http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2008/12/07/t14.html

“Heritage Malta’s Ray Bondin, formerly of the Valletta Rehabilitation Committee, argues that a meaningful regeneration of Valletta can never happen without a comprehensive solution to the problems facing its entrance area. “In my first speech in Parliament in 1987, I stated that the Opera House site should house Parliament,” he recalls. …….. Above all, though, what attracts Ray Bondin to this project is the fact that finally, Valletta will be given the holistic, integrated approach it deserves. “Once you redevelop the Opera House site, you have to do City Gate and Freedom Square together,” he claims, adding that Renzo Piano is the right person for the job. “Piano will bring great prestige to Valletta,” Bondin asserts. “Valletta needs him.”

This is from a Maltatoday article of 8 December 2008 soon after government had announced the appointment of Renzo Piano.

At least on this important project, Bondin spoke sensibly.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090820/opinion/vallettas-protectors-are-us

Alex Torpiano is more than capable to defend himself but there are some observations that simply must be made. Bondin claims that that Torpiano alleges something “underhand” at the World Heritage Committee. Wrong. The point of Torpiano’s letter is that the Times report of the 11th August was misleading.

Bondin refers to “ a clear insinuation against me” apparently about some unethical action. In Torpiano’s letter, Bondin was never mentioned. So how could he have insinuated anything against Bondin?

If Ray Bondin is unable to read and understand a straightforward letter to the Times, how able is he to make objective and unbiased judgements as to whether developments in Valletta impinge on Valletta’s World Heritage Site status?

With all his pretentions of expertise, Bondin is unable to distinguish between fact and opinion.

When I said Maltese people here are a bit odd I mean this: a contestant on a quiz show with Maltese surname appears to be a moron. A group of children left to fend for themselves as the father kills the mother and then himself: Maltese. Some poor soul whose wife dies leaving him with young children to rear: Maltese. Someone implicated in a murder of a well known Australian crime family member: Maltese.

It would be nice if Maltese people here in Australia acted normal for a change.

Ray Bondin willingly admits that , in his opinion, “All these changes together with some other proposed ones, and together with the views towards Valletta, are seriously affecting Valletta’s OUV (outstanding universal value).”

And yet he expects government to send him to the WHC meeting to defend Malta’s position. What did he intend to tell them?! “You are right but please have pity on us!”

Besides, he will also be consulted as president of Icomos Malta. He can hardly give a fair and unbiased opinion to the WHC. If the WHC were to take his advice seriously (which I am sure they will not because of his blatant bias), then the fate of Valletta’s World Heritage Site status is sealed.

Valletta’s WH status is at risk not because of any action or opinion of the WHC but because Bondin has been lobbying for years. One can only speculate as to what he is trying to achieve.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090817/letters/vallettas-world-heritage-status

Whoever gave the information to the Times for this report got it wrong. The Times should check their sources and not just rely on trust. They owe it to their readers.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090811/local/concerns-on-heritage-status-of-valletta

Here is Kenneth Zammit Tabone’s first attempt at making a (fake) mountain out of a (fake) molehill.

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20090818/opinion/lawrences-gordian-knot

I get the feeling that Milone believes that Bondin had some “right” to remain VRC coordinator and that, because of this, his grievance is justified.

No one has any “right” other than that given to him by the people in elections. The people gave the prime minister the “right” to lead the government for five years. MPs were given the “right” to represent the people in parliament. Everyone else, ministers included and Ray Bondin as well, has no “right” to any particular post. They are entrusted with a task which they are duty bound to carry out to the best of their ability.

In my book, a situation to avoid is one where someone thinks he has a “right” to occupy a post. The more a person thinks he has the “right” to occupy a post, the more s/he renders him/herself unsuitable. Another situation to avoid is where a person occupies a post for a very long period of time (say, ten years or more) to the point that that the post becomes synonymous with the person. In these situations, that person ends up focusing on his/her ego to the detriment of everything else. These are the situations most likely to give rise to wastage and abuse.

Ray Bondin is not employed by Heritage Malta. He previously headed the Valletta Rehabilitation Project, but no longer does so. Hence his grievance.

So Ray Bondin, the Heritage Malta employee, attacks the Ministry which has the political responsibility for whatever Ray Bondin does at his place of work. Is there something illogical in all this or am I just seeing things?

Good to know Icomos Malta support the Piano project.

http://www.maltatoday.com.mt/2009/07/05/t11.html

Incidentally, who are the board members of Icomos Malta? Who appoints them? How are the officials, including the Icomos President, chosen? How many members do they have?

Are Icomos statements discussed in their Council? Are minutes kept of meetings? Have they done anything useful or are they just a front for Bondin to issue statements?