Community Chest Fund board discusses the course grant controversy

Most board members on the Malta Community Chest fund have declined to comment on the ongoing controversy concerning the charity’s decision to offer the expenses of an overseas course to a President’s aide. Only two board members gave comments, John Huber and Mario Spiteri, and the latter was not at the meeting when the suggestion was made. Mr Spiteri said he had no doubt the MCCF had acted correctly based on his own experience of the board but said more should be done to communicate. The silence was replicated by the President’s Office, which yesterday insisted it had nothing more to add to a statement issued on Tuesday. Sources told Times of Malta that the board was convened and discussed the matter during a scheduled meeting. The issue surrounds a proposal by President George Abela to the board, which he chairs, to pay the expenses for a master’s degree on eating disorders management that aide Darleen Zerafa was pursuing by distance learning from Italy. Ms Zerafa, who is also the sister of the President’s daughter-in-law, declined the offer, according to the Office of the President. Mr Huber defended the MCCF, arguing that Ms Zerafa was a competent person and that this was the...