‘Misinformation’: Tourism Minister Tells Grech Foreign Waiters Are Already Learning Basic Maltese
Minister for Tourism and Consumer Protection Clayton Bartolo has responded to Bernard Grech’s statement regarding foreign workers in the tourism sector learning basic Maltese, stating that what Grech is referring to already exists and is being worked on.
“Why do I have no other choice but to speak in English in order to render a service in my own country?” asked Grech.
“I have nothing against foreigners, but they need to learn a basic level of Maltese, at least,” he added.
Bartolo responded to Grech’s statement, calling it “misinformation”. He said that in 2023, when the Labour party announced a public consultation regarding the introduction of the Skills Pass for foreigners working in the tourism industry, the Nationalist Party was the only major stakeholder in the country that remained silent, as it had no position.
When the Skills Pass was introduced earlier this year, Bartolo continued, the Nationalist Party was not able to take a position once again.
The course required to obtain a Skills Pass includes modules on basic Maltese phrases, ones that the prospective employee can make use of while completing their tasks on the job, stated Bartolo.
“We were convinced of what we had been doing, and began to implement this crucial reform for this sector. Because it is now convenient for him, Bernard Grech woke up more than six months late, without even realising that what he is talking about is already being worked on,” claimed Bartolo on social media.
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