The Marsaxlokk local council was found to have been 鈥渦njust鈥 when it denied a water taxi operator, who cannot remain in direct sunlight due to a medical condition, the right to set up an umbrella on shore near his boat. This was the conclusion of Ombudsman Joseph Zammit McKeon, who called on the council to allow Angel Joseph Caruana to operate his business safely and with the necessary shade. Caruana, a boat trip operator in Marsaxlokk since 2017, had approached the ombudsman after being stopped from using his typical set-up: a table, signpost and umbrella 鈥 needed to sell tickets on land. Although he had all the necessary permits from Transport Malta, in 2024 his set-up was removed, leaving him exposed to direct sunlight, which posed a health risk. Caruana had previously undergone brain surgery to remove a tumour and had medical certification advising that he avoid sun exposure. Eventually, the council announced plans to set up a centralised ticketing station for all operators. However, in May, Caruana noticed other operators using umbrellas and inquired with the police, who said he would need a council permit. When he approached the council with his berth permit from Transport Malta, he was told he had to pay a 鈧3 daily fee to use the umbrella. Caruana argued this was unfair since others were not being charged. The ombudsman found the council never justified the fee and confirmed Caruana鈥檚 case was legitimate: he had a medical condition, was a licensed operator and had complied with regulatory requirements.