Boatmen Clash Over Sector Regulation
Uncharted Waters: Boatmen Cry Foul as Unregistered Group Takes the Helm
In the bustling Grand Harbour, where the Mediterranean sun dances on the water, a storm is brewing. The usually harmonious community of boatmen, who’ve plied their trade for generations, are up in arms. Their gripe? An unregistered group has taken it upon themselves to act as the sector’s regulator, leaving the established boatmen’s association high and dry.
The New Sheriff in Town
Meet the Associazione Boatmen Maltesi, a group that has emerged from the shadows to impose rules and levies on the boatmen. They’ve set up shop in the heart of the Three Cities, their office a stone’s throw from the ancient boatyards of Bormla. The group claims to be acting in the best interests of the boatmen, but many of the latter feel they’re being strong-armed.
“They’re telling us how to run our boats, how much to charge, even who we can take on board,” grumbles Joe Xuereb, a third-generation boatman who’s been ferrying passengers around the harbour for decades. “But they’ve no mandate, no elected representatives. They’re just a bunch of upstarts.”
The Established Order
For decades, the Kumitat tal-Boatmen Maltin has been the recognised voice of the boatmen. Elected democratically, they’ve navigated the industry through choppy waters, from the boom years of the late 2000s to the pandemic-induced lull. But now, they find themselves challenged by this upstart association.
“We’re the ones who’ve fought for better working conditions, fairer pricing, and safer boats,” says Mary Muscat, the committee’s chair. “We’re elected by our peers, and we’re accountable to them. This new group? They’re accountable to no one.”
The Regulatory Vacuum
The heart of the matter lies in the regulatory vacuum that exists within the boatmen’s sector. While the Malta Tourism Authority (MTA) oversees licensed tour operators, the boatmen, who often operate independently, fall through the cracks. This has led to a free-for-all, with some boatmen charging exorbitant prices and others offering unsafe services.
The unregistered association argues that they’re filling this regulatory gap, ensuring fair prices and safe practices. But the established boatmen’s committee counters that this should be the remit of the MTA, not a self-appointed group.
“We’re not against regulation,” says Xuereb. “But it should be fair, transparent, and imposed by the right authorities. Not by some backstreet association.”
The Way Forward
The MTA, for its part, is aware of the situation. “We’re looking into the matter,” says a spokesperson. “We’re committed to ensuring a level playing field for all operators, and we’re open to dialogue with all stakeholders.”
Meanwhile, the boatmen are left to navigate these uncharted waters. The established committee is calling for dialogue, for the MTA to step in, and for the upstart association to step back. The latter, however, shows no signs of budging.
“We’re here to stay,” says a spokesperson, speaking on condition of anonymity. “We’re doing what’s best for the boatmen, whether they like it or not.”
As the sun sets on the Grand Harbour, casting long shadows over the ancient boatyards, the boatmen look to the horizon, wondering what the future holds. One thing’s for sure: these waters are about to get even more turbulent.
