Comments on: Update: Security at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting

By: Evarist Saliba

Evarist Saliba — Tue, 20 May 2014 16:25:59 +0000

It must be remembered that this government is “innovative”, and presumably that should put our mind at rest that not having the officer responsible for security in Malta also responsible for security during the CHOGM meeting makes sense.

But who exactly will b responsible for security in Malta during those days? Will the Police Commissioner have to clear with Cini before taking any action related to security during those days?

By: LL.D?

LL.D? — Tue, 20 May 2014 16:03:03 +0000

Peter Paul is not a lawyer, but a legal procurator – as is Sandro Camilleri who heads the legal unit of the Police Corps.

By: J Agius

J Agius — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:39:44 +0000

He also has Deputy Commissioner Andrew Seychell, who under the previous administration was in charge of all important visits and events including the 5+5 and the Pope’s visit.

Although having different political views from the previous administration he did a sterling job.

By: Another John

Another John — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:37:50 +0000

Let us not be naive here. Mr. Cini’s role is the equivalent of an iced bun.

He will get the pay, the prestige (if all goes well) and the spotlight. All other speculation is purely superfluous.

The real heads would be the actual heads of the individual departments. CHOGM will be just another opportunity to dish out some more iced buns, as has happened already with Phyllis Muscat and Alessandra Pace, who both worked on the Labour Party general election campaign and are now head of CHOGM organisation and head of media respectively.

By: Natalie Mallett

Natalie Mallett — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:17:49 +0000

On a lighter note, I really do not like that picture.

My chickens looked much smarter and happier when I was about to feed them but had a similar line up with the smaller ones trying to get noticed from the back.

By: La Redoute

La Redoute — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:17:45 +0000

Zammit is being disingenuous. Head of security is exactly what it says on the tin – Cini is officially and ultimately responsible for the soundness and safety of security systems, no matter who executes all the individual tasks involved.

No one expects a hospital superintendent to swab the toilet seats, crank up the heating system in winter, and dispense medication. There are other people to do that, but patient safety remains the superintendent’s responsibility.

By: Kevin

Kevin — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:16:24 +0000

Is it wise to “outsource” security to someone without any knowledge or experience in this sort of high profile meeting? What of security breaches?

By: Natalie Mallett

Natalie Mallett — Tue, 20 May 2014 15:13:02 +0000

Will Peter Paul Zammit be still Police Commissioner by then? I thought there were rumours that he handed in his resignation.

By: Manuel

Manuel — Tue, 20 May 2014 14:59:20 +0000

CHOGM is a high profile meeting which requires high security. The PM with all his dishing-out appointments with regards to this meeting, is oblivious to the consequences that might arise if there is a security breach during the visit by the Heads of the Commonwealth.

He gave the job to amateurs or non-starters in the field. Once again, Malta will be in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.