Yes, I am a Nationalist: so what?
After having answered the questions put to me during Bondi + about shipping LNG – Liquified Natural Gas (not liquefied nitrogen gas as I erroneously stated in my intrductory remarks) Konrad Mizzi stated that I cannot be considered as an independent specialist because I am a Nationalist.
Yes, I am a Nationalist: so what? I find this comment by Mizzi most disconcerting for three reasons. The first is that he appears to be stating that any individual who has specialised in any area of activity (law included) cannot possibly hold a personal political opinion. The second is that he is assuming that because I am a Nationalist, then that automatically means that I am incapable of giving an objective opinion about my specialised subject being maritime law.
The third reason is that while Mizzi certainly does not represent the past of the Labour Party, but represents the present and the future, from this personal experience, I am not particularly enamoured by this type of politics going forward because it is very reminiscent of Labour’s past and I don’t like that at all.
On a personal level, I wish him luck in his career as indeed I wish good luck to several good friends of mine who are members of the Labour Party. These friends and I have always had and will continue to have healthy debates and have on many an occasion agreed to disagree. However, I have never ever put, am not putting and will never ever put my personal professional integrity of 26 years in jeopardy by being anything but objective in my replies to any specific questions put to me relating to the maritime environment.
As a lawyer specialising in the maritime sector for these past 26 years, I have given opinions to and have advised people and entities coming from literally the four corners of the world, including major ship owners, their P and I Clubs and their Hull and Machinery underwriters, charterers, energy majors, cargo owners, ship yards, ship builders, port authorities, governments, banks and financial institutions and private individuals both foreign and local.
I have advised them in matters relating to different types of cargoes and their carriage, collisions, towage, pilotage, explosions, maritime security, piracy, ship registration and mortgages and marine-related contracts and projects.
Thus my work brings me in touch with an infinite number of subjects ranging from ships, yachts, repair yards, ship building yards, to marinas, damaged or contaminated cargoes of all types such as petroleum, gas, commodities, food products, anything that can be carried, bunkers, fish farms, pipelines and underwater cables and many other subjects connected with the maritime legal issues that are presented before me for an opinion or advice.
This means that over these many years and whenever I have to deal with such issues, I have had to research and study the subject matter in question.
The carriage of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) is one of them. I was asked a set of questions and I answered them. My job as a maritime law professional is to read, absorb, analyse, interpret and give an opinion and that is exactly what I have done here.
Of course I am not a gas expert! I am not being asked about the properties of LNG, what it can be used for, what it cannot be used for, how it works, how you store it, how it becomes liquid and how it turns back into gas, about its origins and volumes or about its flexibility or otherwise. I was asked a set of questions about its method of carriage by sea – and I answered them.
Being a Nationalist does not come into the equation and I find it rather disconcerting that this appears to be remotely relevant or important to Mizzi or, that because I am a Nationalist, that means I can no longer be considered to be an independent maritime law specialist.
Mark Anthony Falzon’s column will not be appearing today.
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Gorg Borg
Mar 7th, 17:22
Dear Ann, I just hate when people say I am that and I am that. I believe people should be floaters. If not , why the elecetion is done every 5 years. Personally to be with a party without havng anythig to gain then you are brainwashed.
Lawrence Fenech
Feb 27th, 20:14
Dear Ann Fenech nobody is perfect.
Joseph Buhagiar
Jan 27th, 02:00
Ann, I am sure you know that in any company, ministry, country, there are those that stand to gain by the old way and those that stand to gain by the new ways.
Understand - I a floating. Many years ago listening to TVM was useless for obvious reasons, arrogance. I voted Fenech Adami. I do not regret it. Now I feel the same, except that it is TVM & Bondi too. Time for a change again, my dear!
m farrugia
Jan 22nd, 19:41
malta taghna ilkoll, minn hu ta twemmin nazzjonalist u espert fil qasam ma jistax jiftah halqu, u dan meta il pl ghadu floppozzizzjoni ahseb u ara kemm ha jzomm civil servants kapaccisimi li lahque fi zmien il pn bhal dawk besperjenza kbira fl EU, kull mhawn izarma b garanzija muscat u hbiebu ibda mill iskejjel u spicca bil ministeri
Edward Mallia
Jan 22nd, 18:16
In the discussion, I asked a question: The perm. sec. was currently involved with yet another pipeline study. So why had MRRA just put out a document -which he was actually carrying with him - citing a 2008 Lahmeyer study: our best option for a gas supply was an LNG terminal with 60000m3 storage? I did not even get a civil answer, much less a reasoned one. Independent ? If pigs can fly, then...
Edward Mallia
Jan 22nd, 17:57
what about this: The presenter of a recent Disset invited a panel of 3 "independent" experts. At the studio they were informed that a 4th person, The perm. sec. in MRRA had been added to the group: superior orders. Each of the three were asked if they were "independent" before speaking: again superior orders. The perm. sec was NOT asked. Of course he was "independent"! cont.
Edward Mallia
Jan 22nd, 17:39
Not fair to dismiss Dr. Fenech's comments because of a simple slip on liquid Nitrogen. But Dr. Fenech must be aware that there is a lot of local experience with "experts" -- generally in govt. pay -- spouting nonsense to help an official cover up. To mention 3 cases: the Mercaptan escape; the switch off of the Marsa precipitators; the Enemalta application for Delimara IPPC permit.
A. Sultana
Jan 22nd, 15:52
Pt 3. Unfortunately for him, with that comment he shot himself in the foot. If Dr. Ann Fenech is not to be believed because of her political bias, then why should anyone believe Mizzi's proposal to be other than a scam to get his party into government?
A. Sultana
Jan 22nd, 15:52
Pt 2 - 'Malta taghna lkoll' decided to discredit Dr. Ann Fenech simply because her political beliefs are different than his.
Mizzi's move was totally a discriminatory one, giving us a glimpse of the true colours of his current party. So much for 'Malta taghna lkoll' and 'Nghaqdu l-aqwa mhuh tal-pajjiz' as Muscat puts it.
A. Sultana
Jan 22nd, 15:51
Pt. 1 - First of all I don't believe that there should be Nationalists or Labour. One should analyze and decide what is best for him and the country.
Unfortunately though, most people still prefer to put their long-life-family-supported party before their own interests. What is even more unfortunate is that people like Konrad Mizzi, a star candidate for labour, the party whose slogan is -
James Catania
Jan 21st, 22:04
There is no problem with you being a Nationalist, there is a problem with you, not being an expert. It is obvious and self-explanatory that Egypt and Turkey are an LNG transportation hub. Split consignments for such ships are commonplace. So please... do us all a favour and stop writing eulogies to explain your situation. We're not interested. Anyone who starts his statement with Liquid Nitrogen.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 22nd, 14:20
Who are the "we" that are not interested, unless you mean blinkered LP supporters who believe in the motto "My party always, right or wrong" and who are not interested in discovering the painful truth?
Joseph Aquilina
Jan 21st, 19:31
This is really incredible, there are about 200 gas power plants around us and only 4 ships for supply. There are countries like algeria, Libya and other Middle East countries that gas is their main source of revenue looking at new countries for business. I believe that the same is said about ship transport companies, I am sure that their is enough ships for all demand.
alfred camilleri
Jan 21st, 18:16
A very quick look at google gave me this reply ...and I am no expert
"NYK currently owns 66 LNG carriers, and one of the distinctive features of the LNG transport business includes long-term contracts with customers, usually 15-20 years. Therefore, market fluctuations have very little impact on tanker transport (LNG transport), allowing the industry to be a stable source of revenue."
Mr ALBERT LEONE GANADO
Jan 21st, 17:30
I feel that the situation arose because Lou Bondi dd not clearly introduce you as a leading local expert in maritime law. As it was a political debate he should have made your political affiliations clear. Bondi should have restricted his questions to legal conventions and rules which govern the carriage and storage of LNG in world shipping. No problems re your credentials would have arisen.
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 15:02
Dr Mizzi's reactions on the subject programme, defy his own party slogan 'Malta Taghna Lkoll' & clearly any advice coming from a Nationalist expert, is automatically 'unreliable'.
j brincat, if Konrad had just a wee fraction of Dr Ann Fenech's expertise, he would not be defending Muscat's pie-in-the-sky scheme.
But I regress.The end justifies any means & Konrad is just another Joseph's tool.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 21st, 15:22
Lawyers should stick to the law - what do they know about any industry? At least Konrad worked with Enemalta, has hands on experience not learning quickly from the internet.
j brincat
Jan 21st, 13:51
I cannot but admire those persons who are so multi-talented.
They specialise in so many diverse subjects going from LNG (No not Nitrogen) to banking?
But then one wonders whether it helps to be a Nationalist after all!
LOL!!!!
jb
Carmel Borg
Jan 21st, 16:19
She did not provide her expert services on LNG terminals but on the marine transport of same. And yes she is an expert in the marine transport laws and has the right access to the right sources to give that advice.
Anthony Charles Abela
Jan 21st, 13:37
Miss Fenech, are you serious when you call yourself an independent specialist in a case or cases where your independent assessments are not influenced by your partisan support? of the N.P. when the same party is involved. Do not insult our intelligence by trying to take us for fools in believing you. It's like DRACULA saying "Trust me" to the board of the BLOOD BANK. sic.
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 15:13
Are you accusing Konrad of being an 'independent-expert'? You are wrong on two counts.
When Dr Fenech gives opinions, assessments & advice to international organizations and govts. one assumes that they do not inquire about her political views first. She stays in business because they have heeded her past advices and benefited from them.
What are Konrad's credentials, anyway? Rude interruptions?
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 21st, 15:23
Martinelli: Anne Fenech was not giving advice to anybody on this issue -she was expressing her opinion in favour of the PN - that's all.
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 16:52
Andrew, Dr Fenech was answering questions put to her, with interruptions and face contortions by Konrad when he heard opinions which conflicted with Labour's position. As far as bias is concerned, the score was even, no?
The question, remains; Whose opinion should one take seriously regarding maritime issues including the law, safety and transportation? Johnny-come-lately Dr Mizzi or Dr Fenech's?
j brincat
Jan 21st, 13:19
Who cares what you are?
But then under GonziPN it helps to be a nationalist, no?
(obviously the above statement applies to the blue eyed boys/girls)
jb
Eddy Privitera
Jan 21st, 13:10
No other "expert" on maritime affairs has repeated what you said, that there are only 4 ships which can carry LNG world wide.
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 15:42
Blame Lloyds of London Eddy.
Perhaps Lloyds are no experts!? It is up to your Party to tell us where the other LNG carriers exist, or is that another patented LP secret?
You and your Party are so confused it isn't pretty at all. You spin like a catherine wheel, soon to sputter and die. What is clear is that the project cannot be completed in 23 months, so Joseph will resign? Will he repeat that?
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 22nd, 14:14
You do not understand what the true expert said, She did NOT say there are only 4 ships which can carry LNG worldwide. She referred to carriers of the suitable tonnage.
George Cutajar
Jan 21st, 10:40
Excellent piece.
Mr Andrew Camilleri
Jan 21st, 10:26
Dr Fenech, you are not simply a lawyer - you are part and parcel of GonziPN. How can we therefore treat your opinion with respect? When MEA issued a statement praising Labour's energy policy, all the bloggers and PN pundits were screaming their heads off just because Konrad Mizzi's father sits on the MEA council. And can you please produce your findings, reports, research, etc in writing?
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 15:51
And Konrad Mizzi is part & parcel of Muscat's Labour Party, handpicked by Joseph, so what exactly is your point?
Joseph's plan has been torn to shreds, yet the LP refuses to release details which it says, justify its crazy plan.
Where is the beef promised by Joseph, Andrew? Thus far only a few dry bones have been tossed which dogs don't even want to sniff, let alone bite.
Vera Partit tal-Laqx!
Victor Laiviera
Jan 21st, 09:57
Dr Fenech plays the "offended virgin" and pretends to be shocked by political comments.
If she wants to be respected and believed as an independent expert, she should refuse political appointments. To paraphrase, if she cannot stand the political heat, she should stay out of the political kitchen.
Denis Pace
Jan 21st, 09:56
Min mhux maghna kontra taghna......mhux Malta kollha.
Francis Saliba M.D.
Jan 21st, 09:23
According to a certain local warped mentality only Labour supporters can be trusted to have and express worthy specialist opinions no matter how competent and how qualified in his/her profession.
Maryanne Camilleri
Jan 21st, 09:17
A typical lawyer written article that wittingly confuses issues & hides facts. The issue is whether you are an independent expert not if you are a nationalist. You represent the PN on the Electoral Commission & hold other PN posts. Your key task is to protect PN interests. This is what you did. The conflict of interest was not declared, hence the loss of credibility. PBS is meant to be impartial!
Victor Laiviera
Jan 21st, 09:46
And that says it all. Dr Fenech "apologia" is a true case of "lawyer speak"
Mark A. Sammut
Jan 21st, 12:29
Is this true? Does Dr Fenech occupy PN posts? If it is, she is not simply a PN supporter but a PN activist. Therefore Dr Mizzi's criticism was fair.
Indeed, Ms Camilleri is right. PBS should have told viewers that Dr Fenech is a PN activist.
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 16:12
M'anne, your comment is certainly not 'independent'.
"Your key task is to protect PN interests". Really? So the new PS is for Labour interests only? Wasn't Mizzi pushing the LP's 'the end justifies the means' agenda? How cute!
Amazing how 'Conflict of Interest' applies for Nationalists only!
As if Labour's past wasn't one colossal conflict of interest.
Who's hiding facts? Who's confused?
Maryanne Camilleri
Jan 21st, 17:23
Mr Martinelli, one cannot deny that Dr Fenech is a PN activist & represents PN in the Electoral Commission & holds other PN posts. She is entitled to her political beliefs but her responsibility is to look after the PN's interest. This is her duty & is exactly what she did. Her conflict of interest should have been declared so that viewers are aware of her status. Please be rational in your reply.
B. Cachia
Jan 21st, 00:47
Actually, logic would suggest that being a Nationalist does preclude you from being called an 'independent' expert, when the issue is one that concerns the Nationalist Party. You'd obviously still be an expert, just not an independent one.
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 16:18
Then the LP should have sent an 'independent expert' to explain the trappings of their new PS we don't need, and not Konrad Mizzi because he not only is an LP activist, but also candidate, handpicked by Joseph and nowhere an expert as Anne Fenech when it comes to maritime matters and he showed it.
Unfortunately Labour's 'independent experts' prefer the NP plan to Labour's fantasy.
So, they duck!
Maryanne Camilleri
Jan 22nd, 19:39
Mr Martinelli the debate was between Hon. Fenech (Minister of Finance) & Dr Mizzi who were representing their political parties respectively. The not so independent experts were used by Bondi+ to support the Minister’s lame arguments to tilt the balance to the government’s favour. This is the issue, because all of this happened on the PBS, a supposedly impartial TV station.
pat muscat
Jan 20th, 23:06
To judge by recent Broadcasting Authority guidelines, Bondi+ again failed to be honest with his viewers when he refused to tell us that Mr Ciantar is a permanent secretary ; and that you,( beside being an expert in maritime law), are also a high GonziPN election official. Mr Bondi was playing offside!
J Martinelli
Jan 21st, 16:24
Yes, the BA worked so much better during the Socialist rule when the mere mention of the Leader of the Opposition's name was prohibited and news clips about the NP activities were all but extinct.
Broadcasting licences were so much 'matter of fact' that the NP had to send Richard Muscat to transmit from Sicily!
With enough carelessness and apathy, we shall see those days again in a few weeks.
Please choose the reason of your report below: