Leader of the Nationalist Party Bernard Grech has noted that it is “concerning how various commitments made” by the incumbent government to traditional boatsmen, or barklori, “so far have not been kept.”

Grech, during a meeting with a number of boatsmen at the Birgu Waterfront, said that “it was only after pressure exerted by the PN that there was some progress leading to the necessary agreement.”

“The PN will continue to ensure that this agreement is implemented,” said Grech.

Grech was accompanied by the spokesperson for the Maritime sector Ivan Castillo and the spokesperson for National Heritage Julie Zahra.

The water taxi services provided by the boatsmen around Malta's Grand Harbour and the Three Cities may be threatened by the government’s plans to construct a jetty across Pinto Wharf, which is their traditional landing site.

Infrastructure Malta has begun preliminary work for the pit holes they plan to dig up on the wharf.

The boatsmen’s operations were hampered due to construction projects started with tourists less than a meter away from the boatsmen, and a barge docked on a portion of the landing site which prevents access to the jetty where people disembark.

Grech spoke about “the Maltese worker’s integral contribution to the country's economy,” and the need to “sustain the traditional culture of the country by recognizing the importance of the boatsmen.”

“It is important that the commitments made to the boatsmen are maintained so as to ensure the performance of their services in the best interest of the tourism sector,” Grech said.

“It is concerning how various commitments made so far have not been kept,” he went on.

Grech emphasized that “workers who earn their daily bread for themselves and their families from this service must be safeguarded.”

“On the other hand, instead of helping the boatmen who provide the transport service from Birgu to Valletta, the government is threatening this traditional service that has been ongoing since the time of the Knights,” Grech said.