A group of traditional Maltese boatmen (barklora) have filed a formal judicial protest in the First Hall of the Civil Court, accusing transport authorities and a private association of colluding to illegally control the sector.
The protest, filed on 14 May 2026, directly targets Transport Malta, the Ministry for Transport and Infrastructure, the State Advocate, and individuals representing an unregistered group styled as “Gฤงaqda Barklori”.
Allegations of Unregistered Monopoly
The seven plaintiffsโall licensed operators who have invested heavily in traditional boatsโclaim that certain individuals are abusing “Gฤงaqda Barklori” to advance private commercial and economic interests.
According to court documents, the association is not registered under Chapter 492 of the Laws of Malta. Despite lacking official legal standing, its leaders allegedly present themselves as the sector’s regulatory body to negotiate exclusive, preferential deals with Transport Malta.
The plaintiffs argue this directly violates Article 12(4) of Chapter 492, which strictly bans government entities from entering into public service contracts or arrangements with unregistered voluntary groups.
Aggressive “Membership Agreements”
The legal dispute escalated after the boatmen attempted to address their operating grievances with Transport Malta. They claim the state authority redirected them to “Gฤงaqda Barklori”, where they were pressured to sign a restrictive “Membership Agreement”.
The operators allege this contract is contrary to public order, citing several aggressive clauses:
- Perpetual confidentiality mandates.
- Total bans on contesting any government arrangements.
- Non-disparagement clauses and strict liability waivers protecting the committee.
- The systemic stripping of members’ rights to seek effective remedies in court.
Regulatory Status Under Review
The matter has been formally escalated to the Office of the Commissioner for Voluntary Organisations to evaluate the legality, status, and financial arrangements of the association.
The plaintiffs stress that no private structure holds the right to claim exclusive representation, distort fair competition, or dictate who can participate in the local economic sector.
Ultimatum Issued to Transport Malta
Represented by lawyers Dr Mark Muscat, Dr Errol Cutajar, and Dr Zack Esmail, the plaintiffs have issued an ultimatum to state authorities. They demand an immediate halt to all preferential treatment, the cancellation of illegal agreements, and the official issuance of their respective operating boat licenses within five days.
Should the authorities fail to act, the boatmen have warned they will pursue full civil, constitutional, and administrative litigation to claim damages for lost earnings.
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