Reference is made to the article ‘Permanent secretary removed from the Ministry of Education’ (June 20) and a subsequent item that appeared on timesofmalta.com, which, similar to the previous one, is based on speculation with absolutely no co-relation to facts.
It is not true that Joseph Caruana was transferred from the Ministry for Education because of the case involving his brother. Caruana always cooperated in full whenever requested during investigations carried out in conjunction with this case. He has always provided the requested information and has always provided the documents he was requested to present. Any slant to these facts is mere speculation aimed at wreaking damage and tarnishing his reputation, for reasons that only the author knows. However, one can imagine the reason behind this spin.
Nor is it true there was lack of agreement between the Education Minister for Education and Caruana, just as it is untrue that the minister requested for Caruanato be removed from the post of permanent secretary at the Education Ministry.
Caruana was not the only permanent secretary to be moved from the ministry where he was serving. There are a number of cases of permanent secretaries who were moved after the appointment of the new Cabinet.
All movements of permanent secretaries took place at the end of last week and this week will see the handover of permanent secretaries, who ensured that the new Cabinet starts off smoothly and the relevant ministers are briefed about any pending issues from the previous administration.
It is also not true that Caruana was placed under the supervision of another permanent secretary. There is no permanent secretary who falls under the authority of another permanent secretary. Each permanent secretary has a defined role and is answerable to the role assigned to him/her. It is not the first time that a ministry had two permanent secretaries and it may not be the last time either. At the moment, there is more than one ministry that has two permanent secretaries.
Thus, the journalist who wrote the article should seek other sources and not rely on anonymous sources to author an article full of unfounded speculation.
Editorial note: It is a fact that Caruana was moved from the Education Ministry to the Ministry of Finance, even though no official announcement was made.
It is also a fact that Caruana’s brother is being investigated by the police in connection with allegations of fraud and corruption at the Foundation for Tomorrow’s Schools, which fell under the Education Ministry.
It is to be noted that most of the other permanent secretaries remained in the ministry where they served in the previous administration and any transfers were mainly due to changes in portfolios. This does not apply in Caruana’s case.
Questions were sent to Caruana prior to the publication of the said article but no answers were forthcoming.