20 June 2007 Rating 51% No Comment  

Alternattiva Demokratika has said that it welcomes the statements issued by the various environmental non-governmental organisations, namely, Din l-Art Helwa, Ramblers Association, FAA, Wirt Ghawdex, Bicref, Graffitti, Friends of the Earth and others, wherein they expressed their disagreement about the developments being put forward for Ramla l-Hamra. "We encourage all concerned citizens who believe that we should safeguard our country for future generations to actively participate in the National protest organised by a number of NGOs next Monday at 6.30pm in Valletta. " "Objections to this type of unsustainable development, which is posing a danger not only to the traditional character associated with Gozo but also a threat to long-term employment in the tourism sector on the island, have been voiced not only by a large number of Gozitan, Maltese and foreign citizens residing both in Malta and abroad but also by the major environmental non-governmental organisations which have followed suit and similarly taken a stand against it." AD General Secretary and Spokesperson for Gozo said "Alternattiva Demokratika has pledged to keep the public well-informed about the whole process. Alternattiva Demokratika first brought this development to the public's attention after noticing the lack of exposure given to it and the timing of the deadline of submissions during February last year. This course of action is making a mockery not only of the essential ingredient of transparency but of the whole democratic process which the two parties in parliament boast so much about." "Alternattiva Demokratika has been working on a number of proposals, to be included in the forthcoming Electoral Manifesto, which aim to improve the economic climate in Gozo through the generation of jobs in carefully planned development projects which are sustainable and at the same time ensure the safeguard of the cultural, historical, archaeological and natural heritage of Gozo. The island of Gozo cannot afford to lose one single tourist, and the closing up of tourist lodgings, hotels and people working in the catering industry being reduced to occasional part-timers from full timers should concern not only the Green Party but to all citizens who also believe that political parties should work towards the interest of the country and not to their party. Gozo deserves better." emphasized Victor Galea.