\u2018Another step towards returning Manoel Island and Fort Tign\u00e9 to the people\u2019 \u2013 PL<\/p>\n
The Labour Party has welcomed what it described as “another historic step in which the Government is delivering on what it promised to the people,” that Manoel Island and Fort Tigné will be returned to Maltese and Gozitan families.<\/p>\n
In doing so, “it is correcting mistakes made under a Nationalist Government,” the PL said.<\/p>\n
During a press conference addressed by the Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli and the President of the Labour Party Alex Sciberras, it was stated that following tough negotiations, the board of directors of MIDI accepted the Government’s offer for land that had been granted in 2000, under a Nationalist Party administration, to once again become a public space for the benefit of the people.<\/p>\n
Dalli and Sciberras said that this step forms part of a wider direction by the government to strengthen open spaces and create new national parks across the country.<\/p>\n
Minister Dalli said that Manoel Island will join White Rocks and Fort Campbell, which will become national parks for families instead of being developed. The Minister explained how these form part of broader work being carried out on open spaces – projects that have already been completed, others that are ongoing, and others that are planned.<\/p>\n
“We can take these decisions because we have a strong economy. An economy through which we are making decisions that are entirely aimed at improving people’s quality of life. Decisions that are leading to an increase in open spaces for the Maltese and Gozitan people. This is our vision. A government that listens to the people. A Malta that gives more space to people, more space to families, and more space to nature. And these three national parks are an important step in that direction,” Minister Miriam Dalli said.<\/p>\n
Minister Dalli also spoke about the importance of dialogue with civil society, which is contributing ideas for these parks. She referred to a meeting held with Moviment Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, which together formed the movement ‘Manoel Island Post Għalina’. The two organisations presented their proposals for Manoel Island, which were developed following a series of workshops with more than 70 participants.<\/p>\n
Labour Party President Alex Sciberras said that this “is a historic day that clearly shows the values of Maltese society and the future we want to build together.”<\/p>\n
He emphasised that Manoel Island and Fort Tigné will no longer remain spaces for development speculation but will be transformed into open spaces and a shared heritage belonging to everyone.<\/p>\n
“Sciberras recalled how in 2000, a Nationalist Government had granted a 99-year concession that favoured private interests and resulted in the Maltese and Gozitan people being deprived of these national treasures. He explained how a Labour Government, with courage and responsibility, carried out firm negotiations to take back this land while only compensating for justified and verified expenses incurred by the concessionaire. He stressed that this is a clear example of good governance, transparency, and responsibility and that the agreement will now be presented before Parliament,” the PL statement read.<\/p>\n
Sciberras also thanked activists, civil society organisations, families, and communities who believed in this vision.<\/p>\n
“Today, Manoel Island is not just an island, but a symbol of what we can achieve together as a country. We are giving back not only space but a sense of belonging,” Sciberras said.<\/p>\n