A Tale Of Two Cominos? Activists Stage Counter Exhibition At MCC As Hili Group Present Their Hotel Vision
Activists from seven organisations have staged a counter-exhibition just outside the Mediterranean Conference Centre, where Hili Group is hosting a public presentation of their plans to redevelop the old Comino Hotel site.
Hili Group unveiled their exhibition this morning to present the public with their plans for Malta’s small sister island. It includes an installation of a manmade garigue block that will make up the roofs of hotel and bungalows and a taster of the 55,000 plants that have been propagated for the project so far.
It also features explanations of sustainable lighting plans, carbon footprint, drainage system, energy use and their partnership with the world-famous brand Six Senses.
However, activists were not impressed, with dozens standing outside the MCC in Valletta to object, accusing Hili Group of greenwashing.
According to Graffiti, the counter-exhibition “highlighted the discrepancies between the ‘sustainable vision’ presented by the developers and the reality of the impact such a development would have on Comino, particularly in the peaceful sanctuary of Santa Marija Bay.”
Environmental scientist John Paul Cauchi, who spoke at the protest, added that “the only way this proposed project can be sustainable is by not building it.”
The public presentation was organised by Moviment Graffitti, Din l-Art Ħelwa, BirdLife Malta, Nature Trust Malta-FEE, Friends of the Earth, Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar, and Ramblers’ Association.
Will you go see the public presentation?
READ NEXT: Babel Is Back: Valletta Jazz Bar Reopens After Owner’s Tragic Passing
