Former Chamber President: ‘Beware of Empty Promises’

Malta’s business scene is aflutter with whispers of grand plans and ambitious promises. But amidst the buzz, a veteran voice has risen, cautioning the public to tread carefully. “Be wary of those who promise a lot,” warns former Chamber of Commerce President, Marthese Portelli.

Promises in the Air

From the grandiosity of the upcoming City Centre project in Floriana to the lofty goals of the newly elected Malta Chamber of Commerce, promises are being made, and expectations are soaring. Yet, as the saying goes, “not all that glitters is gold.”

Portelli, who helmed the Chamber from 2017 to 2021, has seen her fair share of promises made and broken. She warns, “We’ve seen projects promised, then delayed, or even shelved. We’ve heard promises of job creation, then seen jobs lost. It’s important to be realistic and ask, ‘What’s the track record?'”

Lessons from the Past

Portelli points to the Tigné Point project in Sliema as a case in point. Initially promised as a mixed-use development with affordable housing, it ended up as a high-end residential and retail complex. “Promises were made, but the reality was different,” she says.

She also cites the Three Cities project, which was meant to transform the historic area into a vibrant cultural hub. “While there have been improvements, it’s been a slow process,” she notes. “Promises need to be followed by action, and that action needs to be sustainable and beneficial to all stakeholders.”

Promises for the Future

Portelli isn’t suggesting we stop dreaming big. Instead, she advocates for promises that are realistic, achievable, and backed by solid plans. “We need to ask, ‘What’s the feasibility study? What’s the business plan? How will this benefit the community?'”

She also calls for more transparency and accountability. “Promises should be made publicly, with clear timelines and milestones. And when things don’t go as planned, there should be an explanation.”

In response, the new Chamber President, Marthese Fenech, acknowledges the need for caution. “We’re aware of the challenges,” she says. “But we’re also aware of the opportunities. We’re not promising the moon, but we are promising to work tirelessly to create a more prosperous, sustainable future for Malta.”

As Malta continues to evolve, it’s a reminder that while promises can inspire, they should also be scrutinized. After all, as Portelli warns, “Empty promises can lead to disillusionment and stagnation. We need promises that drive progress, not just sound good.”