Vandals threaten Tourism and quality of life – MHRA

We have now seen two most alarming news items, the vandalism perpetrated at Foresta 2000 and the report on the street gangs at Gzira are two acts which are a threat to tourism, on which most of the Maltese depend for their livelihood.

This is being stated apart from the harm done to the Maltese countryside and to Maltese citizens. These acts negatively affect the quality of life for the Maltese.

This is the first gang style report to hit the Maltese headlines. We urge Government to take immediate, drastic steps to ensure that there is no repetition. Malta enjoys a reputation amongst tourists as being a safe place, free from mugging and attacks of this nature. Clearly this style of gang activity witnessed in some countries, has through the media now produced a copycat effect locally.

The perpetrators must be caught and an example set since we must not allow the mentality of vandalism to take seed in the Maltese islands. The former is within the responsibility of the Police Authorities and it is inconceivable how in a small country such as ours, an act of such a huge dimension remains unresolved. Under the circumstances MHRA would like to refer to our recommendations made to the Prime Minister last year following such similar acts that have unfortunately and unhappily again made an appearance.

Both these incidents indicate a lack of civil pride and a warped sense of strength and arrogance fostered in some through irresponsible sayings and acts of others, who must bear responsibility for the end result.

Once again we urge the Maltese Government to take the appropriate measures immediately to safeguard tourism in Malta and Gozo, and indeed to safeguard the quality of life to the Maltese.