President at Henley gala 'for charity work’

President Marie Louise Coleiro-Preca’s attendance at a Henley & Partners gala dinner in London this coming Friday was “strictly limited to charitable work”, her office has said. The President’s name appeared on the publicity brochure promoting ‘The 10th Global Residence and Citizenship Conference’ organised by Henley & Partners at The Savoy. Listed first among the ‘key speakers’, her name appears alongside other political leaders. Justice Minister Owen Bonnici is listed among the top speakers. In view of the fact that the name Henley & Partners is associated with the controversial cash-for-citizenship programme, this newspaper took up the matter with the office of the President, which immediately distanced itself from the sale of passports initiative. The office insisted that Ms Coleiro-Preca’s participation was “strictly charitable work”, explaining: “Her Excellency’s role is strictly limited to the charitable work in connection with the Global Citizen Award Committee,” a spokesman pointed out. Earlier this year, the President accepted an invitation by Henley & Partners to sit on the prize award committee of the Global Citizen Award. This initiative awards an “inspirational...