A thousand Manoel Islands...

Abstract

The recent publication by MIDI of its long-awaited plans for Manoel Island has understandably ruffled many feathers since they essentially propose the fencing off, behind a 2.2m-high mesh, of large swathes of the island, under the ruse that they will be guaranteeing public access to the foreshore. The further tightening of private control on a prime site like Manoel Island has hogged the media’s limelight and even warranted concrete actions by a sizeable group of people on site, probably by virtue of the island’s central position and proximity to residential areas. All commendable actions still, especially given the sobering scenario that is unfolding within this part of Marsamxett Harbour, a scenario which involves the gradual elbowing out of the public through schemes catering for those with wads of cash.