Tuesday, July 31, 2018
Elderly woman in hospital with serious injuries after Qormi accident
An elderly woman was grievously injured when she was hit by a car in Qormi this morning, the police said.
The woman, 84, was hit by a Peugeot 308 driven by a 23-year-old of Birkirkara.
She was taken to hospital with serious injuries.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2LFjMl4
via IFTTT
Malta company accused of fraud in €35 million Bitcoin theft
Court upholds €35.5 million garnishee order filed by UK Bitcoin dealer against Malta-registered payment processor
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2Kh8IF9
via IFTTT
Both parties to cut-price Australia Hall deal, fighting tax claims
In separate proceedings the against the Commissioner for Tax, the Labour Party is contesting an identical additional duty penalty
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2vmGnIc
via IFTTT
Elderly woman hit by car in Qormi, seriously injured
The 84-year-old woman was hit by a car in Triq San Bartolomew, Qormi this morning
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2KfMTG4
via IFTTT
Mizzi, Schembri cases: 'We should wait for magisterial inquiries' - Cyrus Engerer
What will your main campaign points be?
We saw an all out attack on Malta these past four years. I had the privilege of representing the Prime Minister over these years in the EU institutions. I was also charged with taking care of the Maltese government's relations with the European Parliament prior to and during Malta's EU Presidency, and the relations between the EU Council and the EU Parliament during Malta's Presidency.
I used to attended every Plenary sitting and many committees, hearing PN MEPs David Casa and Roberta Metsola attacking our country and I couldn't speak. One of the things I want to do, and have already started doing, is using my contacts within the EU Parliament with different MEPs we met with during the run-up to the Presidency and after to explain that what was being said about the Prime Minister and his wife, wasn't true, calling MEPs to speak about the facts.
One of the most important things I want to do is clean Malta's name, to show that Malta is a beautiful country and is among the best in Europe in a number of sectors like the economy, civil rights and employment. We should be proud of our country.
Aside from Egrant, another big issue MEPs brought up surrounds Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri. What's your opinion about that situation and do you stand by their decision not to resign or do you believe they should be removed?
There are inquiries on the cases, and after they conclude and the final reports are released then a decision will be taken. If they were involved in the things that were alleged then I believe they should resign, but if it was another lie by those who pushed them forward then it would be a different story. I think it is premature to talk, especially given recent circumstances. Let's leave the magistrates do their job and once the inquiries are released political responsibility will be carried from one side or the other.
The main argument is that they both had acquired the Panama companies. That is a proven fact and that is what the MEPs have also been pushing on. Given that this has been proven do you not think they should resign on this fact alone?
I think we should wait for the magisterial inquiries, see what they say, and move ahead from there.
You used to be a PN member pre 2012. What chances do you think you have of being elected on the PL ticket given this fact, and do you think this would affect voters?
There were many citizens who like me, decided to make that change. I think that five years later, everyone who made that decision looks back and says that they made the right decision, to leave what they were used to under the PN, voting for a change for the country. When one looks at the country's achievements over the past five years I think few would be those who say that this was a bad choice. Possibly a year ago, when the biggest lie in Maltese political history was made, there were those who started to reconsider and ask whether what Daphne Caruana Galizia said was true, and whether they had made the right decision. But from that aspect today, those people's minds are at ease and they now say that yes, they made the right choice. Over the past days I received a number of calls and messages from people who decided to again vote for PN after voting Labour in 2013 due to the Egrant case, and today they feel disappointed and cannot believe they fell for this completely invented story.
I believed the Prime Minister as I know him, know the kind of person he is, how upright he is. I also know Michelle Muscat and saw how impossible it is for what Daphne Caruana Galizia was saying about them to be true.
There are those who do not have this kind of personal contact and they might have doubted, I don't blame them. Today they are coming back and saying how stupid they were to believe Simon Busuttil and Daphne Caruana Galizia. I think it will have an impact on the upcoming political situation and we are seeing a number of people who made the same decision I took before 2013, who are not only convinced of voting PL again, but want to be active within the party. The party doors are open, and I am proof of that, and I am content with seeing new people come to the party.
How would you be able speak about topics like data protection and cyber bullying given the court judgement where you were given a two-year suspended sentence regarding the distribution of pornographic material?
There were two judgements which contradicted each other. The appeal was the last one and I could have opened a constitutional case which I decided not to do at the time. I reserve the right to do it in the future though I am not one to continue going on something like this, I think it's past. What is certain is that I carried political responsibility. You would find few politicians to carry responsibility when a judgement like this is issued.
Because I morally believed it was right, I withdrew my candidature for the MEP elections just two weeks before. It is not something easy for someone to carry political responsibility in that way, and maybe that is why it doesn't happen so often in our country. The truth is that I was knocking on doors, campaigning and meeting people and the numbers showed that I was probably going to be one of three or four PL MEPs elected (in 2014), and it was not easy for me to take that decision, but I took it. I am surprised how others don't do the same. There are calls from PN and PL for Simon Busuttil to carry responsibility and it appears he is not doing so.
How can you talk about issues like cyber bullying and data protection, which is a big issue in Brussels right now, given the case that there was against you? Will you abstain from votes on these issues?
This is an important issue and also regards transparency, which is a topic I worked a lot on in Brussels. While I respect the court's decision, and I showed that I respected it despite me not agreeing with it, I served the sentence as was asked and expected. If I wanted to I could have kept on campaigning, and I had the support of the Prime Minister for the 2014 MEP elections, but I believed that nobody is bigger than the party and I didn't want to negatively influence the electoral outcome even if the numbers showed that the PL would have won the fourth seat had I went out. I carried responsibility, and my work speaks for itself. Look at the past four years, the files I worked on in the Council of Ministers, the negotiations in the EU Parliament, the results show that the sentence did not impact. My values and principles on these issues are strong.
Prior to joining the PL you were quite critical of Alfred Sant and you will now be on the same ballot sheet. Will there be an issue there and what do you think of Alfred Sant now?
I think he is someone who worked a lot for the country in the European Parliament. He was faced with a situation, as we were, where a group of PN MEPs were spreading a lie all over the EU Parliament. Sant did a good job as did the other two PL MEPs, and it is not easy to be three MEPs who know the truth but don't have - black on white - documents to prove that what you are saying is true.
I think Alfred Sant did a good job in this aspect. I admit that the way he led the country during the 22 months he was prime minister, there were things I did not agree with but one thing that is for sure about Sant is that he is beyond reproach, a person who has integrity and is opinionated. He has an opinion on everything. I respect people who have opinions about everything, and while I might not agree with them all the time, I appreciate their opinions and admire them for it.
You've said that the PN MEPs have been lying, but there have been investigations about Malta by foreign MEPs, like the Rule of Law delegation, who were all concerned with transparency etc...
Who did these MEPs meet with? This amazes me, MEPs come to Malta, and we have a country open for everyone, but who did they meet with?
The Attorney General, The MFSA, FIAU, the Judiciary, the police...
Occupy Justice, Manuel Delia, Michael Briguglio. So there is a bias to one side.
They also met with Labour MPs...
When they came here everything was coordinated by one section of the population who believed everything Daphne Caruana Galizia said, and it is very easy for foreigners, who might not have followed her writings as we did given that we live in a small country where it would be impossible not to know what she said on certain issues. We know how her writings used to be, and that she used to write many insinuations about people, which were many a time irrelevant to the governing of the country but that could have damaged people's families.
Her last article about my partner and I was that Randolph came to Malta a year ago as there was trouble brewing in our relationship. Today that article is framed in our home as the reality was completely different, but she would write these stories, gossip that people enjoy reading. We knew how she was, these people did not. They took everything she said, especially on the rule of law in Malta, as her having revealed major things on the country. I think that today even when we show them the inquiry conclusions, they are realising that not everything she said was true.
Are you saying the MEPs based everything on Daphne Caruana Galizia's articles, and based nothing on the Panama Papers, on other questions surrounding the publication of certain reports... which they did...
I believe rule of law in Malta is working well. A small democracy that could be greatly improved. I don't believe that we have everything perfect. One of the main reasons I wanted a change in the country's leadership five years ago was because certain things were not working perfectly, and we used to see a lot of political interference in other institutions where they shouldn't interfere. Is everything perfect today? No, but through the laws introduced we are moving towards improving our country's situation. We have a lot to do. I used to speak with MEPs who came here. Greens MEP Sven Giegold, for example, was a person who would frequently call me. You asked me earlier if my case could have a negative impact with MEPs. I think Giegold is an upright person when it comes to transparency, a person who wants the rule of law to strengthen in the EU as a whole, a person who works a lot on anti-money laundering.
He was the person who, after our meeting, kept approaching me, calling me and asking about the Maltese situation, but he used to tell me as well that the information he used to get was all coming from people like Manuel Delia, from Daphne Caruana Galizia's blog, which was very one-sided. I don't blame the MEPs who came to Malta, when there was nothing black-on-white to show the situation is different. I think today we are being proved right and I am convinced that through our work we will show that most of what was said was proved to be lies and we hope that the other things be proven to be lies and if it is proven that there was some truth in what Daphne Caruana Galizia or others said then political responsibility will be carried and I would be the first to say it would need to be carried.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2Av35Up
via IFTTT
Mexico airliner crashes and burns, but all aboard survive
An Aeromexico jetliner taking off in a blustery storm smashed down into a nearby field but skidded to a stop virtually intact, and all 103 people aboard were able to escape advancing flames before fire engulfed the aircraft.
Passengers expressed gratitude to be alive, but many were extremely shaken after the crash Tuesday afternoon.
"It was really, really ugly," said Lorenzo Nunez, a passenger from Chicago who fled the plane with his two sons and wife. "It burned in a question of seconds," he told reporters, snapping his fingers for emphasis.
Survivors said the Embraer 190 plane burst into flames right after it hit the ground.
"We felt the flames coming quickly ... there was a lot of smoke," Jaquelin Flores told the newspaper El Sol.
Romulo Campuzano, head of a political party in Durango state who was on the plane, told Foro TV that both wings were on fire as he bolted from the aircraft.
Durango state Gov. Jose Aispuro said a gust of wind hit flight AM2431 heading from the city of Durango to Mexico City just as it was lifting off the tarmac, forcing the pilot to abort takeoff.
Passengers said they heard a loud noise as the plane's left wing banged to the ground, and both engines tore loose. The plane stayed upright, though, and the escape slides activated.
Aispuro said it was too soon to speculate on the cause of the crash. Mechanical failure and human error could be factors, but certainly the weather wasn't favorable. Strong wind and heavy rain with marble-sized hail lashed Durango city, even damaging hangars at the airport.
"The most important thing in the seriousness that is an accident of this nature is that there were no deaths — that's what is most encouraging for us," Aispuro said at a news conference.
After the accident, several passengers walked away from the plane before first responders arrived. Some sought medical help, while others rushed home to loved ones. Officials spent much of the afternoon tracking down survivors to ensure that everyone was accounted for.
Officials said 49 people had been hospitalized — most with minor injuries. The pilot suffered the most serious injury, a cervical lesion that required surgery. Some people had burns on a quarter of their bodies, said Durango state Health Ministry spokesman Fernando Ros.
Aispuro said all were expected to live.
Aeromexico Chief Executive Officer Andres Conesa described the day as "very difficult" and credited the timely reaction of crew and passengers for the lack of fatalities.
"Our heart is with those affected and their families," he said at an evening news conference.
Conesa said the passengers included 88 adults, nine children and two babies and the crew consisted of two flight attendants and two pilots.
He said the jetliner had been sent for maintenance in February and the crew was well-rested, having started their work day in Durango.
The web site Planespotters.net said the Brazilian-made medium-range jet was about 10 years old and had seen service with two other airlines before joining the Aeromexico fleet.
Operations were suspended at Durango city's Guadalupe Victoria airport after the crash.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2v8spdy
via IFTTT
Waterpolo, BOV Summer League: A commanding win for Neptunes
VALLETTA VIDEOSLOTS 5
NEPTUNES LEO VEGAS 18
(2-5), (1-4), (1-6), (1-3)
Title contenders Neptunes Leo Vegas claimed another three points in their quest to finish in the first two positions as they easily disposed of Valletta Videoslots 18-5 in a one-sided encounter. This win permitted Neptunes to join San Ġiljan on top of the table, while Valletta remain at the bottom of the table with no points.
Neptunes started the match on a high scoring twice from the Camilleri brothers, and widened their gap to three goals after Petar Muslim and Jeremy Abela responded to the goal of Marton Toth. Charlie Zammit reduced the margin but Petar Muslim made it 5-2.
Popovic's team dominated the second session and responded to Valletta's third goal, with four consecutive goals in the second part of the session to start the third session with a comfortable six-goal cushion.
The game lost its composure and lacked excitement, as Neptunes continued to attack and score more goals. They even managed to cruise to a commanding 15-3 win, as Marton Toth scored the only goal for Valletta from penalty.
The senior players of Neptunes stayed in the pitch but more space was given to the fringe players. They won also the last session through goals from a brace by Gabriel Pace and Stevie Camilleri. Timothy Agius scored the only goal for Valletta in the last session with a fine lob.
Valletta: R. Sciortino, J. Spiteri Staines, A. Agius, M. Mifsud, T. Agius (1), R. Mock, N. Farrugia, M. Toth (2), A. Mifsud, C. Zammit (2), K. Galea, R. Bonnici, M. Lanzon
Neptunes: A. Borg Cole, N. Lanzon (1), K. Erdogan, G. Pace (2), P. Muslim (3), N. Zammit, S. Camilleri (6), J. Camilleri (2), J. Abela (4), M. Zammit, J. Muscat, M. Azzopardi, J. Parnis
Referees: Raffaele Colombo, Massimo Angileri
FIRST DIVISON
TA' XBIEX AMIGOS 9
MARSAXLOKK BROWN'S 8
(1-1), (1-3), (3-1), (4-3)
Ta' Xbiex: M. Vassallo, R. Greco, M. Manara (2), L. Hyzler, B. Cachia (1), K. Mock, G. Blundell (1), N. Dedovic (1), L. Galea (1), G. Sammut, K. Tanti (2), N. Saliba (1), A. Theuma
Marsaxlokk: R. Coleiro, C. Spiteri Debarro (3), L. Calleja, C. Bonello, C. Gialanze, N. Hosnyanszky (4), M. Pace, M. Rizzo, B. Buhagiar (1), L. Saliba, K. Lanzon, J. Galea, A. Xuereb
Referees: Stefan Licari, Daniele Bianco
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2M7Dt1b
via IFTTT
Petrol and diesel to increase by 5c per litre
Enemed, the State-owned fuel supplier that has a dominant market position, said petrol and diesel prices will go up as from tomorrow
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2v2eciy
via IFTTT
Price of petrol and diesel set to rise from tomorrow
The price of fuel is set to rise tomorrow, Enemed has said in a statement.
As of August 1, both the price of petrol and diesel will rise.
Petrol (E-Unleadedse) will rise from €1.31 to €1.36 per litre
Diesel (E-Dieselse) will rise from €1.18 to €1.23 per litre.
The price of Petrol Super (E-Powerse) will rise from €1.46 to €1.51 per litre.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2LGUh2T
via IFTTT
Increase in number of people with income below 'at risk of poverty' threshold
There was a 0.3% increasing in the number of people living at risk of poverty in 2017, while those living in conditions of severe material depravation fell by 1.1%
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2KdIKlW
via IFTTT
71-year-old motorbike rider injured in crash
A 71-year-old motorcycle rider suffered grievous injuries after colliding with a Skoda Felice in San Gwann, a police statement read.
The incident occurred at noon, close to Mater Dei Hospital.
The motorbike rider, from Qormi, was taken to the hospital.
Investigations are ongoing.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2AsFCDd
via IFTTT
Elderly motorcyclist seriously injured in San Gwann crash
Man's motorcycle involved in crash with a car near Mater Dei Hospital
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2AtBG58
via IFTTT
Watch: Firefighters, police rescue kittens from clothes recycling container
Police officers and firefighters last night rescued two young kittens from a clothes recycling container in Fleur-de-Lys.
A video uploaded on Facebook shows the early morning operation, which saw rescue personnel breaking open the locks to the large metal container and finding two small kittens inside.
According to the person who uploaded the clip, the officers were called after a couple of Italian students heard the kittens crying out.
It is not clear if the kittens were thrown inside by someone or if they were born inside the container and abandoned by their mother.
At first it was thought that one of the kittens had died but upon closer inspection it turned out that it was weak but alive.
In another case, a woman reported that she found four kittens in a dustbin in Hamrun. She said she called the Animal Welfare Department who assisted her.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2OwZ19a
via IFTTT
‘Who exactly is leading the PN?’ - PL says Delia has compromised authority and credibility
The Labour Party have questioned who exactly is leading the Nationalist Party after its Leader Adrian Delia declared that no internal action will be launched against Simon Busuttil following the publication of the Egrant inquiry conclusions and that the situation between the pair had been resolved.
The inquiry found no evidence that the infamous Panama company belonged to the PM or his wife. After the report was published, Delia had stripped Busuttil of his good governance portfolio and invited him to suspend himself from the PN Parliamentary Group. Busuttil has refused. A number of MPs had publicly backed Busuttil in open revolt of Delia.
A series of meetings between the two warring factions, mediated by former PM Lawrence Gonzi and former Deputy PM Tonio Borg together with MEP Francis Zammit Dimech took place to remedy the situation.
Speaking at a press conference, MP Robert Abela said that after Delia repeatedly insisting that his decision was crucial to preserve the credibility of the PN, he decided to make a pact with his political adversary "to buy political peace within the party."
"Delia has signed a deal which is the beginning of the end of his role in the PN," Abela said, describing the situation as surreal.
"This shows that he does not have the authority of 28 people to implement his decisions," he continued.
PL Whip and MP Byron Camilleri said that the events showed that the PN was still under control of the establishment which ruled the party both under Gonzi and Busuttil.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2As3s1S
via IFTTT
Man who fired shots at partner's window fined €700
The woman had withdrawn her criminal complaint, which meant that the police could not proceed on the charges relating to harm or threats against her
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2Kc7zyR
via IFTTT
Birdlife warn of legal and environmental ramifications of reopening trapping season
The NGO claimed that if the decision to apply for a derogation is allowed, the country would risk the possibility of another EU court case
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2ApIJvz
via IFTTT
New European arrest warrant for Efimova can only be issued if new charges are filed
A second European Arrest Warrant (EAW) for Maria Efimova can only be issued should new charges be brought against her by the police, The Malta Independent is informed.
"If the person was extradited on specific charges, they would not be able to be charged with another offence," legal sources explained.
The first EAW against Efimova issued after she fled Malta following charges of misappropriating €2,000 at Pilatus Bank and making false accusations against three police officers, one of whom was Jonathan Ferris. The case predated the Egrant allegations.
Efimova later gave herself up to the police in Athens and was jailed, with the courts ruling that the request was vague and the alleged crime was not serious enough to merit her extradition. This decision was upheld by a Greek Court of Appeal, with MEP David Casa testifying in her case.
Speaking in an interview with The Malta Independent on Sunday following the publication of the inquiry's conclusions, Casa said that Efimova "has been proved right time and time again."
"She was right about Pilatus Bank's client list, about the relationship between the bank and Nexia BT and Henley and Partners, and about dubious processes of the bank," he explained.
The question surrounding Efimova's possible extradition has begun to gather steam after the Egrant Inquiry found no evidence to substantiate Efimova's allegations that the infamous Panamanian company belonged to Michelle Muscat and was part of a $1.07 million transfer from the daughter of Azeri President Ilham Aliyev. Should Efimova be charged in relation to her claims then another warrant can be issued.
This appears to be a possibility after the Office of the Prime Minister said that that the Muscat family was considering taking action against individuals mentioned in the Egrant Inquiry, "particular ones who have been front and centre of the allegations spread against the Prime Minister and his family"
PL MEP candidate Cyrus Engerer also revealed on Twitter that he had sent an email to the 36 MEPs who had asked Greek authorities to protect Efimova last March to withdraw their appeal following the inquiry's conclusions.
"The truth has finally come out. In a report by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja who was tasked by the courts of justice to hold an Inquiry, it is proven that what Maria Efimova and the late Daphne Caruana Galizia "revealed" was a lie and a total fabrication. The inquiry also reveals that following the lie, documents were falsified and fraudulent signatures were added to them in order to try and give substance to the story," Engerer said.
Replying, MEP Ana Gomes questioned how Egrant and Efimova's extradition were related, especially given that Pilatus Bank, which she described as a criminal organisation, was used for money laundering and that its Chairman Ali Sadr Hasheminejad was currently released on bail in the USA.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2KdCQ49
via IFTTT
Man who fired shots through partner's window admits to weapons offences
A man who fired two shots through his female partner's window during an argument has been convicted of weapons charges.
43-year-old Sean Anthony McGahren, had been accused of slightly injuring his partner, causing voluntary damage to property, carrying a revolver without a licence, carrying the revolver during the commission of an offence against the person, breaching the peace, threatening the woman with the firearm and insulting her.
Superintendent Josric Mifsud told the court that the man had fired shots into the air and then at the residence in Triq il-Fabbriki after a violent argument erupted between the two.
But during McGahren's arraignment, the woman had withdrawn her criminal complaint, which meant that the police could not proceed on the charges relating to harm or threats against her. This left only 2 of the 8 charges originally pressed – keeping an unlicenced firearm and carrying it during the commission of an offence against the person – standing.
The accused had pleaded guilty to those charges and was also found guilty of being a recidivist. In view of his admission, he was found guilty and was fined €700. The revolver used was confiscated and he was prohibited from holding a firearms licence. He was also made to pay the costs of the case, which amounted to another €1,128.30
Lawyers Michael and Lucio Sciriha were defence counsel.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2LHnMBx
via IFTTT
Bank of Valletta makes €88.5m profit in first 6 months; significantly reduced due to litigation
Bank of Valletta registered an €88.5 million profit in the first six months of 2018, which is far higher than the €67.8 million profit recorded for the same period last year, however this was reduced to €13.5 million after a litigation provision.
The bank presented its interim half-yearly results to the press.
The decision to make a €75 million litigation provision was made by the bank's board after discussing it with supervisory authorities, the banks' consultants and auditors. Chairman Taddeo Serri stressed that the provision in no way means that the bank is admitting wrongdoing or accepting liability, and stressed that it is just an accounting provision just in case, in agreement with the supervisory authorities.
The bank has, however, decided not to issue any cash dividends for 2018, instead reinvesting the cash into the bank's capital.
The three major cases, one of which has not reached the court stage, are the Deiulemar case, the Falcon Funds case and the La Vallette Multi Manager Property Fund. The Chairman stressed that this provision is just the bank taking precautions nothing more.
The most material case, the Chairman said, is the Deiulemar case being heart in Torre d'Annunziata . He said that the bank has a very strong legal case, but the bank is worried about the environment in the region, mentioning that 13,000 of the 40,000 residents were bond holders in that company group.
Discussing the bank's legal plans, along with their legal consultant Louis de Gabriele, they said that the Italian constitution might go against the European Court of Human Rights, in terms of the right to having a case heard before an impartial and independent tribunal. They argued that Italian law provides for this in criminal cases, but not in civil cases, and as such the bank is working on moving up through the Italian courts to create a constitutional case on the issue. The bank feels that they cannot receive a fair hearing in Torre d'Annunziata as while protests in the area are not directly against the bank but against the Deiulemar group, the only entity capable of dishing out the sums required is the bank. The bank's representatives highlighted that the bank had become trustee of the shares in three trusts linked to Deiulemar in 2009, worth a total of €6,000 back in 2009, and in no way received the €363 million being requested by the other parties.
The bank said they considered recusing the sitting judge due to concerns over her impartiality, but noted that it took the Court of Appeal three months to find 3 judges who did not have a conflict of interest in the case, and as such want the case moved to a different location outside of this city.
On the Falcon funds issue, he said that there are currently discussions with the parties involved, but there is no legal case yet.
Turning back to the results, the bank noted that non interest income increased by 16%. The bank will also continue the de-risking of non-core business, such as reducing the bank's risk with international corporate who, for example, are of high risk or where it is hard to decipher who the Ultimate Beneficial Owner is. This will affect non-profitable areas, but the bank's heads said it would not affect local loans. It would be in areas deemed too risky and where the potential profit does not justify the risk.
The bank's CEO Mario Mallia noted that the bank saw improvements in all aspects of operations, and that the bank's profits have been rising year-on-year. He noted strong fundamentals to support growth in core business.
Operating income was up by 11 % to €128 million, while operating costs rose by just 2%, despite the bank hiring more staff.
He noted that there are still issues with the ECB charging banks for deposits rather than paying interest, but noted that the bank still managed to make a profit.
He noted that loans to personal clients as well as corporate entities stood at €4.5 bn, while the amount of deposits held with the bank stood at €10bn.
The percentage of deposits loaned out now is much less than it was in 2012, now standing at 45.1%.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2Ard5xU
via IFTTT
No dividends for Bank of Valletta shareholders as bank sets aside €75m for litigation
Bank of Valletta's mid-term profits of €88 million have been slashed after the company hived off money to cover three pending litigation cases
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2NUkszN
via IFTTT
Malta to start process of implementing EU-Japan Economic and Strategic partnerships
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said that it was also time for 'serious attention' to be given to foreign direct investment in Malta from Japan
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2LHAznJ
via IFTTT
Publication of Egrant inquiry conclusions enough to satisfy public interest, AG says
Attorney General files a counter-protest to that submitted by Adrian Delia regarding publication of full Egrant inquiry
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2Kd4q1y
via IFTTT
TMID Editorial: PM’s children - Was support not forthcoming?
Michelle Muscat has been complaining that the school her two children go to was of no help during the entirety of the Egrant crisis.
Now we all know the name of the school the two girls go to and it is reputed to be among the best in Malta.
Still, one has to see things from the point of view of the victims. It could have been any other school and the result would probably be the same. Past pupils at many schools have their own horror stories to tell. This goes, one would venture to say, more in schools with girls than in schools with boys, although cases of bullying are not infrequent there, either.
Over the past days, the Muscat family has been complaining that no help was received from the institutions that should protect children. It does not seem the complaints were referring to the children's school only. Indeed, one does not remember any intervention to protect children so young from being caught up in the political maelstrom. Maybe it would not have done to point out at the two children especially when the case was so hot, but surely the institutions we have put together should provide themselves with means to carry out their mission.
Such institutions seek to not become embroiled in political or partisan issues, and that is well. But their silence at the time of the scandal seems to carry on even after the conclusion of Magistrate Bugeja's inquiry.
We point out here at what Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando has been saying every day this past week. We strongly disagree with the tone he uses, but he has a point that the archbishop was prompt to express solidarity with the children of Daphne Caruana Galizia and has yet to say one word regarding the children of Joseph and Michelle Muscat.
To each his trauma, one may say, but such traumas carry an infinite consequence on the lives of those impacted.
In short, this mature country once again has proved to be incapable of protecting its children from trauma, despite its claim to be mature and civilized.
We have all sorts of institutions which absorb money and effort and yet at the moment of crisis they emerge as insufficient as seen from the point of view of the innocent and the victims.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2Anxzrj
via IFTTT
Publication of Egrant inquiry: AG files counter protest
The Attorney General has filed a counter-protest to Opposition Leader Adrian Delia's decision to take legal action over the formers refusal to hand him copy of the report of the inquiry carried out by Magistrate Aaron Bugeja on Egrant, arguing that legislation stipulates that political considerations must not be taken into when it comes to the publication of a magisterial inquiry.
Delia filed the protest on 26 July, explaining that the AG's decision to only provide Prime Minister Joseph Muscat with a full copy of the report is leading to a political imbalance between the government and opposition
The AG's refusal is not justified and goes against the national interest and transparency, a Nationalist Party statement said.
Muscat has said that a redacted copy of the full inquiry will be made available in the coming days.
In his counter-protest, the AG quoted Article 518, noting that the law stipulates that it is up to his discretion as to who is provided with a copy of the report; adding that inquiry also indicated that investigations or criminal procedures may be opened against certain individuals.
He clarified that he provided the PM with a full copy of the inquiry following a verbal request, explaining that the PM and his family were the subjects of the report.
The AG also argued that the publication of the inquiry's conclusions was enough to satisfy the needs of public interest.
He said that it is also clear in the constitution and other legislation that the AG must not make his considerations with regards to magisterial inquiries according to politics.
This, he said, was the clear distinction between Muscat's and Delia's requests.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2LRoOu3
via IFTTT
Malta with fifth lowest EU unemployment rate in June
Malta had the fifth lowest unemployment rate in June, data published by Eurostat, the EU's statistical agency, shows.
The unemployment rate in Malta for the month of June stood at 3.9%, according to the figures.
The euro area (EA19) seasonally-adjusted unemployment rate was 8.3% in June 2018, stable compared with May 2018 and down from 9.0% in June 2017. This remains the lowest rate recorded in the euro area since December 2008.
The EU28 unemployment rate was 6.9% in June2018, also stable compared with May2018 and down from 7.6% in June 2017. This is the lowest rate recorded in the EU28 since May 2008.
Among the Member States, the lowest unemployment rates in June 2018were recorded in the Czech Republic (2.4%) and Germany (3.4%). The highest unemployment rates were observed in Greece (20.2% in April2018) and Spain (15.2%).
Compared with a year ago, the unemployment rate fell in all Member States. The largest decreases were registered in Cyprus (from 11.0% to 8.2%), Portugal (from 9.1% to 6.7%), Croatia (from 11.1% to 9.2%), Estonia (from 6.8% to 4.9% between May 2017 and May 2018) and Spain (from 17.0% to 15.2%).
In June 2018, the unemployment rate in the United States was 4.0%, up from 3.8% in May 2018and down from 4.3% in June2017.
Eurostat estimates that 17.105 million men and women in the EU28, of whom 13.570 million in the euro area, were unemployed in June2018. Compared with May 2018, the number of persons unemployed increased by 4,000 in the EU28 and by14 000 in the euro area.
Compared with June2017, unemployment fell by 1.657million in the EU28 and by 1.146 million in the euro area.
Euro area annual inflation up to 2.1%
Eurostat also said yesterday that Euro area annual inflation is expected to be 2.1% in July 2018, up from 2.0% in June, according to a flash estimate.
Looking at the main components of euro area inflation, energy is expected to have the highest annual rate in July (9.4%, compared with 8.0% in June), followed by food, alcohol & tobacco (2.5%, compared with 2.7% in June), services (1.4%, compared with 1.3% in June) and non-energy industrial goods (0.5%, compared with 0.4% in June).
Euro area GDP up by 0.3%
The agency also said that seasonally adjusted GDP rose by 0.3% in the euro area (EA19) and by 0.4% in the EU28 during the second quarter of 2018, compared with the previous quarter.
In the first quarter of 2018, GDP had grown by 0.4% in both the euro area and the EU28. Compared with the same quarter of the previous year, seasonally adjusted GDP rose by 2.1% in the euro area and by 2.2% in the EU28 in the second quarter of 2018, after +2.5% and +2.4% respectively in the previous quarter.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2LBLGhT
via IFTTT
I DO - LOVE from around the world
Mandy and Michael met on a beautiful day in April, while having a drink with friends. They did not know each other before that day, but Mandy had no choice but to get to know Michael because her friend left her, and told Michael to drop Mandy at home himself. They kind of had no option in getting to know each other but, as Mandy explained, they are soul mates as they complete one another and their relationship was meant to be.
The couple decided to get married after they have been living together for a couple of years. Even though they were committed to each other and felt married already, they wanted to make their love official. However, Michael still managed to surprise Mandy by proposing while at a Michelin star restaurant in Scotland.
The wedding was held on April 30th in 2017, the matrimonial Mass was held in Birkirkara, at the chapel where Mandy's parents got married 44 years ago. It was followed by a reception at Buddhamann.
The venue was chosen because Michael is a head chef and, together with his team, he wanted to cater for the wedding himself, so they chose this venue for its central location and the spectacular view.
The theme for their wedding day was a journey around the world. In fact, they incorporated various traditions from around the world on the day. For instance, they broke a plate outside the church for good luck, it is a Greek and German tradition, and Mandy did not throw a bouquet but instead went for a Japanese tradition, which consisted of ribbons. The father and daughter dance was the Zorba, not the classical slow dance. The highlight of the theme was definitely the food which was provided by three restaurants Tarragon, Caviar and Bull, Buddhamann. "We had 27 countries with 27 different specialties, from Britain with fish and chips, served in a newspaper cone, to France having foie gras burgers, served in a small takeout box; Malta with rabbit lollipops; China with steam buns filled with crispy pork; Ireland with Guinness pie; Mexico with Mexican tacos and tequila shooters, and many more. We even had big atlas maps illustrating their guests' culinary journey", Mandy explained.
Overall, it was quite a different wedding and broke a couple of traditions, both mothers wore trousers for the wedding and both look very elegant, they gave out souvenirs together with the invitations. They cut the cake at the start of the reception soon after the speeches and so on. The couple saw the decorations for the first time on the day of the wedding. They left it up to their florist who was Bjorn at Floreal and were very happy with the result. They had crystals, twigs and beautiful flowers all over the place.
Mandy had the most beautiful, gorgeous gown, made in a handmade fabric which she ordered from India, by the seamstress Rita Demarco. The colour of the dress was taupe, blush pink with white. Michael wore a classic navy blue suit with a matching waistcoat from The Groom Collection.
The wedding was a great success. They had their dream wedding, which was definitely a different one but most of all a one to remember.
Mandy and Michael went on a 17-day honeymoon to Japan, arrangements for the flights were made through Emirates and transfers and hotels through ROCS Travel.
Wedding check list
Make-up and Nails - Gabrielle Zammit Grungo 9984 6625
Wedding Planner - KG Events 7761 8905
Invitations - The Tink Shop 2142 2868
Wedding Cake - Baking Cakes 7993 2922
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2OzGk4G
via IFTTT
Live: Compilation of evidence in Hugo Chetcuti murder case continues
The compilation of evidence against Bojan Cmelik, the Serbian national accused of murdering entrepreneur Hugo Chetcuti continues today.
Cmelik, a former employee of Chetcuti's establishments, is accused of stabbing the businessman on the 6 July at Seafood and Cocktails, which he owns.
Chetcuti died in hospital six days later.
In the last sitting, the court presided over by Magistrate Marseanne Farrugia, heard the testimony of Hugo's brother Isaac Chetcuti, his bodyguard James Farrugia, as well as a number of police officers who described how they tracked down, and eventually arrested Cmelik.
11:32 A court expert has been appointed to take the finger and palm prints of the accused and is taking them now.
11:32 Inspector Nikolai Sant is prosecuting. Lawyer Joe Giglio is parte civile for Hugo Chetcuti.
11:31 Security is tight in the courtroom today. Three armed officers stand around the accused
11:31 Cmelike has been walked into the courtroom, accompanied by his lawyer Ishmael Psaila. He nods towards the magistrate as he walks in.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2KeF1Vj
via IFTTT
[LIVE] Compilation of evidence in Hugo Chetcuti murder case continues
Bojan Cmelik, a former employee in one of Hugo Chetcuti's establishments stands accused of his former employer's murder
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2vqhxqK
via IFTTT
Multiple reports of sea slime along Maltese coastline
Multiple reports have been shared on social media of sea slime across the Maltese shoreline. Images shared by environmental activists and citizens show sea slime present on beaches and coastlines in areas ranging from Birzebbuga, Marsascala, Kalkara, Sliema and Pembroke.
Writing on social media, environmental activist and The Malta Independent columnist Camilla Appelgren said that the timing of the appearance of this sea slime is "no coincidence" and it coincides with the period that tuna fish in fish farms are given more food for fattening.
She quoted the words of independent consultant Dr Joseph Borg who in August 2016, when similar slime was seen across Maltese shores, said "When the temperature is lowered to feed this to the tuna, all this oil comes out of it. The feed is given in vast quantities. If the slime is a result of this, the situation has to be investigated."
However, she said, since then nothing had been done to rectify this situation.
Furthermore, she said, the slime was a hazard to swimmers and then quoted a dermatologist who had said that if contact is made with the slime it should be washed off as soon as possible with detergent as it may cause skin irritation and even boils.
Questions were sent by this newsroom to the Environment Ministry as to whether the substance had been identified, whether it was coming from fish farms and on what action was being taken to clean the affected areas and prevent such a thing happening. However, no reply had been received at the time of writing.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2n0WMy1
via IFTTT
PD wants lobbyist register to stop private interests 'dicating' political agenda
The party also reminded both the Prime Minister and Opposition leader that the time has come for a Commissioner for Standards in Public Life to be appointed
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2M2VIVf
via IFTTT
Transport Malta tarmacs over monstrous illegality in Wied Qirda
Transport Malta contractors have laid asphalt over a massive illegality in Wied Qirda, which lies between Zebbug and Siggiewi.
The illegality in question is a concrete dam, constructed in the middle of the water course, to link two residences with the only road running through the valley.
The road and the residences are separated by the natural valley, and concrete was dumped into the water course several years ago to 'bridge' the two sides. Rainwater has to build up to a significant height in order to overflow over the dam and continue down the valley.
In 2007 the Planning Authority (then MEPA) had issued an enforcement order against the occupier, the Lands Department and the Commissioner of Lands as contravenors.
This newspaper is informed that at least one of the two properties accessed by the illegal dam has since changed ownership.
The enforcement order, EC212/07, refers to a deposit and leveling of concrete in valley without permit. It says the development consists of the depositing of concrete to form a dam inside a valley, obstructing the water course, and this in an area of special conservation and national importance.
The case status is listed as 'pending direct action.'
Over the past few weeks, Triq ta' Ghaqba, which leads from Triq Mons Mikiel Azzopardi deep into the valley, was resurfaced after new water pipes were laid by the Water Services Corporation.
The project was handled by Transport Malta, according to a sign that has been affixed in the area.
When laying the asphalt over the newly done up road, the workers also laid asphalt on the concrete dam, despite its illegal status, and despite the fact that it could be removed in future by the PA in a direct action operation.
The new level of tarmac, which is several inches thick, has increased the overall height of the illegal concrete dam, meaning that the obstruction to rainwater has been made even worse.
This newspaper has asked the Planning Authority whether anyone can lay asphalt over an illegally built structure, especially one that is the subject of an enforcement order, and whether any permission for the works was sought. We also asked whether the asphalt will now be added to the existing enforcement order, and what the next step would be.
The questions were sent on 20 July but no answers have been received.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2NXkEy3
via IFTTT
Application filed for Paradise Bay hotel to get additional two storeys
The Paradise Bay Hotel in Cirkewwa, Mellieha has just applied for a 120 room extension, effectively raising the existing building by a further two storeys.
The site lies Outside the Development Zone, according to the public application form filed.
In 2017, the company Ferdinand Fenech Ltd, acquired full ownership of Paradise Bay Hotel Ltd. In the early 1970s Moses Fenech (grandfather of the shareholders of the company according to a statement back in 2017) acquired the Paradise Bay Hotel which at that time had 40 rooms and started the construction of the current resort hotel to 180 rooms which throughout the years grew to a total of 276 rooms.
A press statement in 2017 had said that the share acquisition paved the way for a number of changes within the resort's operations including a full image re-branding and an investment of €800K for the refurbishment of the reception and lobby which was to be ready by the beginning of 2018. "A substantial investment for the building of two new floors, re-development of the Island's Edge Lido apart from the original property which was built in the 1960s are earmarked for the near future," it had said.
The hotel lies just on the sea side, and has views of Gozo and Comino.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2OtXvnW
via IFTTT
Monday, July 30, 2018
Manchester bomber Salman Abedi was brought to Malta from Libya
Manchester bomber Salman Abedi had been brought to Malta after he was rescued from Libya in August 2014, British media report.
Abedi, 19 at the time of the rescue, was then flown to England.
His brother Hashem and around 100 other British citizens were also evacuated from Tripoli by HMS Enterprise as the security situation in Libya deteriorated. After being dropped off in Malta, Salman and his 21-year-old brother – the British-born sons of Libyan migrants – flew back to Manchester where they were living at the time.
Until a month before his rescue, he was being monitored by UK security forces. The review into the Manchester attack found that, based on the information available at the time, the decision to close his case was sound.
His brother is being held in jail in Libya, but the British government has requested his extradition to face trial for his involvement in the Manchester attack.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2LQCEwA
via IFTTT
Trump, Conte express alignment on immigration at White House
Two political outsiders, President Donald Trump and Italy's new premier expressed solidarity on migration issues Monday as they showed signs of a fledgling alliance at a time when the U.S. has dealt with strained relations with European leaders.
Trump greeted Italy's Giuseppe Conte as "my new friend" and said they bonded at the recent G7 meetings in Canada, crediting the prime minister for taking a "firm stance on the border." The president said the U.S. and Italy would pursue a new strategic dialogue on security issues, terrorism and immigration.
"We are both outsiders to politics. Can you believe it?" Trump said during a joint news conference with Conte. Trump said both were "determined to protect the rights and needs and interests and dreams of our citizens and we will do that."
Italy under Conte's new government has pushed for the European Union to accept tens of thousands of migrants coming across the Mediterranean Sea every year. The meeting follows a recent standoff over a private aid boat carrying more than 200 people who were rescued at sea. Italy, Malta and France all refused to let the vessel disembark.
Trump welcomed the prime minister to the White House for the first time since Conte came to power in June, bringing together two outsider leaders who have emerged from populist waves within their countries.
Conte leads the euroskeptic coalition of the 5-Star Movement, which considers itself anti-establishment, and the right-wing, north-based League party.
Trump last week avoided escalating a trade dispute with the European Union and his administration is expected to begin negotiations quickly on avoiding tariffs on automobiles and removing trade barriers. But it followed tensions between the U.S. and EU over trade and the transatlantic alliance.
During their talks, Trump noted the U.S. trade deficit with Italy, a member of the EU, and said he was certain "we'll straighten that out pretty quickly."
Conte, in his remarks, said both he and Trump were leading "governments that represent change, they were chosen by citizens to change the status quo." He cited Italy's "innovative approach" on immigration and expressed support for Trump's recent talks with Russia Vladimir Putin.
Prior to the meeting, the White House referred to Italy as an important NATO ally and a key partner to U.S. forces in Afghanistan and Iraq. Trump thanked Italy for its contributions on the fight against the Islamic State and NATO efforts in Afghanistan and later pointed to his push for NATO allies to spend more on defense.
But Trump steered clear of publicly faulting Italy for not spending more on defense, or meeting the previously agreed-upon target of 2 percent of gross domestic product by 2024. Italy spent an estimated 1.15 percent of GDP on defense in 2018, according to NATO figures.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2AqW5rt
via IFTTT
‘Whistleblowers’ feud: Efimova lawyer denies Ferris affidavit
Efimova was behind allegations by the late Daphne Caruana Galizia that the Panamanian company Egrant Inc. belonged to Michelle Muscat, the Prime Minister's wife
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2mUqZ1Y
via IFTTT
The one million dollars for Egrant that never existed
The magisterial inquiry heard four versions of how Pilatus Bank employee Maria Efimova came to know of the $1 million transaction between a company owned by Azerbaijani interests and Egrant Inc.
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2AqzbR3
via IFTTT
Almost 800 objections against Villa Leoni hotel proposal submitted
Almost 800 objections have been submitted against the proposed development of a 4-star hotel on Villa Leoni, a Grade 2 scheduled building, in St. Julian's.
NGO Flimkien Ghall-Ambjent Ahjar have come out in protest against the development, saying that the proposal "blatantly ignored all planning parameters and restrictions" that would otherwise ensure the protection of such a scheduled property.
The NGO warned of the "complete obliteration" that would occur on the property if the development was approved, saying that there would be over half the original fabric of the property demolished, that the remaining parts of the villa would be engulfed by the 7 storey addition and that the mature Grade 2 scheduled garden would be eradicated to be replaced by the property parking facility.
FAA said that the development does not conform with the legislation for a Grade 2 scheduled property, which reads as follows; "Alterations to the interior will be allowed if proposed to be carried out sensitively and causing the least detriment to the character and architectural homogeneity of the building."
Meanwhile FAA also pointed out that the villa's garden was scheduled as well and that due to the property's age it could mean that there were trees within it that are over 50 years old. If this was to be the case, the removal of the said trees would go against the Trees and Woodland Protection Regulations.
Furthermore, FAA said, the word "demolition" had been "deceptively" omitted from the application and instead replaced by the word "alterations" which, the NGO pointed out, are two completely different things and fails to be "representative of the true proposed impact of this development".
FAA also pointed out that the actual number of floors above the building itself and the total number of storeys proposed in the new development within the protected garden were not specified as required.
The villa and its gardens were scheduled as a Grade 2 property for its architectural value in 1994.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2KdhZxV
via IFTTT
[WATCH] At 90, Farsons celebrates with Gold Label
The Farsons beer fest, now in its 39th edition, has become a summer staple in Malta, with drinkers flocking to have a taste of the 70 or so beers on offer
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2NXsesq
via IFTTT
Adrian Delia, Simon Busuttil to meet in person in coming days
Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia and his predecessor Simon Busuttil are expected to meet in the coming days to find a way forward in their strained relationship following a statement in which the party said that the impasse between the two had been resolved.
On Monday, the PN said that Delia would not be taking any further steps against Busuttil after he asked him to suspend himself from the parliamentary group. Busuttil had also been relieved of his good governance portfolio after an inquiry established that there was no evidence Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and his wife had a company called Egrant in Panama. Busuttil had built the PN's election campaign mostly on an accusation that had been made by slain journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, an accusation which was not proven by the inquiry.
Unlike Lawrence Gonzi, who had resigned from the leadership and from parliament after the 2013 election, Busuttil had stayed on as MP in spite of an even bigger electoral loss in 2017. Busuttil had also called upon Delia to withdraw his candidacy for the party leadership after Caruana Galizia had written about Delia's income tax problems.
Delia's decision, backed by the administrative council, to ask Busuttil to suspend himself from the parliamentary group had led to a group of PN MPs to publicly declare their support for Busuttil. On Monday, the PN said that the issue had been resolved with both sides standing their ground – Busuttil losing his good governance portfolio but staying on as a PN MP.
Gonzi as well as PN former deputy leader Tonio Borg and MEP Francis Zammit Dimech were involved in the mediation between Delia and Busuttil which led to Monday's statement.
Delia and Busuttil are now expected to meet face to face in a bid to iron out the situation further.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2vobR0v
via IFTTT
Police holding man in connection with attempted kidnapping at Ghadira Bay
The police are holding a man in connection with the attempted kidnapping of a five-year-old boy at Ghadira Bay on Sunday
The boy's mother wrote on social media that a foreign man approached her child as he was playing with sand and took him away, put his hand over the boy's mouth.
The mother thanked the Qawra police for their prompt intervention, appealing to parents to keep a watchful eye on their young ones.
A report with the police was filed and a man is being held for questioning.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2Al5LDQ
via IFTTT
PN says Delia-Busuttil situation ‘resolved’, former party leader to stay
PN Leader Adrian Delia has declared that there is no intention to initiate any internal procedure against Simon Busuttil in the wake of the publication of the Egrant inquiry conclusions, the party said in a statement.
The inquiry found no evidence that the infamous Panama company belonged to the PM or his wife. After the report was published, Delia had stripped Busuttil of his good governance portfolio and invited him to suspend himself from the PN Parliamentary Group. Busuttil has refused. A number of MPs had backed Busuttil, believing that Delia acted too fast.
A series of meetings between the two warring factions, mediated by former PM Lawrence Gonzi and former Deputy PM Tonio Borg took place over the past few days.
In a statement on Monday evening, the PN said no internal action would be launched against Busuttil, adding that this would be confirmed by the party's Administrative Council.
Delia reminded that there are a number of ongoing magisterial inquiries that raised serious doubts about the behaviour of senior government officials, including minister Konrad Mizzi and OPM Chief of Staff Keith Schembri.
Despite the reports compiled by state agencies, these officials still act with total impunity, the PN said. The PN would keep following the situation and insist that justice be carried out within the shortest possible time.
"The fight against corruption and bad governance will not only continue but it will be stepped up," the party said. "It is important that everyone in the party continues with this fight so that the truth will come out," the PN said, hinting that Busuttil would stay on. "Our focus should be to offer a united Opposition that works in favour of righteousness and the national interest," it said.
No mention was made of Delia's invitation for Busuttil to suspend himself but the talk of unity implies that he will stay. The statement also made no mention of Busuttil's good governance portfolio.
In a statement, Busuttil said he welcomed Delia's declaration. He also noted that there were ongoing inquiries involving people close to the Prime Minister. "I believe that the Opposition should be united against our only political adversary – the present government," Busuttil said.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2mQZUg6
via IFTTT
Delia backs down on resignation call, Busuttil loses good governance role
Simon Busuttil to retain parliamentary seat, lose good governance portfolio, as agreement reached with Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2NWc6r8
via IFTTT
Man arrested after report of child snatching attempt at Ghadira Bay
Mother appeals to parents to not leave children unsupervised
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2uZDu0A
via IFTTT
Troubled teen makes a scene in court
The 15-year-old girl who had a drug problem, attacked a number of police officers, biting one of them and injuring another three
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2LKbMhP
via IFTTT
Teenage girl remanded in custody on charges of biting police officer
An irascible young girl who bit a police inspector and injured another 3 officers has been remanded in custody.
The 15-year-old from Cospicua, who cannot be named on account of her age, was already on bail for a separate offence. She repeatedly screamed and pushed away police officers outside the courtroom both before and after her arraignment.
She was arraigned before magistrate Gabriella Vella this morning on charges of having attacked a number of police officers, slightly injuring four of them, insulting and threatening the officers, damaging two uniforms, disobeying legitimate police orders, breaching the peace, swearing in public and breaching three of her bail conditions.
The girl refused to speak to her court-appointed legal aid lawyer, insisting on being represented by lawyer Antonio Depasquale who was then summoned to the courtroom. Whilst waiting for the lawyer, the girl made a scene outside the courtroom after police refused to give her a lighter so she could smoke.
Lawyers Antonio Depasquale and Raisa Colombo explained the circumstances behind the case to magistrate Charmaine Galea.
This girl, who has a drug problem, needed a lot of help, but wanted to move forward in life, said the lawyers. "The system must give us some help. She fell through the cracks."
The girl's probation officer said she was under two probation orders and had been given a lot of help both at the Young Offenders Unit Rehabilitation Services (YOURS) facility in Mtahleb and outside. There she was being schooled and taught life skills and anger management, with access to social workers and drug counsellors. But she had breached both orders and was keeping bad company in spite of the probation services' efforts, said the probation officer. Social workers were worried that she was going to turn up dead one of these days, the court was told. At one point she had run away and ended up in hospital.
"15-year-olds are a problem. What we can offer is outreach and one to one sessions. But at this stage she needs to be contained," the probation officer said. "She must be contained at YOURS or we will find her dead somewhere."
Inspector Chetcuti added that she had been told to stay at home and sign a bail book at regular intervals but had failed to do either, frequently being found outside her house.
Depasquale said the girl's long-suffering mother was a responsible person who wanted the best for her daughter. He asked if the bail conditions could be changed.
The girl also told the court that she would gain nothing from YOURS and asked the court to send her to drug rehabilitation where she could receive the help she needed.
A social worker who had been following her from December 2016. "She knows how to choose good from bad, but whenever she leaves prison she falls back into bad habits and touches new lows. The people she hangs out with in Cospicua are older and involved in criminal activity," said the social worker. "Outside she is chaotic." The girl wasn't sleeping at home recently, she added.
The accused had initially pleaded guilty but later reversed her plea mid-hearing and requested bail.
The girl's mother was asked to testify for bail purposes, but declined.
Inspector Chetcuti insisted that the girl be sent to Corradino. "I'm sorry but this girl is not trustworthy. It would be a better option, even for the mother."
"Lilek nifqak" hissed the girl, turning to her mother.
Depasquale argued that bail should not be withheld as a punishment for the girl's alleged actions.
The girl piped up again, saying that she had failed to sign her bail book only once and claimed not to know what the police were talking about regards her attacking them.
Bail was refused. The prison authorities were instructed to give the girl all the assistance she needed.
As she was being escorted out of the courtroom, the girl refused to be handcuffed, letting loose a torrent of abuse and pushing inspector Chetcuti, screaming "I'll bite you like I bit them!" She was eventually coaxed into putting the cuffs on and was led away.
The case will continue before the juvenile court.
Inspectors Christabelle Chetcuti and Eman Hayman prosecuted. Lawyer Antonio Depasquale was defence counsel.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2LLGDuw
via IFTTT
FIRST: Two fathers, shattering social stigmas
Words by Martin Calleja Urry. Photography by Joanna Demarco
Kris and Steve Vella Grima breached important social boundaries in 2016 when they became the first gay married couple to adopt a child - a young boy named Ben, who has Down's Syndrome, and was turned down by many other couples waiting to adopt. Since then, they have opened their doors to a fourth member of the family, fostering a beautiful two-year-old girl.
Both children welcome me without an ounce of shyness before they rush off to their playroom together. "Having each other for company has really benefited both of the children," said Kris, as he watched the two toddle into their playroom.
Previously considered a conservative stronghold of Catholicism, Malta is now the front-runner for gay rights in Europe, with families like the Vella Grimas being equal to their heterosexual counterparts. The ground-breaking decision to give the green light to the Marriage Equality Act meant that equal rights were no longer a distant dream.
"In terms of the law, we're living in a sort of nirvana state," says Kris, a lecturer and researcher on same-sex families, and his husband Steve, a hairdressing director. They confirmed that direct discrimination in day-to-day life is practically non-existent.
Life is pleasant these days, but Kris recalls when society was not always so accommodating. He shares a few unpleasant anecdotes - gay patients being refused medical treatment, a close friend who died of AIDS left alone in a hearse outside the church at his own funeral, and relatives of openly gay people being attacked in public.
"We went through hell; we were made to move into an underground life, playing invisible and made to feel disgraced. Conservative and fundamental thinking denied our existence and our true selves. In the past, if you identified yourself as being gay, then you had to exclude getting married or becoming a family. Nowadays, due to changes in the law, all of this is possible - although I'm aware that it will take years for society to truly acknowledge us as equals," says Kris.
Resounding victories were celebrated on many fronts recently, but it begs the question: what's next? Refusing to rest on his laurels, Kris views complete integration as the next target, and argues that some branches of society are lagging behind the laws introduced, which are in need of a re-evaluation of certain practices.
The reality of the everyday
Expressing my curiosity about the daily challenges they face as a same-sex couple, Kris and Steve admit that little annoyances can become a thorn in their flesh. "Changing a nappy in the women's toilets feels awkward in a country where we are promoting equal parental responsibility. If I'm alone with Ben in the park, people ask me for the mother or, if I'm with Kris, they'll assume one of us is his uncle. Only a few, however, have done these things with bad intentions. People look - they will always look - and I've accepted that, but it's when they overdo it that bothers me," said Steve.
Kris points out that applications from schools, hospitals, certain banks and insurance companies, for example, are generally addressed to mother and father.
What about adoption rights? Kris confirmed that a few gay couples have been successful in becoming parents, and that it's easier for a lesbian couple to adopt. However, it's a totally different story for a gay male couple. He reiterates that, overall, not much has changed since they became Ben's adoptive fathers, and wonders why the number of children that have been adopted by same-sex couples can be counted on one hand.
He suggests that there are numerous obstacles facing same-sex couples wanting to adopt. The process is known to be an expensive and mentally draining experience, and he says that it's no wonder that many simply give up.
Heteronormative mentality
How do Kris and Steve feel living as two fathers within a Maltese society? Kris believes that a heteronormative state of mind is still a feature in the Maltese psyche. (Heteronormativity is the word given to a view that heterosexuality is the preferred or 'normal' sexual orientation).
"The mentality of some people projects that we are not their equal. They make you feel accepted but they wouldn't want you to sit next to them," said Kris. "We want to be ourselves at home and in public. I am aware that some people are afraid of the unknown, and it's to be expected, as the change was too quick."
Nowadays, he feels as if it's his duty to help others understand that LGBT families can blossom in today's world, and this can be facilitated by a fertile society that allows integration.
The responsibility of the media
Moving on to the media's role, Kris underlines its importance in transmitting a message of equality, in both content and discourse. "No, I'm not happy with the picture that's being painted in the media. Disrespect for autonomy includes actions and attitudes that ignore, insult and demean others. I genuinely feel that, morally, everyone should be respected and treated equally. Groups are often portrayed with a certain 'sameness', but we're definitely not homogenous. The dynamics of another gay family are most probably different than ours and we should respect that. The media has a massive responsibility to portray things accurately, with the aim of reducing discrimination on every level," he says.
Promoting visibility and diversity
When Steve and Kris decided to go public with their story, some criticised their decision to do so, but the couple takes solace in knowing that their exposure offers inspiration to others. A portion of their privacy was willingly sacrificed, but it helps others walk down a similar path. Kris admits, however, that the focus on him and his family can play on his mind from time to time. "I feel responsible for other same-sex couples that are still coming out and for portraying our family 'normality.' If a hundred people are present in a room, we are predisposed to realising that their focus will be on us: people observe how we communicate with our kids and vice versa. At times you become over-cautious about doing the right thing," he says.
For Kris and Steve, evidence of their success lies in the number of gay couples who refuse to remain in the shadows. "We speak up to promote visibility: families are slowly coming out of the closet. Full acceptance will come when new forms of families show themselves," says Kris. He looks towards the parents to instil moral values in today's children, urging them to educate their offspring from day one, because they represent the future.
"Teaching diversity needs to start from a very young age and it needs to start at home. The prime educators should be the parents not the teachers, because we're expecting too much from the teachers. We lack education, and education is power: it gives you choices and the skills to think independently. Education is now so accessible that ignorance is no excuse. Parents should practice what they preach and equality should be taught from the ground up," Kris concludes.
The Vella Grima family will continue to reap the benefits of the seeds they have sown, relishing the hectic work-life balance they have worked so hard to achieve. For now, they can rest easy knowing their struggles have paved the way for gay and lesbian couples of the future. Have we reached the pinnacle of acceptance or will we continue to see progressive changes? Only time will tell.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2vjhn4n
via IFTTT
Supermarket cashier and customer charged after paying only 29c for trolleys full of items
The customer would repeatedly load the trolley with items and the cashier would only record a 29c transaction
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2Ovl9QX
via IFTTT
Italian pair charged with stealing trolley-loads of supermarket items
An Italian duo have been arraigned over the fraudulent taking of several trolleys full of items from a local supermarket, for which only 29c were paid.
Vincenzo Maniscalco, 39 and Raffaella Recchia, 36 were arraigned before magistrate Charmaine Galea on charges of fraud and theft. Recchia alone was also charged with misappropriation and Maniscalco alone was accused of complicity in that offence.
Inspector Roderick Attard explained to the court how Maniscalco would load a trolley with a mountain of items while his accomplice Recchia, who was a cashier at the supermarket, would only record a 29c transaction. This is believed to have occurred on a number of occasions, but only CCTV of the last one was given to the police.
Recchia, defended by lawyer David Gatt, pleaded guilty to misappropriation charge only, after it was explained that the other charges were alternatives. Her father refunded half the value of the items illicitly taken in court today.
The other half would be due by the other co accused, after the prosecution requested the court deal with the two accused separately.
On punishment, Gatt said that the woman had a clean conduct, had cooperated fully and the injured party was reimbursed. He asked for probation. "She was fired, but her salary is still outstanding," he said.
The court handed the woman a 2 year conditional discharge after taking into account the refunding and clean conduct.
Maniscalco requested bail. His wife was due to give birth in Malta today or tomorrow so he was unlikely to flee, his lawyer Noel Cutajar said. The prosecution did not object as long as the usual conditions applied.
Maniscalco was released from arrest on condition that he does not contact prosecution witnesses, signs a bail book twice a week, secured by a deposit of €1000 and a personal guarantee of €2000.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2AutS2S
via IFTTT
Maltese government disappointed by ‘unsubstantiated information’ in UK parliament report
It called on the UK House of Commons Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Committee to rectify this 'serious error in the publication of its final report'
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2Anicir
via IFTTT
No bail for man who threatened to kill wife
The man was accused of injuring his partner, threatening his 13-year-old daughter, threatening and attacking police officers and carrying a knife without a permit, amongst other accusations
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2K6sEe1
via IFTTT
Man accused of attacking partner, daughter, police officers
A man who has been remanded in custody after a domestic row got out of hand has claimed that his partner and daughter attacked him.
The 54-year-old labourer from St. Paul's Bay who is not being named to protect the identities of his alleged victims appeared before magistrate Charmaine Galea this afternoon. Inspector Josef Gauci accused the man of slightly injuring his partner, using psychological or moral violence to isolate her or limit her access to finance, carrying a knife without a police permit, insulting and threatening 5 police officers, attacking them, disobeying legitimate police orders, using obscene language in public, breaching the peace, taking up arms against other people and insulting or threatening his 13-year-old daughter. He was also accused of relapsing.
The inspector explained that he had threatened to kill his partner and had beaten her in the past. He then threatened the police whilst in a drunken state.
The man told the court that he had been attacked by the women, lifting his shirt to show the court some scratches. "I was attacked by my daughter and my partner…but I told the inspector I want peace, not to drag it out."
Lawyer Joseph Ellis, legal aid, entered a not guilty plea and requested bail. The accused was concerned about the welfare of his dogs, the court was told. He would live in separate accommodation to his estranged family, Ellis said.
But inspector Gauci pointed out that the man had said during interrogation that if he's let free he would do something crazy.
Bail was denied in view of the serious nature of the accusations and due to the man's utterances during questioning. A provisional protection order was issued for the woman and the accused's daughter.
"You are going to be remanded in custody until she testifies," explained the court, telling the prosecution to bring all its witnesses as soon as possible.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2M2Xcz5
via IFTTT
Townsquare developers to reduce tower height by 37 metres
The new plans would result in the project having a dramatically reduced visual impact
from MaltaToday News https://ift.tt/2LBUZhJ
via IFTTT
Townsquare developers to reduce tower height by 11 storeys
The developers of the Townsquare project in Sliema are to reduce the height of the proposed tower by 37 metres, equivalent to 11 storeys, the developers said in a statement.
Townsquare has submitted new designs to the Planning Authority following a decision in May by the Environment and Planning Review Tribunal which stated that the developers must effect certain revisions to the project application which the PA had approved in 2016.
A spokesman for Townsquare said: "Our new designs comprehensively address the revisions requested in the appeal decision; but also incorporate a tower that has been significantly reduced in height."
The project, set over a 12,000sqm site, will still retain the same amount of open space as originally proposed, some 7,500sqm, that will become the largest pedestrian zone in Sliema's town centre. This area has also been reconfigured to include a better flow for pedestrians, substantially more greenery and a landscaped rear garden – all accessible to the public.
The new tower, the developers said, will be made up of one double-heighted commercial ground-level and 27 residential levels, but since these have lower height dimensions it will be equivalent to 27 levels of the previous tower.
Townsquare is a quality mixed-use project comprising high-end residential units and a commercial area. Designed by top local and international architectural design firms, the development will comprise 159 apartments, retail outlets, a business centre, a range of dining outlets, cafes and ample underground parking. Restoration of the historical Villa Drago also remains an integral part the project.
Townsquare is owned by Townsquare Sliema Limited, a joint-venture between the Ganado, Gasan, Soler and Trapani-Galea families.
The new design statement and visuals may be viewed on the Townsquare website, while further information may be obtained from the Townsquare Project Office in Tigné Street, Sliema. A helpline for residents is also available on 2789 6034 or 2133 1560.
from The Malta Independent https://ift.tt/2uZQKlW
via IFTTT
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)