Connections between the operators of deckchairs and umbrellas at Comino’s Blue Lagoon and Malta’s political elite are continuing to pile up following revelations that one of them served as a canvasser in Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri’s election campaign. 

The Shift News has confirmed that Mark Cutajar, who is also related to MEP Josianne Cutajar, worked on Camilleri’s campaign. 

Cutajar is one of two operators who have a duopoly over the operations. The other is Daniel Refal, who is linked to Gozitan construction magnate Joe Portelli.

The Gozo Ministry had declined to comment on the takeover of Blue Lagoon when contacted by Lovin Malta following Moviment Graffitti’s action in the bay. 

Meanwhile, it has since been revealed that Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo’s family also runs daily ferry trips to Comino. However, his spokesperson insists there is no conflict of interest.

The takeover of Comino’s shoreline once again piqued the national interest of late after activists from Moviment Graffitti descended on the bay and began removing sunbeds and umbrellas parked all over the bay.

The activists issued a swathe of demands, including limits on the number of people and large boats in Comino, and enforcement on the sunbeds and umbrellas in the area.

So far, operators have been asked to move but it remains to be seen how long the rules will be enforced, with the issue sprouting up every few years.

Bartolo has said that it was a coincidence that activists headed to Comino on the same day that MTA officials were set to go and deal with the persisting issue.

Should there be a limit on the number of people entering Comino?