The Armed Forces of Malta has only implemented two of four proposals recommended by the president of the internal inquiry launched by the army into death of Gunner Matthew Psaila.

Gunner Psaila died following a military exercise in Chadwick Lakes in February 2010.

Two soldiers - Lieutenant Christian Vella, who was in charge of the training exercise, and Lance Bombardier Marvic Peregin, who was assisting Gunner Psaila's group, are charged with his involuntary homicide through negligence and committing a crime they were in duty bound to prevent.

Taking the witness stand today, Lt. Col Mario Borg, who is commanding officer of the AFM's 3rd regiment, which is responsible for logistics and support, said he presided over the army’s internal inquiry into Gunner Psaila’s death.

He noted that he made four recommendations in his report, only two of which had been implemented - for a swimming tests and risk assessment prior to exercises to be carried out.

Lt. Col Borg said that in May 2005 he was appointed heath and safety officer by the AFM after obtaining a diploma in health and safety. He had suggested the opening of a health and safety branch but the proposal was not accepted back then because he was told this was not a priority.

He said he had made a verbal recommendation which he then put down in writing.

In October 2008, he drew up a health and safety policy paper and after Gunner Psaila’s incident in December 2010, the AFM opened the branch he had recommended.

He said that although his policy paper was still not implemented, two of his four recommendations were.