That was my son, a boy full of health and love. 3rd December 2022 was a dark day for those of us who loved him, not only because we lost our only son but because my son was innocent in all of this and the negligence, carelessness and greed of others, as well as our weak enforcement system, caused him to lose his life in its prime.

I want a public inquiry on this tragedy and it seems the public agrees with me. Who will listen to me and them if not yourselves? In a democratic country, MPs are elected to listen to and serve the public and your votes in Parliament should be weapons to defend what is right. Will you deny the people of Malta of justice? Will you deny every parent the right to peace of mind when their child goes to work?

Past events show that I can’t stop with a magisterial inquiry. There needs to be a more intensive investigation that goes into the kind of detail that a magisterial inquiry won’t. As you know, a public inquiry can issue recommendations on systematic shortcomings, and this can lead to reform in the construction sector. That’s the only way we can avoid more deaths and suffering. That’s the only way we can have justice and transparency and ensure that every hand which is stained with my son’s blood gets its comeuppance.

While a magisterial inquiry can establish criminal guilt, a public inquiry alone can establish administrative justice and lead to a reform of these faulty processes. I will pay the price for the rest of my life and I will keep loving my son endlessly. I am sure that many of you will try to understand me if you know what love means, and especially if you are parents too. For the sake of righteousness and justice, I am urging you to vote with your conscience on this motion for a public inquiry. 

The public wants an effective reform, justice, transparency and accountability, not empty words. Is it possible that we won’t learn from past mistakes where a public inquiry didn’t take place and more people, including my son, died? You have a duty to feel the public purse and show that you truly care about this country and our children.

You can choose to not let my son’s death, and others, be in vain. My son was a sacrificial lamb because a building with all those shortcomings could have easily caused an even greater tragedy. You have a choice to give parents some peace of mind by letting us know that everything possible is being done to ensure no more children die at work.

You have a choice to improve the trust of the people of Malta and show that you want a stronger nation. This isn’t an issue of political colours because I can assure you that when you spend 15 hours waiting for your son or mother to be brought out of the rubble, no colour but black remains.

Is it possible that you are ready to take a risk on another son or mother? I am ready to meet whoever wants to discuss this with me. It’s in your hands now. JeanPaul is a Maltese citizen and he is your son too. Don’t forget him.”

Bonnici’s letter was read out in Parliament by Opposition MP Jerome Caruana Cilia last night and was shared on social media by a number of other Opposition MPs Rebekah Borg and Paula Mifsud Bonnici.

No government MP has reacted to the letter yet.