“Every year we look towards what the government is supposed to be doing differently to address the neglect and damages inflicted upon the environment in past years, yet the fact remains that the government refuses to rectify the situation because it does not consider it important compared to the natural heritage of Comino,” the Nationalist Party said.

It went on to state that a plan for Comino has been announced but the details remain unseen while it continues to get postponed.

“Because of this, Comino remains in its current situation: an island filled with waste where there is no appreciation for the natural environment and room for abuse.”

This is why PN is calling for a holistic plan for Comino, the statement continued.

“When pressed in Parliament by PN Deputies, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo has evaded providing clear answers for several years, claiming either that he cannot respond or stating that the requested information is of a commercially sensitive nature and therefore cannot be disclosed.”

“Although Bartolo himself stated that Comino is not just the Blue Lagoon, the plan intended for this beach has not even been implemented. Consider and propose a holistic plan that incorporates measures for the entire island of Comino.”

“Can the people believe that the Government is interested in addressing the situation in Kemmuna? The cause of the problem, cannot solve it.”

Just last year, Bartolo declared that by that summer (2023), the deckchairs would be reduced by 65%. Yet, locals were left disappointed, reportedly noting little-to-no difference. 

Meanwhile, in August 2022, Moviment Graffitti held a public protest where they chanted for the reclamation of Blue Lagoon. They protested the “hundreds of tourists and exaggerated number of kiosks” poured in by “intensive commercial interests.”

Lovin Malta sent questions to the Tourism Ministry and is currently awaiting a response.

Do you think that Comino will be any better this summer?