The battle between the two unions that represent police officers has intensified, with the Malta Police Association accusing the President of the Police Officers Union that he is only interested in engaging in theatrics using his desk-mounted webcam.

It urged the General Workers Union, with which the POU is affiliated, to look into Mr Camilleri’s on-camera shenanigans, which were being dubbed by the public as “a new teleshopping show.”

The MPA was reacting to statements made by Inspector Sandro Camilleri in an interview by the media of the General Workers Union.

In that interview, Inspector Camilleri referred to the “huge scandal” of money that had gone     missing from the police fund. He said some €120,000 are collected every year and deposited into the fund, which is used to pay for children’s parties and for the funerals of retired police officers, but there are only €8,000 in the pot.

The inspector pointed his finger at the Malta Police Association, describing it as ‘those who are against us,’ saying it remained quiet because it received some €26,000 a year from the fund.

The POU-GWU had asked its members not to pay their September contribution (around €13) but it has now suspended that directive “in support of the new police commissioner.” The inspector said Commissioner Lawrence Cutajar had also agreed to set up a board to administer the fund, which would include representatives of the two police unions.

In reply, the MPA said Inspector Camilleri had dragged it unnecessarily into his argument. It refuted Camilleri’s impression that the fund was rife with abuse but agreed that it should be audited by the Auditor General.

It added: “Just because the MPA never resorted to Camilleri’s form of public theatrics does not mean that it has never spoken on the subject.” It also insisted that the idea of a governing board had been its own, not the POU’s.

The association said Inspector Camilleri had asked to be an MPA delegate but then failed to attend any meetings. “It seems that Camilleri’s interest in the members of the force only started when he was approached to take care of the GWU within the force.”

The MPA said it was true that it received money from the fund but these were used by the association in the services it offered. “Without this service Camilleri would not be able to film himself posing as the president of a trade union as this right would never have been won without the MPA’s efforts.”

 

The MPA said Inspector Camilleri knew full well how it spent its money, including on children’s parties, sports bags for all officers, chairs and legal help for police officers. This was done without any blowing of trumpets or boasting in front of video cameras.

“If Camilleri believes the MPA is holding on to money illegally he should take legal action. The POU is supposed to have €50,000 but it is probable that the only expense made was on that webcam Camilleri spent so much time in front of, exalting himself and defaming others.”

It also deplored Inspector Camilleri’s “us and them” talk which, it said, went against all ethics. The association said Camilleri was willing to spout hate on others for personal glory. “The difference between the MPA and the POU is that Camilleri proclaimed himself as president of the latter while the MPA’s executive committee is chosen in a democratic election.”

It added: “The MPA is not a theatre company and will not resort to these camera theatrics which are being dubbed by the public as a new teleshopping show.”

The MPA said it could not understand how the General Workers Union was accepting these shenanigans by an affiliated union. “This is not the MPA’s style. We believe in discussion, caution, wisdom, patience and tolerance.”

In a reply on his Facebook page, Inspector Camilleri thanks all the people who were showing support following the "vicious attack against me by the MPA".

"I never mentioned anyone by name but they were attacking me in person," he said.

He said he showed his face in public and always spoke the truth, adding that he goes to all the media that invites him for comments.

Inspector Camilleri said he was ready to help everyone and that in spite of these attacks he will continue to carry out his work with more conviction.