The government is always on about how it appreciates any organisation which groups young people away from the dangers of vice and teaches them new skills. That is the gist of the government’s frequent pronouncements, but the recent and present experiences of Qawra Scout Group do not bear out those words.

My granddaughter is passionate about going regularly to the group’s meetings and I fully support her enthusiasm – and her progress in various shows of skill. Just imagine my shock at a recent function when I heard that the Qawra Scout Group is being driven out by government agencies, with literally nowhere adequate to go.

The Housing Authority is refusing to extend the group’s rent of their current premises – because another government agency (which I can name) wants it. The group was promised alternative premises once it vacated its current place. The replacement? A basement at a rent of around €1,000 a year!

The Qawra Scout Group needs adequate premises to operate from

Facing a Hobson’s choice, the group leaders got down to work on decorating and installing water and electricity fittings. But it was only when the group applied for electric service – after all the expense! – that it was told the place could only be used as a store – no meetings of any kind. They have just received a compliance certificate from the Malta Environment and Planning Authority to apply for electricity, which has to be sanctioned by the Housing Authority.

In the meantime the group leaders got into discussions with the Kunsill Malti għall-Isport about the transfer of a room from the Lands Department, previously held by the management of Salina Park. They had plans to extend the room, which could have been a solution to their problems. But as usual, getting permits for the additional construction from Mepa, not to mention the financial outlay, could be a large hurdle.

The group was granted rent only on a yearly basis and, very understandably, it was not ready to invest without guarantees. It is still waiting for the compliance certificate from Mepa, which would allow it to apply for electricity through the KMS.

So where does the Qawra Scout Group turn for meaningful help to acquire decent premises at a reasonable price? The group has just emptied its erstwhile premises of the last pieces of equipment and the place has already been taken over by the agency, with no mercy.

To come back to my starting point, if the government and its various agencies really appreciate the care of young people, let them prove it with the Qawra Scout Group!