{"id":214,"date":"2025-05-10T07:12:35","date_gmt":"2025-05-10T07:12:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=214"},"modified":"2025-06-28T11:18:54","modified_gmt":"2025-06-28T11:18:54","slug":"wens-reports","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=214","title":{"rendered":"Wens Reports"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p><strong>Journalistim Investigative Report: Crisis and Legal Breaches at Fondazzjoni Wens<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Date:<\/strong> May 2025<br><strong>Author:<\/strong> Doninu Malta Media (DMM)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Introduction<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>This Journalisim investigative report examines a series of irregularities and legal violations in the administration and takeover of Fondazzjoni Wens, a social care foundation operating residential homes for persons with disabilities in Malta. Evidence suggests arbitrary and legally questionable actions by the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations (CVO), the Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disability (CRPD), and other governmental entities, raising serious concerns about governance, accountability, and the violation of national and international laws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Background of the Situation<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Before June 2024, board member Joe Gerada submitted an internal report directly to Ms Roland Garland, Director at CRPD, bypassing the CEO of the Foundation, Mr Ronald Galea. This move contradicted the Foundation&#8217;s internal statute. Mr Gerada has a personal connection to the Foundation through his partner, who worked there as a manager. The Foundation held over \u20ac3 million in reserves earmarked for infrastructure improvements for residents.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2. Suspension of Statute and AGM\/EGM Without Due Process<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>On 10 June 2024, CVO Jesmond Saliba suspended the Foundation&#8217;s statute and its AGM\/EGM rights without due legal process. This occurred with no prior investigation, written notice, or opportunity for the Foundation to respond, violating Article 6 of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and basic administrative fairness under Maltese law (Voluntary Organisations Act, Cap. 492).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Appointment of Administrators and Conflicts of Interest<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The CVO appointed Oliver Scicluna (CEO of Agenzija Sapport) and Mark Bamber as administrators. Mr Bamber\u2019s son, who was a resident under Wens, was transferred to another facility allegedly influenced by political or personal interests. These appointments raise conflict of interest concerns under Malta&#8217;s Corporate Governance Code and ethical standards for public service.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. License Suspension and Interruption of PSP Funds<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The Social Care Standards Authority (SCSA), under pressure from the CVO, suspended the Foundation&#8217;s license without an independent inspection. SCSA CEO Ms Ruth Sciberras admitted this in internal correspondence. Concurrently, Minister Julia Farrugia halted PSP funds, severely disrupting care services. These actions may violate the Social Care Standards Act (Cap. 452), Article 32 of the Maltese Constitution, and the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Misuse of Funds: Showroom Rental<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The appointed board attempted to lease a new property in Ra\u0127al \u0120did for offices despite the Foundation already owning adequate premises. This duplication suggests possible mismanagement or misuse of public and private funds, contravening public procurement regulations and fiduciary duties.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>6. Fabricated Allegations: Legionella<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>CVO alleged the presence of legionella to justify interventions. However, lab reports from private entities disproved these claims. Dr Noel Cutajar, legal advisor for SCSA, confirmed the allegations related to an external company. This suggests misinformation and a breach of Malta&#8217;s Freedom of Information Act (Cap. 496).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>7. Board Imposition with Political and Institutional Bias<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>In December 2024, a new board was imposed by the CVO, including:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Dr Busuttil (CRPD legal director) as secretary<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Omar (personal friend of CVO) as treasurer<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Mario (garage owner leasing property to CVO) as board member<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Gorg (CRPD consultant) as member<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>These appointments suggest political clientelism and multiple conflicts of interest, violating transparency laws and the Public Administration Act (Cap. 595).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Conclusion and Recommendations<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The report concludes that the Foundation was stripped of its rights through illegal and non-transparent actions, endangering the welfare of residents with disabilities and undermining the rule of law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Recommendations:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol start=\"1\" class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Immediate independent investigation by national and EU-level authorities (e.g. OLAF).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal review of CVO and CRPD authority scope and abuse of discretionary powers.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Restoration of the Foundation\u2019s original board and governance structure.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Protection and safeguarding of residents under international disability rights frameworks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal accountability for officials involved in malpractice or misconduct.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>[End of Report]<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/6-languages-report-Wens-Cresis-roles-in-full-1.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of 6 languages report Wens Cresis - roles  in full.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-cbeb0d25-673c-4d55-9fe4-39a6e412cb5d\" href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/6-languages-report-Wens-Cresis-roles-in-full-1.pdf\">6 languages report Wens Cresis &#8211; 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autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fondazzjoni Wens - Music Activities\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wNts3zNTwOE?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Dar Mer\u0127ba\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/wjLrOYJCbz8?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-4-3 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"Fondazzjoni Wens - Birthday Activities\" width=\"525\" height=\"394\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/xwh67m1NmcI?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"\u20ac107,000 F\u2019G\u0126AJNUNA LILL-FONDAZZJONI WENS\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/9XT0IbwaCNU?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio\"><div class=\"wp-block-embed__wrapper\">\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" title=\"TMIEN G\u0126AQDIET PREMJATI G\u0126ALL-KREATTIVIT\u00c0 TAG\u0126HOM\" width=\"525\" height=\"295\" src=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/embed\/_qqGfp1kW38?feature=oembed\" frameborder=\"0\" allow=\"accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share\" referrerpolicy=\"strict-origin-when-cross-origin\" allowfullscreen><\/iframe>\n<\/div><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div data-wp-interactive=\"core\/file\" class=\"wp-block-file aligncenter\"><object data-wp-bind--hidden=\"!state.hasPdfPreview\" hidden class=\"wp-block-file__embed\" data=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Wens-statute-23032019.pdf\" type=\"application\/pdf\" style=\"width:100%;height:600px\" aria-label=\"Embed of Wens statute 23032019.\"><\/object><a id=\"wp-block-file--media-85c7f1bf-2dd6-4467-91b0-6a0ed2e78006\" href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Wens-statute-23032019.pdf\">Wens statute 23032019<\/a><a href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/Wens-statute-23032019.pdf\" class=\"wp-block-file__button wp-element-button\" download aria-describedby=\"wp-block-file--media-85c7f1bf-2dd6-4467-91b0-6a0ed2e78006\">Download<\/a><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Journalistim Investigative Report: Crisis and Legal Breaches at Fondazzjoni Wens Date: May 2025Author: Doninu Malta Media (DMM) Introduction This Journalisim investigative report examines a series of irregularities and legal violations in the administration and takeover of Fondazzjoni Wens, a social care foundation operating residential homes for persons with disabilities in Malta. Evidence suggests arbitrary and &hellip; <\/p>\n<p class=\"link-more\"><a href=\"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/?page_id=214\" class=\"more-link\">Continue reading<span class=\"screen-reader-text\"> &#8220;Wens Reports&#8221;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-214","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/214","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=214"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/214\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1433,"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/pages\/214\/revisions\/1433"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/doninu.eu\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=214"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}