A video uploaded to TikTok by Clinton Camilleri, known by his handle as ‘ClintonAddict’, expressed his disbelief as Sedqa’s support of the governmental proposed reform for more effective justice with drug victims. 

Clinton said that he could not believe what he was reading when Sedqa issued their agreement. He alleged that this could be why Sedqa does not have a good recovery rate. 

@clintonbugejacamilleri

I WILL CONTINUE FIGHTING TILL THE END OF MY DAYS!!!!!! NO TO DRUGS @Clinton Camilleri #malta #malta🇲🇹 #maltin #notodrugs #addiction

♬ Emotional – Bang Nono

He went on to say that he would die for this cause as the loop holes offered by the new reform worry him immensely. Clinton said that no one with the right heart would support such a reform. 

MaltaDaily reached out to Sedqa for their response and a spokesperson said that Aġenzija Sedqa ‘stresses that when one carefully reads the statement issued, and goes beyond the title as interpreted by certain media, it can be seen that Sedqa is clear that the amounts proposed by the Government should in fact be reduced.’

‘On the other hand, there are other proposals that can genuinely lead to those experiencing addiction problems getting all the help they need.’ 

‘We note that the mentioned video of Mr. Clinton Camilleri gave a wrong interpretation of the message of the Agency and we remain committed to meet with him in order to better discuss our statement. We also regret to note that Mr. Camilleri’s video went further than that. Sedqa has no thousands of people on a waiting list, much less empty services, while it does not offer any form of self-help groups. Wrong and misleading information like this can do a lot of harm to people who are thinking of starting to look for help.’

Sedqa concluded their response by saying that every worker in Sedqa has the work at heart and acts professionally. Sedqa also reported that the agency gave its comments in the videos uploaded by Camilleri but ‘these were censored and removed after a few minutes.’ 

Full response below:

In response to these comments, Aġenzija Sedqa stresses that when one carefully reads the statement issued yesterday, and goes beyond the title as interpreted by a certain section of the media, it can be seen that Sedqa is being clear that the amounts proposed by the Government should in fact be reduced. In the proposed reform, on the other hand, there are other proposals that can genuinely lead to those experiencing addiction problems, getting all the help they need. Sedqa which is the national agency will continue to be there for those who need its help. Sedqa reiterates that before commenting, one should at least read the entire content of the statement and not just the title.

We note that the mentioned video of Mr. Clinton Camilleri gave a wrong interpretation of the message of the Agency and we remain committed to meet with him in order to better discuss our statement. We also regret to note that Mr. Camilleri’s video went further than that. Sedqa has no thousands of people on a waiting list, much less empty services, while it does not offer any form of self-help groups. Wrong and misleading information like this can do a lot of harm to people who are thinking of starting to look for help. They are might be lead to believe that professional help does not exist. We assure the readers that every professional in Sedqa has the work of the Agency at heart, and acts in a professional manner. It is also good to clarify that Sedqa gave its comments in the video posts uploaded by Mr Camilleri on his social media but these were censored and removed after a few minutes.

#MaltaDaily