‘Be wary of those who promise a lot’, former Chamber president warns

Malta’s business scene is abuzz with whispers of grand promises and lofty ambitions. But in the midst of this, a voice of caution echoes through the halls of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Building, in Valletta. “Be wary of those who promise a lot,” warns former Chamber President, Marisa Xuereb, in an exclusive interview with Hot Malta.

Promises in the Air

From the bustling streets of Republic Street to the hush of the Chamber’s boardroom, promises are in the air. Promises of job creation, economic growth, and transformative projects. But as the saying goes, “if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is.”

Xuereb, who helmed the Chamber from 2016 to 2019, has seen her fair share of promises made and broken. “I’ve seen businesses come and go, projects start with a bang and fizzle out. It’s a reality we must face,” she says, her gaze fixed on the Grandmaster’s Palace across the street.

Due Diligence and Realism

Xuereb’s warning isn’t a call to pessimism, but a call to due diligence and realism. “We should always be open to new ideas, to growth and progress. But we must also be realistic about what can be achieved and by when,” she explains.

She advocates for thorough due diligence, not just by businesses, but also by the public and the media. “Let’s not just take promises at face value. Let’s ask questions, demand details, and hold those making the promises accountable,” she suggests.

Xuereb also calls for a more realistic approach to timelines and expectations. “Things take time. Projects face challenges. Let’s not set ourselves up for disappointment by expecting instant results,” she says.

Lessons from the Past

Xuereb points to past projects, both successful and unsuccessful, as lessons to be learned from. “Look at the Three Cities project. It’s taken years, but it’s happening. And look at the Three Sisters project. It’s been delayed, but it’s still on the table,” she says.

She also highlights the importance of community involvement and consultation. “Promises should be made with the community in mind, not just to the community. Let’s ensure that our promises are promises we can all keep together,” she concludes.

As we leave the Chamber building, the echoes of Xuereb’s warning linger in the air. A reminder that while promises can inspire and drive us, they should also be met with a healthy dose of caution and realism.