The Democratic Party (PD) has called for a ‘full and independent’ investigation into all of Malta Enterprise contracts after Lovin Malta revealed a complaint over the alleged editing of investment committee minutes and incentive packages by current Chief Operating Officer Jesmond Silvio.

In a statement, the party also flags the ‘difficult and unfair system’ whistleblowers face in Malta.

“They are often punished for speaking out and humiliated, one case in point being Jonathan Ferris, or are else rewarded when there is change in government, as in the case of ‘the Gozo contractor’,” it read.

ME have confirmed that a complaint took place, however, they have since said that its Chairman had informed the Board about the accusations and explained the established facts, who in turn found that the claims were “unfounded”.

On the claims themselves, which detailed how essentially incentive packages were changed regardless of how the board voted, Lovin Malta was told that the editing merely took place on a draft copy and was in no way an official document.

Criticising ME’s position, MEP candidate Anthony Buttigieg said:

“A whistleblower has revealed a whole new potential scandal at Malta Enterprise. If there is nothing to hide, then it should not be a problem for a full and independent investigation to be conducted, ensuring that no contracts have been tampered with or unfairly handled at Malta Enterprise. The claims that an internal investigation have found nothing wrong are not sufficient. The oft quoted legal aphorism applies here, that not only must Justice be done; it must also be seen to be done.”

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Julian Bonnici

Julian is the former editor of Lovin Malta and has a particular interest in politics, the environment, social issues, and human interest stories.