Nadur mayor lashes out at PL over ‘ghost company’ story

Nadur mayor Edward Said has accused the Labour Party of embarking on a “campaign of lies” intended to tarnish his work within the local council.

He was responding to a front-page story on Labour newspaper Kullhadd, which reported that the Nadur council had in April granted a tender to a company that used to be owned by Said’s brother Peter Said, but that was liquidated seven years ago.

The two Saids are brothers of Opposition MP and former justice minister Chris Said, as well as of former Nadur mayor Charles Said. 

The tender in question, for the use of a van, was reportedly won by Said Construction Ltd – a company whose directors were the brothers Peter Paul and Josef Said, but which was liquidated in 2009.

Kullhadd reported that the offer appeared on Peter Paul Said’s name once the tender process was complete.

The Labour Party this week called on Opposition leader Simon Busuttil to investigate how the Nadur local council had passed on 139 pieces of work, worth a total of €117,457, to Peter Paul Said while Edward and Charles Said were mayors of the village.

However, Charles Said has disassociated himself from the story, insisting that he never partakes in discussions or decisions on tenders concerning his relatives, for the sake of good governance and transparency.

“Since being elected mayor 15 months ago, I have worked non-stop on several projects and initiatives for the benefit of all Nadur residents,” he said in a statement. “Everybody who has ever worked with me knows that I am not discriminatory when carrying out my duties as mayor.”