President denies claims by NGOs Commisioner on l-Istrina beneficiaries

Addressing a press conference launching ‘Paqpaqli għall-Istrina’, President Abela denied what has been reported by certain “English media”.

It has been reported that Church organisations, including Caritas, will not benefit from Istrina funds as they are not enrolled with the Voluntary Organisations Commissioner.

Since the Malta Community Chest Fund, the President’s charity organisation, has been recognised as a state entity, its new status calls for only enrolled NGOs to benefit from the funds.

NGOs Commissioner Kenneth Wain has long been raising this issue, claiming that according to the Voluntary Organisations Act (2007) non-enrolled cannot be given funds to ensure transparency and accountability.

However, President Abela has denied these claims, stating that all those who apply will be eligible for funds.

“All those organisations, including Church organisations and other organisations which are not registered, are entitled to benefit from the funds which will be collected during l-Istrina,” the President said.

“The beneficiaries will be officially announced before the event is held,” he said.