Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party is calling for the Planning Appeals Board to refuse the appeal lodged by the developers of the Ulysses Lodge in Ramla l-Hamra which is scheduled for public hearing on the 28th of November.

During a visit and a press conference on the site where the development is being proposed, Arnold Cassola, Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson, stated: "The Maltese government has assured the European Commission that the project has been rejected. It should therefore stick to this promise."

Yvonne Ebejer Arqueros, Alternattiva Demokratika Candidate for European Parliament elections, added: "The natural beauty of the Ramla l-Hamra area is not only an aesthetic pleasure to watch, it is also a source of strong economic income for Gozo, it being such an attraction with Maltese and foreign tourists alike, who are in search of scenic and natural landscapes."

Victor Galea, Alternattiva Demokratika Secretary General and Spokesperson for Gozo, concluded: "If the Maltese government really cares about Gozo as an eco-island it certainly cannot even think of developing the area for tourist purposes and allow the building of villas and swimming pools near Ramla l-Hamra."

"The resistance to the citizens' petition to the European Parliament on the part of the Maltese government and Dr Simon Busuttil is a source of worry for all those concerned about the fate of this picturesque bay. Why would the Maltese government and Dr Busuttil resist "vehemently" the reopening of the citizens' petition?" asked Galea.

"We sincerely hope that the Planning Appeals Board hearing on the 28th of November will put an end to any idea of unsustainable development in the area once and for all," concluded Victor Galea.