Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/329964
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 15 JUNE 2014 6 News JURGEN BALZAN HOME Affairs Minister Manuel Mallia will this week be filing a counter-protest against the Om- budsman, a ministry statement said yesterday. On Friday, Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino filed a judicial protest against Mallia and the ministry's permanent secretary, Kevin Ma- honey, over the ministry's refusal to uphold his requests for information. Ombudsman Joseph Said Pullicino has been investigating complaints raised by army officers on appoint- ments and promotions. But the in- vestigation came to a standstill after the Home Affairs Ministry claimed the Ombudsman did not have juris- diction to cover complaints raised by members of the Armed Forces of Malta. The ministry explained that while respecting the Ombudsman's insti- tution, "the minister wants to make it clear that he never denied AFM members the opportunity to lodge their complaints and have these ad- dressed, but this must be done in re- spect of the law." The ministry claims that "new av- enues" such as the grievances boards created by the principal permanent secretary, had concluded that the majority of complaints lodged by army officials had been justified and that there were to be addressed in the coming days. "The Ombudsman can investigate all complaints filed by all members of the army below the commissioned officer rank, the minister will fully cooperate as he has always done," the ministry said. A non-commissioned officer is a military officer who obtains his position of authority by promotion through the enlisted ranks and not by appointment. On the other hand, the ministry pointed out that commissioned of- ficials have other avenues to file their complaints, as outlined by the Armed Forces Act. Minister Manuel Mallia yesterday argued that, according to the Armed Forces Act, complaints should be brought to the attention of the Pres- ident of Malta by the Commander, through the Minister. Ombudsman Joseph Said Pulli- cino is now asking the court to give a ruling on the Ombudsman's juris- diction in this matter. In a judicial protest he filed this week, the Om- budsman argued that it was his role to defend citizens and investigate al- legations of injustices and discrimi- nation. The complaints with the Ombuds- man were lodged in September 2013, following the promotions awarded to majors and lieutenant colonels. Fellow army officers complained that they had unfairly lost the pro- motions to other officers who had less experience, fewer qualifications and lower seniority. In the judicial protest, the Om- budsman said he was "surprised and worried" by the ministry's negative reaction to the investigation. Mallia's ministry has been dogged by claims of unfair promotions, after the departure of AFM commander Martin Xuereb in 2013 appeared to have been prompted by the snap promotions of four majors, into lieu- tenant colonels and then colonels within a matter of four weeks. The promotions allowed Colonels Jeffrey Curmi and Mark Mallia to be later appointed commander and deputy commander, respectively. Nationalist reaction The Opposition yesterday ex- pressed its serious concern over the government's attempts to obstruct the Ombudsman in pursuing his in- vestigation. "The unprecedented court action taken by the Ombudsman against the government confirms that the government does not accept the Ombudsman's scrutiny, which is an essential parliamentary institution in a democratic society," Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi said. He added that the government's obstructionism posed a risk to the country's democratic foundations and urged government to co-oper- ate with the Ombudsman. Minister to file counter-protest to Ombudsman's grievances COURT NOTICE The Registrar, Civil Courts and Tribunals notifies that the First Hall of the Civil Court ordered the sale by judicial auction of the following property to be held in the corridors of the Courts of Justice, Republic Street, Valletta. Date, Time -Judicial Sale No Property 26 th June, 2014 12.00pm - 6/2013 PP Maisonette named 'Lord Reigns' without airspace in Triq San !u"epp, Mosta annual and perpetual ground rent of Seventy Euros valued at one hundred and three thusand and five hundred Euros (!103,500) Garage internally marked with number three (3) forming part and underlying the same block in Triq San Guzepp, Mosta, free and unencumbered with all its rights and enjoyments valued at thirteen thousand Euro ( !13,000) Further details can be obtained from the website: http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/courtservices/JudicialSales/search.aspx The bidders taking part in the auction must present their identity card. Rudolph Marmara' For the Registrar of Civil Courts and Tribunals LITERACY is an important ele- ment in the field of social inclusion, education minister Evarist Bartolo said yesterday, adding that the na- tional literacy strategy includes concrete measures which will pro- vide everybody the opportunity to obtain the skills required to partici- pate fully in society. The overall purpose of the na- tional literacy strategy for all is to promote and enhance lifelong and lifewide, high quality literacy practices among children, youths, adults, third country nationals and persons with learning difficulties. Bartolo told a news conference in Sliema that an improvement in lit- eracy levels would ensure that "eve- rybody feels included in Maltese society." The policy strives to improve lit- eracy outcomes, resulting in inclu- sive practices, higher educational qualifications, and better job pros- pects. Bartolo said that the policy in- cludes over 100 measures which are aimed at providing children, youths and adults with the opportunity to acquire the competencies required for them to lead fulfilling lives. "Literacy and the acquisition of literacy are complex issues which require a strong commitment from parents, caregivers, highly dedicated professionals and society at large." The strategy adopts a lifelong per- spective, with a clear priority on the first and early years which have a heavy influence on children's devel- opment. The plan also promotes lifewide and intergenerational dimensions by supporting the crucial roles of the family and the community in the literacy development of each child. The promotion of a literate com- munity is among the measures be- ing proposed. Another key measure is the pro- motion of bilingualism and bilit- eracy in Maltese and English. Balanced literacy also plays an important part in the strategy, with measures aimed at ensuring that the technical aspects of reading and writing are taught in the context of making meaning through text. The strategy also promotes an increase in reading time, the use of new technologies, research and lit- eracy awareness. Literacy policy: 'key to social inclusion' Home affairs minister claims Armed Forces' commissioned officials cannot lodge complaints with Ombudsman Armed Forces of Malta Commander Jeffrey Curmi (left) and Minister Manuel Mallia