The Times (London): “Racing car tycoon to face crash questions”

Well, yes, we know about that. But what I really want to know – the question the press should all be asking – is which company insured the cars, the event, and the organisers for third-party damages (if at all).

I have the strongest suspicions that the organisers are not covered by third-party insurance and that is why there were no security measures to prevent harm being caused to spectators.

In situations like that, insurance companies grant cover only on the basis of a schedule and description of safety measures and will generally send a member of staff to check that these have been complied with.

The cost of this insurance is considerable, and the organisers may well have decided not to bother with it, saving the cost of the premium payment and of the expensive safety measures on which the insurance cover would have been incumbent.

In the absence of insurance cover for third-party damages, the organisers of the event are personally liable themselves with their own funds and assets and may be sued by any of the victims for compensation. The organisers of the event, as far as I can discern are Tonio Darmanin and Marie Louise Coleiro Preca. The President while in office has immunity from prosecution. am not sure about the President’s immunity from civil suits.

The prosecution (by the police) and the civil suit for damages (by the victims) are two entirely separate matters and the victims may sue regardless of the outcome of the prosecution.

The latter has already made a statement saying that she will use Community Chest Fund money to “help” those who were injured. Unfortunately, she cannot do that. The Community Chest Fund is not a private company which is able to decide – and which some might say is morally obliged – to give financial compensation to those who have suffered as a result of its actions.

The Community Chest Fund does not own money but is merely in stewardship of the money entrusted to it by others for purely charitable purposes. People did not donate money to the Community Chest Fund to pay off the victims of its own disastrous behaviour and decisions.