Il-punt hu

While congratulating Gino Cauchi and Claudette Baldacchino for their programme Il-punt hu, I would like to show my disappointment at the fact that the programme about the local council of St Paul's Bay, and which was the first in the series, was held in the square at Bugibba.

Why was it not held at St Paul's Bay proper, after all that is where the actual residents of St Paul's Bay live. Bugibba Square is not St Paul's Bay. It belongs to the holidaymakers and to those who come for a stroll in the area. In fact, one rarely sees people from St Paul's Bay there.

What would have been wrong if the programme were held near the Sirens or the Gillieru area, where Wignacourt Tower and the old church of St Paul's shipwreck would have provided a splendid background, not to mention the "Menqa" with its many Maltese fishing boats?

It is a pity that no interventions from the residents were made. If I had the opportunity I would have asked the mayor three simple questions:

Why is this programme not being held in the central part of St Paul's Bay? When was the last time that the residents of St Paul's Bay were consulted about projects or pavement extensions which the council had in mind? When was the last newsletter of the council published?

Incidentally, the book about the history of St Paul's Bay, which the council published lately and of which the mayor proudly presented copies to Mr Cauchi and Ms Baldacchino, contains an article which should make history lovers blush.

The "Roman" (?) baths near the Sirens are not Roman at all. They were built, or rather dug, in the 19th century by the owners of the villas which were built opposite. That was before swimming pools came into fashion.