Updated to include minister’s reaction
Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo’s wedding has drawn the nation’s attention, and for good reason, since no expense seems to have been spared, yet eyebrows are being raised concerning the timing of the wedding, which happened to coincide with the biggest event of the year organised by the tourism ministry and paid by taxpayers.
The civil ceremony, led by European Commissioner Helena Dalli’s son, Luke, was held at Manoel Island, coinciding with an expensive set-up paid for by taxpayers for a grand ceremony related to the Mediterrane Film Festival. The Golden Bee Awards will be held on 30 June at the same venue.
The set-up for the event organised by Film Commissioner Johann Grech is lavish. The amount spent on last year’s awards was a source of controversy, and this year, Grech is putting up an even more expensive show, according to sources who spoke to The Shift.
Minister Bartolo used the setting for the Mediterrane Film Festival award ceremony supported by The Malta Tourism Authority, which falls under his direct responsibility. The Film Commission also falls under his responsibility.
Then, all guests were ferried on the vessel Fernandes, a schooner owned by the Zammit Tabonas, owners of the Fortina Hotel and Captain Morgan vessels, to the reception venue, Manta by the Sea – the Fortina Hotel lido under the management of Mellieha-based DB Group of Silvio Debono, which operates in the tourism industry. Bartolo was elected from Mellieha and was a former Mellieha councillor.
Sliema residents complained about the loud music: “90+decibles of music flooding entire apartments yesterday eve till 00.15 this morning, compliments of Manta Beach Club and Hon Min Clayton Bartolo’s wedding party. You ask where are the authorities? In this case, probably at the wedding party, leading by example.”
The venue was subject to an enforcement notice, Newsbook has reported, saying the notice was subsequently suspended when Edward Zammit Tabona, the owner of the venue leased to DB Group, submitted an application for sanctioning.
The bride, Amanda Muscat, made headlines when she organised a Manchester United-themed do at the ministry for Bartolo’s birthday, involving ministry staff, when she was supposed to be working in Gozo, according to government records.
People are questioning how Bartolo could afford such an event on a minister’s salary, as well as his choice of venues, happily coinciding with an event for which taxpayers will fork out millions. Those questions will not be silenced soon.
In a Facebook post following ADPD—The Green Party’s request to the Auditor General for an investigation into whether public funds were abused, the minister said the couple paid for everything relating to the civil ceremony. The Shift will be filing a Freedom of Information request for documentation.
Lavish – for wannabes. Where are the FIAU, NAO or whoever should be investigating these things. There was also a variety of singers, performers, ziggy after hours etc. How much is this particular minister being paid? What is his wife’s occupation and her income, rumour is she is unemployed with daily spending sprees. Kapriccuza t-tifla
Minister’s salaries are a matter of public record. His new wife is also employed by the government.
So government must be paying very well these days, no wonder everyone is joining the public service
I can assure you, it all depends on which scale you are in. Alas I understood your sarcastic remark, and I agree with what you mean.
All those you mentioned were probably his wedding guests. That’s how the mafia operates
A la Labour!
And what about that fireworks display? It’s worth thousands of euros? Who paid for it? Might be a huge donation from MTA to the Mellieħa fireworks factory?
“I, Clayton Bartolo, solemnly swear to perform loyally and in good conscience my duties as Minister in accordance with the Constitution and the laws of Malta without fear or favour, so help me God”
Do you remember this oath, Clayton?
Your civil ceremony, in front of European Commissioner Helena Dalli’s son, Luke and paid for with tax payer’s money is not much of a loyal performance of your duties as Minister.
Practical atheism is the danger we are all facing. Meaning, we believe in the existence of God, but we put Him aside and do what we personally think is right.
It is clear that people like DB and Fortina group that made millions on millions some illegally from public property contribute in many ways to the politicians.
I think all this is so unethical. It is clear that all was ” on the house”..even if a VAT receipt has been issued..( at least we know VAT was paid)..
And the PL continues to ask what is wrong..are they drugged not to see?
More reporting on the scum of Malta. The said scum get worse on a daily basis spending OUR money like it’s their own. excess deficit, anyone?
God help us………pleeeeeese!!!!
And the PN plays the three monkeys…
whilst Arnold Cassola proceeds the umpteenth filing with the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life.
It seems that neither Labour nor Robert Abela learnt anything from this month’s elections.
Otherwise he would have Clayton fired and investigated for abusive use of public funds and assets – but alas stones and glasshouses springs to mind!
Good to note that Carmel Cacopardo on behalf of the Greens (ADPD) has roped in the Auditor General. Way to go, albeit the Auditor General is bereft of sanctioning penalties or prosecution, whilst the Police Commissioner shamelessly sleeps on the same Office’s reports.
Ara ghal min jivvutaw n nies!
The recent EU survey showed that Malta is the least (or at the bottom) educated country in Europe, meaning that the vast majority leave school at 16 years old.
Given the general lack of education, and most importantly the total absence of critical thinking, Malta is stuck in this sh**hole for generations to come.
Malta is and will always be a banana republic, that is considered a democracy but only de jure and not de facto.
God how completely naf!!!
Kemm jaf jixal min fuq dar il POPLU GAHAN MALTI
PROSIT HEJ.
BARTOLO DARBA OHRA ILBES TAKKUNA GHOLJA HALLI TLAHHAQ MAHHA PLS
Crooks and bogans, Daphne had them sussed before they even realised it themselves. They laugh and flaunt in people’s faces and they still get a following, go figure the majority of the Maltese intellect!
Isma. Din kollha kumbinazzjoni ta….xejn aktar. Toqodux tahsbu hazin. Wara kollox….araw ftit kemm Clayton ta minn demmu ghal Malta, miskin. U naqta rasi li anke minn but min jaf kemm hareg flus ghal Malta taghna. Congratulations Clayton. Narawk 2 jew 3 snin ohra.
Jien hsibt li l kaxxa nfernali kienet Tal festa ta Dan Gorg!!🤣
Imma jaf X ghandu jaghmel. Kulhadd jithanzer u jberbaq minn fuq dahrna
Pompous asses, who know no better!