Request to let off fireworks from Fort St Angelo opposed

Vittoriosa council and the Heritage Awareness Group of Cottonera have expressed concern over a request by the Malta Tourism Authority to let off fireworks from Fort St Angelo during the Malta Fireworks Festival.

Due to the irreparable damage the fireworks would cause to the "unique, historical and sensitive" monument, the local council said it would not give its approval for any fireworks displays from Fort St Angelo.

In a letter, the local council demanded, "with the utmost strength", that no fireworks would be let off from the fort and its surroundings during the second edition of the festival, which is being held around Grand Harbour on May 9 and 10.

It also informed the authority that it would hold it responsible for any damage caused.

The MTA's idea is for the fireworks to be let off from five barges, anchored in the sea between Valletta and St Angelo. Others would be let off from Bighi, Senglea and Fort St Angelo, according to its letter to Vittoriosa local council.

The MTA has also requested the use of the foreshore under the fort, which the council believes to be equally unacceptable.

On the use of the rest of the fort, the MTA said it would be corresponding with the related authorities. But the council said it would also hold those who issued any permits responsible.

The Heritage Awareness Group of Cottonera had succeeded in persuading the committees in charge of outdoor festivities in Vittoriosa to refrain from using St Angelo and the bastions, particularly St John's and St James's cavaliers, for the letting off of fireworks. In fact, for the last three years, barges have been used for this purpose, said historian Lino Bugeja, who has taken the issue to heart.

"Imagine the repercussions if the MTA were given permission to use the lower part of the fort and its foreshore," he said, adding that the wrong message would be sent out as regards the protection of Malta's heritage.

The upper part of the fort is in the hands of the Knights of the Order of St John, while the lower part, in the hands of the government, is in a state of total neglect.

Mr Bugeja said Fort St Angelo, the "main protagonist in Malta's chequered history throughout the ages", was now a veritable wasteland. It was a case of history and Malta's national pride in ruins.

The co-editor of Birgu - A Maltese maritime city and author of the interactive CD ROM on Birgu - The history and artistic heritage of a Maltese medieval city, which is being launched at the end of the month, Mr Bugeja said he was surprised that the MTA, which described Fort St Angelo in its brochure as the "jewel in the crown of Malta's rich military heritage", would consider letting off fireworks from it.

Fortunately, the upper part of the fort has been restored to its pristine glory by the Order. However, it contrasts sharply with the utter state of neglect and desuetude of the lower parts of the fort, Mr Bugeja said.

Acts of vandalism occurred everyday along the impressive ramparts and cavaliers. The unique oubliette, with its outstanding graffiti, as well as the cemetery, were at the mercy of vandals, he said.

According to Mr Bugeja, who has taken up the cause of Fort St Angelo, its state of neglect is further augmented by the "insensitive" block of flats facing the ditch, separating St Angelo from the mainland.

Vittoriosa council has already embarked on the restoration of other sites in collaboration with Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna, for example, he said, encouraging more joint ventures to preserve the "epitome of Malta's cultural identity".