It has been a long journey of 20 years.

My aim from day one always was to keep Hondoq as it is without buildings, the area to be turned into a National park and for current and future generations to freely keep on enjoying this beautiful place with amazing views and crystal clear waters.

During these years, I battled this mega project as Joe Citizen, as Councillor and now as Mayor. Many people along the way have objected and worked to stop this project, but with my head held high I can say that I was the only one who started and finished this battle.

This journey consisted of many days away from my family and work even though back then I was self-employed. I attended countless number of meetings with people from all levels of our society, up to Bishops, Prime Ministers, and Presidents, with the aim always being to get support and information on how to save Hondoq from being destroyed permanently.

Many meetings were even held at my residence with Moviment Harsien Hondoq members. I also attended every hearing held regarding this issue. Prior to the referendum, which was held by the Qala Local council, my family and I together with a group of dedicated residents, knocked on every door in Qala to get their views about the proposed project.

I even went to the European Environment commission in 2007, but unfortunately because the local plan was changed behind the council’s back in 2006 from ‘afforestation area’ to ‘marine and tourist related activities’ they could not help because it was considered as a local issue.

In 2009, on my proposal, the council even organised an exhibition by 4th year Malta University students of architecture at Heritage Malta in Valletta. These students were instructed to design plans for a national park in the quarry area.

I participated and assisted in various national and local protests with other NGOs and activists. I even spent a lot of time putting together a DVD which showed Hondoq on different days to prove how important it is for the general public. I could keep going on about this saga which will be enough to fill up a whole book.

I have come across many, many good-willed people along the way who have helped and supported me in this fight. I do not dare mention names because I am afraid of forgetting some individuals or groups but each one of them knows who they are and to them.

I want to say a very big THANK YOU because every little bit has helped. Right now, I am thinking of a few people who helped but now unfortunately are no longer with us, but I am sure that they kept on guiding me from above.

I must admit, there were some who put spokes in my wheels, and also there were those who branded me as being ‘obsessed about Hondoq and that I was responsible for the loss of jobs’ (ffissat fuq Hondoq u li kont qed intellef ix-xoghol), to those I also wish to say thank you because of them I worked even harder and persevered more to save our beloved Hondoq.

Of course, I cannot leave out my beloved family for their unconditional support, most especially my wife Carmen who has been by my side all along these years.

Last but not least, I will not put my mind at rest until Hondoq is declared public domain and until it is turned into a national park as my goal has always been since 2002.

PS. My dream has always been to see the rainwater being caught in a pond (catchment) in the quarry area instead of being lost at sea. I also wish to see again many pomegranate trees planted in the area which will form part of the park as is its namesake Hondoq ir Rummien.

Pawlu ta’ Hondoq (and proud of it).

Mayor of Qala Paul Buttigieg

Photo supplied by author

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