No mention of Bonett as Kurt Farrugia breaks silence on Transport Malta departure

After dismissing recent “speculation” surrounding his departure from Transport Malta, newly-appointed Residenza Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia notably made no mention of Transport Minister Chris Bonett in a lengthy farewell post in which he thanked a host of people who had accompanied him in the latest chapter of his career. The omission is likely to fuel further questions about Farrugia’s departure from Transport Malta, particularly in light of recent reports suggesting that he left the authority following disagreements with Bonett. While Farrugia thanked Prime Minister Robert Abela, praised his successor Leonid McKay, expressed gratitude to his former colleagues, and spoke warmly of his new minister, Byron Camilleri, Bonett was conspicuously absent from the post. Instead, Farrugia insisted that recent reports about his departure amounted to “conjecture, speculation, half-truths and the occasional fact.” “Through my 18 years in politics, many of them spent in communications, I have seen just about everything,” he wrote. “That is why, over the past week or so, with all the conjecture, speculation, half-truths and the occasional fact, I chose to remain silent.” “I have always believed that not every headline deserves a reaction. Sometimes, allowing events to unfold is the best response. Once the dust settles, the full picture becomes much clearer.” “I had no intention of adding to the speculation – especially deliberate misinformation fuelled by people who chose to push falsehoods for reasons of their own. Today, the facts speak for themselves.” Farrugia described his two years as CEO of Transport Malta as “intense and rewarding”, saying he leaves “with a profound sense of pride.” He highlighted several achievements under his leadership, including the launch of the “Malta in Motion” strategy and the presentation of “a credible pathway towards mass rapid transit in Malta.” He also cited the introduction of new ferry connections, the modernisation of traffic management systems, Malta’s successful election to the International Maritime Organization, record growth in the Maltese ship and aircraft registers, and reforms that led to Transport Malta being recognised by the National Audit Office for procurement best practice, as well as receiving a Public Service Award for good governance. “For all this I thank the professionals who made all this effort work out,” he said. “None of this was achieved alone. It was made possible by the dedication, professionalism and resilience of the people at Transport Malta. They remain the authority’s greatest asset, and I am confident that the projects we started together will continue to move forward.” He also wished his successor well, saying: “I wish my good friend Leonid McKay best of luck. He is the perfect choice to continue leading the authority forward.” Announcing his move to Residenza Malta, Farrugia said he had “accepted an opportunity to lead Residenza Malta”, describing the position as one that would help Malta “attract the talent, diversify our portfolio, bringing investment and people who can contribute to our country’s next chapter of growth and success.” “The role presents a new challenge… It is a challenge that excites me enormously,” he wrote. Farrugia specifically praised Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, saying: “Minister Byron Camilleri’s vision for the agency convinced me that this is where I can make the greatest contribution in the years ahead.” He also paid tribute to the late Jonathan Cardona, saying he hoped to honour his predecessor’s legacy by building on the foundations he had left. Concluding the post, Farrugia thanked “the Prime Minister for his trust, Minister Byron Camilleri for the opportunity, and everyone I have had the privilege of working with throughout my journey at Transport Malta.” “To my colleagues and friends at TM: thank you for the memories, the battles, the achievements and the friendships.” “And to the team at Residenza Malta: I cannot wait to get started.” Despite the lengthy acknowledgements, there was no reference to Bonett, under whose ministerial responsibility Transport Malta falls, a notable omission that is likely to keep speculation over the circumstances of Farrugia’s departure alive.