Government inefficiency Part 1
The title from Julian Manduca's story in MaltaToday says it all: "Brussels allocates funds to a radio that does not exist". During a press conference just before Christmas, Tourism Minister Francis Zammit Dimech proudly announced a successful bid for 300,000 euros from the European Union to fund a project for the Voice of the Mediterranean (VOM). What he did not say was that the Malta based radio station, a partnership between the Maltese and Libyan governments, had closed down twelve months before and the European money was going elsewhere.
It would have been more useful had the Minister explained to the sleepy reporters in attendance what happened to the 800,000 euros worth of equipment most of which had just been purchased for the plush offices that housed the controversial head of VOM. The extravagant Richard Muscat had, according to MaltaToday, awarded a contract for a monthly 8000 euros of public funds to his own son's internet company. Rather than replacing Muscat and investigating the alleged mismanagement, the Authorities closed down the popular station and appointed the Nationalist parliamentary candidate as Malta's ambassador to the Irish Republic where he continues to enjoy his lifestyle.
VOM - Dead or resting? Richard Marlowe in his new look blog explains why he thinks this is a lost opportunity for Malta
MLP asks for VOM explanation from Parliamentary committee
Temples and Tombs intrinsically woven into our history by Minister Zammit Dimech
posted by Robert Micallef at 1/28/2005 11:59:00 PM
Interesting story about VOM. I'm going to link to it on my blog.
I have a question regarding Libyan-Maltese relations. I know the Q-man's fingers tend to creep over many borders surrounding Libya, though this is the first time I've wondered if it crossed water-ways as well. Does the Libyan government meddle in/influence Maltese politics much?
FYI, my connection is getting better, but is still a little inconsistent. This is the chance I've had to really read your blog, and I'm loving it. Totally different flavor than the ones I've seen before. I'm sure you'll be getting the Malta blog roll going. Keep it up.
Thanks, much appreciated!
Malta - Libya relations are cordial and trade based though recent visa issue was a bit complicated. They are not as close as in the 70's when Malta had a socialist government (though there were some disputes then as well). In those days Arabic was made a compulsory subject in all schools. Is there an active Libyan community in California?
I noticed with interest the impressive reform plans just announced by Libya:
http://www.iht.com/articles/2005/01/27/news/libya.html
VOM as an important part of my life back in the 80's that and the BBC was where we listened to the top of the pops and the news. It's a pity ! Thanks for highlighting the part about where the Euro aid money will be going that's very cheeky of the party.
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