South consultative council faces fives resignations in 12 months

The consultative council tasked with planning the regeneration of Malta’s south underwent five resignations in a span of 12 months, Social Dialogue Minister Helena Dalli confirmed.

Dalli was replying to a parliamentary question by PN MP Jason Azzopardi.

Set up in November 2013 and chaired by backbencher Silvio Parnis, the council was tasked with drafting solutions to problems faced by the southern region.

Council members included PN nominee Charlot Cassar, Maltese Curia representative Nora Macelli, UoM senior lecturer Angela Abela, Kenneth Abela, Jason Bonnici, Ramblers Association honorary president Lino Bugeja, Graziella Cavlan, MDA deputy president Sandro Chetcuti, PL MEP candidate and former CPD director Peter Cordina and private hospital owner, Josie Muscat.

But five of the council members – Bugeja, Joe Fava, Kenneth Abela, Macelli and Cavlan – resigned from the board.

There has only been one addition to the council, leaving four vacant places.

Contacted by MaltaToday, Parnis said all five had cited personal reasons in their resignation letters. He denied that the resignations came as a result of disagreements among members and the council’s work.

“They all said they were resigning due to personal reasons or other commitments that were hindering their full contribution to the committee,” Parnis said.

Bugeja, one of the five who handed in their resignation, confirmed that he left the council for personal reasons. He however reassured that he still gave his contribution whenever possible and he was set to address a third talk organised in Birgu by the council.

According to the information tabled in parliament by the minister, the council also employs five workers: a secretary, a deputy secretary, head of customer care, a customer care assistant and a driver.

“A customer care department is vital if the consultative council wants to be effective. It needs someone to answer the calls of those who call in to report a problem or pass on any suggestions to improve the region,” he said. 

Parnis himself receives 25% of scale 1 salary, together with a paid fixed and cellular line, internet facilities and a car. Between his role as council chair, MP and parliamentary committee chairman, Parnis receives a €42,807 annual salary.

The consultative council is eyeing the regeneration of the south through the development of a commercial hub, increased pedestrianized areas and promoting Marsascala as a tourist destination.