Former Fgura Home Workers Join Search For Missing Resident Martin Ambinette
Martin Ambinette, a 65-year-old man who lives in a residential home for people with disabilities, has not yet been located, three days after he was first reported missing.
Martin lives at Dar Merħba, a Fgura home run by Fondazzjoni Wens, which was recently subjected to a forced takeover by a subsidiary of Care Malta due to disputed allegations related to living conditions. Triggered by the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations, it marks the first time a takeover was forced on a voluntary NGO.
It is believed that Martin left the residence on Sunday as he often does but didn’t return in the evening. He didn’t take his phone with him.
The police reported him missing on Monday, and a spokesperson for Fondazzjoni Wens told Lovin Malta that they are assisting the police in the search.
People who used to work with Martin before the takeover have also voluntarily joined in the search.
Dar il-Wens, one of three residential homes run by Fondazzjoni Wens
Lovin Malta is informed that former workers are coordinating their search for Martin through a WhatsApp group and have looked for him in several areas, including Fgura, Santa Lucija, Bormla, Kalkara, Tarxien, Għaxaq, Birżebbuġia, Bulebel, Zejtun, and around Valletta.
They also inquired with Mater Dei whether he was admitted there.
However, they have so far been unable to locate Martin.
Martin is believed to have lived at a Fondazzjoni Wens residence for around 13 years, and his two brothers also live there.
Sources told Lovin Malta that he didn’t respond well to the takeover, the resignation of Fondazzjoni Wens founder Ronald Galea as CEO and the replacement of a number of staff members.
“He seemed more reserved and quiet than usual and he was seen crying. He missed the CEO and workers who had become like family to him.”
Anyone with any information about Martin’s whereabouts can pass it on to the Police, even confidentially, on Police HQ numbers 21 224001/119 or at the nearest police station.
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