Local Boatmen Raise Red Flag Over Unregistered Group’s Regulatory Role

In the bustling Marsamxett Harbour, where traditional dghajsas bob gently alongside sleek yachts, a storm is brewing. The boatmen, who have plied their trade in these waters for generations, are up in arms. Their gripe? An unregistered group, they claim, is acting as the de facto regulator of their sector.

Uncharted Waters: The Mystery Group

No one seems to know who they are or where they come from. They’ve simply appeared, inserting themselves into the affairs of Malta’s boatmen. The group, which has refused to comment publicly, has been issuing directives, imposing fines, and even suspending licenses. Yet, they remain unaccountable, unregistered, and unregulated.

“We don’t know who they are, where they’re from, or who they answer to,” says Joe, a seasoned boatman who has been ferrying passengers across the Grand Harbour for over two decades. “One day, they’re not there. The next, they’re telling us what to do.”

Regulation by Stealth: The Impact

The group’s actions are causing ripples among the boatmen. Fines for minor infractions have skyrocketed, with some boatmen reporting increases of up to 300%. Licenses have been suspended, stranding boatmen and leaving them unable to work. Yet, there’s no clear appeal process, no oversight, no recourse.

“It’s like being in a court of law where the judge is also the prosecutor and the jury,” says Maria, a boatwoman who has seen her earnings plummet since the group’s appearance. “We’re being regulated into bankruptcy.”

Silent Partners: The Authorities’ Role

The Maltese authorities, meanwhile, seem to be turning a blind eye. Repeated requests for comment from the Malta Maritime Administration and the Malta Tourism Authority have gone unanswered. Local councillors, too, have been tight-lipped, with some refusing to comment on the record.

However, a source close to the matter, speaking on condition of anonymity, revealed that the authorities are aware of the situation. “They know what’s going on,” the source said. “But they’re staying out of it. They don’t want to get involved.”

When pressed on why the authorities would allow such a situation to persist, the source simply shrugged. “Politics,” they said. “It’s all about politics.”

Rallying the Crew: Boatmen Fight Back

Tired of being pushed around, the boatmen are fighting back. They’ve formed a committee, the first step towards establishing a proper association. They’re reaching out to politicians, to the media, to anyone who will listen. They’re demanding accountability, transparency, and a say in how their sector is regulated.

“We’re not asking for special treatment,” says Joe. “We just want a fair shot. We want to be part of the conversation. We want to regulate ourselves, with proper oversight, proper accountability.”

Maria nods in agreement. “We’re not against regulation. We’re against being regulated into oblivion by a group no one knows or trusts.”

As the sun sets over Marsamxett Harbour, the boatmen gather their things, ready to call it a day. But their fight is far from over. They’re determined to weather this storm, to ensure their voices are heard, and to secure a fair future for their sector.

After all, as Joe puts it, “The sea has been our home for generations. We’re not about to let it be taken from us now.”