Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/510672
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 13 MAY 2015 3 News New agency to replace local enforcement system JUSTICE minister Owen Bon- nici yesterday launched a new agency replacing the maligned local enforcement system. Bonnici said that in its first phase, the agency will mainly focus on coordinating existing bodies and improving the syn- ergy between all partners. In its second phase, before the end of this year, the agency will become a regulatory authority. Last year, the government launched a consultation proc- ess on local enforcement reform, with the intent of creating a fairer and more transparent sys- tem. The agency will be led by retir- ing deputy police commissioner Ray Zammit, who in December was removed from the post of Acting Commissioner following the shooting incident involving Paul Sheehan, driver of former home affairs minister Manuel Mallia. Bonnici denied that this inci- dent had rendered Zammit non- credible to lead this new agency, pointing out that Zammit has 40 years of experience in the police, including 15 years in the Special Assignment Group, seven years in the Traffic Section, and five years in charge of district police officers. "Zammit has accumulated a lot of experience and he will make a huge difference in this agency," Bonnici said. Currently, the five Regional Committees contract private operators for warden services. However, Bonnici pointed out that, while wardens tend to act in good faith, the modus oper- andi of private companies is to earn money. "The time has come to intro- duce a checks and balances sys- tem," Bonnici said, adding that the new agency will consult with stakeholders for a reform in the "extremely complicated " system through which money from cita- tion fines is shared. The parliamentary secretary for local government, Stefan Buontempo admitted that war- dens had built up a negative rep- utation over the years. "Unfortunately, many people negatively perceive wardens as tax gatherers rather than as peo- ple keeping order in the streets," Buontempo said. "We want war- dens to be professional law en- forcers that truly help citizens out, rather than hiding behind cars waiting to hand out tickets or giving tickets to motorists who park for a minute just to pop into a pharmacy. "Today signals the start of a voyage towards a local enforce- ment system that will make a difference in people's lives." Answering questions on a damning report tabled in parlia- ment on Monday evening reveal- ing that former police commis- sioner Peter Paul Zammit had instructed police officers not to press charges against a man who had assaulted police officers, Bonnici said he saw no reason why Zammit should resign from his new post as national security coordinator. However, the minister admit- ted that better tools should be at the public's disposal to seek remedy, noting that "the system already exists but it needs to be strengthened to give citizens more rights and safeguards." A warden doing his rounds. 'Wardens have built a negative reputation over the years' – Parliamentary Secretary 'Drug law reform can change lives' MARTINA BORG JUSTICE Minister Owen Bonnici said that the reform of drug laws that came into force a few weeks ago, was "an exercise in ration- alisation" of penalties that would ultimately save people's lives. He was speaking yesterday at the European Cities Against Drugs (ECAD) Conference, which also heard there was gross under-re- porting of drug usage in Gozo, a problem across the board on vari- ous issues like domestic violence among others. "This is one of the most radi- cal changes the country has seen and it is a shift from castigation to rehabilitation, which is an im- portant change both for those who hold the law dear and also for those who care and empathize with others," Bonnici said. He said that the reform effec- tively changed the lives of those affected by drug abuse. "We are proud, as a govern- ment, to have taken this brave choice in favour of the victims of abuse," Bonnici said, adding that members of the judiciary had ex- pressed "joy" at the new laws, as before they had no choice but to send those accused to prison. "The new law gives the victims the chance to prove themselves and since the law was enacted, we have given victims of abuse the opportunity to rehabilitate them- selves. "If the person given a second chance doesn't take it then there is only so much that can be done," Bonnici said. He said victims can prove them- selves in front of the newly-ap- pointed rehabilitation board and that they now have to try their best. "They can no longer merely blame the system." He said the change would not have been as effective had it not been for the help of local councils, since drugs users are sent in front of the board established in one of five municipalities across the is- land. "This offers a more humane approach as you are appearing in front of a board in a village that is your home. We believe that local councils can provide the comfort that the law courts cannot," Bon- nici said. National drugs agency Sedqa, which runs on a €3 million budg- et, had treated a total of 1,090 heroin users in the last year. The CEO of the Foundation for Social Welfare Services, Al- fred Grixti said Sedqa hoped that convicts sentenced prior to the drugs reform, and therefore those who had not been given a second chance, could be sent to the nine- month programme before being released. "There is no social barrier for the issue in Malta… addiction is a very real problem that could affect all families, regardless of their educational or economic background," Grixti said. In 2014, from a total of 2,874 cases treated, the highest concen- tration occurred in the southern harbour district, with around 800 cases on its own. The data sug- gested gross under-reporting in Gozo, which was and has been a problem across the board on vari- ous issues like domestic violence among others, apart from drugs. "Although there are some con- centrated areas, the problem is spread quite evenly across the is- land, which highlights the need to address the issue on a localised level," Grixti added. Grixti said there was a need to decentralise Sedqa even further, to use resources more effectively and efficiently. "We will be work- ing with local organizations, parishes and councils, as well as participating in the EU-funded LEAP project, which gives former addicts the opportunity to find a job after they overcome their ad- dictions." In 2014 the highest recorded addiction incidence in 2014 was heroin, with cocaine remaining rather stable as well as cannabis. Alcohol, he said, was a very big is- sue but "hugely under-reported". Underage drinking was now on the decline but cannabis use among younger age groups had increased in the past year. Grixti said the agency intended to tackle this and see how local councils could help in addressing this phe- nomenon.