I am sure that many will take the opportunity to visit Villa Francia in the coming days, now that it will be officially open after undergoing extensive restoration, maintenance and improvement. This villa forms part of the myriad of national heritage monuments we should be proud of. We are a small country with a prestigious history and legacy.

This villa is situated in Lija and is thought to have been built towards 1757 in Baroque style. Experts maintain that this villa was built over a number of years. The villa consists of a two-storey building with front and back gardens. The back gardens include a big water reservoir and a magnificent water-mill.

The villa is actually a residence of the Prime Minister who had long expressed his desire to give it life and make it flexible enough to serve various purposes. The opening of Villa Francia is also a living testimony of the skills and dedication of the workers involved in this very delicate assignment. These are workers employed by Restoration Division and from the Works Department. For several of these workers, this project served to further their training in the craft they practise. Any alterations that over the years had been made to the villa without respecting its history have now been removed. I must commend the personal involvement of my predecessor, Ninu Zammit, who also ensured that the place undergoes this outstanding transformation from a once-dilapidated site - September 11.

Towards sustainability

The tuna industry is a very important sector of the Maltese economy and the government is in favour of finding the necessary balance which ensures future sustainability of this species. However, it is also our prerogative to also ensure the viability of this economic activity.

One must point out that Malta is observing its obligations resulting from ICCAT (International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas) and is carrying out rigorous enforcement of more stringent decisions included in the Multi-Annual Plan For Tuna Recovery, which were made in the last ICCAT meeting held last year.

I am aware of the decision whereby the European Commission is giving its provisional support to back a request by the Principality of Monaco favouring the inclusion of the tuna species in Appendix I of the CITES Convention (Convention On International Trade In Endangered Species). The European Commission also declared that its final decision shall be announced before the CITES meeting taking place in March 2010 and after having evaluated the relative scientific data.

One must point out that, if this were to happen, this would effectively spell the end of the international trade of tuna and local fishermen would only be able to catch the tuna intended for local consumption.

Such a move would also mean that exports and tuna farming activities intended for export would also have to end. Malta is not yet convinced that there is the real need for such a drastic step to be taken, even more so in the light of insufficient scientific data presently available to support such steps.

The European Commission shall consult the member states of the European Union on Monaco's proposal next Monday. The government is therefore proceeding with its consultation meetings with the Maltese stakeholders that could be affected should Monaco's proposal be accepted by CITES in March 2010 - September 10.

Quality wines promote a healthier environment

Yesterday and this morning I attended two activities that helped me experience more closely the production of quality wines of our country. One visit took me to Marsovin's Marnisi vineyards in Marsaxlokk. The Marsovin winery is this year celebrating its 90th anniversary and, as from this year, its entire portfolio of wines will be produced from locally-grown grapes.

This morning I accompanied the Prime Minister for the opening of a new modern, wine production plant at the Delicata Winery in Marsa.

I would like to show my appreciation to these two wineries which, together with others like Camilleri Wines, Meridiana and Montekristo, believe in the quality leap Maltese wines can achieve. Government and EU subsidies assisting these producers and farmers were a main factor contributing towards the entire transformation of the local wine sector in a short period of time.

Maltese wines are today certified by the best Italian enoteca. The government is doing its part to emphasise the promotion of local produce but local wineries must also do so in unison. Initial steps are already being taken by the government for the opening of the first enoteca in Malta, which will serve as a showcase for more than 100 DOK and IGT wines and is also working on the setting up of a Feast of Maltese Wines every year.

It is worth appreciating that, today, the area we have under vines is equivalent to six times the area of Valletta. When one drinks local wines, one is also ensuring that the greenery provided by our vines make our countryside more attractive in our dry summer months - September 3.

Great heritage in churches

This morning I visited more feasts within my constituency. This time it was the feast of San Bert in Għargħur and that of St Julian in St Julians. While in the village of Għargħur, I had the opportunity of touring the parish church in the company of Lino Wettinger who provided a wealth of very interesting information on the works of art that endow this church.

A small church, yet with a great history. Its construction started in 1612. Despite the absence of any supportive documentation, the statue of San Bert is said to have been started by Melchiorre Gafà who, however, did not finish it because he died when he was not even 32 years old. It is certain, however, that it was completed and painted by the artist Francesco Zahra.

Another work of art worthy of admiration is the painting depicting the patron saint San Bert. This painting is the work of Giuseppe Calì and those days came at a price of £40. Several of our other churches are brimming with works of art that are not fully appreciated as sacred art is very rarely promoted in our country. It is incredible what one finds even in the sacristies of these churches. I think it is high time for each church to, at least, provide a leaflet at its entrance giving some information on these works of art as well as its history and significance - August 30.

The author is Minister for Resources and Rural Affairs.

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