Strict security measures at St Vincent De Paul to be relaxed, minister pledges

Strict supervision measures placed on residents at the St Vincent De Paul home for the elderly are to be "relaxed", Active Aging minister Jo Etienne Abela said on Monday.

Abela was speaking during a media briefing on the results of an internal investigation on the disappearance of Charlie Fino, also known as Karmenu and Charlie, who was caught on CCTV leaving the Luqa home at 3am on June 28. 

In his inquiry findings, retired judge Geoffrey Valenzia pinned the responsibility for Fino's disappearance on the staff on duty that night. 

St Vincent de Paul management subsequently escalated its security measures, with elderly residents ordered not to leave their wards, go for a walk or attend mass unless accompanied by a nurse, carer or relative.

Residents have spoken against the new strict measures, saying that their privacy and freedom have been stripped away from them as they are being placed under constant watch. 

Speaking on Monday afternoon, the minister said that change was afoot. 

“The measures which have been added to the home are temporary and will be relaxed because now we have peace of mind that we have more security and we are working to ensure a robust safety plan is in...