Alternattiva Demokratika's spokesman for Energy and the Environment Mr. Ralph Cassar said that his party regrettably notes the environmental damage that is being done by the introduced Red Palm Weevil. In such a short time, the Red Palm Weevil has managed to eliminate scores of palm trees at Salina, St. Paul's Bay, Mosta, Attard, Ta' Xbiex as can be seen from dead palm trees in these areas. Alternattiva regrets that this is just the beginning of environmental damage being done, as more and more established and historical palm trees will fall victim to this weevil in all parts of the Maltese Islands.

Alternattiva Demokratika sympathises with all those who have along the years nurtured such palm trees in their private gardens, where such trees are now established and besides giving character to the surroundings, many are also of historical value. Alternattiva Demokratika understands the feelings of such citizens, whose trees, if not already infected by this Red Palm Weevil, are at its mercy and sooner of later will be its victims.

Alternattiva Democratika cannot but put the blame on Government for the way it is handling afforestation and tree protection in the Maltese Islands, without any policy and without any strategy whatsoever. If one looks at Government projects, one cannot but notice the great percentage of imported trees which are being planted. And imported trees are the source and potential for carrying diseases and introducing new species to the Maltese Islands, as in the case of the Red Palm Weevil.

It is a shame that the Government of the day, without any consideration for the potential environmental damage, is exposing our country to such unnecessary financial burden. Alternattiva Demokratika shudders to think about the damage that is going to be done if the afforestation projects mentioned by the Prime Minster during the budget speech, are going to be undertaken on these lines.

Alternattiva Demokratika Chairperson Dr Harry Vassallo appeals to Government to handle afforestation in a professional way, by putting ecological protection before the profit motives. It also appeals to government to ensure that tree planting is accomplished by trees planted locally, first to ensure that no diseases and pests are introduced, secondly to offer employment to the locals in the supplying of locally grown trees, instead of utilising such money to buy foreign trees, and finally to maximise on resources.

Unfortunately during the following months, more dead palm trees will haunt the Maltese people. In no uncertain way, they will be demonstrating the Government's failure in its environmental vision.