A foundation has just been set up in Qormi to promote social, educational, cultural and sporting projects for the community, as well as for philantropic purposes.

In a statement, the Qormi Foundation said it was to be run by a board of trustees chaired by Dr George Hyzler MD. The vice-chairman is Dr George Abela.

The board is composed of 21 members, among whom are the founders and the Qormi mayor in an ex officio capacity.

Those with voting rights at the AGM are the founders, members elected in a general meeting, members representing Qormi residents in Parliament, local council members, and presidents of Qormi organisations recognised by the board.

Last June MP George Hyzler was heavily criticised by the opposition for submitting an application with contractor Nazzareno Vassallo on behalf of the Qormi Foundation for the building of an old people's home on top of the Qormi health centre.

Opposition leader Alfred Sant had called the case a scandal and had accused Dr Hyzler of conflict of interest.

He had also claimed Dr Hyzler had violated the code of ethics of ministers and parliamentary secretaries, which laid down that ministers should resign from any other public office and posts in public and private companies and voluntary organisations.

Dr Hyzler had denied the allegations, saying he had no financial interest in the proposal, which involved forming a private-public partnership for the building of the home.

He had said the foundation was being set up to give a role to the community in the project, and his only interest was for the good of the community.