Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1510560
maltatoday | SUNDAY • 27 MARCH 2022 OPINION 3 LETTERS & EDITORIAL maltatoday | SUNDAY • 29 OCTOBER 2023 Mikiel Galea Letters & Clarifications The €400 million lie THOSE who followed the debate in parliament on the same day that the Court of Appeal handed down its sen- tence on the VGH/Steward contract, could easily notice the enormous dif- ference in the speeches delivered by the Prime Minister and that of the Oppo- sition leader. While the Robert Abela's arguments were based on facts, those of Bernard Grech were based on populism without any thought that what he was shouting out could easily be proven a lie! The most glaring lie which both Ber- nard Grech and his nemesis, Adrian De- lia, keep repeating, is the "€400 million stolen" by VGH/Steward. Both know this claim has already been shot down by the Auditor General in his original investigation when he found that at least €260 million were salaries paid to workers and professionals employed at the three hospitals, and payments for services provided. All the hullabaloo being created by the PN is primarily based on the prem- ise that "€400 million were stolen". Once the Auditor General concludes the latest investigation requested by the Prime Minister into how the mon- ey government handed over to VGH/ Steward was spent, Bernard Grech and Adrian Delia may not be happy with the outcome. Eddy Privitera Via email Good riddance I disagree with your Editorial The E-scooter Ban Is A Kneejerk Reaction (22 October 2023), which argued for a more balanced solution to the outright ban on rental scooters the government will introduce next year. Unfortunately, scooter users are irre- sponsible. No amount of policing will be enough to ensure scooters do not end up obstructing pathways and garages; or be driven at brisk speed on pavements to the detriment of elderly people and children. It is ridiculous to waste policing re- sources chasing scooters when these could be employed more effectively on far more serious offences and crimes. I have no sympathy for scooter users and the rental companies. The latter should have been responsible enough to introduce proper penalties for users who act irresponsibly rather than allow the law of the jungle to flourish. We are better off without this men- ace in our midst. And for one minute I do not buy it that the proliferation of scooters has resulted in a reduction in car use. Most probably, scooters are used by those who would normally walk, cycle or use public transport and not car users. I applaud the Transport Minister for finally clamping down on this madness. A. Dimech Gżira