Economy Minister Chris Cardona this morning defended the controversial appointment of an 18-year-old, who happens to be the nephew of his chief of staff, at the helm of a new government security company.

Dr Cardona said one of the first jobs of this new entity, Fort Security Services will be to guard the shipbuilding area in Marsa which is in the process of being leased to a private entity.

The Economy Minister was replying to journalists who grilled him on this appointment, at the end of a news conference to mark the launch of a White Paper at the Phoenicia Hotel.

However,  the Economy Minister pointed out that Karl Cutajar, whom he described as an executive clerk, would receive no remuneration for shouldering this responsibility.

Asked about his qualifications, he said he did not want to go into these merits as the process was carried out by Mimcol. “I understand that Mimcol carried out an interview, following a process of applications and Mr Cutajar was selected on the basis of his qualifications”

Dr Cardona also refuted claims that his appointment was a blatant conflict of interest as the Opposition had suggested, saying Mr Cutajar had the right to serve on a board for which he would not get paid.

Asked for further details on this new government entity, he said it may have not even have employees and would not make any profits.

Pressed repeatedly by Times of Malta to explain how this business model could work, the Economy Minister gave no further details.

 

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