PRESS RELEASE BY THE MINISTRY FOR GOZO AND PLANNING

The Ministry for Gozo and Planning categorically denies the claims made in today's media related to the new composition of the Planning Board.

The Ministry wishes to make it clear that following the expiry of Mr Romano Cassar's tenure, the Ministry asked for the nomination of the eNGOs representative (re-nominate the existing one or a new nominee) on the Planning Board to the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector (MCVS).

The new nomination was submitted by the MCVS on Thursday 17th July, to include Mr Jorge Spiteri, following the expiry of the previous appointment, and no individual was 'removed' arbitrarily.

Mr Jorge Spiteri is qualified as an Architect and Civil Engineer and was elected by the MCVS members as Deputy Chairperson for the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector whereby he represents the environment and animal welfare voluntary sector.

The allegations suggesting that Mr Romano Cassar's position on the Board was terminated due to his views or voting record are totally false and unfounded.

Contrary to the implications made in the articles, the representative of the environmental NGO on the Planning Board has been appointed in conformity with Article 63(2)(e) of the Development Planning Act. It must be re-iterated that the Minister appointed the person nominated by the Council governing the eNGOs. The Minister has no visibility if the eNGOs are in agreement or not between themselves regarding the nominee.