Former Chamber President Sounds Warning on Promises

Standing at the bustling Republic Street in Valletta, former Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Enterprise president, Marthese Portelli, had a stark warning for the public: be wary of those who promise a lot.

From the Chamber to the Streets

Marthese, who served as the Chamber’s president from 2017 to 2021, was not mincing her words. She was speaking at a public event, her voice echoing through the historic streets, where she had spent much of her career advocating for local businesses. Her warning was not just a throwaway line, but a reflection of her years of experience navigating the complex political and economic scene of Malta.

Promises and Reality

Marthese’s warning comes at a time when promises are aplenty, from political manifestos to corporate pledges. But, as she pointed out, “Promises are easy to make, but delivering on them is a different story.” She recalled her time at the Chamber, “I’ve seen many a proposal, many a promise. Some delivered, many didn’t.”

She cited the example of the long-awaited Malta-Gozo tunnel project. Announced with much fanfare, it has faced numerous delays and setbacks. “It’s not that the promise was bad, but the execution, the reality, was far from what was initially promised,” she said.

Lessons from the Past

Marthese believes that the public should learn from such experiences. “We should be more discerning, more critical when we hear promises,” she said. She suggested that the public should ask for specifics, for timelines, for accountability mechanisms.

She also urged the media and civil society to play their part. “They should hold those in power accountable, ask the tough questions, demand answers,” she said. “That’s how we can ensure that promises are not just empty words, but commitments that are fulfilled.”

Her warning is not a call for cynicism, but for a more engaged, more informed public. “We should not be cynical, but realistic,” she said. “We should demand more, but also be willing to hold those who promise accountable.”

As she concluded her speech, the crowd, gathered around her in the heart of Malta’s capital, nodded in agreement. Her words, echoing through the historic streets, were a reminder that promises are only as good as their delivery.