A manager at the National Book Council, Jasmine Bajada, made several remarks about local writers needing to “whore” themselves out in order to have a successful career. This has proven to upset quite a few individuals, namely PEN Malta.
President of PEN Malta, Immanuel Mifsud, wrote a letter to Mark Camilleri, the executive chairman at the National Book Council, addressing these remarks. He expresses how “unacceptable” it is for someone who is “employed by public funds” to make such comments. Mifsud highlights the fact that the role of Bajada should be to “help” and “promote” the book industry.
In the letter, Immanuel Mifsud urges for the situation to be addressed in a “transparent” manner. He explains how disappointing it is that instead of pushing Bajada for an official apology, the Council released one on her behalf. Mifsud states that through Bajada’s comments, she has ridiculed the Council, along with authors, publishers and critics alike.
Given that Bajada is responsible for events and activities of the Council, Mifsud says that any future activity will be tainted with “suspicion” and “distrust”, as a result of her actions.