental Resources Authority, as well as any Environmental Impact Assessment or similar environmental evaluation conducted for this project.
• Please provide all documents related to the contracting and financial aspects of the project. This includes a copy of the public tender notice, the award documents identifying the successful contractor or supplier, and the final invoices or cost breakdowns detailing the supply, transport, and laying of the gravel.
• Specify the source of the gravel (local quarry, importer, or other).
• Identify the individual or body that authorised the final decision to proceed with the gravel works.

Should any part of this information be held by another authority or department, I request that the application be transferred to the appropriate authority as stipulated by Article 8 of the Act.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Mark Camilleri Gambin,

General Secretary, Momentum

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