The Malta Red Cross Society said this afternoon that the operations and functions of its Gozo branch have been suspended with immediate effect.

It gave no reasons for the decision, but said the decision was taken at the annual general meeting and confirmed by the National Board yesterday.

The secretary of the Gozo branch, Etienne Micallef, said the Gozo officials had not been given any reason.

He said the members had found themselves locked out of their premises in Mgarr Road, Xewkija, by private security guards.

He protested that the premises did not belong to the Malta Red Cross but were owned by the Gozo Ministry and had been leased to the Gozo Branch.

Inside the premises are four ambulances, two boats, a rescue vehicle and other equipment which, he stressed, had been bought through donations by the Gozitan people.

Gozo Branch chairman Anton Portelli said he was baffled by what had happened. He said that a secretary had phoned him from the Malta Red Cross at about noon, asking for his address, but told him nothing else.

He said that the Gozo branch had been very active in Gozo and its closing down would be detrimental to the people.

The Gozo Red Cross mounted beach patrols during the summer and it regularly sets up first aid posts during public events. It also provides patient conveyance services round the clock.

Malta Red Cross officials when contacted did not comment and asked for questions in writing.

See also: Injunction halts Red Cross AGM

http://www.timesofmalta.com/articles/view/20101012/local/injunction-halts-red-cross-agm