Boatmen’s Frustration: Unregistered Group ‘Regulating’ Their Sector

In the heart of Marsamxett Harbour, the traditional boatmen of Malta are up in arms. Their gripe? An unregistered group has taken it upon itself to ‘regulate’ their sector, leaving the genuine boatmen feeling sidelined and frustrated.

Who are the ‘Regulators’?

The group in question, calling themselves ‘Marsamxett Harbour Regulators’, has been operating unofficially for the past year. They claim to be protecting the interests of boatmen and maintaining order in the harbour. However, their methods and lack of official recognition have raised eyebrows among the very people they claim to represent.

According to our sources, the group is led by a former boatman who left the industry a decade ago. He now operates a popular water sports business in Sliema, but still maintains a strong influence in Marsamxett Harbour. The group’s members are a mix of current boatmen and former operators, but their exact number and identity remain unclear.

Boatmen’s Concerns

The boatmen we spoke to expressed several concerns about the ‘Regulators’. Their primary issue is the lack of transparency and accountability. “We don’t know who they are, how many of them there are, or how they make their decisions,” said Joe, a third-generation boatman who preferred not to give his full name.

Another concern is the group’s methods. They’ve been known to issue ‘fines’ to boatmen who violate their unspoken rules, with penalties ranging from a few euros to a day’s worth of earnings. The ‘fines’ are collected on the spot, with no receipts or record-keeping. “It’s like being robbed by your own community,” said another boatman, who wished to remain anonymous.

the boatmen feel that the ‘Regulators’ are not representing their best interests. “They’re more interested in maintaining their own power than helping us make a living,” said a boatman who has been operating in Marsamxett Harbour for over 20 years.

Official Response and Way Forward

The Malta Tourism Authority (MTA), which oversees the boatmen’s operations, has been aware of the situation but has yet to intervene officially. “We’re looking into the matter,” said an MTA spokesperson, who declined to comment further.

Meanwhile, the boatmen are calling for official recognition and regulation of their sector. They want a clear set of rules, transparent enforcement, and a say in how their industry is run. “We just want to earn an honest living without being bullied by some self-appointed group,” said Joe.

As the situation in Marsamxett Harbour continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the boatmen of Malta deserve a voice in shaping their own industry. It’s high time their concerns are addressed and their sector is regulated in a fair, transparent, and accountable manner.