Birkirkara: Building on firm foundations

Speaking at a Press Conference at Birkirkara Dr Harry Vassallo said that Alternattiva Demokratika - The Green Party addressed Birkirkara residents with quiet confidence. "In the past three years Alternattiva Demokratika has served on Birkirkara Local Council through its Deputy Chairperson, Mario Mallia. His service to his community does credit to him and honours the Green Party's commitment to provide quality representation whenever it stands for election. We are glad of this opportunity to thank him for this public service."

Dr Vassallo said that new professional commitments prevent Mario Mallia from giving the time and attention which he feels is necessary in representing Green support in Birkirkara. "David Darmanin takes over from Mario Mallia with the benefit of the firm foundations established by the Green presence in Birkirkara Local Council and voters already know the high level of commitment expected of AD Councillors.

"David is also a member of the AD Executive Committee and has direct access to the experience of Green councillors in other localities as well as the know-how of Alternattiva Demokratika coupled with the expertise available to it through its contacts on a European level." Dr Vassallo said. "He is well equipped to be the voice of Birkirkara residents around the Local Council table and in relation to other councils and with national institutions," Dr Vassallo added.

"Birkirkara Local Council had functioned well with three political parties represented there for the past three years. The presence of Alternattiva Demokratika reduces partisan friction and allows councillors to concentrate more easily on administering the locality rather than on political differences." Dr Vassallo said: "We are confident that Birkirkara residents appreciate the difference we make and the vision we bring to local politics in their locality at a time when politics in general has lost its appeal for

many. We hope that many Karkarizi will take the opportunity offered by the election in their locality to support the change we bring, to give David Darmanin a clear mandate to be their voice in their Local Council," Dr Vassallo added.

"David Darmanin is a 25 year-old manager and young entrepreneur, very actively involved in Malta's cultural scene and has occupied various posts within organizations engaged in promoting youth participation through the arts. Mr Darmanin, who has been trained in EU programme implementation occupies the post of Co-ordinator for Mediterranean Countries within the Volunteers for Europe scheme. He is also Alternattiva Demokratika's spokesperson for Youth and Culture" Dr Vassallo said.

David Darmanin said: "Over the past three years Mario Mallia was untiring in the defence of Birkirkara residents in the defence of public spaces. He was instrumental in preventing the developments of the John Borg Street playingfield into a four storey garage for 230 cars. Mario also succeeded in tapping EU funds for programmes aimed at putting Birkirkara on the international map through the URBACT programme, he introduced the idea of a web portal serving Birkirkara residents apart from various environmental initiatives great and small from transport to waste management, air pollution and bicycle parking."

"As a town of over 20,000 residents Birkirkara has a unique opportunity to participate in further URBACT projects tapping funds that are not available to other Maltese localities," David Darmanin said. "It is important to set achievable targets and also to reach out for all available opportunities. I am keen to build on what has been achieved so far to maintain a constant development of IT communications and the training necessary. Birkirkara can benefit from the creating of programmes for youth participation and others that provide incentives for the elderly," he said.

David Darmanin concluded by saying that he is confident that he can enhance the established contribution of Alternattiva Demokratika in the locality by securing public spaces for residents, providing them with new opportunities and a cost-efficient service from their Local Council.