PN Adviser Linked to ‘Scandalous’ Ġgantija Heights Project
PN’s Double Standards: Ġgantija Heights Adviser Revealed
Imagine standing at the foot of Ġgantija Temples, the Neolithic marvels that have stood the test of time in Xagħra, and wondering who’s behind the controversial Ġgantija Heights project. Well, buckle up, because the Nationalist Party (PN) has an awkward connection to this ‘scandalous’ development.
From Opposition to Involvement
Remember when the PN, led by their then Opposition leader Bernard Grech, slammed the Ġgantija Heights project? They called it ‘scandalous’ and ‘an eyesore’ that would ‘ruin’ the scene. Fast forward to today, and it turns out one of their own, PN’s international affairs adviser Dr. David Pace, is involved in the very project they once condemned.
Documents obtained by Hot Malta reveal that Dr. Pace is a director of a company, Ġgantija Developments Ltd, which is behind the contentious project. The company, registered in 2017, is also linked to other prominent figures in Maltese society, including a high-profile lawyer and a businessman with close ties to the Labour Party.
PN’s Response: ‘No Conflict of Interest’
When approached for comment, the PN maintained that there’s no conflict of interest here. A party spokesperson told Hot Malta, “Dr. Pace’s involvement in Ġgantija Developments is a personal matter and has nothing to do with his role as an adviser to the PN.” They added that Dr. Pace has recused himself from any discussions related to the project within the party.
However, critics argue that the PN’s stance is disingenuous. They point out that Dr. Pace’s role in the party is not just advisory but also involves policy formulation and strategic planning. Ġgantija Heights is not just any project; it’s a high-profile development that could significantly impact Malta’s tourism industry and the environment.
Dr. Pace, for his part, has declined to comment on the matter, referring all queries to the PN’s official spokesperson.
Ġgantija Heights: A Brief Overview
For those new to the story, Ġgantija Heights is a proposed mixed-use development near the Ġgantija Temples. The project, which includes residential units, a hotel, and retail spaces, has been a source of controversy due to its potential impact on the UNESCO World Heritage site and the surrounding countryside.
The development has faced strong opposition from environmental groups and local residents, who argue that it goes against the principles of sustainable development and threatens the integrity of the Ġgantija Temples. Despite these concerns, the project has received the necessary approvals and is currently in its early stages of construction.
