The Office for Fair Trading (OFT) in Malta has received an abundance of criticism from GRTU over the past years. The major point of criticism was towards Government's inability, through negligence, or as GRTU suspected, the incapability of design and to provide OFT with good human resources capable of meeting the challenges that occur.
Some thought it strange that it was the national Traders and Retailers Union that persistently raised the alarm about OFT, particularly during the years when OFT remained effectively choked, or rather headless, when no head of OFT was appointed. GRTU had even complained to the EU Commissioner responsible for competition, but strange as that may seem the European Commission wrote that it was not up to them to insist that there should be a properly manned OFT in Malta. It’s incredible, but sadly true.
Now finally things have changed. Not only has OFT an effective head that is increasingly reaching out to meet the levels of effectiveness expected of her, but the office is also better manned and more capable of handling serious investigations. There’s still a long way to go but positive signs are there and they are very clearly marked.
Vince Farrugia on behalf of GRTU took the opportunity last Fridays at the MCESD meeting where Dr Mirielle Vella new HEAD OFT gave a good rendition of the work her office is performing, to extend GRTU’s congratulations to the OFT and to augur grater and fairer success in the months ahead.