‘Labour Is Ready To Be The Downfall Of Cultural Heritage’: Malta’s Barklori Initiate Protest
Malta’s Barklori (boatsmen) have expressed their disappointment in the Labour government, saying that the state is ready to be the downfall of Maltese cultural heritage.
This was said after the boatsmen held a protest at 2pm at their traditional landing site in front of Customs House, Valletta, the place where they’ve been operating since the time of the Knights.
“It is with great disappointment that the Labour government, which appears to have forgotten the man on the street, is threatening the livelihood of Maltese families and is ready to be the downfall of Malta’s cultural heritage,” the Għaqda tal-Barklori said in a statement.
“The Knights came, two world wars passed, there was a global pandemic, and it seems that the ‘dgħajsa tal-pass’ will be eradicated under the hands of a Labour government.”
“Despite various attempts at reaching a solution, it appears that Infrastructure Malta is ready to spend millions to build a new jetty that will take over the traditional landing site of the Barklori, but has no funds to protect Malta’s cultural heritage or the livelihood of Maltese families.”
“Infrastructure Malta was quick to take over the landing site of the Barklori, however, is dragging their feet when it comes to providing a suitable alternative so that the Barklori can continue to work, provide a good service to tourists, and continue to promote Malta’s cultural heritage.”
It continued to say that the Barklori are not going to accept any alternative that in reality is going to result in disruption and an end to their service.
“The Barklori want to work. It is a huge injustice that despite entire communities and generations of Barklori having invested their energy, passion, efforts, and personal finances so that the ‘dgħajsa tal-pass’ remains a living part of Malta’s culture, this is not being acknowledged by the government.”
“Should the government maintain its position of riding roughshod over the Barklori, not only will it not be honouring its obligation to protect Malta’s cultural heritage, it will be actively taking steps to eradicate it?”
“In this regard, there has been no support from the Ministries of Tourism and Culture. Just deafening silence. Where are the rights of the individual worker, where are the people’s representatives?”
“The Barklori will continue to protest until such time that:
1. The relevant authorities agree to meet around a table to find a solution that makes sense.
2. Until a permanent solution is found, a temporary alternative landing site must be provided that is sufficiently sheltered to allow us to work safely and not endanger our passengers or ourselves. We cannot be exposed to the wake of the nearby harbour ferry every 30 mins.
3. An alternative is immediately provided, which alternative must be given prior to work continuing, this is out of respect to the tourists who deserve an experience that is not marred with construction dust and noise, and also out of respect to ourselves who have been there for hundreds of years.
4. We are provided with an agreement in writing, that guarantees us a permanent landing site, which has been agreed to by all parties, that respects Malta’s cultural heritage, our work and our rights.”
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