Former Chamber President: ‘Beware of Empty Promises’

Malta’s business scene is abuzz with whispers of grand plans and ambitious promises. But amidst the clamour, one voice stands out, cautioning locals to tread carefully. “Be wary of those who promise a lot,” warns former Malta Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Enterprise President, Marisa Xuereb.

From the Horse’s Mouth

Xuereb, who helmed the Chamber from 2017 to 2021, is no stranger to the island’s business scene. Her tenure saw her of Brexit, the COVID-19 pandemic, and Malta’s evolving economic scene. Her warning, therefore, carries weight. “I’ve seen firsthand how empty promises can hinder progress and damage trust,” she says.

Promises, Promises

Malta’s political and business spheres are no strangers to lofty pledges. From grand infrastructure projects to sweeping economic reforms, promises abound. But Xuereb warns that not all promises are created equal. “Some are realistic, achievable, and beneficial. Others… well, they’re just hot air,” she says, her voice laced with a hint of exasperation.

Take, for instance, the much-touted ‘Silicon Hub’ project. Announced with great fanfare in 2018, the project promised to transform the dilapidated Cottonera area in the south of Malta into a tech hub to rival Silicon Valley. Yet, three years on, progress is slow, and locals are left wondering if the project is more smoke than substance.

Spotting the Smoke

So, how can one tell the difference between a promise that’s a breakthrough and one that’s just a gimmick? Xuereb offers some advice. “Look for specifics,” she says. “Vague promises are often empty ones. Ask for details, timelines, and who’s responsible. If they can’t provide them, be suspicious.”

She also advises looking at the track record of those making the promises. “Do they have a history of delivering on their promises? What’s their reputation like? These can be telling signs,” she says.

Xuereb encourages critical thinking. “Don’t just take promises at face value. Question them. Challenge them. Make sure they make sense in the context of our island’s realities,” she says.

Xuereb’s warning comes at a time when Malta is at a crossroads. The pandemic has exposed weaknesses in our economy, and there’s a sense that we need bold action to move forward. But as we stand on the precipice of a new era, Xuereb’s words serve as a reminder: not all promises are created equal. Some are worth their weight in gold. Others? Well, they’re just smoke and mirrors.

“Let’s not be swayed by empty promises,” Xuereb says. “Let’s demand specifics, challenge the status quo, and insist on promises that are realistic, achievable, and beneficial. Because, in the end, it’s not the promises that matter, but the progress they bring.”

And so, as we look to the future, let’s remember Xuereb’s words. Let’s be wary of those who promise a lot. Because, as she says, “Malta deserves better than empty promises. We deserve progress.”