Protests Can Work: Ignored For Months, Barklori Offered Solution Right After Staging Powerful Action
A recent protest by traditional boatsmen (barklori) operating in the Grand Harbour appears to have jolted the authorities into action.
The barklori have long been concerned that the proposed expansion of Pinto Wharf will occupy their landing site. Lovin Malta is informed that they have been urging different government entities to come up with a solution for years and ramped up their requests in August 2022.
However, no one offered them anything tangible and things came to a head last week when Infrastructure Malta officials turned up to start work on the landing site.
Furious at how their livelihoods were being thrown under the bus, several barklori staged a protest last week, with signage such as how the “PL government has forgotten about the workers”.
Several Opposition politicians publicly stood up for the barklori, and PN leader Bernard Grech even took a trip on one of their boats.
It was only at that point that the government started taking their concerns seriously.
The Transport and Infrastructure Ministry confirmed in a statement that it held a formal meeting with representatives of the barklori to discuss a number of proposals.
“During this meeting, it was declared that there is absolutely no intention to sideline the barklori and it was agreed that discussions should continue.”
“The government is committed to sustaining and preserving all interests that depend on work at the Grand Harbour. It will also take decisions to promote investment and large projects that attract activity and create jobs at the port for the benefit of the Maltese economy.”
The government is believed to have proposed a potential long-term solution that would result in all operators – the barklori, the Valletta Ferry Services, and the Gozo Fast Ferry, all shifting along the coast.
While this offer appears to be satisfactory to the barklori, who are being assisted legally by Fenech & Fenech Advocates senior associate Martina Farrugia, there are still several question marks over what will happen in the interim years before the system can be implemented.
The barklori are believed to be unhappy with the government’s suggestions out of concern they could be exposed to bad weather and operational and safety concerns.
However, things have at least started moving, the latest example of how protests can in fact pressure the authorities to take action.
Do the barklori deserve to be treated better?
READ NEXT: Pilatus: Repubblika Head Publishes New Damning Book On Financial Corruption
