I refer to the article ‘Recent police promotions fuel discrimination claims’, (The Sunday Times of Malta, May 29). The article presented a number of misleading facts regarding the actuality of events.

It is totally incorrect to say that the Grievances Board was set up for retired public officers only “…thus excluding those who were still in the service”. It was made explicitly clear in a circular (OPM No 4/2014) published to set up the boards that applications were to be received from public employees – “uffiċjali jew impjegati pubbliċi li jħossu li saret xi inġustizzja magħhom...” (“officials or public sector employees who believe they were not treated in a just manner”.)

In 2014 there were another two calls for public employees to submit applications. These were published on March 10, 2014, and September 25, 2014, respectively. Everyone had the opportunity to do so had they felt the need to submit a grievance for the consideration of the board. This office strongly refutes the sweeping statement made that “…the entire process lacked transparency”. The process is thoroughly clear and the procedures adhered to ensure that justice is truly done with all applicants.

Editor’s note: The newspaper referred to two different grievances boards: one set up in February 2014, open only to retired officers as per government press release PR140220; and another set up in September 2014, eligible to all serving officers. The story was clear and correct on this point. The complaint by officers quoted was that they were not notified of the existence of the latter board. As for the comment that the entire process lacked transparency, the newspaper was quoting a Malta Police Association representative.