Former Chamber President: Be Cautious of Big Promises

Standing at the heart of Paceville, the neon lights of Malta’s bustling nightlife district flickering around him, former Chamber of Commerce President Marthese Portelli issued a stark warning. “Be wary of those who promise a lot,” she cautioned, her voice steady against the city’s hum.

From the Chamber to the Streets

Marthese, a seasoned businesswoman and former Chamber President, has seen her fair share of promises made and broken. Her warning comes amidst a flurry of ambitious proposals and projects, from the proposed SkyParks extension to the controversial Malta City Centre project.

Paceville, with its ever-evolving skyline and constant buzz of activity, serves as a stark reminder of the island’s rapid development. It’s here that Marthese believes the lesson of her warning can be most keenly felt. “We’ve seen promises of jobs, of growth, of a transformed city centre. But we’ve also seen delays, cost overruns, and projects left unfinished,” she said.

Lessons from the Past

Marthese points to the long-awaited SkyParks extension as an example. Initially promised to be completed in 2018, the project has faced numerous delays, with no clear completion date in sight. “This isn’t to say that these projects are bad ideas,” she clarified. “But we must be realistic about what can be achieved, and hold those making promises accountable.”

She also highlights the importance of community involvement in such projects. “Too often, these plans are made in boardrooms, far from the people who will be most affected. We need to ensure that the voices of the community are heard, and that their needs are taken into account.”

Marthese’s warning is not a call to pessimism, but a call to realism. “We should welcome ambition, but we must also be cautious. We must ask tough questions, demand transparency, and insist on accountability. Because at the end of the day, it’s not just about the promise, but about the delivery.”

As the sun rose over Paceville, casting a golden glow over the city’s towering buildings, Marthese’s words echoed through the streets. A reminder that while Malta continues to grow and change, it’s up to us to ensure that growth is sustainable, responsible, and truly for the benefit of all.