Mark Sultana, general manager of the Park of Friendship, told a news conference that following a directive to Learning Support Assistants by the Malta Union of Teachers, parents have been calling asking why their child was not able to attend the park any more. Some schools also cancelled their attendance.

The MUT directive told LSAs, previously known as facilitators, not to perform any duties at the park. MUT president John Bencini told Mr Sultana when contacted that the LSAs had complained about the “rules and regulations” at the park. Mr Sultana said Mr Bencini would not specify any particular rule which his members objected to.

Mr Sultana said LSAs were not forcefully requested to enter the pools or ride the horses. That was something for the LSAs themselves to decide. But LSAs were asked to always accompany the child under their care, Mr Sultana said.

“We spend over Lm8,000 a year in transport costs for these children to attend our programme and over Lm2,000 a month worth of wages for qualified staff such as pottery artists, horse riding therapist and occupational therapist,” Mr Sultana said.

The Park of Friendship has not changed its rules and regulations in the past years so, Mr Sultana added. “We are baffled at such an abrupt decision of directing LSAs not to perform any duties at our facilities. Our main concern is for the children who benefit from their visit here and that they are being deprived for reasons which, to date, we are not aware of.”

The park was irritated that the MUT had no intention of discussing the reasons behind its directive. “We feel that this is far from being proactive towards a positive solution. Unfortunately till the day MUT decides to specifically explain what is causing this directive, or even better stop it, the children are suffering.”