Graffitti Urges Prime Minister to Keep Manoel Island Public

14 July 2026, 22:01 · Updated 15 July 2026, 01:01

Activist group Graffitti has urged Prime Minister Robert Abela to ensure Manoel Island remains a public space accessible to everyone. The call comes as a decision is pending on a proposed padel court development on the island.

Graffitti emphasised its long-standing position that Manoel Island should be "a place for all of us, not for the privileged few." The group has consistently advocated for the preservation of public access and green areas on the island.

MaltaToday reported that Graffitti specifically appealed to the Prime Minister to honour a previous promise regarding the island's future. This promise is understood to relate to maintaining public access and limiting commercialisation.

NET News highlighted Graffitti's insistence that the island's future development should prioritise the community's needs over private interests. The group has been vocal about various development projects on Manoel Island over the years.

The proposed padel court is the latest point of contention, with activists arguing it could further restrict public enjoyment of the area. The decision on this development is anticipated soon.

Graffitti's statement underscores ongoing public debate about the balance between development and public access to Malta's natural and historical sites.

Moviment Graffitti has called on Prime Minister Robert Abela to honour his promise regarding Manoel Island. The activist group urged the Prime Minister to ensure that the island's future aligns with his previous commitments to the public.

The group also reminded the Planning Authority of its responsibility towards the community. They emphasised that the authority's decisions should prioritise public interest and access to important sites like Manoel Island.