Prime Minister Joseph Muscat confirmed that Dr Joseph Grech – who was asked to resign from chairing Gozo Channel in 2011 after abusing from his position, has been given “another chance” by the Labour Government and has been recruited as the government’s consultant on Gozo Channel.

Breaking the silence over the story revealed by The Sunday Times of Malta three weeks ago, Dr Muscat said that his government believed that all those who wished to contribute should be given the opportunity to do so.

“All I know is that when Dr Grech was in charge of Gozo Channel the company was moving in the right direction. When he was told to resign, things started going wrong”, the Prime Minister said.

Asked whether he justified Dr Grech’s actions prior to resigning, Dr Muscat reiterated his stance on giving Dr Grech another chance.

Dr Grech – a Gozitan lawyer – hit the headlines at the end of 2011 when he ordered a ferry to return to harbour after arriving late for embarkation. The ship, full of passengers, turned back to pick up Dr Grech and his family.

A few days following this incident, Dr Grech was forced to resign by the government due to his behaviour.

Last year Dr Grech had also instituted legal proceedings against Gozo Channel in order to stop it from recruiting a CEO as he claimed that he was best suited person to occupy this post.

Both the government and the court dismissed Dr Grech’s actions.

The Sunday Times of Malta revealed that soon after the March elections, Dr Grech was engaged by the new administration as Gozo Minister’s consultant on Gozo Channel.

Sources had told the newspaper that Dr Grech was effectively controlling the company and managing its day to day business.

On his part, Gozo Channel Chairman Joe Cordina confirmed Dr Grech’s association with the company but asked that questions on his role should be answered by the Gozo Minister.

So far Minister Anton Refalo has not replied any questions on the issue.

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