Teenagers want 'exclusive clubs' • Valletta 'no-go area' due to gang fights

15-year-olds tell ministers of 'gangs' taking over Valletta: "They go up to fight, not even the capital city is safe from fights and drugs'

Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela was on of the ministers taking part in a public consultation with youths
Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela was on of the ministers taking part in a public consultation with youths

Teenagers being asked why they seek Paceville as a place of entertainment returned the question by asking "what is the alternative?"

Aged 14 and 15, still students at secondary schools, the teenagers already "feel old" compared to the nine and 10-year-olds they bump into whilst out on a Saturday night.

"It's winter, it's cold, I'd be wrapped up in a scarf and coat and this nine-year-old walks by wearing a crop top and shorts," one girl said.
Several were those who informed Cabinet members Carmelo Abela, Evarist Bartolo and Chris Agius that not even Valletta was an alternative to Paceville: it's worse.

"It's kids ganging up against each other; some go up armed with pocket knives because they'd already planned a fight. Go at the food court in front of Parliament ... drugs and fights are the norm."

The students were taking part in a public consultation meeting on Paceville, where they challenged the ministers to understand they had nowhere to go. Some said they practiced a sport or played an instrument, but it was mostly about studying with no other place "to relax" at.

"Some might go to the playground on a Saturday night ... but why should I go to a rundown place?" someone else asked, adding that the of foul language by other youths did not help.

The students suggested that "exclusive clubs" - catering for teenagers with non-alcoholic cocktails or a limited choice of alcohol should be made available.

They said, that cinemas, bowling or eating out were an expensive alternative.