Speech by the Parliamentary Ombudsman during the official commemoration of the 30th anniversary

Speech by the Parliamentary Ombudsman during the official commemoration of the 30th anniversary

Published October 17, 2025

Your Excellency, Madam President
Hon Ministers
Hon Chief Justice
Excellencies
Distinguished guests
Good Evening

On behalf of the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta, I extend my deepest gratitude to Your Excellency for graciously hosting this celebratory reception.

We are extremely grateful by your presence and for your warm hospitality at the Throne Room of the Palace of the Grandmasters of the Knights of St. John in Valletta, now the Official Seat of the President of Malta.
 
I am deeply thankful to you all for joining us  to share with us the celebration of the 30th anniversary of the constitution of the Office of the Parliamentary Ombudsman of Malta. 
Indeed, this celebration has been graced by the presence of so many distinguished guests from home and abroad. 

Over the years, my precedessors: Mr Joseph Sammut, Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino and Mr Anthony Mifsud, 

The present Commissioners, Chief Justice Emeritus Vincent De Gaetano, Perit Alan Saliba 
and Professor Ray Galea, 

and former Commissioners: Professor Carmel Farrugia, the late Charles Caruana Carabez, Perit David Pace 
and Mr Charles Messina, together with present and past dedicated members of staff at the Office 
carried out their duties without fear or favour, and with an unwavering commitment to integrity. 

The strength of the institution is its proven independence, standing to be counted whenever necessary.  

The Office has been able to make a significant difference to the better in the lives of people.  This fact was made possible also because of the trust of all stakeholders.

Since March 2023 I have input my own style and passion in the running of the institution.  

However I must acknowledge that I followed the path of leadership drawn by my esteemed precedessors who laid the solid foundations upon which to continue  to build.  

I salute and acknowledge their work.
The standards that were set and the invaluable contributions that were made remain a steadfast point of guidance.

As we celebrate the past and present of the institution, we look with serenity towards the future with a renewed sense of purpose. 

The trust and support of the public inspire us to continue striving for the better in oversight. 

We are mindful that with such support comes great responsibility. 

We reaffirm today that the institution will continue to serve with integrity and fairness, and that we shall work tirelessly to justify the confidence placed in us.

Thank you.