Sunday, March 31, 2019
Autism awareness month: The power of dance therapy
Dance has been a big part of my life since I was a child. I started dancing at the age of three and haven't stopped since. Apart from bringing joy, dance has always helped me to overcome certain obstacles in my own life and this is why I have always believed in the power of dance - and, most importantly, in the healing power of dance.
After finishing my Communication Therapy degree from the University of Malta, I knew it was then time to pursue my dancing career so I moved to London and studied at the Laban Conservatoire of Dance.
After that, dance took me to Berlin, where I worked - and still work - on various dance projects. I am very grateful to have been able to do this for a few years now - in both Germany and elsewhere. However, I felt that something was missing, and I still wanted to spread the joy of dance with others in a different way - a way that connects to them more directly.
That led me to enrol in a dance movement therapy course, which I finished in June last year. As a speech and language pathologist, I had ample experience working with people with Autism Spectrum, Disorder (ASD), and I wanted to take my work with them a step further. So for my final thesis, I researched the effects of dance/ movement therapy on children with ASD, and since then have carried out group and one-to-one therapy sessions with this target group in Berlin and Malta. In addition, I also offer therapy to the parents and care-givers of children with ASD. I currently continue to work as a dancer, dance movement therapist and speech therapist in Berlin and abroad.
What is Dance Movement Therapy?
Dance movement therapy (DMT) is the psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance to support the intellectual, emotional and motor functions of the body. As a form of expressive therapy, DMT looks at the correlation between movement and emotion. It offers individuals of all ages and abilities a space in which to explore what drives them, and helps people develop self-awareness and sensitivity to others and also to find a way of feeling more comfortable in their bodies.
A therapist will use movement as an outlet for the mind and body expression, and this sets it apart from traditional oral therapies.
DMT helps a person achieve emotional, cognitive, physical and social integration. Other benefits include stress reduction and mood management. It can also help improve body image and self-esteem. Founded within the idea that motion and emotion are interconnected, this creative expression can also help develop communication skills for better relationships.
DMT can be adapted to a variety of settings and is a beneficial tool for anybody and everybody. Research has found that using dance movements as a form of therapy activates several brain functions at once - kinaesthetic, rational, musical, and emotional - making it one of the most beneficial therapeutic tools.
The sessions can be on a one-to-one basis or in a group setting and they vary greatly depending on the therapist and the client as well as their wishes and needs.
How does it help children with ASD?
It is great to see how research is starting to show that an early intervention programme, including expressive arts, is fundamentally productive for children with autism and the outcome can (and does) dramatically benefit the child's needs.
In addition to simple, enjoyable exercise and social interaction, movement helps to develop essential skills and positively affects the challenges of autism.
Some of these positively affected challenges include:
- Social and life skills
- Self-esteem, self-awareness and self-determination
- Body awareness
- The ability to communicate needs and desires
- Speech, language and communication
- Gross and fine motor skills/planning
- Proprioception, balance and spatial orientation
- Sensory processing and integration
- Physical health and wellness
- Anxiety and depression
The shared experiences during DMT sessions lead to the client/child and therapist engaging in movements that interact and regulate each other, meaning the therapist gains a level of control over the client via movement, and vice versa. This non-verbal interaction is based on their trusting relationship and can change behaviour and lead to further self-expression and awareness for the individual.
Sessions for children with ASD have been described (though not necessarily) as using props, music, spoken words or singing. In addition, here, a session can be with a group or an individual. It can be very structured and predictable in activity, or completely free form, following the wishes and needs of the child.
Where can people find this therapy in Malta?
It is great that, nowadays, there are many organisations doing an excellent job - including dance and the arts - to help individuals with special needs lead a healthier, more positive life.
Having said that, I feel it is that people can differentiate between a creative dance session/dance class and dance as a means of therapy (as mentioned above). The goals and techniques used are very different, and dance movement therapy can only be carried out by a qualified dance movement therapist.
Unfortunately, it is difficult to find this service in Malta. The number of qualified dance movement therapists here is very limited, even more so, dance/movement therapists who work with individuals with autism. I am actually not aware of anyone offering this service.
I am hoping - and working - with the aim of making this type of therapy more accessible to this client group. I come down to Malta as often as I can, and when I do, I offer dance movement therapy sessions at TAASC Remedies clinic in Birkirkara. The Association of Speech and Language Pathologists Malta (ASLP), have also shown their support and interest and we carried out two taster sessions for children with special needs in March. These were very successful, so we hope to plan more sessions for the coming months.
We are also planning to contact other locations where this could be possible, to make dance movement therapy accessible to a broader range of individuals with autism across the island.
For further information contact info@taascmalta.com
Photo: Josef Degabriele
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Kim Jong-nam murder: Vietnamese woman pleads guilty to lesser charge
A Vietnamese woman accused of killing Kim Jong-nam, the half-brother of North Korea's leader, has pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of causing hurt by potentially deadly means
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Ukraine comic leads presidential poll first round
A comedian with no political experience has won the most votes in the first round of Ukraine's presidential elections, according to exit polls
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Brexit creates power vacuum at heart of Britain's government
Britain's Parliament is deadlocked over plans to leave the European Union. The country's ruling Conservative Party is fractured by an undeclared leadership contest. Opposition parties are baying for an early general election.
A power vacuum has paralyzed the heart of Britain's government, dismaying both the European Union and the British public.
In the next two weeks, British Prime Minister Theresa May will lead the U.K. through domestic and international negotiations that will decide the fate of Brexit and determine the future of generations. Her task, as it's been for almost three years, is to bridge the increasingly bitter divide that separates those who want to sever links with the EU and those who want to keep the ties that have bound Britain to the bloc for almost 50 years.
"In any other circumstance, they would have rolled her by now, either formally or informally," said Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University of London. "She's the default because no one else wants the job."
The power vacuum means May has almost no leverage as she tries to engineer a compromise with U.K. lawmakers who last week took control of the parliamentary agenda to debate alternatives to her Brexit deal, which has already been rejected by Parliament three times.
The House of Commons is scheduled to vote Monday on a variety of Brexit options, with two ideas — staying in the EU customs union and holding a second referendum on Brexit — emerging as the most likely alternatives.
While Justice Secretary David Gauke said Sunday the government would have to "very carefully consider" the wishes of Parliament, he also said May's EU divorce deal is still the best alternative. Gauke said the prime minister was "reflecting" on the possibility of bringing it back to Parliament for a fourth vote.
If the government can't bridge the gap by April 12, Britain will crash out of the EU without a plan for future relations, damaging its economy, undermining the country's unity and diminishing its stature in the world.
"I think it would be very, very bad news indeed," Gauke told the BBC. "I don't think the British people would thank us if we left without a deal."
May's political weakness stretches back to when she took office in July 2016, less than a month after Britain voted 52 percent to 48 percent in favor of leaving the EU.
Despite the close result on such a momentous decision, May did little to build consensus about what Britain's departure from the world's largest trading bloc should look like.
Instead, she set out her own red lines: Britain must end the free movement of people coming in, end the jurisdiction of the European Court of Justice in Britain and leave the European customs union so Britain could negotiate trade deals with other countries.
Then, seeking to bolster the small majority left to her by her predecessor, David Cameron, May called a disastrous early election in which she lost 13 seats. That left May as the leader of a minority Conservative government and forced her into an alliance with Northern Ireland's Democratic Unionist Party.
Though weakened, May kept Brexit strategy in the hands of the Conservative Party and more specifically her own advisers.
But Brexit cuts across traditional political lines. Both May's Conservatives and the opposition Labour party are split between those who want to sever links to the EU and those who want to remain close to the bloc. Even so, May has been reluctant to reach out to Labour for fear of deepening the split in her own party.
"She feels trapped politically," said Thomas Raines, head of the Europe program at the Chatham House think tank. "Each step she takes toward the Labour Party will lose her support on her right flank."
Complicating the equation is the staunch opposition of May's erstwhile allies in the DUP, which refuses to back her Brexit withdrawal deal because it treats Northern Ireland differently than the rest of the U.K., and the Scottish National Party, which wants to remain in the EU.
"Everyone is still convinced they can have their first choice outcome," Raines said. "They cannot see their way to a compromise."
Even if May is able to secure a withdrawal deal, more negotiations lie ahead because Britain and the EU still need to work out exactly what their future relationship will look like. In an effort to win support for her deal, May said she wouldn't lead those talks.
That has triggered a Conservative party beauty contest among possible successors, with newspapers offering odds on those vying for the top job.
Former Prime Minister John Major warned, though, that even changing leaders would do little to break the deadlock in Parliament.
"Of course, a new leader may, depending upon who it is, have less baggage than a prime minister who's had to fight for everything from the moment she went into Downing Street," he told the BBC. "But it doesn't change the numbers. It doesn't change the arithmetic. It doesn't change the instincts and convictions of people both in the Remain and in the Leave camp."
That leaves the prospect of calling a general election in hopes of securing a stable majority government in Britain. Labour is eager to go to the voters and such a move might persuade the EU to extend the Brexit talks for a second time.
But most Conservatives are opposed, fearing they would be punished for three years of deadlock.
Alistair Burt, who resigned as foreign office minister after voting against May's Brexit deal, told Sky News he didn't think a new election would be helpful.
"We need to stick to this task that we have in relation to the European Union," he said. "Settle that and then move forward, offer the public the wide range of choices that political parties do ... let's get on with doing this job in the first place."
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Noisy petards set to be banned as from 2020
The coming summer festa season will be the last to include noisy petards if proposals to be made public in the coming days are implemented.
The proposals to reform the Fireworks Ordnance are set to drastically change the present scenario which sees a mixture of noisy petards which, year in year out, lead to complaints, and colourful displays and ground fireworks which are more welcome by the general population.
What is to be proposed is the total elimination of the noisy blasts that shake buildings, scare animals and wake up people in deep sleep. These normally start as early as 8am in villages and towns celebrating the feast of their patron saint, and go on well into the night.
Petards are seen by enthusiasts as a mainstay of fireworks celebrations, but are mostly a nuisance to others, particularly sick and elderly people, adults who work shifts and would like to rest, and babies.
Many years ago, petards were used mostly by villagers to "indicate" to nearby localities that their village is celebrating the feast of their patron saint. Historians say that the culture was aimed to "tease" other towns and villages nearby.
But society evolved into what it is today, with variations to the work-life balance, more awareness about people's different needs and a growing consciousness on the effects of noise pollution suggesting that the situation regarding fireworks also must change.
This has led to the drawing up of new regulations covering fireworks which is set to be published in the coming days. Noisy petards are to be eliminated completely and, as compensation, fireworks enthusiasts will be allowed a wider berth in the preparation of colourful displays and ground fireworks.
The publication of the proposals will be followed by a public consultation exercise before a final decision is taken and the necessary amendments are passed through Parliament. The idea is to have the new system in place by the start of next year's feasts, the first, as always, being St Paul's Shipwreck in Valletta on 10 February.
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Aldo Moro roadworks cover Roman tombs
The ancient tombs were built upon by roadworks to pass a storm drainpipe
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Birkirkara council’s law on loitering to remove homeless ‘nuisance’
Malta's second largest locality has effectively criminalised sleeping rough on public benches with a unanimously approved new by-law
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Tory MP wants Theresa May to revoke Malta’s George Cross over Brexit offence
Alistair Dodding files motion to revoke Malta's George Cross over 'role of Joseph Muscat in Brexit negotiations'
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Malta a society of bullies and keyboard cowboys: mentally ill man smeared over ‘paedo panic’
Intellectually disabled man's image goes viral after mother accuses him of paedophile harassment • Disabled commission's head Oliver Scicluna condems social media lynching
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Ghaxaq man charged with mother’s and sister’s brutal murder, pleads not guilty
Joseph Bonnici pleaded not guilty to murdering his mother and sister at their Ghaxaq home, then leaving their bodies in a field in the outskirts of Gudja
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Malta celebrates 40th anniversary of Freedom Day
Malta today celebrated the 40th anniversary of Freedom Day with a ceremony at the monument dedicated to the historic event in Birgu.
On 31 March, 1979, British military forces left Malta for good.
President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat and Opposition leader Adrian Delia were greeted by the Armed Forces of Malta guard of honour before tjhey laid flowers at the foot of the monument.
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Malta celebrates 40th anniversary of Freedom Day
It was 40 years ago that the last of the British forces left Malta, formally ending the island's long history as a military base for foreign powers
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Suspect to be charged Sunday with murdering mother, sister
A man is on Sunday evening expected to be charged with murdering his mother and sister.
Joseph Bonnici, 39, was arrested on Saturday after the bodies of his mother Marija Lourdes, 70, and sister Angele, 30, were found in a field in the limits of Gudja.
The two had been reported missing by the police on Wednesday, having last been seen on Tuesday. They were found in the field after the police were alerted by a relative of the family, which lives in Ghaxaq.
The suspect's father, Paul Bonnici, is serving a 31-year prison sentence after having been convicted kilking two of his neighbours 19 years ago.
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Activists to prolong protest near Planning Authority offices
NGOs who have been protesting in front of the Planning Authority offices said this afternoon that they will be continuing their activity at least for another night.
Although we had initially planned to stay at the camp Assedju PA until Sunday evening, we have now decided to stay longer as a result of the encouragement and support from the public and our wish to ensure that our message is heard. Tonight we will be sleeping here for the fourth night, the NGOs said.
The following organisations participated in the activity: Flimkien ghal Ambjent Ahjar, Friends of the Earth Malta, Din l-Art Helwa, Bicycle Advocacy Group, Zminijietna - Voice of the Left and Moviment Graffitti.
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AP Investigation: Florida gets tougher on massage-parlor sex
When Florida authorities shut down 10 massage spas last month and charged hundreds of men with buying sex, they broke a longstanding pattern of meting out minor charges and punishment for owners, letting patrons off scot-free and turning a mostly blind eye to signs of human trafficking.
An Associated Press review of state records over the past decade shows that while police officers and sheriff's deputies in Florida have investigated hundreds of individual massage parlors within their own counties for illegal sexual activity, it was usually low-level massage therapists who were arrested, while owners mostly were exempted or charged with misdemeanors resulting in fines and probation. Johns usually were not charged at all.
In stark contrast, the investigation announced last month spanned several jurisdictions between Palm Beach and Orlando and focused heavily on the possibility of widespread human trafficking. Several spa owners, most of them women originally from China, were charged with felony racketeering and money laundering and could face years in prison.
Authorities also charged 300 men accused of being patrons, including New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft and former Citigroup President John Havens. Authorities say Kraft was twice recorded on video engaging in and then paying for sex acts at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa, located in a shopping center in Jupiter. Both men have denied wrongdoing.
Florida has more than 8,600 licensed massage therapy establishments. It's difficult to know how many of them sell sex, based on the records. Nationwide, the anti-trafficking advocacy group Polaris estimates there are 9,000 massage establishments with therapists who are trafficked from other places and forced to provide sex acts.
The AP reviewed records from more than 150 Florida Department of Health cases involving massage parlors whose licenses had been revoked, suspended or voluntarily surrendered in the past decade.
Of the spas that lost their licenses, almost 40 percent had massage therapists involved in sexual activity, the AP found. Sex cases were found statewide, in 26 of the state's 67 counties, with the tourism-heavy Orlando area having the most.
Few of the cases resulted in charges of human trafficking, and those that did ended with only minor punishments.
In 2017, Mi Cha Jones, owner of the Jee Jee spa in Miami Beach, was charged with two felony counts of human trafficking and one felony count of deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution. Jones was sentenced to only two years of probation after pleading guilty to the latter count in 2018.
Nearly five years ago, investigators found clear evidence of prostitution and a potential sign of human trafficking — women living on the premises — at the O Asian Wellness Spa and Massage in Boca Raton. The spa's owner was facing a minimum of four years and maximum of 35 years in prison, but was sentenced to only nine months in jail and probation after a plea deal. None of the johns who patronized the parlor were charged at all.
In 2013, an inspector found three rooms with beds, clothes, computers, cellphones, desks and a refrigerator full of food at Serenity Massage in Tampa. The owner admitted massage therapists were living there but was ultimately only fined. There was no indication any investigation into human trafficking was ever launched.
Florida Department of Health spokesman Brad Dalton said revoking a spa's license is the most severe punishment available to the department's Board of Massage Therapy. "Any action above that would have to come from law enforcement," Dalton said.
A tougher stance is being championed by Martin County Sheriff William Snyder, whose agency spearheaded the current investigation after receiving a tip from a state health investigator.
"When I saw the videos of the women being used ... I began to change my whole thoughts and view of it," said Snyder, a former state lawmaker who sponsored a 2012 bill that made human trafficking illegal in Florida. He was elected sheriff that same year.
Still, it remains to be seen whether anything will truly change.
No one has yet been charged with human trafficking, something Snyder said can be difficult to prove, especially if women don't testify against their abusers. He said many of the women fear deportation, even though they could be eligible for a visa if they cooperated. They also fear traffickers will harm their families back home, he said.
And while hundreds of men identified as johns have been accused, Kraft and others have been charged only with misdemeanors that prosecutors have offered to drop if they agree to participate in a diversion program. Jail time for johns, what Snyder sees as the "holistic" answer to stemming human trafficking, looks highly unlikely.
Still, the sheriff says he hopes the national spotlight that has shone on the Kraft case will make other potential clients think twice before risking a visit to an illicit massage parlor.
"I have come to understand that as long as there is a demand, there will be a supply," he said. "Even if the demand diminishes microscopically and a few women in some forlorn province in China are not enticed to come here under false pretenses and trafficked, it will all be worthwhile."
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Qajjenza traffic accident
A collision took place at around 1.30pm between a Mercedes being driven by a German man aged 82 and a Honda motorcycle being driven by a man from Marsaxlokk aged 58.
An ambulance took the cyclist to hospital where he was found to be seriously injured.
Magistrate Rachel Montebello appointed various experts to help in the inquiry. Police investigations are ongoing
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Konrad Mizzi re-negotiating St George’s Bay deal behind the people’s back - Adrian Delia
Opposition leader Adrian Delia referred to a report on Sunday's il-mument, which said Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi was negotiating with the Corinthia Group to reduce the portion of the St George's Bay project which would be dedicated to tourism
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Last year's surplus turned into a deficit - Adrian Delia
It was just a short journey from Freedom Mount in Vittoriosa where he had just taken part in the national celebrations of Freedom Day to Kalkara where he addressed a PN rally.
But Adrian Delia made a connection between the two events. On Freedom Day we celebrate Malta getting rid of the foreigner, Dr Delia told his supporters. But under this government we have not got rid of the foreigners at all but rather they are more numerous than ever and now we are being told by the prime minister himself that without them we may forget about our pensions.
Somebody just handed him some documents about non-EU citizens who are being brought in. They are paid €4.50 an hour and make some €700 a month but €200 are deducted and they pay €0.55 in taxes. So Maltese pensioners are being paid by these foreigners just 55 cents a month. These foreigners barely make €400 a month.
Delia mentioned the Budget Speech, made around Halloween, in which the government had said Malta would be making a surplus in 2018. But the figures are now out and it results that Malta had ended the year with a deficit of €16 million, an €80 million difference between the promised surplus and the actual deficit.
But the imperturbable Minister of Finance has said the deficit came about because of some capital expenditure. How come that the government could not anticipate spending more on capital expenditure over the last two months of the year?
Next Dr Delia focused on the Moneyvall report. Malta has faced the Moneyvall Report some five times but this time the report authors are not looking a the laws on paper but at how the laws are implemented.
If over the next couple of months the government did not work some miracle, then Malta will be condemned by the final draft of the report and Malta will become black-listed. Being black-listed will be very harmful in attracting financial investments or gaming companies.
There is now another very serious report about Malta - the Greco Report but this can only be revealed if the government gives its permission. He challenged and demanded that the prime minister allows the publication of this report, unlike what the PM did with the Egrant Report.
The Labour Party has taken over all the institutions - as witnessed by the recent appointments at MFSA, at AFM, in the lawcourts where 17 of the last 18 appointments were made from people near the government.
At the beginning of his speech, Dr Delia referred to the main story on Il-Mument which referred to land at St George's Bay which the government had wished to transfer to the private sector during the Christmas holidays but was stopped from doing so by the Opposition.
Minister Konrad Mizzi has not given up and the same deal has now reappeared before the parliamentary audit committee. The Opposition will again oppose this deal.
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Muscat attacks ‘disgusting’ racist comments against migrants
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat attacked those who made certain comments which he described as "disgusting" and "racist and intolerant" against the migrants who were onboard the El Hiblu 1.
The El Hiblu 1 made global news earlier this week after it picked up 108 migrants in the Mediterranean. Upon hearing that the migrants were being taken back to Libya, a number of them hijacked the ship and turned it around with the intention of going to Lampedusa or to Malta. The Armed Forces of Malta eventually stormed and secured the ship, at which point it was brought to Malta. Three of those onboard have since been charged with forcefully taking control of the vessel and remain detained after their request for bail was not granted.
While praising the efforts and the professionalism in the field of the AFM, Muscat expressed an element of sadness that amongst those arrested was teenagers, but added that the law was there for everyone and that it had to be abided by.
Muscat continued however to wholly condemn "disgusting" comments which he had seen, where some people had practically suggested that the boat should be shot at and sunk. He said that the level of racism and intolerance that can be shown is disgusting as well.
He said that he did not want to point fingers at those living in localities with a lot of foreigners there and who felt unsafe, adding that one must only look at Marsa to see the rise in security that the government has pushed. However, in this case, Muscat said that he had given instructions that the law should be upheld equally if it is against a Maltese or a foreigner; "the law is for everyone", he said.
Muscat said that in the past people used to discriminate against the Maltese when they went abroad, labelling them as "black" or "arab"; so it is ironic that it is the Maltese themselves who do this now.
The politics of building walls is attractive Muscat said, but once one puts up those walls the country finds itself in a prison. It would be true that nobody can get in; but the country's people then cannot get out, he said.
By falling for such racial sentiments and comments, we are betraying the whole concept of what makes us free, Muscat said.
The freedom motif featured strongly throughout Muscat's speech – something which comes as no surprise given that today is Freedom Day.
Muscat made a case for keeping each of Malta's national holidays – saying that the country's identity is intrinsically tied to each holiday. Freedom Day is no different he said. He described it as a masterpiece of international negotiation, where Dom Mintoff – then Prime Minister – managed to get, in today's money, €1.2 billion from the British, money which was then used to build the very basis of the country's infrastructure and economy. He cited Enemalta, Air Malta and the now defunct Sea Malta as examples of this, saying that this government had saved the former two. Companies like these made Malta what it is today and shifted the economy from that which prospered only in wartime to one which could prosper also in peace-time.
He said that this is why the government must keep working to strengthen the economy, and said that this is what is happening. He cited the new National Space Strategy as an example of new sectors that Malta was delving into, and the income generated by Valletta 2018 as an example of the role that culture and the arts can play in the economy.
"Whoever is saying that our economy is growing just because of construction cannot read numbers; it is growing because it has been diversified", Muscat said.
He cited the government's recent proposals for more balance in Parliament between men and women as another example of a freer Malta. "How can we accept the fact that since elections started in our country, hundreds of men were elected compared with only 27 women; that tells me that there is something intrinsically wrong in our system", Muscat said before adding that the Labour party has a clear mandate from the people to change this situation.
He said that there was one instance where he did disagree with Mintoff; in that freedom was not, Muscat thinks, written on 31 March 1979; but it was written in 1971, when Mintoff told thousands upon thousands of people who worked with the British that – essentially – they would be losing their jobs by voting for him as he was going to tell the British to leave. Mintoff however asked for the trust of the people so that he could built an economy and a country where their lives will be better. "Mintoff's electoral victory in 1971 was the best the country has ever seen, and it was the true moment of freedom", Muscat said. He said that people had voted against their personal interest and in the country's interest instead, and added that this was the change that he wanted to see continue to be captured in today's society so that Malta can continue to be free and successful.
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TMIS Editorial: It’s been a great five years, thank you Marie-Louise
On Thursday the Presidency will officially be handed over to George Vella, and incumbent Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca will step down from the country's helm after her five-year term in office.
And while most former Presidents tend to slip into a sort of semi-oblivion after leaving, far be it from Coleiro Preca to follow suit. She has already made some of her post-Presidential intentions known but much more will remain to be seen of how she will continue to foster many of the values and concepts she has instilled into the Presidency and society itself.
Every President of the Republic has brought his or her own special qualities to the Presidency. And what Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca was, and what was evident from even before day one of her term, was that she was a people's President - of the people and for the people.
And she assumed that mantle quite happily, having moved to the Presidency from her previous position and family and social solidarity minister. And what she did, it seems, as we have not yet read her recent biography, was to have dovetailed her previous position into her new one quite perfectly.
And it was her unending love for society, and for children in particular, that really shone through in everything she did.
This was reflected in her establishment of the President's Foundation for the Wellbeing of Society, a nongovernmental organisation that she heads and which has done so much wonderful work since she set it up in 2014.
This was reflected in the way that the annual l-Istrina fundraiser for the Malta Community Chest Fund continued to set record after record under her watch.
This was reflected in how in 2016 she legitimised the MCCF, its funding and expenses by turning it into a foundation and holding its first ever Annual General Meeting, where the Foundation's fully audited statement of income was presented to shareholders - all those Maltese and Gozitan who have donated money and contributed to the Foundation. The President's thinking was that those who donate have a right to know how their funds are being spent, and she was spot on.
Her unending love for society was also reflected in the fact that, just this week, the Foundation posted its accounts showing that the MCCF disbursed a total of €11.85 million during 2018, 54% more than in 2017, and helping more than 16,000 people in the process.
That is not to say that there were not the sore points over the last five years as well. The Paqpaqli accident, and its eventual fallout, was surely one of them. And she also continued the age-old tradition of rubber-stamping laws into force that she did not fully believe in or agree with. And she continued rubberstamping suspicious government property transfers, such as the Old Minty Street deal for example.
Such has been the burden of every President so far. Hopefully matters will change somewhere at some point down the road, perhaps with changes being envisaged by the supposedly upcoming constitutional convention the Prime Minister appears intent on convening.
Children have enjoyed a special and permanent place in this President's heart, as have other burning issues such as food justice, heath and gender violence. The list goes on and on and on.
But what the list does not include is the effect that the Presidency has had on her. In an opinion piece in today's issue, the President speaks of how much she has learned from we the people, from children and even from those who have criticised her.
She thanks the children for teaching so many lessons, not least of which was how they simply want us to respect one another, that they do not want conflict and that they want our country to give them peace of mind. And that is certainly a lesson that every politician needs to learn.
Your Excellency, we in turn thank you for what you have done for the nation, and we wish you well in every one of your future endeavours. After all, how could we not when we can rest assured that any such endeavour will undoubtedly be for the benefit of society as a whole?
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Malta now experiencing Mintoff's dream - Prime Minister
Malta truly achieved its freedom when Dom Mintoff was elected to government in 1971, starting the process to re-negotiate the island's lease agreement with Britain, Joseph Muscat told supporters on Freedom Day
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PD calls for relocating of Freedom Day monument
Malta experienced its version of Brexit 40 years ago when the last of the British Forces departed the island after a presence of almost 180 years, Partit Demokratiku said in a statement.
The British left Malta a wealthy inheritance, including established governance, Commonwealth membership, a skilled workforce, an English speaking nation, military cities of ornate barracks and married quarters, dry docks and a massive flight information region.
On the day Malta celebrated Freedom Day, PD calls for a study to analyse the possible re-allocation of Freedom Day monument to a more open and suitable place that bears true identity.
The present location is one that does not attribute the honour and aura that such a monument deserves. It has become little better than a traffic island. Moreover it has aesthetically ruined the significance of St Lawrence square and its famed church, PD said.
"In 1979, our Armed Forces were pushed to the fore and tasked to protect and defend our island state, a role they have taken on with admiration. In fact, a motion was once passed to transform Freedom Day into Armed Forces Day, but this seems to have been shelved," stated Sec Gen and MEP candidate Martin Cauchi Inglott.
"Those older than forty certainly recall a different kind of freedom: the freedom where we enjoyed a beautiful unspoilt and tranquil country, with clear blue seas, often referred to the gem in the Mediterranean. So has our hard earned freedom really transformed into quality of life?" asks MEP candidate Anthony Buttigieg.
"Perhaps not as we find ourselves, in a nation abounding with ugly concrete structures, where tower cranes have taken the place of trees, and walking in the little remaining countryside is threatened by some hunters and trappers. We have even lost fresh air. But of course not the oligarchs, who are enjoying excessive returns on their existing wealth, and are escaping the ill effects through their luxury holidays abroad."
If it were up to Partit Demokratiku, Freedom Day would be celebrated when we are free from the oligarchs' grip on government and our public land, and where every business competes equally for government contracts. Real freedom means that all of us are able to realise our full potential and capabilities without political, social and peer influence. When we manage that, then yes, we can start celebrating Freedom Day again.
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Homelessness: ‘Prime Minister - if your kids were in this situation, would you look the other way?'
While Malta enjoys an ever-increasing GDP thanks to large and expanding industries, many have indicated that a portion of the population is at risk of poverty and social exclusion as a result of this fast-paced increase. The European Commission's Malta Country Report indicated that the increased prices in the house market, and the wage gap, can lead to issues of affordability and availability of social housing. Unfortunately, Malta is already facing a poverty crisis.
According to the most recent Eurostat data published, the number of people living at risk of poverty and social exclusion has experienced a sharp drop since 2013, but the data does not always reflect the reality of the situation. Back in October 2018 during a parliamentary session, it was noted that 27 people were reported sleeping outdoors between 2013 and last August. The real figure is believed to be much higher than what has been reported.
As evidence of this, there is increasing pressure on homeless shelters such as the YMCA, Dar Papa Frangisku and Dar Maria Dolores, which are struggling with the number of people seeking shelter as they cannot afford a roof over their head.
As a nation, people are well aware that homelessness is an issue as more and more people are seen sleeping on benches, in their cars or in public areas, yet the actual figure of how many people are homeless is difficult to quantify.
Living in a room with no electricity, water or a sense of security
The Malta Independent on Sunday was invited by Jane Doe*, a 43-year-old who is currently living in an agricultural storeroom outside a field. She lives there exposed to the elements, with no electricity or running water, the growing mould stains on the rubble walls just above her bed (made of two single mattresses and a couple of thin sheets) is just another indicator of how brutally cold last winter was.
"When we had that weekend of hail and storms, I could not leave or go anywhere since I have no car. So I just stayed in and waited."
During the interview, Jane had left the door open to let in the bit of sunshine a morning of rain.
"Days like this are good, as the rain fills up the water tanks which I can use to wash and cook with. I know this is dangerous because one day after drinking that water I was very ill and spent the next few days sick in bed.
"No house, no job, no car, no money, I would not wish this situation on anyone, but I know there are others like me."
She explained that she had not always been in this situation and that she used to have a home and job security, and able to provide for her mother and teenage daughter.
"I am a people person, I love to work, laugh and be surrounded by people, before I ended up in this situation I was always on the go from one place to another, but now I cannot do anything but sit and see what will happen to me."
She recounted that when her father was alive, he had borrowed money to build a house but had died of a heart attack two years later. He had not paid paying the man, who then asked Jane for the money. "My father had borrowed over €75,000, which I did not have, so I had to sell the house and pay back the money, and it was then that our troubles began."
She said her mother's health began to deteriorate after her father passed away, and that she had to take care of her mother and daughter while trying to find a place to live.
"We were offered to live in a place and pay €400 rent without any contract. When I asked for a contract he told me the rent would go up from €400 to €700, which I could not afford, so I agreed to have no contract." Jane, her mother and daughter stayed there for two years, after which the owner told her she had to move out as he planned to sell the property. Without any contract or documentation, Jane could not go to the police, and in less than 24 hours, her family packed their belongings and left without knowing where to go.
"I packed everything we owned in a car and headed for Cirkewwa, to catch the ferry and see if we could find anything cheaper in Gozo. As we waited in queue, we saw happy people, excited to go to Gozo, while I worried because we had no idea where we would end up." When they arrived in Gozo Jane called a friend who lived there and Jane rented her apartment for €500, where they stayed for a year. While moving from home to home, Jane began to notice that her own health started suffering. "I was admitted to hospital, where I was told that I have arrhythmia and a very fast irregular heartbeat, which affects me mentally but also my performance at work. Regardless of this, it did not stop me from going to work every day."
When her friend told her that she and her family could not stay at the flat any longer, Jane was left with no choice but to pack up once more and see where they could go. "An old friend of my father offered my family a place to stay, and out of respect for my late father, he let us stay there for free, paying just for water and electricity."
Asked to leave work twice without any reason
While Jane and her family were constantly on the move and her health became a growing cause for concern, she continued working, until she was told she could no longer work for the particular company. "It was not even my fault, the company had a spot check, and it came out that we were signing in badly, although it was the management who had told us to do so. What really hurts is that I was the one who had to leave."
She explained that she continued to try and find work, and came down to Malta to have better opportunities. That is when she moved into the storeroom outside a field. "By then I no longer had a car, but I would walk to the closest bus stop, and catch a bus to work. Although I found it difficult to work because of my heart condition, I was always determined to do my best and show just how much I wanted to work." She tried to give her manager a doctor's certificate to show her state of health, but all she faced was threats. "He told me that if I brought in a doctor's note, he would label me as unfit for work, which would affect my future employment."
She recalled that when she was unwell one day and called in sick and returned next day to collect her roster, she did not have one. "I was called by the management and informed that I was no longer needed. When I asked why I was no longer needed, I was told that I did not need any valid reason since I was on probation. I cried so much that day, as the company was fully aware of the situation I was in, but turned its back on me and made me leave."
As Jane does not work, she has received sporadic help from kind strangers or neighbours. "I have left my daughter and mother in Gozo and they try to live on her pension. Whenever I can, I try to visit them once a fortnight to visit them. It is difficult to know that they are in Gozo suffering while I am here." She has tried social housing, but they are all full and she informed us that what she really wishes is to be employed once more. "I do not wish for the Government to give me a house, but I want to work, a person is entitled to work and would help me to be able to support myself and my family."
She said she does not have any credit on her phone, so she waits for her daughter or mother to call. To charge her Nokia phone, it usually takes her an hour or two to walk to the Airport where she can charge it. "My biggest fear is if I ever have an accident, what would I do? How can I call someone and explain where I am? And what if my battery died?"
How can the government say we have a booming economy when people sleep in the streets?
"I wish to ask Joseph Muscat, what would he do if one of his own twins was in such a desperate situation? Would he leave her?" Jane questions how the government can let people live this way, and has learnt from her experience that the world is full of greed. "I have been told to leave my job twice after they became aware of my current state, this alone only shows me that there are many greedy people in this world. We all begin and end the same way, why am I not deserving of a job and income? It breaks my heart to know that I am capable of working, but cannot get a job. All I can do is pray and leave my destiny in God's hands."
* A fictitious name has been to protect the individual's identity
If any readers would like to help Jane in her time of need, they can do so confidentially or otherwise, by contacting our offices on 21345888 or by email on gmagri@maltaindependent.com.mt
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Police doubt link between ‘falsified’ signatures and FIAU probe
Dubious signature is of 2004 memorandum of association for Malta company Frankef
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Council of Europe body awaiting government’s permission to publish ‘damning’ report'
The Council of Europe's anti-corruption body, GRECO, has drawn up what sources described to this newspaper as a "damning" evaluation report on Malta, but the body is precluded from releasing its findings on the state of corruption in Malta until the Maltese government gives its consent.
Sources have confirmed that the report, which is published every five years as part of a regular review cycle, was delivered to the Maltese government on Tuesday but, as of yesterday, GRECO still had its hands tied as it awaits the Maltese government's permission to make it public.
A spokesperson for GRECO - the Council of Europe's Group of States against Corruption - contacted by this newspaper confirmed this week that established rules dictate that GRECO can only publish country reports if the states concerned authorise it.
The report on Malta (GrecoEval5Rep(2018)6) was adopted by the Council of Europe's member states last week during the Fifth Round of Reports. Malta has been given a deadline of 30 September 2020 to report on the measures it has taken to implement GRECO's still unpublished recommendations.
Member states also "invited the authorities of Malta to authorise, as soon as possible, the publication of the report".
Nordic countries usually give their consent immediately, sources said, and it is rare, but possible, that a country refuses to release it into the public domain.
The GRECO spokesperson, in fact, agreed that it is an "exception" that a country refuses consent to publish. One is the case of Belarus, which is not a Council of Europe member state, and which has not yet authorised the publication of any GRECO reports.
The other case is that of Hungary, an EU bête noir when it comes to rule of law, which has not yet authorised the publication of two compliance reports - one adopted in June 2017, and another one last December.
On the whole, countries usually authorise the publication of their reports at some stage and Malta has, so far, authorised the publication of every report.
It was also officially confirmed that GRECO has indeed sent the report adopted on Malta to the national authorities and is waiting for the authorisation to publish it, as per usual practice.
But, without that permission, it seems that the report would never see the light of day since, as the spokesperson explains, "GRECO can only publish the reports following the authorisation by the state concerned."
Research going into GRECO's corruption report on Malta was conducted in the aftermath of the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The visit, which was meant to be been conducted in 2019, had come a year earlier than planned. GRECO had insisted with The Times of Malta at the beginning of 2018 that its visit to and research on the situation of corruption in Malta had nothing to do with recent events. Rather, it was "planning issues" because a mission to another country had to be moved to 2019, when the visit to Malta was meant to have been carried out.
The visit was to focus on corruption prevention as regards the central government, including the top executive and the law enforcement authorities
Malta's last evaluation by GRECO was back in 2014. That report had deemed the Maltese government's level of compliance with its recommendations on political funding as "globally unsatisfactory". It also called for action on real or potential conflicts of interest, the introduction of proper laws governing rules on gifts to MPs, the misuse of public resources, the misuse of confidential information, revolving doors and third-party contacts.
This new round of evaluation is expected to take on matters related to the Panama Papers, alleged corruption by members of government and possibly the murder of Caruana Galizia.
The parallel Council of Europe inquiry
In parallel, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) is currently undertaking an inquiry in Caruana Galizia's murder.
Dutch MP Pieter Omtzigt is tasked with preparing a report for the PACE on the investigation into the assassination of Caruana Galizia and the rule of law in Malta
He had recently expressed concern over "many issues concerning the rule of law in Malta, the progress made in investigating the murder, and the attitude and behaviour of certain senior public officials".
He is basing his report on three working assumptions:
"That the means employed to commit Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder indicate that it was planned and premeditated long in advance;
"That the person or persons ultimately responsible for her assassination were motivated by her investigative work, either already published or on which she was engaged at the time of her death and;
"That the three arrested suspects were most likely acting under instructions, since there is little to suggest that they had any personal motive to kill her - they had not been the subject of her investigations."
The rapporteur has also held hearings in Malta to "hear first-hand from experts in different fields" about the investigation and the murder, as well as visiting Malta to speak to the authorities and other relevant interlocutors.
He also invited anyone to come forward with information and guaranteed his or her anonymity.
Last September, Labour MP and former home affairs minister Manuel Mallia had unsuccessfully attempted to force Omtzigt off the case.
The Office of the Prime Minister had stated at the time that the government was disappointed the Parliamentary Assembly did not take the opportunity to "review the rapporteurship and appoint someone who can be trusted to be independent, impartial, and conduct the review with integrity".
Omtzigt's public statements and introductory memorandum, as reported live, made it clear this was not the case, the OPM had noted.
Mallia had made the request in his capacity as member of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly, but reportedly found no backing from his fellow committee members, not even those from his own political grouping.
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Teenager seriously injured after being hit by car in Gozo
A French teenager was seriously injured after being hit by a car in Gozo on late on Saturday afternoon.
The police said that they were advised of the accident at 17:15 on Saturday in Triq l-Ghasri in Gharb, Gozo. Initial investigations found that a 17 year old French man had been hit by a Toyota Tercel being driven by a 41 year old man from Xaghra, Gozo.
An ambulance was called to the scene and the victim was taken to Gozo General Hospital, where he was certified as suffering from serious injuries.
Police investigations are still ongoing.
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Teenager seriously injured in Gozo traffic accident
The teenager was run over by a car in Xaghra
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Demonstration by Malta’s fastest growing Facebook group
The pro-life 'Abortion in Malta? Not in my name!' Facebook group formed two weeks ago has grown to over 18,500 members with an additional 10,000 following the group's posts.
The group, which describes itself as the fastest growing movement in Malta, will be holding its first public demonstration next Sunday, 7 April, in front of Parliament.
One of the organisers, Ivan Grech Mintoff, explains: "The absolute majority of the Maltese people are against the legalisation of abortion in Malta. There is, however, a growing uncertainty in the public domain if the will of this majority will carry on being respected. We created this group in order to ensure that all the political parties representing us are forced to listen to the unborn - the very weakest among us - most in need of a clear voice.
"We demand guarantees that abortion will not be introduced in Malta and that we will not accept any EU directive or regulation that forces us to do so. The members of this group are therefore asking all Party leaders to sign a written pledge - a written guarantee - before the MEP elections, that should the issue of abortion (in any form) ever be placed before the Maltese Parliament for discussion, then these Party Leaders will invoke the Party Whip to ensure that no Party member votes in favour of legalising abortion and/or the offering of any such related service.
"Words are cheap but a Leader's written pledge in this manner is binding and solid.
"We appeal to all who sincerely - above all else - wish to protect human life before birth, regardless of political affiliation or allegiances, to take heed of their party's response to taking this pledge and to take it into consideration in the forthcoming election.
"Our stand is already most clear: no Leader's pledge, no vote. We urge members of all parties - and of no party - to join this Facebook group, to attend this important rally and to commit to the same, forceful message together with us.
"In this way, our staunch but noble message will reach the Party leadership in a strong, clear manner and in terms of votes: something that all politicians understand.
"Let us be united and be the voice and the shield of the unborn."
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Double murder marks third mother and child killing in 27 years
Murder has always been considered a rarity in Malta and Gozo, and every death is, rightly, treated as a tragedy - to the extent that, whenever such a heinous act is committed, it is always received with a collective outcry of rage and disbelief in equal parts.
Apart from yesterday's alleged double murder case, the double murder of a mother and child in the same case is a rarity in Malta - in fact, there have only been two such instances in the last 27 years: one in 1992 and the other in 2001.
In 2001, a 47-year-old man from Zejtun murdered a young woman and her 17-month-old daughter in what was described as a "vile and macabre" crime.
He provided the young woman he proceeded to murder with money in exchange for sex, as she was a drug addict, and in one instance of this happening she brought her daughter - leaving her in the sitting room.
The victim allegedly asked him for Lm1,000 to buy drugs and he refused to pay her, and this led to her threatening to tell his wife about the affair and she brandished a penknife from her bag. He then allegedly took the knife from his victim and stabbed her several times in the chest and other parts of her body. The little girl then left the sitting room and went to see what her mother had been screaming about, and this led to him proceeding to stab her as well.
He then threw them into a well, followed by the penknife, the woman's handbag and blood-stained sheets and towels.
He was sentenced to life behind bars for the double murder.
Prior to this case, an explosion in Paola in 1992 caused by two men - both of whom were subsequently handed a life sentence, reduced to 20 years in 2007 - killed a young mother and her baby.
Both of the men - one a 52-year-old from Zurrieq and the other, a 39-year-old from Paola - were jailed for life in connection with arson at the photo studio of one them, Oxford Studio, in Paola.
The arson provoked an explosion that killed a 24-year-old woman and her 18-month-old son on 18 March 1992.
The two men, together with Vincent Spiteri - who was jailed for five years, were also found guilty of setting fire to the studio in order to obtain insurance money. They were jailed for life after a trial by jury in February 2002.
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Ship takeover by migrants raises concerns for rescues at sea
A rescue in the Mediterranean Sea that took an ominous turn has raised concerns that the captains of some merchant ships might become reluctant to save migrants in danger of drowning during the perilous crossing from north Africa to Europe, fearing that they could lose control of their ship.
A cargo ship heading from Turkey to Libya was asked to divert its course to rescue nearly 100 migrants in distress, which it did, before continuing on its course. But when the migrants realised, on Wednesday, that they were heading back to lawless Libya, which they had just left, some revolted, commandeering the ship and forcing it to head for Europe.
The temporary hijacking this week of the El Hiblu 1 was described by Italy's hard-line Interior Minister as an 'act of piracy'. Aid groups called it an 'act of self-defence' against Europe's inhumane immigration policies, the aim of which is to return desperate migrants to Libya, where they often face beatings, rape and torture in detention camps.
Five migrants were arrested after Maltese Special Forces boarded the ship on Thursday and escorted it to port.
The ship's captain said that the Maltese authorities had detained and strip-searched him after the ship docked in Valletta.
"I swear in the name of God, if I find a million people dying in front of me in the sea, I will never rescue them after what I saw here in Malta," Nader el Hiblu told The Associated Press by phone from the ship on Friday. "This filthy country treated me in a very disrespectable way after rescuing 98 people. They dealt with me as a criminal and accused me of illegal migration."
But the captain's perhaps understandable anger notwithstanding, the crews of all boats and ships are legally required to rescue anyone in distress at sea. The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea stipulates that captains must "render assistance to any person found at sea in danger of being lost" as long as they can do so without "serious danger to the ship, the crew or the passengers".
The risk of hijackings in the Mediterranean has been of increasing concern to the shipping world in recent years, particularly since some European countries began refusing to allow ships with rescued passengers into their ports, according to industry specialists.
"We knew it was coming, we have sounded warnings about this frequently", John Stawpert, Environment and Trade Manager at the London-based International Chamber of Shipping (ICS), told the AP. "This episode has, I think, brought it into sharp focus. What we need is action at a high level - at state level and also international level - to ensure that ships that find themselves in this sort of situation, through no fault of their own, get immediate assistance."
Cargo ships and their crews are not equipped to deal with large numbers of desperate people suddenly arriving on board. The ICS has called for the coast guards of nearby countries to intervene as quickly as possible in such situations to transfer rescued migrants to safe locations.
Despite the risks, Stawpert said it was unlikely that commercial ships would start to regularly refuse help to those in distress.
The number of people making the perilous journey from North Africa across the Mediterranean to Europe has fallen steeply in recent years, he noted, and many are being caught by the Libyan coastguard before they get far from the Libyan coast.
"Most importantly, seafarers recognise their legal and moral obligation to carry out a search and rescue. It's a very deeply ingrained moral obligation and culture within shipping," he said, "and I'm confident that people will continue to pick up people in distress."
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Saturday, March 30, 2019
40 years since Freedom Day: The road to the departure of the British
For a fair number of people, 31 March has always been just another public holiday, but Freedom Day commemorates a significant moment in the development of Malta's political history: it was the first time Malta became independent de facto as well as de jure.
Today represents the 40th anniversary of the day the last British soldier left Malta's shores in 1979 - but to reach that point involved a process that had actually begun even before Malta gained its independence in 1964.
After the Break with Britain Resolution was signed between both the PN and MLP in 1957, it became clear that the two major parties saw independence as the best course of action for the country. Even though there was a certain element of disagreement across the political spectrum - both the PN and the MLP saw parties split from them as they were sceptical about independence - Malta became an independent country in 1964.
Even then, however, the two major parties disagreed on how independence had been obtained. The PN wanted to achieve independence and then join the Commonwealth, whilst also maintaining close ties with Britain through the signing of a financial aid and defence treaty. They were also in favour of joining NATO and taking the side of the West in the Cold War which, at the time, was at its peak.
The MLP, meanwhile, wanted to first achieve independence and then decide with whom to negotiate when it came to aid and defence issues. They preferred to work on a system of neutrality with regard to international politics, rather than joining either side of the Cold War.
With the PN's victory in the 1962 elections, when they won 25 seats out of 50 and secured a majority after the PDN's Coronato Attard crossed the house onto the PN's side, they had the mandate to obtain independence as they saw fit.
However, Dom Mintoff's MLP took umbrage at the type of independence that George Borg Olivier's PN had secured for Malta - in fact the MLP did not even believe that true independence had been achieved in 1964.
The MLP were mostly against three major points in the proposed independence Constitution. Firstly, they felt that the constitution was not sufficiently liberal when it came to religion. It should be noted that this period was characterised by a major conflict between Mintoff and Archbishop Michael Gonzi, whereby, in 1961, the Maltese Church issued an interdict on the entire Labour Party executive, making it a mortal sin to vote for the Party. Secondly, the MLP felt that the Defence Agreement signed between Malta and the British, which meant that British and NATO troops would remain on the island, went against the very concept of independence. Lastly, the party felt that the Financial Agreement which was secured between the two countries was not enough to support the needs of an independent country.
Despite the MLP's opposition, the Constitution was approved through a referendum and Malta became independent on 21 September 1964.
The country's first election as an independent nation took place in 1966, with the PN extending their majority - winning 28 seats against the MLP's 22. The Labour party had, however, made up a lot of ground from the previous elections: they gained 10 per cent in voting numbers while the PN had gained six per cent. The gains had come at the expense of Toni Pellegrini's Christian Workers' Party and Herbert Ganado's Democratic Nationalist's Party - both of whom lost the four seats they had won in 1962.
Neither party, in fact, contested the next election in 1971 and it was Mintoff's MLP who emerged victorious with the slimmest of margins - gaining 50.8 per cent of the vote compared with the PN's 48 per cent (Mabel Strickland's Progressive Constitutional Party obtained 1.1 per cent of the vote and independent candidates won the remaining 0.1 per cent).
One of the first things that Mintoff did as Prime Minister was to re-open negotiations with the British with regard to the Defence Agreement, with a view to amending the lease agreement between the two countries for the British to be able to use Malta's military facilities.
Mintoff knew full well that, while the British were down-sizing their military and naval involvement, they - along with NATO (and especially the US) - knew of the immense importance of Malta's geographical position, especially given the international geo-political scene. The Cold War situation made it essential that Malta' s military base did not come under the influence of the USSR or the emerging independent countries that made up the Non-Aligned Movement.
In fact, recent archival research has revealed that British Prime Minister Edward Heath was pressured by later-disgraced American President Richard Nixon to reach an agreement with Mintoff and - after nine months of negotiations - reach an agreement he did.
An agreement was signed extending the right of Britain to use Malta as a naval base for the next seven years. Mintoff did get a handsome sum of £14 million per year from the British, which contributed greatly to Malta's economic development through the 1970s.
On 31 March 1979, the last British forces left Malta on board the HMS London, bringing an end to a permanent military presence in the islands, and the Labour Party proclaiming it as 'Freedom Day'.
The public holiday is also synonymous with the regatta held in Grand Harbour - a hotly contested affair with a number of teams vying for the much-coveted aggregate Regatta Shield.
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PL has no intention whatsoever to legalise abortion, ‘now or in the future’ - Sant
Those who cheer on local or foreign MEPs in their criticism or even their condemnation of the current Maltese government on the rule of law, are mum when it comes to the European Parliament's condemnation of Malta's failure to introduce abortion, Labour MEP Alfred Sant said.
These do not comment when they realise that according to its own judgements the European Parliament would be condemning Malta because it has not introduced abortion. Those who keep harping at the European Parliament on the supposed need of the rule of law in Malta are unwittingly opening the road to abortion in the Maltese Islands. European MEPs encouraging these people in their battle cry could justifiably point out that not the same whoop is given to the cause of abortion.
Sant said that abortion is in no way part of the programme of Malta's Labour government.
It is not surprising, Dr Sant maintained, that those who attempt to counter the current govenment's successes in the Maltese Islands by smeer puffery, also drag abortion into the fray.
"It is certainly true that a large majority of countries and citizens of the European Union consider abortion to be a natural right of women, and that, where accepted, provide facilities for its safe performance. Nevertheless, it is also certainly true that in the Maltese Islands a very large majority opposes abortion, and this is also true of all political parties."
Alfred Sant insisted that the Maltese Labour government has no intention whatsoever to introduce abortion in Malta, now or in the future, and about this there is no equivocation. This is a credible policy, Dr Sant insisted, because it is perfectly consistent with the tradition of socialist leadership in the Maltese Islands.
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Don’t be afraid to seek help on mental health issues
"Don't be afraid to seek help," said Mark Azzopardi, a man who currently resides in one of the Richmond Foundation's, talking to The Malta Independent on Sunday.
The Richmond Foundation supports people experiencing mental health problems and those around them. Apart from offering therapeutic care, it helps equip patients with the skills required to live and work independently. Their tailored support services range from support groups and assisted living solutions to educational programmes and counselling services. The Foundation recently launched a campaign with the slogan: 'Let's find your way forward' to raise awareness about mental health on the occasion of their 25th anniversary. Mark Azzopardi had come forward to be one of the people at the forefront of this campaign.
Mark, who is 38 years old, had suffered from depression and later developed schizophrenia. "I received care and, with God's help, I got through it," he said. He had sought support and care many years ago.
Mark recalled how he realised that he had depression when he was 19. "I used to work in a café, and the owner's son arranged for me to see a councillor. And that is when I discovered that I had depression. I am much better today."
Initially, he was afraid about facing his issues, but he grew stronger over time, as he received the necessary care. "I used to be very afraid, and sought help from a psychiatrist. I went to Mt Carmel, and I came out better."
Mark said it was a social worker who eventually referred him to Villa Chelsea in Birkirkara back in 2001, where he followed a rehabilitation programme.
At Villa Chelsea, the Richmond Foundation provides a residential and day community-based programme and respite care for people with mental health problems. The Foundation currently runs a one-year rehabilitation programme, based on therapeutic community principles, aimed at people over the age of 18 who are diagnosed with a mental illness. The aim of the programme is to provide a therapeutic and supportive environment to those who use the service and to enable them to deal with past and present challenges, whilst maximising present positive experiences.
Asked about the stigma surrounding mental health issues, Mark said that he has experienced it personally. "There are people who insult you, but I didn't pay attention to them."
The stigma he faced was mainly from people he didn't know. "There's a lot of misunderstanding and miscommunication", he said. "One in every four people will suffer from mental health issues in their lifetime - anyone can be affected."
Mark believes that the reason for the stigma is a lack of awareness and said that people needed to be taught about such issues. "Instead of physical problems, we have problems with our minds." He made the point that when someone has a physical problem or illness, they are treated with sympathy, but if it is a mental health problem, they are pushed aside. "Education is the key. Teach people, teach children in schools, about mental health issues."
This is not to say that things have not changed, said Mark. The situation has improved over the years, he said, adding that when he goes out the stigma is not as bad as it used to be. "But some people are afraid of you and that makes me feel sad.
"We are normal people suffering from mental health problems and there is no reason to be afraid."
He spoke of the importance of having a strong support system and said that the people he now lives with, in one of Richmond Foundation's hostels, are like family.
The Richmond Foundation runs a hostel programme as a joint venture with Mount Carmel Hospital. It provides long-term, shared accommodation with 24-hour support to people with mental health problems who previously lived in the psychiatric hospital. The men and women living in the three hostels receive 24/7 support to maintain a good level of independence and minimise the need for psychiatric admissions. Through comprehensive assessment and continued care planning, residents are encouraged to work on their abilities, maximise their strengths and maintain an active social life.
While there are people with certain mental health problems who are afraid of asking for help, Mark says: "Don't be afraid. The care today is very good. Seek help." The first step, he adds, is to accept that there is a problem.
Why Richmond needs to combat stigma?
In comments to this newsroom, The Richmond Foundation said: "Unfortunately, in Malta there is still a stigma in the mental health sector and this fosters discrimination against people who are experiencing a mental health problem. In view of this, Richmond Foundation is continuously working to create more awareness of the importance of people taking care of their own mental health.
"Early intervention is crucial when it comes to mental health and, unfortunately, if there is stigma connected with this sector, it can reduce the likelihood of someone seeking help which, in turn, can result in deterioration in the degree of the illness, the person and also access to other services."
The Foundation said that the Malta Health Literacy Survey in 2017 identified that 45 per cent of the Maltese population did not know where to go for information regarding mental illness, whilst the World Health Organisation (WHO) identified that one out of four people will, at some point in time, experience a mental health issue.
"Richmond Foundation has recently adopted a new brand image and launched a national campaign regarding mental health awareness to promote its new brand image. This new image is fresh and modern, with the main aim of attracting young people to seek help or information with regard to mental health issues. In addition, the main message that Richmond Foundation needs to get across to the general public is that mental health is as important as physical health and there should be no shame or discrimination in respect of anyone who has a mental health issue.
"The national campaign will last for four weeks, but following this we will ensure that the Foundation maintains a strong marketing position with the general public. The main tag line that is being used is: 'Let's find your way forward'. Richmond Foundation is here to help not only the individual who has a mental health issue but also that individual's friends and family, without any judgment or fear of being misunderstood.
"In addition, Richmond has launched a freephone 1770, which anyone can call and talk to one of the Foundation's staff regarding any queries or issues they might have and receive the guidance they need."
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Housing works destroy historic tunnel
Social housing project works suspended after digging destroys historic tunnel
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The bare bones of our distant past
Recent studies on the Xaghra Circle Neolithic burial site in Gozo appear to indicate that Malta's temple-building culture was possibly more sophisticated than previously assumed. BERNARDETTE MERCIECA-SPITERI, executive of the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, outlines what can be learnt from the study of ancient human remains
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Pharmacies opening today between 9am and noon
Valletta: Chemimart City Gate Pharmacy, City Gate; Ħamrun: St Gaetan Pharmacy, Kappillan Mifsud Street; Santa Venera: Lantern Pharmacy, Misraħ il-Kebbies; Birkirkara: St Jude Pharmacy, 213, Valley Road; Gżira: O'Hea Pharmacy, 128, Manoel De Vilhena Street; San Ġwann: Lourdes Pharmacy, Naxxar Road; Sliema: Wales Pharmacy, 183, Manwel Dimech Street; Attard: M4 Pharmacy, Linja Street; Mosta: Tat-Tarġa Pharmacy, Plot 2, Constitution Street; Qawra: El Medina Chemist, Maskli Street; Paola: Brown's Paola Square Pharmacy, 64/65, Piazza Antoine De Paule; Cospicua: White Cross Pharmacy, Shop A, Block 1, Upper St Paul; Żabbar: St James Pharmacy, St James Square; Żejtun: Health Junction Pharmacy, Alfred Cachia Zammit Street; Kirkop: Prestige Pharmacy, 16, St Joseph Street; Żebbuġ: Santa Marija Pharmacy, 40, Għasfura Street; Rabat: Ideal Pharmacy, 63, Main Street; Malta International Airport: The '8 Till Late Pharmacy' is open every day from 8am to 10pm
Gozo: 9am to noon
Victoria: Azzopardi Pharmacy, Cappucini Street; Għarb: Ta' Pinu Pharmacy, Franġisk Portelli Street
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Waterpolo, Winter league: Valletta edge Exiles, San Giljan beat Sliema
VALLETTA VIDEOSLOTS 8
EXILES ELIA CATERERS 7
(0-1), (3-3), (3-1), (2-2)
After winning against Sliema last week, Valletta Videoslots had to work hard again to defeat Exiles Elia Caterers. This was considered a direct encounter as in the last years both teams fought to avoid the last position.
The Citizens improved as the game evolved and their performance in the third session proved to be vital. Exiles failed to keep their level and didn't have enough time to recover after scoring late in the game.
Aurelien Cousin scored the only goal of the first session giving Exiles a deserved lead at that time. Valletta were better in attack in the second session but Exiles still finished the session 4-3 ahead thanks to a goal by Timmy Sullivan.
Valletta were superior after the break and took a 6-4 lead, a good advantage that was bitten by Kurt Griscti's late goal. Exiles equalised in the last session, again from Griscti, but Valletta regained their two-goal cushion after goals by Miguel Zammit and Michele Mifsud. Exiles had some chances late in the game but only scored from Cousin with a bit more than a minute left.
Valletta: R. Sciortino, J. Spiteri Staines, A. Agius, P. Borg, C. Zammit, R. Mock (1), D. Paolella, M. Mifsud (2), N. Farrugia, M. Zammit (5), M. Lanzon, L. Gialanze, A. Bianchi
Exiles: M. Castillo, C. Von Brockdorf, A. Magri, M. Stellini (1), T. Sullivan (2), S. Xerri de Caro, M. Fenech, K. Griscti (2), N. Paris, A. Cousin (2), B. Lanzon, P. Paris, S. Apap, M. Martin
Referees: Peter Balzan, Ronnie Spiteri
SAN ĠILJAN TUM INVEST 12
SLIEMA FRANK SALT 7
(4-1), (2-1), (3-1), (3-4)
Holders San Ġiljan TUM Invest won their second consecutive game in this campaign as they defeated a depleted Sliema Frank Salt side. Although the final result showed that San Ġiljan had a comfortable path to win the game, in reality they dominated the affair and it was only in the last session that Sliema reduced the arrears.
San Ġiljan set the pace in the first session winning it 4-1. They were even 6-1 in the second session until Michael Cordina reduced the margin in the last second. Marko Orlovic's team secured the win in the third session after a brace by Ben Plumpton and another goal from Dino Zammit. Zach Mizzi scored few seconds later for Sliema.
In the last session, Sliema managed to finish the game on a positive note as they won the session and reduced the margin. They in fact scored more in the last session than in the previous three, as San Ġiljan also put their foot off the pedal.
San Ġiljan: J. Tanti, K. Magri, A. Galea (2), B. Grech, K. Dowling (1), M. Zammit (1), B. Plumpton (3), C. Farrugia, T. Said (2), Da. Zammit, P. Fava, Di. Zammit (2), T. Micallef, M. Ortoleva (1)
Sliema: J. Sammut, A. Mifsud, D. Rizzo, J. Sciberras, B. Zammit, M. Spiteri Staines (1), M. Cordina (2), M. Muscat, Z. Mizzi (3), N. Bugelli (1), M. Vassallo
Referees: Stefan Licari, Mario Dalli
FIRST DIVISION
BIRŻEBBUĠA FREEPORT 6
MARSASKALA FISH AND FISH 9
(0-2), (3-1), (3-2), (0-4)
Birżebbuġa: D. Spiteri, Z. Farrugia Seychell, N. Cassar, D. Pace Lupi (3), C. Mifsud (1), R. Spiteri, S. Vassallo (2), D. Cutajar, J. Bajada, M. Cutajar, M. Borg, L. Borg, J. Cremona
Marsaskala: J. Micallef, J.C. Cutajar, A. Camenzuli (1), M. Manara, M. Aquilina (4), L. Grixti, K. Navarro (2), L. Felice, A. Vella, J. Culic (1), R. Attard, D. Borg Millo (1), M. Borg
Referees: Stefan Licari, Massimo Angileri
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BOV Premier League: Effiong strikes late to win it for Balzan
St. Andrew's 0
Balzan 1
St. Andrew's : M. Calleja Cremona, A. Satariano (M.Woo Ling 78'), K. McFarlane, R. Martin (A. Friggieri 88'), T. Blagrove, K. Reid, J. Farrugia, K. Magro, J. Walker (D.Debono 68'), M. Davis, L. Sciberras
Balzan : S. Mintoff, J. Grioli, N. Sljivic, S. Pisani, S. Bezzina (C.De Fiori Mendes 75'), P. Fenech, A. Effiong (S. Cipriott 90'), U. Ljubomirac, E. Serrano Valero, R. Correa Duarte, A. Majdevac (L. Micallef 58')
Referee: Alan Mario Sant
Asst refs: Mitchell Scerri, Duncan Spiteri
4th official: Alex Johnsnon
Scorers: Alfred Effiong 87'
Yellow cards: Davis, Walker, Fenech, Reid, Satariano, Woo Ling
Player of the match: Martin Davis ( St. Andrew's)
TMI Top 3: 1. M. Davis 2. R. Duarte Correa 3. M. Calleja Cremona
Balzan registered their tenth win of the campaign when a solitary goal scored by Alfred Effiong was enough for them to defeat lowly St. Andrew's. It was a drab encounter between two sides who have failed miserably this season.
For St.Andrew's this was their seventh defeat from their last eight matches and remained firmly in the mix to avoid the drop, just five points over Qormi. In their last three matches they conceeded ten goals without scoring.
Balzan coach Jacques Scerri had to do without Ivan Bozovic and Aleksander Kosoric both suspended. In the first round match St Andrew's had prevailed over Balzan by two goals to nil.
The match never reached any heights and the performance of both teams was a confirmation of their dull season so far. Balzan were the better team but they rarely set any bushes on fire and ventured forward occassionaly.
After only five minutes St Andrew's had the first chance through a Joseph Farrugia free kick which ended wide. Play was restricted for long stretches in the midfield area and thus it was only in the 28th minute that another goal mouth action materialized. A cross from the right flank was met by Alfred Effiong whose headed effort just missed the target.
On 35 minutes the Saints missed an easy chance to break the stalemate when Martin Davis sent a low cross towards Kevin McFarlane but with the goal at his mercy and the easiest of chances made the possible impossible and fired over the bar.
The second half was played on the same pattern as the first forty five minutes. In fact twenty five minutes had to pass to record something of interest. In the 70th minute Ricardo Correa saw his low drive partially saved by goalkeeper Calleja Cremona with the ball hitting once again the Balzan attacked but ending wide.
In the 76th minute Balzan went near once again when off a De Fiori Mendes free kick substitute Lydon Micallef headed over the bar. And ten minutes from the end of the match Ricardo Correa made his way into the opposing area and upon entering the area tested Calleja Cremona who in return turned onto a corner.
Finally Balzan scored what proved to be the winner four minutes from the end. A free kick by De Fiori Mendes found Alfred Effiong who headed past Calleja Cremona.
A win which put Balzan on level points with neighbours Birkirkara. On the other hand for St Andrew's this was another setback in their quest to save their Premier League status.
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Britain faces calls for unity government amid Brexit impasse
The U.K. may be forced to create a national unity government to end the impasse over Britain leaving the European Union, as Prime Minister Theresa May clings to the Brexit divorce agreement that Parliament has rejected three times, a senior Conservative suggested Saturday.
Former Education Secretary Nicky Morgan's comments came a day after the House of Commons rebuffed the prime minister's call for lawmakers to "put aside self and party," sending her Brexit deal to its latest defeat. The rejection leaves the U.K. facing the stark prospect of a chaotic departure from the EU in just two weeks — unless squabbling politicians can put aside their differences and engineer a long delay in the process of leaving the bloc.
The British Parliament will vote Monday on a variety of Brexit alternatives in an attempt to find an idea that can command a majority. But May's government is considering a fourth vote on her deal, bolstered by their success in narrowing her margin of defeat to 58 votes Friday from 230 votes in January.
"If the government refused and Theresa May felt she could not implement what Parliament had identified as a way of leaving the EU, then I think we would have to think very hard about whether a cross-party coalition ... could do that in order to make sure that the U.K. does leave the EU in an orderly fashion," Morgan told the BBC.
Britain has in the past had national unity governments in times of national crisis, such as World War II. But critics point out that such coalitions were forged when there was a single goal — such as defeating Nazi Germany. It is unclear now how Britain's political parties would agree to cooperate on an issue like Brexit, which has split the country and its two major political parties, May's ruling Conservatives and the opposition Labour Party.
As a result of Friday's vote, the U.K. is now scheduled to leave the EU on April 12, regardless of whether the two sides have reached an agreement to cushion the impact. That has led to concerns about crippling tariffs, border gridlock and shortages of food and medicines.
EU officials have suggested, however, they may agree to a lengthy delay to Britain's departure from the bloc if U.K. politicians agree on a plan.
The House of Commons on Wednesday began the process of debating alternatives to the prime minister's deal but rejected all eight proposals they considered. Two ideas, a customs union with the EU and a second referendum on any deal, achieved significant support. Lawmakers are expected to hold a second round of votes Monday on Brexit proposals.
Hilary Benn, a Labour Party lawmaker who chairs Parliament's Brexit committee, dismissed criticism that the parliamentary process was a failure because it didn't deliver a majority in the first round of voting. Benn said he hopes the latest defeat for May's deal will "concentrate minds" and help build a clear majority for one of the Brexit options.
"Since it took 2 3/4 years for the government to get what it had negotiated defeated three times, it's a little bit harsh on Parliament, when it started the process last Wednesday, for not having immediately solved the problem in 24 hours," Benn said. "So I think a little bit more time is a perfectly reasonable thing to provide as we try and find a way forward."
While Benn and Morgan are pushing for compromise, others are demanding that the Conservative-led government not cave in.
Some hard-line Conservative Party lawmakers have written to May insisting that she not agree to a Brexit extension beyond May 22, which would force the U.K. to take part in the May 23-26 European Parliament elections, The Sun newspaper reported. The letter, signed by 170 members of the prime minister's party, called on May to bring her deal back to Parliament for a fourth vote, with the threat of a general election if it is rejected again, the newspaper said.
Brandon Lewis, a Cabinet member and chairman of the Conservative Party, said he was aware of the letter, though he had not seen the final text or the signatures.
"We should be doing everything we can to leave the European Union in good order as quickly as we can, as we said in our manifesto and as we've said to Parliament," Lewis said. "I think the deal is the right way to do that."
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