Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1529124
5 gozotoday | FRIDAY • 8 NOVEMBER 2024 NEWS Storm engulfs Gozo minister after Standards Commissioner report MEMBERS of the Gozo Moto- cross association have returned from a successful training camp in Sicily The training camp was attend- ed by 13 riders of varying ages and skill levels who enjoyed an unforgettable experience. The camp featured partici- pants ranging from a remarkable 5-year-old prodigy to a seasoned 51-year-old veteran, highlighting the inclusive nature of the sport. Over the course of the camp, riders had the opportunity to visit and train at five different tracks, each offering unique challenges and terrains. This allowed participants to en- hance their skills, adapt to differ- ent riding conditions, and learn from one another. The train- ing sessions were meticulously planned, focusing on technique, speed and safety. The camaraderie among the riders, their families and friends was a standout feature of the camp, fostering a supportive en- vironment where participants encouraged each other and shared their passion for moto- cross. Evening discussions and social activities further strengthened these bonds, creating lasting friendships. Overall, the GMA Motocross training camp in Sicily not only provided exceptional training opportunities but also worked to provide collaborative environ- ment between Sicilian MX clubs and GMA. The success of this camp sets a positive precedent for future events, with partici- pants from both islands eager to return and continue their devel- opment in the sport. Frank Xuereb, President of the Association, said that learning experiences such as this camp, makes motocross more popular while encourages riders and fans to appreciate and love this sport on the island of Gozo. GMA riders back from training camp in Sicily TOURISM Minister Clayton Bartolo's girlfriend, later to become wife, was given an "unjustified" salary increase as a policy consultant, a job she was not qualified for, an ethics investigation shows. The Standards Commissioner revealed that Amanda Muscat was promoted from private secretary to policy con- sultant at the tourism ministry despite not having specialised knowledge or qualifications to perform the new role. She kept the same role of policy con- sultant with an even higher expertise al- lowance when joining the Gozo minis- try after her job at the tourism ministry was terminated. The transfer to the Gozo ministry hap- pened after she developed a romantic relationship with Bartolo. The Standards Commissioner found that Muscat penned no reports and gave no written opinions or advice as a consultant to either of the ministers, and her role was effectively one of coor- dinator between entities and stakehold- ers, apart from private secretary. The investigation kicked off on a re- quest filed by Independent green candi- date Arnold Cassola.. The Standards Commissioner refut- ed the claim that Muscat was paid for work she did not do but noted that on the basis of the work arrangements af- forded to her, she was "effectively given a substantial wage increase that was not justified". The Standards Commissioner noted that although the manual regulating the engagement of persons of trust with the public service defines the role of policy consultant as a position of trust, this did not mean engaging someone who was unqualified for the job. Muscat's relationship with Bartolo de- veloped after she started working at the tourism ministry. They eventually got married in July this year. The sequence of events sug- gests that Muscat's initial engagement as a private secretary had nothing to do with their personal relationship. The other accusation related to Minis- ter Camilleri was that he allowed Mus- cat to skive on her work at the minis- try. Camilleri testified that it was not his responsibility to oversee the daily functioning of employees and so could not be found responsible for breaching ethics. The report was passed on to parlia- ment's Ethics Committee, which on Thursday afternoon decided to publish it in its entirety. In the meantime Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo refuted parts of the report, but said that he had no probem apologising for his actions. But he insisted that he had followed all procedure. Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri also noted the Commission- ers reports, and said that he looked forward to discussing and replying to the report in the parliamentary ethics house committee. Prime Minister Robert Abela was yes- terday quoted by a senior staff member as being resolutely behind his two min- isters and had no intention of taking any other steps. Prime Minister stands by Clayton Bartolo and Clint Camilleri after report on their use of public funds to employ Minister's partner as ministry policy consultant Clayton Bartolo (left) first engaged Amanda Muscat as a private secretary then promoted her to policy consultant, a role she retained when she was transferred to Clint Camilleri's (right) Gozo Ministry