19 Holes

Some time ago the PM decided, in an authoritarian manner, that this country needs a golf course.

The opposition agreed.

The rhetoric started flying in all directions: "Tourism, jobs, economy, environment, scenery, bullshit, lies, bullshit and crap".

Now the site has been proposed: ix-Xaghra l-Hamra is to be turned into a golf course. If the loonies get their way that is.

I for one hope they don't. A lot of people agree. Some don't. The Times even made a 'mistake' with figures and gave the impression that this is a popular idea.

The idea that Malta's tourism or economic problems will be saved by a golf course is ridiculous and dangerous. I am against golf courses in Malta on principle. Irrespective of the site chosen. Malta cannot afford to lose such a big stretch of land. We are already living in a concrete jungle, where open space is only available if one looks up (not in St. Julians). Do we really afford to turn open spaces into exclusive zones for golf players? It's already bad that we have RTOs written wherever there is a little greenery. Land is scarce and the powers that be want to give a whole chunk of it away. A whole chunk that belongs to everybody. How long will it be ours?

What about water? Do the authorities know the amount of water needed to sustain a friggin golf course? Probably not. They only understand the champagne language. Water is scarce and the government, along with the opposition want to waste several thousand cubic meters of water so that the grass is nice and green for the few who play golf.

The pro-golf lobby goes on ad nauseum that a golf course would generate jobs, increase tourism etc yawn etc...Why would tourists come to Malta when there are bigger and better golf course all around the Mediterranean? If Malta wants to attract tourists it should get its act together and take a good look at the derelict state it is in. It should market itself in a unique manner and promote that which others lack. Malta has huge cultural and historical heritage. It should make good use of it. It should protect it and exploit it for the benefit of the whole population. Eco-tourism is also an area that the government seems to have by-passed in its blind and obsessive drive to give away land for a golf course.

This is a very serious threat. We should all act collectively to save the little open areas still available for public use. The 18 holes should not be left to materialise. The holes should be left to fill space in that thick file, labelled 'Governmental Stupid Ideas' that graces an office in Valletta. If we don't stop these holes our collective back hole would suffer an arrogant and intrusive force that would leave Malta walking in a funny way for a long way to come.