Watch: Gozitan Community Speaks Up, Activists Rally Against Business Takeover Of St George’s Square
In a powerful display of unity, representatives from St. George’s Basilica, Soċjetà Filarmonika La Stella, and il-Ħaġar Museum, along with activist groups including Moviment Graffitti and Din l-Art Ħelwa – Għawdex, rallied in St. George’s Square, Rabat, Gozo.
They voiced their opposition against the ongoing business takeover of the square, which has cluttered it with tables and chairs, severely limiting public access.
The press conference featured a diverse group of participants, including local councillors and parish members, who expressed their dissatisfaction with the persistent neglect from authorities such as the Lands Authority, the Malta Tourism Authority, and the Planning Authority.
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Archpriest Joseph Curmi highlighted the severe implications of this commercial takeover, noting that the public square, meant to be a pedestrian haven, has become a barricade of commercial installations
During a sermon earlier this week, Curmi revealed that couples have been deterred from getting married in the church due to these obstructions.
Moviment Graffitti emphasised the lack of balance between business interests and the rights of the people, a problem that has become common across the islands. Residents from Sliema, Valletta, Marsaxlokk, Cottonera, St. Paul’s Bay, Mellieħa, Marsaskala, and now Victoria have united under the ‘Il-Bankini taċ-Ċittadini’ campaign to defend public spaces and reclaim what is rightfully theirs.
These residents, along with Moviment Graffitti and FAA, have drafted a document with numerous demands and proposals aimed at addressing the takeover of public spaces, which they have sent to the Prime Minister and the responsible ministers.
Despite the acknowledgment of the issue, action remains to be seen, leaving the community in limbo and desperate for change.
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