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James Debono
A visit by nine local councillors from the French town of Sable d’Olonne in the week of 1 and 8 September has cost the Sliema local council Lm7,000.
During the French visit, a twinning agreement between the two maritime cities was signed in which a total of Lm1,884 was spent on dinners, lunches, drinks, and receptions during these seven days of gluttony.
One particular dinner at a renowned fish restaurant in Saint Julians has cost the council an incredible sum of Lm549.
Two concerts by local band clubs have cost the council Lm800. A further Lm545 was spent on taxis, with an incredible Lm796 spent on Sable d’Olonne flags.
Contacted by MaltaToday, Sliema Mayor Albert Bonello Du Puis explained that the Sliema council was only reciprocating a similar visit by a six-person Sliema delegation in France.
He also announced another visit to Sables d’Olonne is forthcoming “to reciprocate the twinning signed in Malta.” According to the mayor, such visits provide a window of opportunity for potential EU funding and other beneficial projects – seven Sliema boys have already visited the French town to participate in a football tournament.
Sable d’Olonne is also one of the major centres for sailing clubs on the Atlantic and this could create opportunities for Maltese sailing clubs, Bonello Du Puis said. He also insisted the whole council was in agreement with the twinning agreement.
MaltaToday can confirm that councillors of all political hues have participated in all or some of the festivities marking this memorable and very costly event.
jdebono@mediatoday.com.
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