Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1376560
3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 23 MAY 2021 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications Casa Arkati report REFERENCE is made to the article 'Woman files police report fearing moth- er's neglect in care home' (MaltaToday, 19 May). Whilst expressing all sincere sympathy for the condition of the resident in ques- tion, and his without reservations what- soever, it is absurd to render unfounded allegations against the care home, which has tirelessly ascertained that all the residents are given the necessary care and attention. For all intents and purposes, Care- Malta Ltd, as operator of Casa Arkati, strongly rebuts the allegations made against it as totally unfounded in fact and at law. The company will take any and all necessary actions against anyone which seeks to tarnish its reputation. Without delving into the specificity of the situation in question, CareMalta will collaborate with any review procedure to confirm any facts and thus confirm that the company handled the circumstance with the highest standard of care. The company takes this opportunity to reconfirm that it has, it will and it shall consistently, adhere to all established protocols so as to safeguard the interest of all involved, the residents above all. James Sciriha, Director of Finance, CareMalta Ltd A will for progress in the disability sector THE Malta Federation of Organisa- tions Persons with Disability (MFOPD) compliments Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli for ensuring that the persons with disability, via their representative organisations, via the national umbrella organisation for the disability sector were present at the launching of the two public consultations - the 2021 Act amending the Equal Opportunities Act as well as the United Nations Conven- tion on the Rights of Persons with Disa- bility Bill 2021. MFOPD was invited by the Minister herself to this event held on Wednesday 19th May. MFOPD has, for quite some now, been hammering about the lack of involve- ment of persons with disability and their organisations in all that matters them. The invitation for this launching was the right step forward. The Minister did not mince her words when she pronounced that the sector will be moving forward with constant consultations with persons with disabili- ty and their representative organisations. She made clear statements with regards statements to be backed up by the Unit- ed Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability Bill 2021 which is presently open for public consultation. Following this great news by the Hon Minister, the Permanent Secretary too mentioned and highlighted the same way forward. Finally things are moving, and in the right direction. It was awesome to hear great thoughts and the proposed actions to follow and the direction of our sector. The confirmation that our voices will start being heard in all that matters us and this throughout the whole process of discussions was underlined and accentu- ated more than once during this launch- ing event. Finally we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel! Yes we still have to see words put into action. One cannot note though that, in such a short time Hon Minister Farrugia Portelli managed to put herself in our shoes, is really un- derstanding our position and even went further, is acting according to what she preaches. MFOPD augurs that nothing and no one stops this 'will' for progress in the disability sector. MFOPD calls for all persons with disability, their represent- ative organisations and all concerned to come together and with one voice and same stand work closely together for the full benefit of all persons with disability in the Maltese islands. The positive out- comes of the United Nation Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disability can only happen if, we really want it to happen and if, Government and civil society - us - work hand in hand. The Malta Federation of Organisa- tions Persons with Disability (MFOPD) is the national umbrella organisation for the disability sector. It is the voice of, approximately, 37,000 persons with disability in the Maltese islands. It has 33 enrolled member organisations all work- ing within the disability sector. Marthese Mugliette President, MFOPD