Sacked PBS chief executive officer John Bundy yesterday “categorically denied” allegations that he sexually harassed an employee of the state broadcaster.

Sources close to PBS have informed this newspaper that a female PBS employee has signed an affidavit in which she alleges Bundy had made two sexual advances toward her.

The affidavit alleges that Bundy had also threatened her that she would lose her job if she spoke up about the alleged sexual misconduct.

Contacted yesterday, Bundy categorically denied the claims, telling this newspaper: “What I can say is that this is an absolute calumny. I can say this without even knowing the full allegations that you say have been levelled against me, nor do I even need that information because nothing of the sort ever took place.

“What you are saying is being alleged absolutely never happened and I challenge anyone who is confronting me in this way to prove otherwise, which is something no one can do because it is completely untrue, it is not even remotely close to the truth.

“Unfortunately this issue [with PBS] has already degenerated into other allegations in my respect which turned out to be false. But if the situation continues to deteriorate, I will be forced to take all and any steps necessary to protect my reputation.

“But in order to do so, I need to know exactly what is being claimed, and by whom. I must also inform you that if your newspaper publishes any such allegations in my respect, without a shred of proof, I will reserve my rights to take the steps necessary to protect myself.”

 

Burmarrad Commercials confirms Bundy’s version of car leasing agreement talks

Sharon Gauci, one of the directors of Burmarrad Commercials, has confirmed with The Malta Independent on Sunday that PBS former Chief Executive Office John Bundy had always been accompanied by three managers from the state broadcaster for meetings in the past months about the leasing of vehicles.

The issue has been used by the state broadcaster’s board to sack Bundy.

Bundy, who was interviewed on The Malta Independent online programme INDEPTH, said, "I decided to hold a meeting with financial controller Brian Galea, procurement manager Edmund Tabone and sales and marketing manager Mario Micallef.

“During this meeting we discussed what we should do to get a new fleet of cars. The procurement manager came up with the idea that we would start asking for quotes from different automotive companies and the sales and marketing manager, even though it was not in his remit, got a number of quotes. The three of us met once again to compare quotes and it turned out that the best offer was that of Burmarrad Commercials."

During the programme, Bundy said, "From the first meeting to the last, when we closed the deal, Galea, Tabone and Micallef were always with me."

This newspaper asked Gauci whether it was true that the three managers had always been present. She confirmed that during their meetings with PBS, Bundy was always there together with the Financial Controller, the Procurement Manager and Sales and Marketing Manager.

Gauci also said that the meetings were held at PBS creativity hub. She added that they met Bundy together with Galea, Tabone and Micallef three times in total. Gauci added that in the last meeting another PBS manager, Edmund Friggieri, attended the meeting because he was going to be responsible for the 14 new cars. This car-leasing contract amounts to €500,000 over eight years.

Gauci also highlighted the fact that just last week, PBS had even made a request for an additional vehicle, “so this means that today PBS is leasing 15 cars from us and we are providing our services to PBS every day”.

On INDEPTH Bundy said:, “After a number of meetings, we came out with a very good deal; Burmarrad Commercials had to buy the old cars, buy €3,000 worth of adverts each year and replace out-of-service cars at the same rate. So the accusations that I said that 'I do not give a toss about the board' and that I sidelined these three managers are a lie.”

When Bundy was asked why he never issued a call for tenders he replied, “At no point did the financial controller or the procurement manager tell me that we needed to issue a call for tender and they both signed the agreement between PBS and Burmarrad Commercials."

Asked if the board was informed, during these negotiations, about the leasing deal for 14 cars, Bundy provided documents showing that the board had known all along.

Last week Bundy was fired from his post as CEO after a unanimous vote was taken by the board. A statement issued by PBS said that Bundy was fired because he had 'breached procurement regulations' when he awarded a €500,000 car leasing contract. The board had met to discuss a report drawn up by RSM Auditors.

Asked if she ever held meetings or met any PBS board members, Gauci said she had never met any of them. She added that no one, not even RSM Auditors, contacted her or any director at Burmarrad Commercial. 

Bundy confirmed with this newsroom that he will be suing PBS over his recent dismissal. This newsroom also sent questions to PBS chairman Tonio Portughese and Minister Owen Bonnici.

While Bonnici has not replied, Portughese stated: “Since Mr Bundy has initiated procedures before the Industrial Tribunal alleging unfair dismissal, PBS will be replying to the questions you have raised, and more, before the Tribunal. As such, I feel it would be inopportune to comment at this stage.”