Parliamentary Secretary José Herrera has flatly denied he was given privileged treatment by Gozo Channel at Mġarr harbour when a departing ferry’s ramp was lowered again to allow him on board.

The incident happened on Friday night.

Gozo Channel sources told Times of Malta Dr Herrera’s car appeared at the gate when the ferry operating the 12.45am trip on Saturday was about to leave its berth. The car embarkation ramp had already been closed and the mooring lines were being removed.

According to the sources, a Gozo Channel employee spotted the official car and the ship was ordered to lower its ramp again to allow Dr Herrera to board. The sources identified Raymond Borg, known as Ix-Xitan, as the employee who issued the orders.

When contacted, Mr Borg – the same person who had also featured in a similar incident last year when a ferry was instructed to return to its berth to collect Gozo Minister Anton Refalo – insisted that no such thing had happened.

“Nothing of the sort happened and this is an invention. If you like, you can ask José Herrera,” he replied.

Dr Herrera admitted the ramp was lowered again to let his car on board but said this was only common sense and prudence on the part of the company. He insisted he did not contact anyone at Gozo Channel.

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