It is my pleasure to introduce myself as the new CEO of the Central Business District Foundation. Following a selection process through an open call, I was appointed CEO with effect from 1st December, 2023. It has been my choice to take up this appointment at the onset of the festive season as traditionally, it is a period where day to day administrative and operational duties tend to slow down, which would leave me with more time to understand better the role and functions of the CBDF as well as more time to engage with the small but hardworking team at the Foundation. More importantly, I have also started to hold one to one meetings with the Board of Administrators in order to thank them for their contribution to the Foundation and to share ideas and thoughts on how best to address the needs of the Central Business District.
I would also like to take this opportunity to express a heartfelt thanks to Keith Fenech, my predecessor and first CEO of the Foundation. I am told that Keith had started work at the Foundation as a one man band but gradually managed to build a small team to co-ordinate the functions of the Foundation which have evolved from maintenance and upkeep of roads and pavements to co-ordinating daily police patrols by 2 officers assigned to the Foundation, installation of new LED street lighting system, comprehensive signage across the CBD, installation of CCTV cameras in strategic locations, electric vehicle chargers, park and ride scheme and numerous other initiatives, which have gradually transformed the district from a shabby industrial estate into a more organized business and commercial hub within a relatively short period of time. We need to continue to build on what was achieved so far and aspire for more with the help of all those that work and operate from the District.
It is very much appreciated that Keith has given a good handover and is always ready to assist when needed. I wish him all the very best in his new and challenging role and hope that he will also remain active within the CBD.
I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Minister Silvio Schembri for his continued belief in the Foundation, being an entity which falls in the remit of his Ministerial portfolio. A word of thanks goes to all the public entities that assist the Foundation in all its needs. I am also grateful to the private sector founders of the Foundation since their input and support is invaluable.
Looking forward it is my wish to keep enhancing and building on what was achieved so far and aspire for other achievements. Our aim is to supplement the daily cleaning efforts of Clean Malta by taking further initiatives. For this purpose, the CBDF will procure a fully electric tipper van, equipped with a power washer. The electric van will continue to strengthen and enhance the CBDF’s green credentials and will possibly be a first of its kind in Malta. Attention needs to be given to abandoned motor vehicles which till now, can be seen in a number of roads within the area, thus apart from being an eyesore are occupying potential and much needed parking space. We are also discussing and looking at the feasibility of a number of initiatives to present to the Board during the course of 2024.
But enough of work!
I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely wish you all a merry and peaceful Christmas and a healthy, happy and prosperous New Year. I look forward to working with all of you and hope to have the opportunity to meet each of our members and introduce new ones to the Foundation. I endeavour to continue to build on the good initiatives taken so far and to keep on enhancing the experience of stakeholders that work within the CBD and the clients that visit the District on a daily basis.
Carmelo Abela
