Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1520947
13 NEWS maltatoday | SUNDAY • 19 MAY 2024 This article forms part of a content series called Ewropej. This is a multi-newsroom initiative part-funded by the European Parliament to bring the work of the EP closer to the citizens of Malta and keep them informed about matters that affect their daily lives. These articles reflect only the authors' views. The action was co-financed by the European Union in the frame of the European Parliament's grant programme in the field of communication. The European Parliament was not involved in its preparation and is, in no case, responsible for or bound by the information or opinions expressed in the context of this action. In accordance with applicable law, the authors, interviewed people, publishers or programme broadcasters are solely responsible. The European Parliament can also not be held liable for direct or indirect damage that may result from the implementation of the action. interpreters in the EP ship. "Through the language, your status and influence as a mem- ber-state are being assured. Be- cause language is where your identity lies, and we see it with other languages as well as Mal- tese. Even though the MEPs can express themselves very well in English – and sometimes there are areas where English is prev- alent and even necessary, like economy policy – the issue of having your language present at the European level is key to a population to gain acceptance. It's a confirmation of your full- fledged status as a member of the European Union." And this influence has indeed been crucial in the last two dec- ades, where translators have engineered a new lexicon of Eu- ropean terminology and legisla- tive language. But Walter-Drop adds that there is also the impe- tus that a language has on the subject-matter, when certain policy matters can be spoken about in a native language. "In Malta, where English tends to be common curren- cy, the element of status is not something to be taken lightly. It is important for politicians to have interpreters when they speak about certain issues, just like for example, hospital pa- tients feel more comfortable expressing themselves in Mal- tese in hospitals. Interpreters help EU citizens go through these linguistic barriers, and that's why this is a profession which is so demanding but also so rich. "The work our interpreters do helps create understanding be- tween MEPs in the legislative process, and the debate on im- portant issues of common in- terest. It reaches out to citizens. And while not everything might be listened to and followed, there is this possibility. Certain- ly, for NGO groups or people interested in what is happening at the European level, there is a possibility to follow it in their language." EP's director-general for interpretation Agnieszka Walter-Drop TRANSPORT Malta is planning on purchasing new RHIBS for its Maritime Enforcement Unit (MEU), to replace five unseaworthy RHIBS ac- quired in 2021. However, it remains unclear whether the new ves- sels will be bought in time for the summer months when maritime activity around the islands picks up. The MEU currently has only two small vessels at its disposal, sources within the authority told Mal- taToday, casting doubt on the unit's ability to ade- quately enforce regulations at sea. Nonetheless, TM told MaltaToday that its annual safety at sea campaign will go ahead as planned in June just as boaters start hitting the waters around Malta and Gozo. However, the spokesperson would not tell this newspaper how many vessels were currently avail- able to carry out maritime enforcement. Instead the spokesperson indicated the authority was in the process of purchasing new RHIBS. "We are conducting updated market research on technical specifications to ensure safety is pri- oritised in the procurement of new RHIBs to en- hance our Maritime Enforcement capabilities," the spokesperson said without giving a timeline for the procurement process. But sources cast doubt on the authority's ability to purchase new RHIBS in such a short timeline until the summer starts. "I cannot see this happen any- time soon," the sources said. The shortage of vessels is the result of TM's 2021 purchase of five RHIBS which turned out to be un- seaworthy. Despite a surveyor's assessment noting that the vessels developed structural problems, officials were still ordered to use the RHIBS to carry out patrols. The matter had prompted a National Audit Of- fice investigation, which found that the process to purchase the RHIBS was led by one person with insufficient overview from the other members of the team tasked with the project. This resulted in a "suboptimal outcome", the NAO said. The audit office also noted the lack of internal con- trols at TM and a lack of documentation at every stage of the selection process. The NAO findings prompted an internal investigation by the authority. TM chose not to comment when asked by Malt- aToday about the current state of the unseaworthy RHIBS. These vessels are currently stored in a warehouse belonging to TM in Marsa. Transport Malta to acquire new RHIBS but don't expect them anytime soon MATTHEW FARRUGIA mfarrugia@mediatoday.com.mt The five RHIBS purchased in 2021 (see top image) now no longer seaworthy and left parked in a storage facility