Ex-policewoman acts to save her job as home for girls coordinator

A home programme co-ordinator within the education and social security ministry yesterday requested the court to stop the minister from sacking her amid allegations of abuse.

Former policewoman Marisa Bartolo said she has been suspended from work and her employment would officially be terminated on July 31. However, she insisted she was never given the chance to defend herself regarding the allegations of abuse.

Mrs Bartolo was employed by the board of management on May 1, last year at the Conservatorio Vincenzo Bugeja, a residential home for orphaned and destitute girls in Sta Venera.

Education, Employment and Family Minister Dolores Cristina informed board chairman Richard Manchè on May 25 there had been allegations of abuse by the residents against Ms Bartolo and a board of inquiry was to be set-up.

Eventually Mr Manchè wrote to Mrs Bartolo and said that the board of inquiry had concluded that "Mrs Marisa Bartolo's training and extensive experience in the police force have formed her and conditioned her behaviour to date. More than 12 months of direction from the homes director, role modelling and feedback from the other members of staff have not yielded the desired changes. Her position with the Conservatorio set-up is, therefore, considered untenable".

Mrs Bartolo yesterday filed an application for the issue of a warrant of prohibitory injunction against the minister in a bid to stop the termination of her contract.

Mrs Bartolo insisted she was never given the chance to defend herself.

Lawyer Anġlu Farrugia signed the application.