The landmark report by the Australian Human Rights Commission into sexual assault at universities has found that 51% of students were sexually harassed at least once in 2016
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vhSl7t
via IFTTT
Monday, July 31, 2017
Australian universities called on to act on 'damning' sexual assault figures
Planning Authority’s hide-and-seek on chairman’s salary
In May, the PA had directed MaltaToday to file the FOI request in the first place. Two months later, the PA refused the request
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2viaLoK
via IFTTT
Trump dictated misleading statement on son's meeting with Russian – report
President Donald Trump personally dictated the statement his son gave on his talks with a Russian lawyer during the election campaign, US media report
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2tTwCzc
via IFTTT
Ancient statue unearthed at Cambodia's Angkor temple complex
Archaeologists have unearthed two-metre high, centuries-old statue, thought to be a symbolic entrance guardian, during an excavation of an ancient hospital
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2uQDMY1
via IFTTT
The Planning Authority has failed - Michael Briguglio
Sociologist and Sliema local councillor Michael Briguglio would not give the Planning Authority a passing grade, stressing that it has failed in concept as those sections which voice environmental and local concerns are not given a strong enough voice.
"On paper various policies are there and others can be improved. It fails, however, in looking at holistic solutions. I don't see genuine dialogue in the policy process," he said.
While not being against development if done sustainably, overdevelopment is a serious concern for the environmentalist, who highlighted a number of issues including the lack of open spaces within localities, as well as the lack of planning leading to dispersed high-rise buildings which could be seen as sticking out amidst masses of buildings.
Has the environment been given a stronger voice since the creation of the Environment and Resources Authority?
No. The ERA is understaffed and under-resourced. It is not powerful enough. The ERA should be as strong as the Planning Authority, not just one voice that the PA must consult. It also doesn't have enough personnel for research and inspection.
Some say local councils have been given more power through a seat on the board…
I disagree, the seat on the board is symbolic. It's one vote amongst many. Local councils should have a strong say in the consultation process as they are the elected representatives of residents. Their stake should be better weighted. To be fair not everything is ignored, but when local councils push forward concerns on matters such as traffic and on waste, often these are not really taken into consideration. Local councils should not be side-lined, and should be empowered.
In the policy making process, councils should also be given a stronger say. In a number of situations local councils are directly dealing with day-to-day matters that may not be appreciated by all PA board members. For example, currently there is the issue of restaurants with platforms for tables and chairs removing parking spaces.
If you had the power to reform, what would you do?
I would give the ERA more resources and a greater say on the PA boards. I would give more strength to local councils, both in terms of policy making and specific local developments. If a council shows grave concern on transport issues for example, there should be a mechanism where such concerns are given more weight. Councils deal with residents on a daily basis. There also needs to be more transparency, and the PA should not act as a rubberstamp.
One of the main arguments in the Townsquare project appeal, is that the PA rubberstamped reports it was given. The social impact assessment was flawed, and it was ten years old. The PA should go through such reports thoroughly. The consultation and planning process should not be seen as a formality.
Do you believe Malta is in a property bubble?
Yes. Malta is becoming over-reliant on this sector, resulting in higher rents for residents as well as other social and environmental impacts. Paradoxically, If demand for rented property drops, and we know much of the demand comes from foreigners coming to reside in Malta mainly for employment reasons, then the property bubble may crash to the detriment of thousands of people and financial institutions who invest in property and to workers involved directly or indirectly in this sector. The property sector is so big that if the bubble implodes, that can have severe impacts not only on developers, but on a whole range of economic sectors.
Malta needs a more sustainable economy which diversifies and does not rely too much on one sector. Government's strategy is producing growth right now, however it's like we have an economy on steroids, like driving a car without brakes. Yes when so much construction occurs there will be jobs and there will be a multiplier effect, but this cannot go on forever. It is about time to start speaking about diversifying the economy.
This is just the economic aspect. People are becoming more environmentally aware of their quality of life, the impact of traffic etc. There is also the social aspect – we are running out of areas where people can go in order to enjoy their free time. Malta is a building site. Many of us are giving too much credit to government on the economy. Yes we have good figures, but what is good in the short-term is not necessarily good in the long-term. We are too dependent on one economic sector.
What social problems exist due to the current development boom?
The price of rent is a major issue. A lot of developers bank on foreigners coming to work in gaming and other sectors, ready to pay high rent prices, and thus the rent prices go up which is a huge issue for residents on low income.
There are other factors. Do we want a situation where we have enclaves of the ultra-rich who ghettoise themselves in upper-class residences? Are we giving enough importance to the social fabric of local communities? In Qui-Si-Sana and Tigne, where high rise building is being proposed, there are communities of people who have lived there for years feeling that their voices are not strong enough. When looking at such massive development, we must look at the social fabric of the localities which cannot be measured in financial terms, but can be analysed in social terms to see what mitigation measures could occur, and having holistic consultation processes with residents amending plans if needed. This isn't an anti-development approach, but a more holistic and democratic one.
Can Sliema and St Julian's, considering traffic is basically at a standstill, take further development in any form and if yes, what can be done to alleviate the problem?
I am not anti-development, I am for regulated sustainable development. The government seems to have very little concern for alternative modes of transport. The Sliema local council is studying alternatives for further bicycle use and we were awarded government funds for this. But looking at the infrastructure and the way government plans, government doesn't seem to be very concerned with bicycles and pedestrians.
We need to place importance to residents' rights. In Sliema for example, we don't have a residents parking scheme, while other localities have. It is time for government to look into serious proposals being made by local councils. It is also time for all new developments to have sufficient parking spaces.
Another issue is locality car parks. They are under government control. Why shouldn't they be devolved to local council control, so that at funds generated could go to the council which in turn can use these funds for sustainable transport schemes. In Sliema, together with SOS Malta, we have introduced a scheme to transport elderly persons around Sliema. Local councils can invest in their own public transport schemes which alleviate the need for car use, however for such schemes councils need funds.Local councils also need more power. When speaking of development, there is a concentration of power within the Planning Authority but there is a deficit of power when it comes to local councils.
What is your opinion about open spaces within localities on the island?
On a positive note it is great that Malta is discussing public domain, and it will hopefully be a success. However, government lacks appreciation for open spaces, and it seems that every open space needs to be commercialised or taken up by the private sector.
When looking at beaches, their main purpose should be for public enjoyment and recreation. Government's mind-set is that public space can be exploited for private gain. I'm not saying the private sector cannot participate, and local councils could work with private entities to embellish areas and introduce voluntary facilities. But having a fully commercialised area, practically having to pay to swim, it's a different situation.
Open spaces help build strong resilient communities. If we want more social cohesion and integration, we need more public spaces. Sliema and St Paul's Bay have large foreign populations, which I think is quite good. However, there are issues of integration and having areas where people can interact is helpful, and builds trust, social capital.
The Paceville Master Plan seems to be in the background at the moment, but what do you think needs to change in it for the plan to become acceptable?
I believe we need a national master plan to identify impacts on other localities and to identify the purpose of this development. As it stands, it looks like a massive exercise of speculation on public land. If it were me, I would go back to the drawing board. I believe the plan has been shelved as it was so unpopular.
When speaking of massive development on a small island we need a holistic vision on transport and open spaces. If Paceville is developed as it was proposed, it will have an impact on other areas as well. Some developers would argue that there is a demand, and that it would be good for the economy, but is it the best option to focus most of our economic decision making on development and construction?
What about the visual impact of massive developments, what effect would it have on tourism and on the Maltese people, if any?
Visual impact is subjective. It is disturbing to see photomontages of a highrisemushrooming the rest of the skyline, looking like phallic symbols. There is no holistic plan and the PA looks at them as one-off proposals. Next to Townsquare there is Fort Cambridge. Holistically it wasn't taken into account. We need to take a step back and see whether this is the way forward. What is visually ugly or appealing is very subjective. The photomontages of Sliema and Gzira look like something out of the third world, where there is a mass of buildings and suddenly something cropping up in the middle. Is this the kind of planning we really have?
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vhMXRS
via IFTTT
Drunk-driver stopped by cement pots from hitting pedestrians by Swieqi cafe
Mosta man driving under the influence hit two cars and cement pots outside a Swieqi cafeteria late Sunday evening
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2uSQPX3
via IFTTT
Adrian Delia denies claims of late PN membership payment
A contender for the Nationalist Party leadership has denounced what he claims are underhanded attacks coming out of party headquarters, over a picture of the PN's membership list showing that he had not paid his party membership for the past two years
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2hjlUQW
via IFTTT
Is technology making us dumber or smarter? Yes
The smartphone in your hand enables you to record a video, edit it and send it around the world. With your phone, you can navigate in cities, buy a car, track your vital signs and accomplish thousands of other tasks. And so?
Each of those activities used to demand learning specific skills and acquiring the necessary resources to do them. Making a film? First, get a movie camera and the supporting technologies (film, lights, editing equipment). Second, learn how to use them and hire a crew. Third, shoot the movie. Fourth, develop and edit the film. Fifth, make copies and distribute them.
Now all of those tasks are solved by technology. We need no longer learn the intricate details when the smartphone programmers have taken care of so much. But filmmakers are now freer to focus on their craft, and it is easier than ever to become a filmmaker. Historically, technology has made us individually dumber and individually smarter – and collectively smarter. Technology has made us able to do more while understanding less about what we are doing, and has increased our dependence on others.
These are not recent trends, but part of the history of technology since the first humans began to farm. In recent decades, three major changes have accelerated the process, starting with the increasing pace of humans specializing in particular skills. In addition, we outsource more skills to technological tools, like a movie-making app on a smartphone, that relieve us of the challenge of learning large amounts of technical knowledge. And many more people have access to technology than in the past, allowing them to use these tools much more readily.
Specialized knowledgeSpecialization enables us to become very good at some activities, but that investment in learning – for example, how to be an ER nurse or computer coder – comes at the expense of other skills like how to grow your own food or build your own shelter.
As Adam Smith noted in his 1776 "Wealth of Nations," specialization enables people to become more efficient and productive at one set of tasks, but with a trade-off of increased dependence on others for additional needs. In theory, everyone benefits.
Specialization has moral and pragmatic consequences. Skilled workers are more likely to be employed and earn more than their unskilled counterparts. One reason the United States won World War II was that draft boards kept some trained workers, engineers and scientists working on the home front instead of sending them to fight. A skilled machine tool operator or oil-rig roustabout contributed more to winning the war by staying at home and sticking to a specialized role than by heading to the front with a rifle. It also meant other men (and some women) donned uniforms and had a much greater chance of dying.
Making machines for the rest of usIncorporating human skills into a machine – called "blackboxing" because it makes the operations invisible to the user – allows more people to, for example, take a blood pressure measurement without investing the time, resources and effort into learning the skills previously needed to use a blood pressure cuff. Putting the expertise in the machine lowers the barriers to entry for doing something because the person does not need to know as much. For example, contrast learning to drive a car with a manual versus an automatic transmission.
Mass production of blackboxed technologies enables their widespread use. Smartphones and automated blood pressure monitors would be far less effective if only thousands instead of tens of millions of people could use them. Less happily, producing tens of millions of automatic rifles like AK-47s means individuals can kill far more people far more easily compared with more primitive weapons like knives.
More practically, we depend on others to do what we cannot do at all or as well. City dwellers in particular depend on vast, mostly invisible structures to provide their power, remove their waste and ensure food and tens of thousands of other items are available.
Overreliance on technology is dangerousA major downside of increased dependence on technologies is the increased consequences if those technologies break or disappear. Lewis Dartnell's "The Knowledge" offers a delightful (and frightening) exploration of how survivors of a humanity-devastating apocaplyse could salvage and maintain 21st-century technologies.
Just one example of many is that the U.S. Naval Academy just resumed training officers to navigate by sextants. Historically the only way to determine a ship's location at sea, this technique is being taught again both as a backup in case cyberattackers interfere with GPS signals and to give navigators a better feel of what their computers are doing.
How do people survive and prosper in this world of increasing dependence and change? It's impossible to be truly self-reliant, but it is possible to learn more about the technologies we use, to learn basic skills of repairing and fixing them (hint: always check the connections and read the manual) and to find people who know more about particular topics. In this way the Internet's vast wealth of information can not only increase our dependence but also decrease it (of course, skepticism about online information is never a bad idea). Thinking about what happens if something goes wrong can be a useful exercise in planning or a descent into obsessive worrying.
Individually, we depend more on our technologies than ever before – but we can do more than ever before. Collectively, technology has made us smarter, more capable and more productive. What technology has not done is make us wiser.
Jonathan Coopersmith, Texas A&M University
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2tTU7YS
via IFTTT
Doctors Without Borders reject Italy's migrant rescue rules
Doctors Without Borders and others refused Monday to sign onto a new code of conduct drafted by Italy's Interior Ministry for non-governmental organizations rescuing migrants at sea, as Italy seeks to increase security amid the unrelenting flow of migrant arrivals.
Italy's government drafted the code after allegations emerged that some nonprofits were cooperating with migrant traffickers. Authorities have said that organizations that didn't sign the code would risk being denied access to Italian ports.
Humanitarian groups sought changes in the government's draft, objecting especially to rules requiring that they allow armed police to board their vessels and that they don't transfer migrants to other ships, but bring them back to port themselves.
Doctors Without Borders director Gabriele Eminente said in Rome that the humanitarian group refused to accept allowing armed police aboard, saying the presence of weapons "conflicts with the principals we have throughout the world."
According to the European Union's border patrol agency Frontex, NGOs account for some 40 percent of sea rescues. Hundreds of thousands of migrants are brought to Italy each year after being rescued in the central Mediterranean after embarking from Libya in unseaworthy smugglers' boats.
The aid groups say allegations that they are cooperating with migrant smugglings make their risky job even more dangerous by undermining trust in their work.
Just two of about 10 organizations, Save the Children and MOAS, agreed to the rules. Save the Children said its ship, Vos Hestia, already operates "in great part" in accordance with the new code.
Also refusing to sign were the German groups Jugend Rettet and Sea Watch, which both argued that the rules violate the law of the sea, according to the news agency ANSA. It quoted Titus Molkenbur of Jugend Rettet as saying that the code "doesn't help us do our work, which is to save human lives."
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2hj87K1
via IFTTT
Trump fires Anthony Scaramucci after just 10 days
Anthony Scaramucci, a colorful and controversial figure, was brought on during the latest in a long list of White House shake ups
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2tZ7B9Y
via IFTTT
Sam Shepard, Pulitzer-winning playwright, is dead at 73
Sam Shepard, the Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright, Oscar-nominated actor and celebrated author whose plays chronicled the explosive fault lines of family and masculinity in the American West, has died. He was 73.
Family spokesman Chris Boneau said Monday that Shepard died Thursday at his home in Kentucky from complications related to Lou Gehrig's disease, or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
The taciturn Shepard, who grew up on a California ranch, was a man of few words who nevertheless produced 44 plays and numerous books, memoirs and short stories. He was one of the most influential playwrights of his generation: a plain-spoken poet of the modern frontier who combined ruggedness with lyricism.
In his 1971 one-act "Cowboy Mouth, which he wrote with his then girlfriend, musician and poet Patti Smith, one character says, "People want a street angel. They want a saint but with a cowboy mouth" — a role the tall and handsome Shepard fulfilled for many.
"I was writing basically for actors," Shepard told The Associated Press in a 2011 interview. "And actors immediately seemed to have a handle on it, on the rhythm of it, the sound of it, the characters. I started to understand there was this possibility of conversation between actors and that's how it all started."
Shepard's Western drawl and laconic presence made him a reluctant movie star, too. He appeared in dozens of films — many of them Westerns — including Terrence Malick's "Days of Heaven," ''Steel Magnolias," ''The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford" and 2012's "Mud." He was nominated for an Oscar for his performance as astronaut Chuck Yeager in 1983's "The Right Stuff." Among his most recent roles was the Florida Keys patriarch of the Netflix series "Bloodline."
But Shepard was best remembered for his influential plays and his prominent role in the off-Broadway movement. His 1979 play "Buried Child" won the Pulitzer for drama. Two other plays — "True West" and "Fool for Love" — were nominated for the Pulitzers as well, and are frequently restaged.
"I always felt like playwriting was the thread through all of it," Shepard said in 2011. "Theater really when you think about it contains everything. It can contain film. Film can't contain theater. Music. Dance. Painting. Acting. It's the whole deal. And it's the most ancient. It goes back to the Druids. It was way pre-Christ. It's the form that I feel most at home in, because of that, because of its ability to usurp everything."
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vfEuyy
via IFTTT
Tears in the dock as homeless man is charged with robbing same shop four times
A young man, who was raised in an orphanage and is homeless, was caught by the police after stealing the same shop four times
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2f15KdW
via IFTTT
Man’s sentence halved due to victim’s contributory negligence
A man sentenced to two years imprisonment for causing the death of a motorist who crashed into his crane has had his sentence halved on appeal.
The basis of the reduction in sentencing was due to the victim's contributory negligence.
The tragic incident took place on 6 October 2007, when Baskal Saliba, 61 from Gozo, set up a crane in Ghajn Qatet Street, Victoria, without first getting the required council permit.
The following morning at roughly 4am, a car being driven by Sammy Spiteri collided head on with the base of the crane, causing the structure to tilt sideways. The car, a Mitsubishi Lancer, was smashed after the concrete blocks serving as counterweights fell onto the roof, crushing the driver.
Following the incident, Saliba had been arraigned in court for having, through negligence and non-observance of regulations, caused the death of the victim. He was also charged with damaging third party property.
The courts found him guilty and sentenced him to two-years imprisonment last July, also ordering him to pay court expenses amounting to €1,829.
In the appeal, the accused argued that Spiteri, the victim, was under the influence of ecstasy when he crashed into the crane.
An autopsy had confirmed that there were traces of ecstasy in the victim's system. It also confirmed that the cause of death as a perforated lunch. Saliba's defence team argued that the victim put himself in danger by placing himself behind the wheel while under the influence of ecstasy.
Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri, presiding over the case, confirmed the conviction reached by the first court, chastised the accused from considering himself to be above the law by not acquiring the necessary permit.
The Court of Appeal confirmed the guilty sentencing, and reduced the sentencing due to the victim's contributory negligence.
Inspector Josric Mifsud prosecuted.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vg06uN
via IFTTT
University to ‘discuss and deliberate’ education ombudsman recommendations
Following a report that showed O level candidates with ADHD, autism and dyslexia had half the success rate, the University of Malta has pledged to improve access arrangements
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vbaGn6
via IFTTT
Man found guilty of shaking child, resulting in brain damage, appeals
A man who was found guilty of shaking his partner's infant child, causing brain damage, has filed a request for appeal.
The appeal was filed by lawyers Franco Debono, Marion Camilleri and Amadeus Cachia on behalf of footballer Rotimi Williams Akande.
Akande was sentenced to 14-years imprisonment earlier this year, and his lawyers argue, among other things, that there were alternative medical explanations for the baby's injuries.
Prior to being jailed, Akande was in a relationship with Abiola Olowoshile Abiola. Abiola had broken up with her prior boyfriend (the infant's father) and moved into Akande's apartment, together with her baby, back in February 2013.
The baby was left at home with Akande on 15 April who, the police say, shook the child to stop him crying. This, police argue, resulted in the baby bleeding internally due to being violently shaken. Akande had then placed the baby back in the bed, and later at noon called his girlfriend saying the baby wasn't moving. The baby received neurosurgery in hospital, but suffers permanent brain damage. The court was also told that Akande had violently shaken the child before, and that he was treated in hospital two weeks earlier.
In the appeal application, Akande's lawyers argue that there were instances when the baby had fallen off the bed and was taken to the doctor, bleeding from his mouth and nose.
It also cites that on 3 April, he heard the child coughing and vomiting from the mouth and nose, and the child was taken to hospital.
The application also read that the court found him guilty of attempted willful homicide and grievous bodily harm, which his lawyers argue are convictions which require different criminal intents.
His lawyers argue that the mother herself had forgotten to tell the medical expert that the baby fell of the bed in the days which led up to the incident.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2uc4SVQ
via IFTTT
Vlog: The beautiful side of Lebanon
Yesterday we planned a trip to Byblos, an ancient city in the North eastern coast of Lebanon. The intention was to also involve the volunteers participating in our classes in order to spend some time together and continue to build up our relationship beyond the classroom walls.
However, in what was a sort of domino-effect, out of 30 participants who had shown interest in joining us earlier through the week, one after the other one declined until it was only us eight and the hosting family who were ready for the trip.
In any case, we still enjoyed our time, although we still couldn't help feeling disappointed as we were all looking forward to get to know each other more. It seems that we will have to resort to the last twelve hours spread over the last four remaining days to give our best in making the project a success.
On the other hand… from our end we enjoyed it immensely and naturally had our little adventures along the way. Through selfie positions and other camera angles we managed to capture a lot of the scenery which you enjoy in the video above as well.
Another experience… another truth!
An unexpected vista caught my eye yesterday. On our way back home, we passed through the coast-road of Beirut surrounded with high class areas of a modern city, similar to our Sliema front with longer stretches. This part of the city was rebuilt from ashes within the last 20 years just after the civil war.
Our aim was to reach Raouche - a touristic landmark, where despite all the natural elements and beautiful scenarios, piles of rubbish are left over by the Syrian immigrants. This perfectly illustrates the Syrian crisis and its effect on the citizens.
The Lebanese citizens are forced to choose other places rather than free public spaces since the huge number of Syrian asylum-seekers are taking given preference for the free spots. Take note, here we might be speaking about illegal immigrants and not refugees since much of the refugees live on the outskirts of the city or other rural areas which are drastically cheaper. This is one face of the story which gives those in true need a mistakenly bad name and are being treated like the others who, in spite of having everything, still try to manipulate the rest.
I'll stop with this thought for today and allow you time to enjoy the video. perhaps one more time… it speaks more than a thousand words! After a well deserved break, it is now time to put all our charged energy back into the project… off to prepare!
Adrian Cassar
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2hgJOfC
via IFTTT
Homeless man jailed on drug trafficking charges
A homeless man has been jailed for almost two years after he pleaded guilty to trafficking heroin and to possession of three illegal substances
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2uQmUir
via IFTTT
University of Malta to discuss Ombudsman’s report on examinations
The University of Malta (UM) welcomed the Ombudsman's Report on Examinations Access Arrangements (EAA) for MATSEC's examinations, GOOD: COULD BE BETTER.
In a statement, the University said the recommendations of the Ombudsman will be discussed objectively and further deliberated so as to adopt any or all of these measures that are considered to be effective and compatible with the objectives of the assessment.
The Ombudsman rightly noted that a number of measures have already been adopted. UM shall strive to continue to improve these access arrangements, to engage with students and parents, and to take into account expert advice and international practice. This is done with a view to adopting further support that does not impact negatively the integrity of the examination system. Moreover, the UM will seek to solicit government for new funds in support of these measures the university said.
It ought to be noted that MATSEC surveys carried out in 2016, 2017 (soon to be published) show that the great majority of students rated the currently provided EAAs to be 'very helpful' or 'helpful'. The UM's Access - Disability Support Committee (ADSC) reiterates that since EAAs regard students with a wide spectrum of abilities and needs, a one-size-fits-all approach is inadequate. Indeed, each application is processed on its own merits and often meetings are held with educators, students and parents individually to give each applicant careful and due consideration.
The use of technology is already allowed during examinations: for example, calculators are permitted in all relevant exams, while computer use is granted to specific students, certified by professionals in the field.
It should be noted that the results achieved by candidates with disability in SEC examinations are comparable with those obtained by similar GCSE candidates in the UK. (http://ift.tt/2vf5M84)
In view of the forthcoming implementation of the Learning Outcomes Framework, it is envisaged that examination procedures will change, the university said. This will include continuous assessment in subjects at SEC level for all candidates and not just for those requiring EAAs.
The University of Malta will continue to strive to address requests for EAAs as considerately as possible. UM will continue to audit processes regularly and to keep abreast of developments in the field of disabilities, so that parents and students may remain confident that the support provided is in their best interest.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2tQEFwF
via IFTTT
Jailed father of shaken baby files appeal against 14-year sentence
A father who was jailed for 14 years after being found guilty of shaking his partner's infant and leaving him severely brain damaged, has filed an appeal against his conviction and sentence
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vlqa8w
via IFTTT
Sentence for fatal crane collapse halved on appeal after court finds contributory negligence
A two-year sentence for a man convicted of negligently causing the death of a motorist was halved on appeal after the judge observed that there was an element of contributory negligence on the part of the deceased
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2f0EcFM
via IFTTT
Prison inmate claims he lost transplanted kidney because of poor medical treatment
A prison inmate claimed today that he lost a transplanted kidney because of inadequate treatment by the authorities.
Christopher Bartolo, 36, from Fontana, last April was sentenced to five years in jail and fined €15,000 after he admitted to trafficking 1.5kg of cannabis resin rather than undergo trial by jury.
The criminal court heard how Bartolo had resorted to cannabis as a form of painkiller following his diagnosis of end-stage kidney disease.
His condition had deteriorated and he ended up wheelchair bound. He had turned to drug trafficking.
While awaiting trial, Bartolo benefited from a kidney donation. Following the transplant procedure, he once again became gainfully occupied, settled down and set up a family.
He claims that all this progress was allegedly lost upon his admission to prison.
Denying him anti-rejection drugs normally prescribed to transplant patients as well as not having regular dialysis meant that the man's transplanted kidney went to waste.
The inmate filed a judicial protest against the director of the Corradino Correctional Facility, the Justice Minister and the Attorney General.
They were called upon to ensure that Mr Bartolo received all the necessary medical care during his stay in prison.
Failure to do so signified that they would face criminal and civil liability for any negative consequences suffered by the applicant.
Lawyer Maxilene Pace signed the judicial protest.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vYeINe
via IFTTT
Farrugia wants PN leadership contest open to all members, fears it is hijacked by clique
Partit Demokratiku Leader Marlene Farrugia believes that her party has the right to be involved in the Nationalist Party leadership race even though PD is a completely different entity.
In comments to The Malta Independent, following a press conference on the launch of a PD campaign of rape victims support, Farrugia said that not only she or any member of her party, but every PN member has the right to choose a leader of the Opposition.
"We believe that when a party leader is chosen, everyone should have a say. Because that choice will eventually affect the way the country is run. We have the duty to speak freely."
Taking into consideration that the PN's structure does not allow for every citizen in Malta to vote for a new PN leader, Farrugia insists that now is the right time to change these structures and make the vote open for all.
"If these changes or not made now, if the public is not participating, they will feel excluded. It does not make sense that a party which suffered two consecutive staggering defeats, such changes do not happen. Until these changes come into place and PD, as a new party, starts to grow, the government is doing whatever it wants with no Opposition."
Farrugia also said she believes that this leadership election is already hijacked by the usual clique. "Widen the voting process if you want to have a real change," she added.
Marlene Farrugia's fresh comments come only a couple of days after calling on the PN to suspend the leadership race and to have PD involved further.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2f0xsrs
via IFTTT
Authorities to clamp down on vehicles with irregular foreign number plates
Such vehicles can only be driven by non-resident and can only be on the road for up to seven months, said Transport Malta
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2uMRJ97
via IFTTT
Brexit: Free movement with EU will end in March 2019
Free movement of people between Britain and the European Union will end in March 2019 when Britain leaves the bloc, according to UK Prime Minister Theresa May's spokesperson
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vluPHv
via IFTTT
Elderly passengers injured in Zejtun crash
At least seven passengers have been taken to Mater Dei Hospital after a minibus crashed into a wall, in Zejtun
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2tW3trp
via IFTTT
Woman seriously injured in two-storey construction site fall
A 42-year-old woman from Imġarr was seriously injured this morning when she fell from a height of two storeys in Mellieha.
The accident took place at around 1120 at a construction site in Triq Louis Wettinger, the police said.
She was taken to Mater Dei Hospital by ambulance. The case is being investigated.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vb6xQ8
via IFTTT
OLAF helps Member States seize 140 million cigarettes, detain 32 smugglers
The combined efforts of the European Anti-Fraud Office and Member States led to the seizure of 140 million so-called cheap whites in six countries and the subsequent arrest of 32 people, OLAF said in a statement today.
"When smuggled cigarettes find their way into the black market, they cause losses to the European Union (EU) and to national budgets. The European Anti-Fraud Office (OLAF) and its partners fight hard to stop smuggling at the EU doorstep, while working to dismantle the criminal networks benefitting from the illegal trade. In just three months, the combined efforts of OLAF and Member States led to the seizure of 140 million so-called cheap whites in six countries and the subsequent arrest of 32 people."
OLAF said it had played different roles in the operations, "often bringing about the big picture and tying the knots between services and pieces of intelligence."
"These operations made a solid contribution to thwarting the flow of illegal cigarettes inside the European Union by going to the core of problem, the criminal networks," OLAF Director-General Giovanni Kessler said.
Operations spanned several months and took place in a number of European countries. With OLAF's support, Belgian Customs halted a shipment carrying 90 million cheap whites from Egypt in May at the Port of Antwerp.
Spain was the stage of three separate operations between May and July. The Spanish Customs had received information about a consignment arriving at the Port of Barcelona for from the United States (US). Although loaded with illegal cigarettes, the smugglers had planned to declare their cargo as plastic scrap chips. Upon arrival, the cargo was purposely not controlled and aloud to leave the Port of Barcelona so that the original recipient could be identified, leading to the arrest of three individuals and the seizure of 3.7 million cheap whites.
Nine arrests were made in another operation based on OLAF's intelligence, this time involving a shipment arriving at the Port of Valencia in July. Misdeclared as plastic shoes, nine million American Legend cigarettes were seized.
Later that month, OLAF provided the Spanish Customs with information on a suspicious airfreight cigarette shipment from the United Arab Emirates (UAE), heading for Barcelona El Prat Airport. As a result, 1.8 million Manchester cigarettes were seized.
Persistence proved to be a key factor when OLAF and the Lithuanian customs started surveilling a suspicious shipment in early May. The information gathered through the Anti-Fraud Transit Information System (ATIS) led the Romanian Border Police, whom the two bodies were cooperating with, to seize 1.2 million Marble cigarettes and arrest six individuals at the end of June.
Summer also ended early for smugglers in Greece, as OLAF triggered the confiscation of over 14 million President cigarettes by the Greek authorities in Thessaloniki in July. The smugglers had tried to mislead track-and-trace efforts by swapping transport documents with another container allegedly carrying plastic bags. The close collaboration with both EU Member States and with third countries was key to uncovering this modus operandi.
In the framework of the Hercules III programme on technical assistance, OLAF also cooperated with the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), raiding an illegal production factory and subsequently arresting 14 people. Initial estimates by the Dutch authorities point to roughly 5 million cigarettes seized, preventing the loss of circa EUR 1 million in customs, VAT and excise duties.
In addition to the operations taking place in the EU, OLAF also collaborated with the Ukrainian State Fiscal Service and, thanks to a swift exchange of information, seized more than 12.5 million Regina cigarettes and yet another 2.5 million cheap whites at the EU external border.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2uQgTSM
via IFTTT
Clampdown on irregular foreign-plate-vehicles - Transport Malta
Transport Malta clamped a number of irregular foreign plated vehicles during the weekend in the latest effort to minimise abuse, the entity said in a statement.
A legal notice enacted a few weeks ago enabled Transport Malta to re-introduce clamping in Malta, a tool that will greatly help the Authority to enforce the rule of law on our roads. Despite numerous roadside checks by Transport Malta and the Police, a number of individuals abused the system by keeping irregular foreign-plate-vehicles on Maltese roads, parking irregularly, causing obstruction and possibly causing accidents that could not be traced back to the perpetrator. The authorities had no way of tracing the owners of foreign-plate-vehicles in case of minor offences.
Transport Malta will be doing random patrols on foreign-plate-vehicles and follow up on reports to curtail abuses. Transport Malta officials will clamp irregular cars and affix a sticker with information. The owner can call a phone number and an official will remove the clamps upon the payment of a fee of €180. If the owner does not reclaim the vehicle it will be towed and additional fees will apply.
A vehicle with a foreign plate can only be driven by a non-resident and can circulate on Maltese roads for up to 7 months within a period of 12 months.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vas7UO
via IFTTT
Woman, 42, injured in construction site fall
A woman from Mgarr was rushed to Mater Dei Hospital after falling a height of one storey at a construction site in Mellieha
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2tWbLPP
via IFTTT
Brexit: Free movement of people to end in March 2019, UK PM’s spokesman says
Free movement of EU citizens to Britain will end when the country leaves the EU in March 2019, Downing Street has said.
The comments came after days of confusion and Cabinet splits over the crucial issue of immigration after Brexit, Sky News reports.
The spokesman said that proposals for a new immigration system after Brexit will be brought forward "in due course" and added: "It would be wrong to speculate on what these might look like or to suggest that free movement will continue as it is now."
Last week Chancellor Philip Hammond said there should be no immediate change to immigration rules when Britain leaves the bloc.
Hammond said there would be a registration system in place for people coming to work in the UK during a transitional period after Brexit.
But in an interview for The Sunday Times, International Trade Secretary Liam Fox said that any such move would "not keep faith" with the referendum result.
As senior members of the Government appeared to contradict each for days over Brexit plans, the spokesman said there is "broad agreement" in the Government to make Brexit as smooth as possible".
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2wdoHxF
via IFTTT
Gozitan facing slow death in prison after kidney treatment is stopped
The man filed a judicial protest this morning arguing that the situation was 'illegal and a violation of his basic human rights'
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2tQMGSa
via IFTTT
HSBC Bank Malta reports €26m profit in first half of 2017; retains 65% dividend payout ratio
HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. reported a profit before tax of €25.9m for the six months ended 30 June 2017 compared with €41.3m for the same period in 2016. This represents a decrease of €15.4m or 37% on the previous period.
The reported results for the first six months of 2016 included the gain on disposal of €10.8m arising on the sale of the bank's membership interest in Visa Europe. "This was a significant event and therefore the income related to this transaction is excluded from the adjusted results to analyse the underlying business performance," the bank said in a statement.
"The performance during the first six months of 2017 was adversely impacted by persistent low interest rates, risk management actions and increased compliance costs but was in line with the management's expectations."
Profit attributable to shareholders amounted to €16.9m resulting in earnings per share of 4.7 cents compared with 7.5 cents in the first half of 2016. The Board proposes to maintain the current dividend pay-out ratio of 65% and recommends an interim gross dividend of 4.7 cents per share (3.0 cents per share net of tax). The interim dividend will be paid on 11 September 2017 to shareholders who are on the bank's register as at 10 August 2017.
"All three main business lines, Retail Banking and Wealth Management, Commercial Banking and Global Markets, continued to be profitable during the six month period under review," the bank said.
Andrew Beane, Director and Chief Executive Officer of HSBC Malta, commented on the business performance and strategy execution: "Performance during the first half of the year was in line with management expectations. After adjusting for the gain from the sale of our interest in Visa Europe, profits were lower due to the ongoing impact of negative interest rates and the bank's prioritisation of compliance actions."
"The bank made further notable progress with the implementation of our strategy, particularly with regards to our commitment to run HSBC to the highest global standards of financial crime compliance. While these actions can reduce profitability in the short term, they are fundamental to protect long-term value for shareholders and to fulfil HSBC's obligation to protect the integrity of the financial system, and its connections to international markets, on which the country's economy depends," he said.
"I am acutely conscious that achieving our high standards of compliance can, in the short term, cause some inconvenience to customers, particularly where we require updated and additional information from them. However I believe that being part of an institution with HSBC's high standards will increasingly give our customers confidence about the protection that our standards offer to them as users of the financial system. And for business customers, ensuring full compliance with the requirements of the international financial system will become a consideration of growing strategic importance for Boards and Management Teams to support and protect their own growth."
Beane added: "A number of notable announcements of new and enhanced HSBC services will be made in the second half of this year. These build on the good progress made within our insurance company, which is already benefiting from recent improvements to our product range."
He said that HSBC's capital and liquidity position remains "extremely robust in line with our conservative risk culture which enabled us to continue to distribute dividends to our shareholders, sustaining a 65% payout ratio."
Net interest income decreased to €60.3m compared with €63.9m in the same period in 2016. "The persisting low interest rate environment continued to impact the bank's performance – the yields on all interest earning assets continued to decline resulting in a lower interest income which was partly offset by lower funding costs," the bank said in its statement.
Non-interest income (fees and commissions and trading income) was down 15.3% compared with the same period in 2016 as a result of the risk management actions taken by the bank to align its portfolio with the established risk appetite and high compliance standards.
Operating expenses of €52.2m remained broadly in line with the prior period.
"Net impairment charges of €4.3m were slightly higher than in the first half of 2016. The bank maintains a conservative provisioning approach and raised impairments in relation to a number of long-outstanding mortgage exposures. At the same time, the bank holds adequate collateral against these exposures and expects to have recoveries in future. Overall asset quality remained satisfactory and total non-performing loans further declined from €216m to €191m during the first six months of 2017," the bank said.
HSBC Life Assurance (Malta) Limited reported a profit before tax of €4.4m compared with €2m in the first half of 2016.
Financial position and capital
The total assets of the Group decreased to €7,068m as at 30 June 2017. "This was attributable to the reduction in the loans and advances to customers and the decrease in interbank placements."
"Net loans and advances to customers stood at €3,222m, €98m or 3% lower than at 31 December 2016. The decline was in the corporate loan book driven primarily by early repayments by several clients who secured alternative funding through bond issuance. At the same time, the mortgage book continued to demonstrate healthy growth. Lending margins remained under pressure due to sustained competition and low interest rates. "
"The bank's available-for-sale investment portfolio increased by 5% to €1,105m. It is composed of highly rated securities and is conservatively positioned with the lowest investment grade of A-."
Customer accounts were €4,870m as at 30 June 2017, €131m or 2.6% lower than at 31 December 2016. The decrease was primarily attributable to the withdrawal of a limited number of large corporate deposits which were temporarily placed with the bank. Core funding in the form of retail deposits increased further by €75m during the first six months of 2017.
The bank's liquidity position remained broadly unchanged with the conservative advances-to-deposits ratio standing at 66%.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vaJ2H3
via IFTTT
How would a Charlie Gard story unfold in Malta?
The heart-wrenching story of Charlie Gard, the terminally ill British baby whose parents fought for the right to take him to the US for experimental, extraordinary treatment but whose request was denied by the courts, has raised many ethical issues.
Charlie Gard passed away on Friday night, just one week shy of his first birthday.
The case attracted a great deal of international attention, including that of Pope Francis, British Prime Minister Theresa May and US President Donald Trump. In a bid to determine how Malta would or should react in such a case, The Malta Independent on Sunday spoke to a number of professionals to gain their informed perspective on the case.
Professor of Family Medicine, Bioethics & Patient's Rights Pierre Mallia said that, in such a scenario, an issue from an ethical perspective is that doctors are obliged to consider whether treatment is futile. "The distinction, as in this case, of whether a treatment is futile or simply extraordinary can be difficult," he said, "and a decision in the best interest of the patient has to be taken."
'Extraordinary' treatment is used to describe means or measures which are usually not available and do not offer a reasonable hope of benefit and cause unbearable pain and suffering. 'Ordinary' treatment is used to describe the means of prolonging life which are available, offer a reasonable hope of benefit and do not cause unbearable pain and suffering.
Prof. Mallia added that whether to accept extraordinary treatment or not is another issue. "People need not accept extraordinary treatment; in this case parents decide on behalf of the child. In the Charlie Gard case, the parents chose this extraordinary care," he said.
Charlie Gard's story
Eleven-month-old Charlie Gard was found to have a rare genetic condition shortly after he was born in August 2016. The disease is a rare genetic condition called mitochondrial DNA depletion syndrome (MDDS), which causes loss of muscle function and brain damage.
Charlie was being treated at London's Great Ormond Street Hospital, where decisions regarding his care were taken to various law courts where the eventual ruling to take him off life support was against the wishes of his parents, Chris Gard and Connie Yates.
The parents campaigned to keep Charlie alive on life support and travel to the United States for experimental treatment; however, the courts maintained the experimental treatment was "unjustified" and might cause Charlie more suffering without doing anything to help him.
The experimental treatment, called nucleoside therapy, had shown success in reducing the symptoms of some types of mitochondrial disease in laboratory mice. The treatment has also been administered to a small number of children who had also shown improvement. However, the treatment had never been used on either mice or humans with the type of mitochondrial disease which Charlie suffered from, according to court documents.
At its heart, the case pitted the right of parents to decide what is best for their children against the authorities' responsibility to uphold the rights of people who cannot speak for themselves. Under British law, children have rights independent of their parents, and it is usual for courts to intervene when parents and doctors disagree on the treatment of a child.
Last week, Charlie's parents abandoned their battle for treatment, saying time had run out and the proposed therapy would no longer be effective because Charlie had severe and irreversible muscular damage. "We are about to do the hardest thing that we will ever have to do, which is to let our beautiful little Charlie go," Chris Gard said.
The couple insisted that Charlie could have been helped had he received the treatment sooner.
Following the parents' end of the legal battle, a judge ruled that Charlie must be moved to hospice care and be taken off life support.
Direction from court sought when there's 'unusual case' of parent/doctor disagreement - Health Minister
Minister for Health Chris Fearne explained to The Malta Independent on Sunday that in the unlikely case where there is disagreement between parents and medical professionals, the court's advice is sought.
"Medical treatment to minors, under 16 years of age, requires parental or a guardian's consent at all stages. In the unusual case where there is disagreement between the parents and medical professionals, direction from the court is sought," he said.
Bioethics professor Pierre Mallia added that in the case of Charlie Gard, the courts took a decision which, in their view was in the best interest of the child. "They have a very robust health care system where social services can take the parent to court, (as in the case of the Maltese Siamese twins), when they feel that a decision which is not in the best interest of the children is being taken," he said.
He added that the offered treatment and parental rights must also be taken into consideration.
"Given that innovative treatment was being offered is something that the court had to take into consideration," he said. "From a moral point of view, we also have to respect parental rights in my opinion. But there is a difference between moral issues and applying the law in a court of justice."
These situations 'are not uncommon' in paediatric intensive care unit
When contacted, paediatrician Joseph Mizzi told The Malta Independent on Sunday that such delicate situations are not rare.
"These situations are not uncommon in our paediatric intensive care unit," Dr Mizzi said. He believes that while "it is perfectly right to fully support the child until the diagnosis is firmly established, if the child has a degenerative, incurable and lethal condition, it is not in the best interest of the child to prolong his suffering."
"The child should be allowed to die in a dignified way," he added. "This is certainly not easy for the parents to accept, but sadly, there is nothing that anyone can do for these poor kids.
"Many a time I have sat next to parents holding their dying child in their arms and I have cried with them."
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2tQQ0wB
via IFTTT
Finance minister: Economy will start seeing diminishing returns without infrastructure investment
The Finance minister said the next national budget would be focusing on wages and infrastructure, with national debt expected to go below 50% by the end of next year
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2wdgEkr
via IFTTT
PD presents its first Private Members Bill aimed to provide more rights for rape victims
Partit Demokratiku has presented its first Private Members Bill which aims at providing protection and wellbeing for rape victims, among other things.
Godfrey Farrugia and PD Leader Marlene Farrugia gave the details of the bill during a press conference organised this morning in front of the Parliament building in Valletta. During the same press conference, the party also launched a campaign, called the 2L campaign or the Love and Life campaign.
Godfrey Farrugia explained that the country is facing a time of uncertainty and where politicians are detached from the public. "This is a campaign which aims to celebrate the beauty of life. We want this bill to apply politics of consent and consultation and this is why we are launching a consultation period before the doors of parliament reopen." The consultation period, as he explained, will go on for a couple of months.
Farrugia said the bill goes beyond providing protection to rape victims. It will address gender based violence and the safeguarding of the woman victims of rape and children conceived by rape. The bill proposes amendments in the Civil Law so that it can be used to the victim's advantage and as a detriment for rapists.
"We are policy makers, representing the people in parliament, thus we have the right and duty to create policies which protect life," Farrugia added.
The campaign, which will also include a 2 L Raped Victim Campaign, will be based on three principles; to threat the woman as a person, a victim of sexual abuse; to consider the protection of the child as paramount, and to address the vacuum there is in the law when it comes to address the persons who committed the sexual assault.
The bill proposed changes in the Civil Code Chapter 16, and aims to give the rape victim right to terminate parental rights of the rapist. Furthermore, the bill will give right for maintenance by the rapist parent even without the child - father relationship.
"We need to introduce compassionate measures to support and protect the human dignity and to protect the unborn child," he added.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2uMRBGZ
via IFTTT
PD to file private member's bill on rape victims, children conceived through rape
Rape victims needed to have the full backing of the law and society at large, as do children conceived through rape, Democratic Party says
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vkTkob
via IFTTT
Be vigilant: MFSA warning on virtual currencies
The Malta Financial Services Authority ("MFSA") has taken note of recent articles in the media referring to virtual currency ATMs and the installation of a first such ATM in Malta. The MFSA hereby informs the public that a virtual currency (also known as cryptocurrency) such as Bitcoin is an unregulated digital instrument used as a form of money that is not issued or guaranteed by a Central Bank or by any other authority and is not equivalent to traditional currencies.
Unlike traditional money, acceptance of payment in virtual currency depends entirely on the voluntary consent of the recipient. Furthermore providers of services in relation to virtual currencies are currently neither regulated by law nor authorised by the MFSA. 'Bitcoin' is probably the most well known virtual currency, however there are a number of other virtual currencies. Virtual currencies are becoming increasingly popular and it is now possible to use virtual currencies as a means to pay for goods and services.
However there are a number of possible risks when buying, holding or trading such virtual currencies, including the risk of losing your money. The European Banking Authority had issued a warning about virtual currencies and this notice contains the salient aspects. The public therefore should be aware of the following risks: Money may be lost on the exchange platform Virtual currencies may be obtained from someone who owns them or through an exchange platform. Currently exchange platforms are not normally regulated and in some cases they have failed or gone out of business with the consequence of consumers losing significant amounts of money.
Exchange platforms are not banks and if an exchange platform loses any money or fails, there is no specific legal protection, such as through a deposit guarantee scheme. Money may be stolen from your digital wallet Virtual currency is stored in a 'digital wallet' on a computer. Although digital wallets have public and private keys or passwords they are still vulnerable to hackers. Virtual money may therefore be stolen from your wallet.
Consumers losing virtual money have little prospect of having it returned. Furthermore if you lose the key or password to your digital wallet, your virtual money may be lost forever. You are not protected when using virtual currencies as a means of payment when using virtual currencies as a means of payment you are not protected by any refund rights under EU law. Unauthorised or incorrect debits from digital wallet can therefore not usually be reversed.
The value of virtual currency can change quickly, and could even drop to zero Different virtual currencies have different values, the MFSA said. Furthermore the value of virtual currencies can easily go down as well as up. Unlike the value of traditional currencies, there is no guarantee that the value of virtual currency funds remains stable. Transactions in virtual currency may be misused for criminal activities Transactions in virtual currencies are largely untraceable and provide a high degree of anonymity. This makes virtual currencies vulnerable to misuse for criminal activities such as money laundering. Law enforcement authorities may therefore decide to take action against or close exchange platforms and prevent you from accessing or using any digital funds that the platforms may be holding for you.
The MFSA advised the public to exercise caution and be vigilant when dealing with virtual currencies and to ensure that they have understood the risks involved. If you buy virtual currencies, you should be fully aware and understand their specific characteristics. You should also exercise the same caution with your digital wallet as you would do with your conventional wallet. You should not keep large amounts of money in it and ensure you keep it safe and secure. You should also familiarise yourself with the ownership, reputability, transparency and public perception of the exchange platforms that you are considering using.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2f0HHfi
via IFTTT
Marlene Farrugia hints at giving up PD leadership
PD leader Marlene Farrugia said today that, if it were up to her, she would not contest the leadership of the Democratic Party next time round
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vexXUS
via IFTTT
Government debt expected to fall below 50 per cent by 2018 – Minister Scicluna
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna described government expectations for public debt to fall below 50 per cent by 2018, providing subsequent governments with ample breathing room to implement policy.
He was addressing a pre 2018 budget meeting with the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development. Scicluna focused on the need to invest in infrastructure, so that it may continue to help the economy grow.
He remarked that while government has taken steps to ensure that the economy continues to grow, providing opportunities for the people, infrastructure is failing to keep up. He commented that this will cause 'breakages' within the economy.
While he did not delve into too much detail about how exactly this will translate into the upcoming budget.
"If you do not invest in infrastructure the economy starts to break, and you end up with external costs and congestion costs," he said.
Scicluna added that the "budget needs to orient itself around these external costs, and what is needed in terms of investment."
Turning to inflation, the Minister said that it has stabilized due to the elasticity of the labour force, meaning that the labour supply is quick to respond to an increase in demand for workers.
On government debt, Scicluna remarked that previously, 220e million a year was spent from the taxpayer's money to cover public debt. He described how with falling debt, government after government can enjoy the freedom to implement policy rather than worry about making payments.
For 2017, public debt is projected to fall below the 60 per cent mark. He gave an overview of macro-economic trends to illustrate Malta's healthy financial position, such as the low unemployment rate and stable inflation.
Parliamentary Secretary for EU funds Aaron Farrugia spoke of the dialogue with the MCESD being strengthened through more frequent discussions and the government's 'result oriented' approach.'
Minister for European Affairs and Equality, Helena Dalli spoke of the council's focus on discussing how employers will be giving their workers holidays to replace feasts that fall on the weekend, and also expressed her pleasure at the progress being made within the MCESD.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vX9Zv3
via IFTTT
Lawyers tell off Busuttil for ‘inappropriate’ comments on judge Antonio Mizzi
The Chamber of Advocates has urged PN leader Simon Busuttil to retract his comments on the judge presiding over money laundering allegations against Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vWYynp
via IFTTT
Busuttil requests judge to hear Panama Papers appeals with urgency
Opposition Leader Simon Busuttil today requested Mr Justice Antonio Mizzi to hear appeals against a court decision to investigate whether top government officials broke money laundering laws with urgency.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, his chief of staff Keith Schembri and Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi all appealed against a magistrate's decree that a criminal investigation should be launched.
Appeals were also filed by Nexia BT's Brian Tonna and Karl Cini, as well as Kasco Group's Malcolm Scerri and Times of Malta's former managing director Adrian Hillman.
The application requesting the magisterial inquiry, filed by Busuttil last week, gave a timeline of the main Panama Papers events.
The court applications filed by Dr Busuttil today were signed by Jason Azzopardi.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vezY3d
via IFTTT
Unsafe toys withdrawn from the market
A number of unsafe toys were withdrawn from the market in an exercise undertaken by the Market Surveillance Directorate within the Technical Regulations Division of the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA).
Tests revealed that four of 15 toys tested regietered a presence of dangerous chemicals such as phthalates. These tests were carried out in an accredited laboratory.
From the results obtained, it was shown that four out of the fifteen samples collected contained an exceeding level of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) as per REACH Regulation no.1907/2006. DEHP may have an effect on fertility and on the unborn child.
This has led to the Directorate to take the necessary precautions in order to ensure the withdrawal of such products from the local market. The list of non-compliant toys can be found below:
- 'Animal' blue seals bath/squeezable toys with model number KR1505193 manufactured in China (above);
- 'My Lovely Baby Tutu Love' plastic doll with unknown model number manufactured in China;
- 'Little Miss' plastic doll with model number NO.160 A B manufactured in China and;
- 'Elegance' plastic doll with model number 65078 manufactured in Spain.
Consumers who had bought any of the abovementioned toys should immediately refrain from using them and return these toys to the outlet from where they were purchased.
Should you have any queries or for further information, please do not hesitate to contact MCCAA on 2395 2000 or on info@mccaa.org.mt.
This initiative was part of the Prosafe Joint Action 'Chemicals in Plasticized Toys'. The aim of such initiatives is to enhance the cooperation between the Market Surveillance Authorities of the participating member states.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2uPRRTP
via IFTTT
German woman fined €4,000 for injuring police officer
A policewoman suffered bruises as she was trying to arrest a German woman in Paceville on Saturday night
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2uPsCkB
via IFTTT
Nearly one million tourists visit Malta in first half of 2017 – NSO
Total inbound visitors for June were estimated at 232,193 an increase of 19.4 per cent when compared to the corresponding month in 2016, the NSO said today.
Inbound Tourism: June 2017
A total of 189,687 inbound tourist trips were carried out for holiday purposes, while a further 21,015 were undertaken for business purposes. A signifi cant increase of 47.9 per cent was registered in the number of business trips when compared to June 2016. Inbound tourists from EU Member States went up by 16.1 per cent to 193,020 when compared to the corresponding month in 2016. The majority of inbound tourists were aged between 25 and 44, followed by those within the 45-64 age bracket.
Total nights spent went up by 9.6 per cent when compared to June 2016, reaching nearly 1.6 million nights. The largest share of guest nights (59.5 per cent) was spent in collective accommodation establishments. Tourist nights in private accommodation increased by 12.5 per cent when compared to June 2016.
Total tourist expenditure was estimated at €193.7 million, an increase of 14.3 per cent over the corresponding month in 2016.
January-June 2017
Inbound tourist trips from January to June 2017 reached 990,182, an increase of 19.3 per cent over the same period in 2016. Total nights spent by inbound tourists went up by 11.6 per cent, surpassing 6.5 million nights.
Total tourism expenditure reached €753.7 million, 14.8 per cent higher than that recorded for 2016. Total expenditure per capita stood at €761, a decrease of 3.8 per cent when compared to
2016.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2hg7Nfc
via IFTTT
Euro area unemployment at 9.1%, Malta maintains third lowest rate
The euro area (EA19) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 9.1% in June 2017, down from 9.2% in May 2017 and down from 10.1% in June 2016. This is the lowest rate recorded in the euro area since February 2009, Eurostat figures show.
The EU28 unemployment rate was 7.7% in June 2017, stable compared to May 2017 and down from 8.6% in June 2016. This remains the lowest rate recorded in the EU28 since December 2008. These figures are published by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union.
Eurostat estimates that 18.725 million men and women in the EU28, of whom 14.718 million in the euro area, were unemployed in June 2017. Compared with May 2017, the number of persons unemployed decreased by 183 000 in the EU28 and by 148 000 in the euro area. Compared with June 2016, unemployment fell by 2.368 million in the EU28 and by 1.667 million in the euro area.
Member States
Among the Member States, the lowest unemployment rates in June 2017 were recorded in the Czech Republic (2,9%), Germany (3.8%) and Malta (4.1%). The highest unemployment rates were observed in Greece (21.7% in April 2017) and Spain (17.1%).
Compared with a year ago, the unemployment rate fell in all Member States for which data is comparable over time, except Estonia which showed an increase (from 6.5% in May 2016 to 6.9% in May 2017). The largest decreases were registered in Spain (from 19.9% to 17.1%) and Croatia (from 13.3% to 10.6%).
In June 2017, the unemployment rate in the United States was 4.4%, up from 4.3% in May 2017 but down from 4.9% in June 2016.
Youth unemployment
In June 2017, 3.710 million young persons (under 25) were unemployed in the EU28, of whom 2.588 million were in the euro area. Compared with June 2016, youth unemployment decreased by 586 000 in the EU28 and by 399 000 in the euro area. In June 2017, the youth unemployment rate was 16.7% in the EU28 and 18.7% in the euro area, compared with 18.8% and 21.0% respectively in June 2016. In June 2017, the lowest rate was observed in Germany (6.7%), while the highest were recorded in Greece (45.5% in April 2017), Spain (39.2%) and Italy (35.4%).
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2eZyuDU
via IFTTT
Chamber of Advocates says Opposition Leader should withdraw comments on judge
The Chamber of Advocates this morning said the Opposition Leader should withdraw comments he made on a judge yesterday.
Simon Busuttil was reported as saying that a judge – Antonio Mizzi – could not carry out his duties properly because his wife – Marlene Mizzi – is a Labour MEP. Mr Justice Mizzi will be dealing with the appeal filed by Prime Minister Joseph Muscat, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and OPM chief of staff Keith Schembri after a magistrate ruled there were enough grounds for an inquiry into the Panama Papers scandal.
In a statement this morning, the Chamber of Advocates appealed to whoever had influence on public opinion to hold back from making comments on the judiciary.
The chamber said it is highly concerned about what the Opposition Leader said, as it throws bad light on the independence and impartiality of the judiciary.
The Opposition Leader should use all legal means to challenge any member of the judiciary but it is not correct that he speaks in public the way he did, the chamber said.
His comments are meant to put pressure on the judge in question and exceed all limits of responsibility, it added, calling for their withdrawal.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2tQKpX6
via IFTTT
Leader: Environment and heritage - The little old house in Marsascala
There is, on the Marsascala sea front, an unassuming old house that looks like a fish out of water among the more modern blocks of flats, takeaways and bars that adorn the street.
It is a simple building of two storeys, with wooden apertures and a metal balcony overlooking the bay, which is crowded with all types of sea vessels. A remnant from the past. While the building is not some architectural gem, it has its own value, being the very last old house on the once pretty street that now only exists in photos taken many decades ago.
In a few weeks' time, it will be no more. It will become another victim of Malta's senseless development spree.
To make matters worse, it will be replaced by a modern, boxlike structure comprising a restaurant and an overlying apartment. The first thought that comes to mind is that the area, already brimming with eateries and bars, certainly does not need another restaurant. Even if it did, there were surely ways to restore the old house and convert the inside to suit the developer's needs. A certain perched restaurant in Balluta comes to mind.
It is often said that our current planning policies are spelling disaster for our ODZ areas and our traditional townscapes. But there is a human factor at play as well. In this particular case officer gave his go-ahead for the project and the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage also said that the structure is not of any particular significance, is in a state of disarray and raised no objections to its demolition. On the basis of these conclusions, the Planning Authority issued the permit.
The Marsascala Local Council had announced that it was going to appeal the decision, saying it wanted to safeguard the 'landmark' building, but changed its mind after an architect it appointed also agreed that the building is "not worth preserving."
This is the same council, by the way, that has no problem with the land grab at Zonqor Point, and which last week voted down a proposal to propose the site as public domain. It is also the council that is not fighting tooth and nail against proposals to build high rise towers at the Jerma hotel site, and shot down a proposal to ask the government to buy the land and turn it into an open space for families.
We have no idea why all of the abovementioned came to the conclusion that this quaint old house has no value and should be torn down. This is certainly not a sentiment shared by the general public, which has expressed outrage at this latest episode of a seemingly neve rending destructions spree.
Surely, the SHC and the case officer could have recommended that the shell of the building be retained and restored, instead of having the entire building demolished.
Once again it seems that this country is at the mercy of developers who are intent on destroying all remaining green areas and pulling down charming old houses to make space for their flats and sky scrapers. The irony is that many of them live in detached country or seaside villas, away from hustle and bustle of construction, the noise and dust generated from demolition works and the uprooting of trees to make space for more concrete.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vkyo0G
via IFTTT
[IN PICTURES] Zaatari: The camp Syrians call home
Refugee camp's fifth-year anniversary is a reminder of protracted Syrian conflict that destabilised Middle East
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2ubIf3N
via IFTTT
PN will not commission a report into landslide general election defeat
The Nationalist Party will not be commissioning a report into the landslide general election loss, a PN spokesperson has confirmed.
Sources had previously informed The Malta Independent that Busuttil does not feel that there is need for such a report, as the party has already identified what mistakes were made during the last campaign.
The Labour Party won the general election with a margin of 35,280 votes over the Nationalist Party, which was slightly larger than that obtained four years ago, when the win was obtained with a 35,107 margin.
In 2013, the party appointed a special commission to analyse the election defeat.
That report found that public perception of a clique running the party, arrogance, the lack of decisions taken in Parliament, the inefficiency of Mepa, the failure of the public service reform, the way the party tackled the divorce issue, irregular migration issues, the lack of use of independent media, hunting problems and the Valletta City Gate project all contributed to the party's defeat.
It also criticised the PN's election campaign which was described as being too negative, and for failing to explain its electoral programme.
One of the authors of the report, Simon Mercieca, who refrained from divulging the finer details of the report, told The Malta Independent that it was conducted in a transparent manner, free from any form of interference, but believed that a majority of the recommendations were ignored, particularly with regards to reform of the administration.
It was for this reason that he believed that the PN were reluctant to commission a report.
"When a party loses an election when it is in government, you can point to a number of issues that would have affected the result. However, when a party loses an election when in opposition, it is usually issues with the administration of the party itself."
"The party should have the strength to commission a report, in order to analyse the situation and provide the party with a sense of direction."
A PN spokesperson explained that a report does not necessarily need to be commissioned after every general election.
Asked as to how the margin was able to grow in four years, in light of the scandals facing the current government, Mercieca said that the report indicated that there were signs that the election loss in 2013 could have been greater.
Mercieca said he has already begun to see the content of the report being included into the proposals of the PN Leadership contenders.
"Alex Perici Calascione has just proposed returning the AZAD Centre in Valletta to a centre of political thought. This was in the 2013 report."
Mercieca maintained that the Nationalist Party still had time to reorganise and provide a substantial challenge in the next general election; however he also hinted that the PN should rediscover its conservative roots, in order to mobilise the presently silent majority on the island.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2tVXzpV
via IFTTT
One third of Maltese adults meet up with family every day
One third of Maltese people aged 16 and overget together with their family and relatives every day, according to a report published this week by Eurostat, the EU's statistical agency.
According to the report 'Meeting Up With Friends and Relatives', which measured the frequency of getting together with family and relatives or friends, 34.7% of Maltese respondents said that they meet up with family and relatives 'every day', whilst 40.8% said they meet up with family 'every week'. The remaining percentage varied between 'once a month' (6.6%), 'several times a month'(9.8%), 'not in the last 12 month' (1.9%) and 'at least once a year' (6.3%).
The high frequency of Maltese meeting up with familyon a daily basis places Malta as being the country in the European Union with the fourth largest frequency to meet up with friends on a daily basis.
Cyprus, Greece and Slovakia also registered a high percentage for visits with family on a daily basis, with 45.4%, 35.7% and 36.3% respectively.
Surprisingly, the report shows Malta registering relatively low statistics regarding the frequency of meeting friends, and also presented the highest percentage from all the countries to not have seen their friends 'in the past twelve months' with 13.9%.
"Southern Member States tended to have the highest proportions of people who saw their friends on daily or weekly basis: Greece (80%) and Cyprus (79%), followed by Croatia (72%), Portugal (70%) and Spain (69%)," the report stated, "in contrast, about 1 in 5 people in Malta (22%), Poland and Lithuania (both 20%) met friends less often than once a month or not at all in the last 12 months."
Only 19.3% of the over 16-year-old Maltese respondents see their friends on a daily basis, whilst 30.6% said they see their friends once a week, the former seemingly higher than the EU average, and the latter seemingly lower.
The research was conducted in 2015.
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2vkVkNt
via IFTTT
Konrad Mizzi drives hard bargain for Air Malta pilots
The Air Malta management is about to hit the brakes on demands for higher salaries, a move that comes on the heals the rejection by pilots of a 5% salary increase offered by tourism minister Konrad Mizzi
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2wdhduy
via IFTTT
MTA, Lands shut down defiant Ta’ Fra Ben kiosk over illegally-placed deckchairs
The Malta Tourism Authority and the Lands Authority this morning closed down a Ta' Fra Ben kiosk after the authorities found that it had continued with the illegal provision of deckchairs
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2vknOa1
via IFTTT
Sunday, July 30, 2017
Passengers rescued after German cable car collision leaves dozens stranded in mid-air
Dozens of people have been rescued after they were left suspended in mid-air as a cable car in Germany hit a support pillar
from MaltaToday News http://ift.tt/2f0vTcR
via IFTTT
Interview: Aleksandar Ivovic leads San Giljan domination of waterpolo league
Montenegrin Ivovic is one of the hottest waterpolo players in international waterpolo circulation – probably even the world's number 1 in this sport at the moment. His powerful right hand drive is a nightmare for any opposition and he is proving this as San Ġiljan TUM Invest dominate the local waterpolo scene and comfortably sit at the top of the BOV Premier League table edging closer to their tenth league title – and the star symbol that will now be making part of the San Ġiljan Crest.
Pro Recco stalwart
Nicknamed "Leks" - short for his name Aleksander, Ivovic is one of the stalwarts of Italian Serie A outfit Pro Recco 1913 with whom he starred at the Final Six Championship in Barcelona in 2015, helping Pro Recco lift their eighth Euro Champions League title. Incidentally interesting to note that the Italian waterpolo club from Recco is the world's most successful club when it comes to winning silverware.
A very charismatic, down-to-earth person, Ivovic instantly laughed at my initial remarks about him starting playing waterpolo at the young age of 8 years in his native Baisoici, Montenegro
"Bravo! – you pronounce Baisoici the right way, as it is not easy to pronounce! Yes I started off in this sport at this age. I did a swimming course between the ages of 7 and 8 and then I started to play waterpolo in my home town which is very small, only around 2,000 people living there. Our coastline is just like that of Malta, everyone has his club pitch like San Ġiljan, Neptunes, Sliema, Sirens etc. So it was so easy for me to practice this sport as I practically had to choose the pool just under my door step. It all started as a leisure thing, I used to play the sport with my friends, then we started playing matches and it got more interesting and serious at this point."
San Giljan
How did it all happen with San Ġiljan was the next question referred to the 197 centimetres Montengrin giant water athlete. Again he grinned before answering my question.
"San Ġiljan were the most determined from all the clubs who came forward. I have to say that they contacted me 2 or 3 years ago but I could not commit myself as I had very important commitments with my national team of Montenegro.
"Then this summer some free space opened up and I decided to come to play waterpolo in Malta at a less competitive manner than my usual routine. It has been 10 consecutive years playing for my national team at a very high competitive level.
"I must say that I am very happy to have chosen San Ġiljan, a club with big ambitions and who have worked very hard in recent years to catch up with Neptunes and win titles. They showed this by winning the title two years ago so it was sort of the perfect match for me. I had no problem in choosing San Ġiljan, it was very easy to decide to come to Malta".
"I have to say that I knew lots of things about San Ġiljan. Many of my friends have enjoyed playing in Malta, including Vladimir Gojkovic who played in Malta a couple of years ago for Neptunes and is now the head coach of the Montenegro national team. All my other friends who have played here never mentioned a negative thing about Malta in general and about playing here.
"My Pro Recco team mate Guillermo Molina and Boris Vapenski also spoke highly about San Ġiljan, about their amazing supporters and that the persons running it are very professional. The locals in this San Ġiljan team are very good, as you know two or three of them even went to Serbia to sharpen up their skills. All this added up for me to make my decision to come to Malta and taste the flavour of the island."
We spoke about San Ġiljan TUM Invest practically gripping a good stronghold of the BOV Premier Division this season.
"Yes. In a way I was surprised how things turned out. I did not expect that we could dominate the proceedings this way. Not even my previous colleagues who have played in Malta have won the title this way as we are doing. I am saying 'won' because as you know we only need two wins to make sure of the title – and we have to play the side at the bottom of the table. Of course we have to respect any opposition but if we keep on playing the way we have been, well the title should be ours. This was the club's objective this season – so first we have to win the title and then celebrate after" grinned the Montenegro player.
Local talent
Ivovic spoke about the level of waterpolo on the island "It is difficult to compare the Maltese top tier to that of Italy. In Italy waterpolo is played at the highest level – one of the best top divisions in the world, probably the most difficult after the Hungarian league.
"Here it is different because the foreign players playing here are usually better than the locals so tactically these players are checked individually during the game. This boils down to that club who has the best Maltese players around. That side who has the best Maltese talent has the best chances to win the title as is the case with San Ġiljan. We have the best Maltese players, with even youngsters doing well.
"I went to see an Under-20 match and I was pleased about all the enthusiasm which these lads have for the sport. I also noticed the emotions they put up and this is nice because this sport has not really generated itself on the island like football, basketball etc. If you are not enthusiastic you cannot work and participate in this sport, and it is nice to see Maltese players and people who are so enthusiastic about this sport!"
Position
The next question referred to his favourite position in this sport. "Interesting to know that I started off as a defender. It all changed when Montenegro gained its' independence in 2006. With players going to play for different countries I had the chance to experiment in other positions so I went from right to left and from there I must say that I gained so much experience in playing in different roles, thus making my role more of a multipurpose player."
Objectives
Our conversation switches to that of him hitting peak form at 31 years. With another smile he confirms his fine form for San Ġiljan this season.
"Sure but I have to take this form with me back to Italy with Pro Recco. It all depends over my form with Pro Recco and my national team. I do think I can still play at this level for 2 or 3 more years. My main objective is that I conclude my international career at the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics in 2020. Of course everything depends about being lucky and overcoming injuries and so forth. In this sense I can say I have been lucky not to have had any serious injuries. It all depends over doing big sacrifices and working hard to get there just like any other professional athlete in any sport discipline. This is what I do myself in order to keep playing as much as possible".
Best athlete in Montenegro
The Montenegro player was voted as "Best Athlete of the Year" for 2015 and 2016 by the Montenegrin Olympic Committee.
This is what Aleks had to say about it "Personally for me it was a very big satisfaction. The amazing season in 2014/15 with Pro Recco in which we lifted the LEN Champions League besides the Italian and Cup double helped in this.
Montenegro has produced and still produces very powerful athletes in different sport disciplines. "The national football team has done well in the qualification campaign, the female handball team recently won silver, basketball is also doing well, but I must say that waterpolo has become the trademark of Montenegrin sport. We have won more medals than any other sport discipline."
"Yes it started off with a bang," stated an enlighted Ivovic. "We won gold in Malaga, Spain, in 2008 ,winning the European Championships. The reception we received when we got back home is still vivid in my mind. 30,000 people welcomed us in the main square. It was unbelievable especially for the fact that we started off from nothing in 2007 – we did not even have a proper Association because Serbia took everything with them, all the medals we won together and all. So you can imagine our joy at this success at our first real attempt. This was my most memorable moment in my career."
Then a year later we won the FINA World League in Montenegro beating Croatia 8-7 in the final."
Memorable moments – wishlist
His most memorable moments was the next talking point Ivovic spoke about. "Again this gold European Championship medal in 2008 and the first LEN Champions League with Pro Recco in 2012 remain my two most memorable moments.
On the other hand, an Olympic Gold is the one I want to conquer. I have taken part in three Olympic games with my team and we have finished fourth on these three occasions. The games are special – you live in a village made up of 10,000 persons, you meet big athletes.
So in this aspect that Olympic gold is still missing and I would very much love to get this right in the forthcoming Tokyo Olympics in 2020 with a team which, on paper, looks less strong but we have four or five new young players who look promising for the future. Sometimes not the best team wins and as long there is hope I believe that I can win that medal which is missing. That would be the cherry on the cake. It is the number one priority on my wishlist as a professional athlete."
World's best
The best in the world question popped up during the latter part of our conversation. "Serbia remains the best in the world. They are a generation in this sport like Hungary. Now they have won the only title which they were missing in the last Olympics. Well, on paper, they are still the most powerful. I have seen a game or two during the actual Swimming Championships in Budapest and they are still the force they have always been."
Working hard – key to success
Seemingly expecting the question if he would be back in Malta next season and if it would be with San Ġiljan TUM Invest, he again cracked a couple of smiles. "I do not think so! When I spoke with my Association representatives they gave me the permission to come to Malta and get an active break – because even here I have to work hard with my team to win titles. You cannot succeed in any type of work if you do not push yourself and this was the case in coming here to Malta. I have talked with club President Daniel Aquilina that it would not be possible for me to come over in the coming two or three years until the Tokyo Olympics. Could be I will be back after the Olympic games!"
After shaking hands and thanking this gentle giant athlete for the lovely conversation, my mind went back to a conversation I had with San Ġiljan TUM Invest President Aquilina earlier on this season, when he clearly depicted Aleks in his own words. "Aleksandar is one of the best foreigners to have graced the local competitions but away from his undisputed talent, he is so humble and friendly. In other words a great athlete but an equally great gentleman who doesn't act differently because of his success.
"He makes himself available for fans and the youths for selfies and chats with everyone. As a player and a leader, his personal CV and his performances speak for themselves. It is an honour and privilege to have brought over possibly the current world number one player in international waterpolo to our Club, to help us achieve the tenth league title in the history of the club which will be mortalised and symbolised by the star that will soon be part of our club emblem.
"Special thanks goes to Club Manager Alfredo Spiteri de Barro for his unrelentless persistence with Ivovic over the years until we finally succeeded in landing him to San Ġiljan".
from The Malta Independent http://ift.tt/2uMkCT3
via IFTTT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)