Former Chamber President’s Warning: Don’t Be Dazzled by Big Promises

In the heart of Valletta, at the historic Auberge de Provence, the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry once echoed with the words of its then-president, Marisa Xuereb. Her cautionary advice, “Be wary of those who promise a lot,” still resonates today, especially in our fast-paced, often flashy political and business scene.

Xuereb’s Words of Wisdom

Xuereb, a seasoned businesswoman and former president of the Malta Chamber, shared her insights during a press conference in 2019. She was addressing the then-rising concerns about the pace and scale of development in Malta, particularly in the real estate sector. Her words, though spoken two years ago, feel as timely today as they did then.

“We’ve seen promises of jobs, of investment, of transformative projects,” Xuereb said, her voice steady and measured. “But we must remember, not all that glitters is gold. Be wary of those who promise a lot. Ask questions. Demand details. Because in the end, it’s our island, our home, and our future at stake.”

Lessons from the Past

Malta’s history is peppered with examples of grand promises that didn’t quite pan out. Remember the ‘City Gate’ project, once hailed as a revolution in urban planning? While it did transform the entrance to Valletta, many argue it fell short on promises of increased pedestrianisation and improved public spaces.

Or consider the ‘Three Cities’ regeneration project. Initially billed as a breakthrough for Birkirkara, Lija, and Msida, it’s faced delays and criticism, with some questioning the balance between development and preservation of the areas’ unique character.

Navigating Today’s Promises

Today, promises of large-scale projects and investments continue to fill our headlines. From the proposed ‘Silicon Islands’ tech hub to the ambitious ‘Malta Freeport’ expansion, the list is long. But how can we, as a community, navigate these promises?

Xuereb’s advice is a good starting point. Ask questions. Demand details. Here are a few specific questions we could all be asking:

• What are the environmental impacts, and what mitigation measures are in place?
• How will the project benefit local communities, and what are the potential drawbacks?
• What are the timelines, and what are the stages of implementation?
• What are the expected returns on investment, both for the developers and the country?

Let’s not be dazzled by big promises. Let’s be informed, engaged citizens, ready to ask the tough questions and demand the detailed answers our island deserves.

As Xuereb herself put it, “Malta is not a blank canvas for grand promises. It’s a living, breathing home to 500,000 people. Let’s ensure that whatever is promised, it’s delivered in a way that truly serves us all.”