Letters to the editor – July 4, 2026

Permits should come with a completion date

Charles Micallef of Qawra writes:

This photo shows why it is high time that, in addition to commencement dates, building permits should be issued with a completion date which should also be enforced with heavy fines for non compliance.

File photo: Times of Malta

This particular project in the heart of Buġibba and metres away from the new Bay Square was demolished two full years ago and left in such a state.  

I am sure the recently appointed minister will take the subject very seriously and update the building regulations, taking the interests not just of the developers but also of residents and thousands of visitors into consideration.

Have a look at your own backyard

Charles Gauci of Sannat writes:

I have no wish to engage in polemics, yet Peter Dingli (June 27) has strayed far from the point made in my letter of June 20.

He is, of course, perfectly entitled to his views – however dismissive – on religion. 

Nevertheless, the fact remains that Malta’s constitution establishes Roman Catholicism as the official state religion  and it is therefore taught in our schools. That position stands unless and until the constitution is amended.

It is somewhat ironic that Dingli writes from a country still obsessively governed by a 237-year-old constitution, where many schools persist in teaching that the universe was created in six days a mere few thousand years ago.

Perhaps he would do well to focus on reforming the realities of his own country before prescribing changes for ours.

Voting

Carmel Sciberras of Naxxar writes:

It is well known that the alphabet plays a significant part in elections.   

Surnames beginning with the letter ‘A’ usually fare better than those further down the alphabet.

What about listing the candidates’ names as they are drawn by lot?