Definition of meritocracy:

People whose progress is based on ability and talent rather than on class privilege or wealth.

One may safely say that this is definitely not the case and in line with the Labour Party’ pre-electoral cry.

In the dark ages, the scions of the aristocracy inherited their seats on cabinets and on the boards of great companies. In this day and age, people are meant to succeed through their abilities and hard work.

The ongoing bickering for meritocracy by the Labour Party prior to the election drove the electorate to think that this will be one of the present government’s priorities. But this isn’t the case unless proven otherwise in the future. But when would this happen, when the majority of government boards have been set up?

One may argue that the PN, when in government, did appoint PN-leaning individuals to boards but the difference now is that this saga wasn’t meant to repeat itself.

It is simply a case of partisan favours, as is evident from the individuals who have been appointed to the boards.

Un-meritocratic decisions by the government include the appointment of Jason Micallef as chairman of the V18, actor Frederick Testa who was awarded a contract with PBS, former Labour MPs and relatives of MPs that represented the party during the 70s and 80s such as Yana Micallef Stafrace, Ronnie Pellegrini, who was awarded a directorship at the Malta Freeport, and last but not least former GWU official Geitu Mercieca’s appointment to the St Vincent de Paul board.

Is this what Labour meant by meritocracy? Or didn’t they really know the real definition and used it simply as a buzz word?

Alfred Borg

Sta Venera