NOW PLAYING THE SUNDAY PROGRAM
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
Enjoy 1 hour of your favourite songs.
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
Enjoy 1 hour of your favourite songs.
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Send us the pictures of your beloved departed ones to post on In Memoriam
http://www.nadurjana.com/in-memoriam.html
Joe Buttigieg
http://www.nadurjana.com/in-memoriam.html
Joe Buttigieg
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Melbourne. Australia.
By Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master
On Tuesday 19 November, 2019 the Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul made a generous donation of $10,000 to the Royal Women's Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
Every year more than1,600 babies who are born sick or prematurely are cared for by the specialist NICU team at the Women's.
The money was raised from a Lunch organised by theGrand Chapter of Melbourne on the 13 of October, 2019.
The Supreme Council has agreed to donate money to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital at the Good Friday Appeal.
Photo from left: Chevalier Saverio Greto, Dame Gail Vas, Dame Carmela Barbaro, Chevalier Vincenzo Galtieri. H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master presenting the cheque to Sue Jacobs Deputy Clinical Director - Neonatal Paediatrician, Laura Bignell Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer, Dame Angela Greto and Dame Mimma Sabatini.
Melbourne. Australia.
By Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master
On Tuesday 19 November, 2019 the Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul made a generous donation of $10,000 to the Royal Women's Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit.
Every year more than1,600 babies who are born sick or prematurely are cared for by the specialist NICU team at the Women's.
The money was raised from a Lunch organised by theGrand Chapter of Melbourne on the 13 of October, 2019.
The Supreme Council has agreed to donate money to the Royal Melbourne Children's Hospital at the Good Friday Appeal.
Photo from left: Chevalier Saverio Greto, Dame Gail Vas, Dame Carmela Barbaro, Chevalier Vincenzo Galtieri. H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master presenting the cheque to Sue Jacobs Deputy Clinical Director - Neonatal Paediatrician, Laura Bignell Chief Midwifery and Nursing Officer, Dame Angela Greto and Dame Mimma Sabatini.
[WATCH] Yorgen Fenech spends the night in police custody
Businessman Yorgen Fenech remains in police custody as investigators question him in connection with the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Watch film here: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/98771/yorgen_fenech_spends_the_night_in_police_custody_#.XdbugegzZPY
21 November 2019, 11:53am
by Kurt Sansone
Yorgen Fenech
Yorgen Fenech spent the night in police custody as investigators questioned him in relation to Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder after the businessman was arrested on Wednesday.
Fenech, who until a week ago was a director in the family firms belonging to the Tumas Group, was arrested on his yacht as he tried to leave Malta.
He was stopped on Wednesday by Armed Forces of Malta patrol boats at 5:30am just after leaving the Portomaso Marina.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat confirmed that Fenech was “a person of interest” in the Caruana Galizia murder investigation.
The police have 48 hours to take Fenech to court and charge him with a crime, or else release him. The 48 hours expire tomorrow morning.
Fenech is understood to have spoken to investigators but it remains unclear at this stage whether he has admitted any guilt.
It is also unclear as to what role Fenech may have played in the assassination of Caruana Galizia.
So far, MaltaToday cannot ascertain whether there were other people on the yacht with Fenech, who were also held by the police, and whether cash was found on the vessel.
Developments came to a head on Tuesday, when the Prime Minister confirmed reports that a middleman involved in the murder was willing to speak as long as he is given a presidential pardon. MaltaToday named the middleman as Melvin Theuma, a taxi driver, with past cases of usury.
Sources in the horse racing sector told this newspaper that Theuma had an interest in horses, a passion also enjoyed by Fenech. “This is probably how the pair know each other,” the sources suggested.
Theuma is understood to have been a permanent fixture with his taxi outside the Hilton Hotel in St Julians, owned by the Tumas Group.
The Prime Minister has said that any pardon is conditional on the middleman giving enough evidence that will lead to a prosecution.
Meanwhile, Fenech’s arrest has prompted the value of the Tumas Group’s bonds to tumble. The businessman resigned his directorships from all family companies on 12 November but the documents were officially filed with the Malta Business Registry on 19 November, 24 hours before he was busted.
Fenech has also resigned his directorship on Electrogas, the company which built and runs the gas power station in Delimara.
The man still retains his shareholding in the companies.
Fenech also owned the mysterious Dubai company 17 Black, which was indicated as a target client for the Panama companies opened by Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri after the 2013 general election.
Reference to 17 Black cropped up in an investigation of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit but it was only after Caruana Galizia was murdered that its owner was identified and indicated as a target client for Mizzi’s and Schembri’s companies.
Caruana Galizia was murdered in a powerful car bomb just outside her house in Bidnija on 16 October 2017.
Just before her murder, the journalist had received a large cache of emails belonging to Electrogas, which she had been working on.
It is unclear so far, whether Fenech’s alleged link to the murder is connected to 17 Black, or any other business he may have been involved in.
Businessman Yorgen Fenech remains in police custody as investigators question him in connection with the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia
Watch film here: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/98771/yorgen_fenech_spends_the_night_in_police_custody_#.XdbugegzZPY
21 November 2019, 11:53am
by Kurt Sansone
Yorgen Fenech
Yorgen Fenech spent the night in police custody as investigators questioned him in relation to Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder after the businessman was arrested on Wednesday.
Fenech, who until a week ago was a director in the family firms belonging to the Tumas Group, was arrested on his yacht as he tried to leave Malta.
He was stopped on Wednesday by Armed Forces of Malta patrol boats at 5:30am just after leaving the Portomaso Marina.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat confirmed that Fenech was “a person of interest” in the Caruana Galizia murder investigation.
The police have 48 hours to take Fenech to court and charge him with a crime, or else release him. The 48 hours expire tomorrow morning.
Fenech is understood to have spoken to investigators but it remains unclear at this stage whether he has admitted any guilt.
It is also unclear as to what role Fenech may have played in the assassination of Caruana Galizia.
So far, MaltaToday cannot ascertain whether there were other people on the yacht with Fenech, who were also held by the police, and whether cash was found on the vessel.
Developments came to a head on Tuesday, when the Prime Minister confirmed reports that a middleman involved in the murder was willing to speak as long as he is given a presidential pardon. MaltaToday named the middleman as Melvin Theuma, a taxi driver, with past cases of usury.
Sources in the horse racing sector told this newspaper that Theuma had an interest in horses, a passion also enjoyed by Fenech. “This is probably how the pair know each other,” the sources suggested.
Theuma is understood to have been a permanent fixture with his taxi outside the Hilton Hotel in St Julians, owned by the Tumas Group.
The Prime Minister has said that any pardon is conditional on the middleman giving enough evidence that will lead to a prosecution.
Meanwhile, Fenech’s arrest has prompted the value of the Tumas Group’s bonds to tumble. The businessman resigned his directorships from all family companies on 12 November but the documents were officially filed with the Malta Business Registry on 19 November, 24 hours before he was busted.
Fenech has also resigned his directorship on Electrogas, the company which built and runs the gas power station in Delimara.
The man still retains his shareholding in the companies.
Fenech also owned the mysterious Dubai company 17 Black, which was indicated as a target client for the Panama companies opened by Konrad Mizzi and Keith Schembri after the 2013 general election.
Reference to 17 Black cropped up in an investigation of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit but it was only after Caruana Galizia was murdered that its owner was identified and indicated as a target client for Mizzi’s and Schembri’s companies.
Caruana Galizia was murdered in a powerful car bomb just outside her house in Bidnija on 16 October 2017.
Just before her murder, the journalist had received a large cache of emails belonging to Electrogas, which she had been working on.
It is unclear so far, whether Fenech’s alleged link to the murder is connected to 17 Black, or any other business he may have been involved in.
17 Black owner’s boat intercepted at sea, Yorgen Fenech in police custody
Wednesday, 20 November 2019,
A boat belonging to 17 Black owner Yorgen Fenech was intercepted at sea by the Armed Forces of Malta and returned to Malta early on Wednesday morning, police confirmed to The Malta Independent.
The yacht was seized off the coast of Pembroke soon after it had left Portomaso at 5.30am. Fenech was arrested and is in police custody, sources said.
Data from vessel tracking website Vessel Finder showed that the boat was back at shore within an hour of its departure.
The boat is now berthed at Portomaso, under strict police surveillence.
Access to the harbour was temporarily blocked, and when it reopened police were still present in the vicinity of the vessel.
A report by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit had identified Electrogas power station director and Tumas Group CEO Yorgen Fenech as the owner 17 Black.
The Dubai-based company was identified in a leaked e-mail as one of two sources of income for the Panama companies Hearnville and Tillgate, which were set up by Nexia BT for Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said he signed a letter that assures a presidential pardon to a man who claims to have information with regard to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017.
Wednesday, 20 November 2019,
A boat belonging to 17 Black owner Yorgen Fenech was intercepted at sea by the Armed Forces of Malta and returned to Malta early on Wednesday morning, police confirmed to The Malta Independent.
The yacht was seized off the coast of Pembroke soon after it had left Portomaso at 5.30am. Fenech was arrested and is in police custody, sources said.
Data from vessel tracking website Vessel Finder showed that the boat was back at shore within an hour of its departure.
The boat is now berthed at Portomaso, under strict police surveillence.
Access to the harbour was temporarily blocked, and when it reopened police were still present in the vicinity of the vessel.
A report by the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit had identified Electrogas power station director and Tumas Group CEO Yorgen Fenech as the owner 17 Black.
The Dubai-based company was identified in a leaked e-mail as one of two sources of income for the Panama companies Hearnville and Tillgate, which were set up by Nexia BT for Minister Konrad Mizzi and the Prime Minister's chief of staff Keith Schembri.
On Tuesday, Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said he signed a letter that assures a presidential pardon to a man who claims to have information with regard to the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017.
Angry protestors surround Justice Minister's car outside Parliament
Protestors shouting 'corrupt, corrupt', and 'justice', surrounded Owen Bonnici's ministerial car as he tried to leave parliament
20 November 2019,
by Karl Azzopardi
See video here: https://www.facebook.com/jason.azzopardi.315/videos/1186539261540646/
Protestors surrounded Owen Bonnici's ministerial car outside Parliament
Angry protestors surrounded Owen Bonnici's ministerial car as it tried to drive away from Parliament on Wednesday evening as an otherwise peaceful demonstration turned noisy and rough.
Protestors were gathered outside Parliament after having attended a protest call by NGO Repubblika in the aftermath of Yorgen Fenech's arrest this morning. Protestors called for the removal of Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
But the noisy protest turned rough when the Justice Minister and Parliamentary Secretary Aaron Farrugia exited Parliament and entered a ministerial car. Protestors surrounded the vehicle and banged on it as police looked on, unable to control the angry crowd.
Protest placards were placed on the vehicle, which was prevented from driving away. Protestors shouted "corrupt, corrupt", "mafia", "out", and called for justice to be served.
After several intense minutes the car finally drove away. At one point former PN leader Simon Busuttil tried to pacify the crowd to allow the car free passage.
A female police officer was injured after the car drove onto her leg in the midst of the melee.
Protestors shouting 'corrupt, corrupt', and 'justice', surrounded Owen Bonnici's ministerial car as he tried to leave parliament
20 November 2019,
by Karl Azzopardi
See video here: https://www.facebook.com/jason.azzopardi.315/videos/1186539261540646/
Protestors surrounded Owen Bonnici's ministerial car outside Parliament
Angry protestors surrounded Owen Bonnici's ministerial car as it tried to drive away from Parliament on Wednesday evening as an otherwise peaceful demonstration turned noisy and rough.
Protestors were gathered outside Parliament after having attended a protest call by NGO Repubblika in the aftermath of Yorgen Fenech's arrest this morning. Protestors called for the removal of Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi and Prime Minister Joseph Muscat.
But the noisy protest turned rough when the Justice Minister and Parliamentary Secretary Aaron Farrugia exited Parliament and entered a ministerial car. Protestors surrounded the vehicle and banged on it as police looked on, unable to control the angry crowd.
Protest placards were placed on the vehicle, which was prevented from driving away. Protestors shouted "corrupt, corrupt", "mafia", "out", and called for justice to be served.
After several intense minutes the car finally drove away. At one point former PN leader Simon Busuttil tried to pacify the crowd to allow the car free passage.
A female police officer was injured after the car drove onto her leg in the midst of the melee.
New judge assigned to hear three ministers’ appeal
Tuesday, 19 November 2019,
Madam Justice Edwina Grima will be hearing the appeal filed by three ministers against a decision to open a magisterial inquiry into the Vitals deal after Mr Justice Aaron Bugeja abstained from hearing the case due to the ongoing judicial appointments case filed by Repubblika.
Ministers Chris Cardona, Konrad Mizzi and Edward Scicluna had filed the appeal the day after Magistrate Doreen Clarke had confirmed that there were sufficient grounds for the inquiry to be held.
That appeal had originally been assigned to Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera who recused herself on the grounds that her brother, Environment Minister Jose’ Herrera was a colleague of the subjects.
The case was then assigned to Mr Justice Bugeja who, in a decree delivered on Friday, also chose to recuse himself, making it clear that he was doing so due to the case filed by Repubblika, challenging the system of judicial appointments.
Repubblika’s case, in which a reference was requested to the European Court of Justice, attacked the appointment of six members of the judiciary who were appointed in April. Mr. Justice Bugeja is one of them.
Mr. Bugeja decreed that despite having nothing to do with the case, his recusal was required to have justice “seen to be done with utmost integrity, beyond any shadow of doubt and suspicions of impartiality, prejudices, favours or injustices.”
The case continues.
Tuesday, 19 November 2019,
Madam Justice Edwina Grima will be hearing the appeal filed by three ministers against a decision to open a magisterial inquiry into the Vitals deal after Mr Justice Aaron Bugeja abstained from hearing the case due to the ongoing judicial appointments case filed by Repubblika.
Ministers Chris Cardona, Konrad Mizzi and Edward Scicluna had filed the appeal the day after Magistrate Doreen Clarke had confirmed that there were sufficient grounds for the inquiry to be held.
That appeal had originally been assigned to Madam Justice Consuelo Scerri Herrera who recused herself on the grounds that her brother, Environment Minister Jose’ Herrera was a colleague of the subjects.
The case was then assigned to Mr Justice Bugeja who, in a decree delivered on Friday, also chose to recuse himself, making it clear that he was doing so due to the case filed by Repubblika, challenging the system of judicial appointments.
Repubblika’s case, in which a reference was requested to the European Court of Justice, attacked the appointment of six members of the judiciary who were appointed in April. Mr. Justice Bugeja is one of them.
Mr. Bugeja decreed that despite having nothing to do with the case, his recusal was required to have justice “seen to be done with utmost integrity, beyond any shadow of doubt and suspicions of impartiality, prejudices, favours or injustices.”
The case continues.
Ihallina Joe Buttigieg
Telfa kbira ghar Rahal tan-Nadur.
PATRIJOTT KBIR NADURI
Minn Mario Muscat
Joe Buttigirg kien wiehed min l-ewwel bandisti tal-banda Mnarja u kien membru tal-Kor tan-Nadur.
Ghatieh O Mulej il mistrieh ta' dejjem.
Telfa kbira ghar Rahal tan-Nadur.
PATRIJOTT KBIR NADURI
Minn Mario Muscat
Joe Buttigirg kien wiehed min l-ewwel bandisti tal-banda Mnarja u kien membru tal-Kor tan-Nadur.
Ghatieh O Mulej il mistrieh ta' dejjem.
Il-kawżi fil-Qorti t’Għawdex jinsabu fil-limbu – Said
Minn Paul Cachia
-
18 ta' Novembru 2019
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista Chris Said appella lill-Gvern biex jieħdu l-passi neċessarji biex jinħatru l-maġistrati sedenti f’Għawdex wara l-irtirat tal-maġistrat Paul Coppini.
Post il-Magistrat Paul Coppini jinqasam bejn Tnejn
Meta kien qed jitkellem waqt il-ħin tal-aġġornament, Said qal li l-kawżi tiegħu ġew diveriti mingħajr d-data u waqgħu fil-limbu. Huwa qal li l-bini tal-Qorti mhux aċċessibbli waqt li l-Ministru Justyne Caruana abbandunat l-pjanijiet tal-predeċessur tagħha u bl-ebda vot fil-baġit għas-sena d-dieħla.
Said qal li waqt li din il-ġimgħa l-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat se jkun qed jinawgura l-iskola medika ta’ Barts, minkejja li l-iskola nbniet mis-€70 miljun li ngħataw mill-Gvern, l-Malta Enterprise se tkun qed tħallas €1.5 miljun lill-istess Barts bħal kirja. Aktar minn hekk, Child Development Centre li nbena bi flus ta’ ECO-Għawdex ingħata lil Vitals biex jintuża’ bħala store issa sar parti mill-iskola ta’ Barts.
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista qal li t-Turiżmu jagħmel 50 fil-mija tal-Gross Prodott Domestiku Għawdxi, darbtejn u nofs iktar mill-GPD ta’ Malta. Minkejja dan, il-Gvern irid jagħlaq l-fergħa tal-ITS f’Għawdex.
Huwa qal li operaturi tas-Scuba Diving f’Għawdex raw tnaqqis ta’ bejn 25 u 30 fil-mija wara li l-istess operaturi stqarrew li l-ħut fil-baħar naqas minħabba abbużi u nuqqas ta’ infurzar.
Huwa qal li t-tisbiħ tal-bajja ta’ Xlendi baqa’ fuq l-ixkaffa waqt li l-bajja ta’ San Blas meqjusa minn ħafna bħala l-isbaħ bajja f’Għawdex se jinqered b’mod naturali u mhu qed isir xejn biex tiġi salvata.
Minn Paul Cachia
-
18 ta' Novembru 2019
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista Chris Said appella lill-Gvern biex jieħdu l-passi neċessarji biex jinħatru l-maġistrati sedenti f’Għawdex wara l-irtirat tal-maġistrat Paul Coppini.
Post il-Magistrat Paul Coppini jinqasam bejn Tnejn
Meta kien qed jitkellem waqt il-ħin tal-aġġornament, Said qal li l-kawżi tiegħu ġew diveriti mingħajr d-data u waqgħu fil-limbu. Huwa qal li l-bini tal-Qorti mhux aċċessibbli waqt li l-Ministru Justyne Caruana abbandunat l-pjanijiet tal-predeċessur tagħha u bl-ebda vot fil-baġit għas-sena d-dieħla.
Said qal li waqt li din il-ġimgħa l-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat se jkun qed jinawgura l-iskola medika ta’ Barts, minkejja li l-iskola nbniet mis-€70 miljun li ngħataw mill-Gvern, l-Malta Enterprise se tkun qed tħallas €1.5 miljun lill-istess Barts bħal kirja. Aktar minn hekk, Child Development Centre li nbena bi flus ta’ ECO-Għawdex ingħata lil Vitals biex jintuża’ bħala store issa sar parti mill-iskola ta’ Barts.
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista qal li t-Turiżmu jagħmel 50 fil-mija tal-Gross Prodott Domestiku Għawdxi, darbtejn u nofs iktar mill-GPD ta’ Malta. Minkejja dan, il-Gvern irid jagħlaq l-fergħa tal-ITS f’Għawdex.
Huwa qal li operaturi tas-Scuba Diving f’Għawdex raw tnaqqis ta’ bejn 25 u 30 fil-mija wara li l-istess operaturi stqarrew li l-ħut fil-baħar naqas minħabba abbużi u nuqqas ta’ infurzar.
Huwa qal li t-tisbiħ tal-bajja ta’ Xlendi baqa’ fuq l-ixkaffa waqt li l-bajja ta’ San Blas meqjusa minn ħafna bħala l-isbaħ bajja f’Għawdex se jinqered b’mod naturali u mhu qed isir xejn biex tiġi salvata.
Finance Minister skips court but turns up in Parliament in the afternoon
Edward Scicluna delivers 45-minute speech on money laundering
NationalCourtGovernment
By Edwina Brincat
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna addressing Parliament on Monday eveningUpdated 6.15pm with Minister's afternoon appearance in Parliament
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna skipped a libel hearing on Monday morning because he was in hospital, according to his lawyer, but he surprisingly turned up in Parliament in the afternoon to open a debate on money laundering.
Lawyer Ivan Sammut told Magistrate Rachel Montebello at around 9.30am that the minister had been taken ill while abroad last week and had been admitted to Mater Dei Hospital for further treatment upon his return to Malta.
However, the 73-year-old turned up in Parliament to deliver a 45-minute introducing a debate on a series of amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which are meant to transpose the fifth anti-money laundering directive.
Professor Scicluna was due to appear in court over libel proceedings he had filed against former opposition leader Simon Busuttil over a tweet about the minister’s involvement in the deal for the sale of three hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare.
Minister Scicluna had filed the libel suit in July, claiming that a tweet posted by Dr Busuttil over a magisterial decree green lighting an inquiry into the VGH hospitals deal, was defamatory in his regard.
A day after the magistrate’s decision, Dr Busuttil had posted a message claiming that Minister Scicluna, as one of the three ministers to be targeted by the criminal inquiry, was to step aside “until he clears his name.”
"Such allegations are totally unfounded and are aimed at tarnishing the minister’s reputation," the ministry said in a statement that same evening, adding that Prof. Scicluna did not have any other option than to initiate legal proceedings for defamation to protect his integrity.
No progress had been registered at the first hearing of the libel case last month, scheduled on the eve of the Budget speech, since the Minister had been unable to attend in view of his commitments in Parliament the following day.
When the case was once again called on Monday morning, Minister Scicluna was once again absent.
“Is he going to run away too!” quipped lawyer Peter Fenech, assisting Dr Busuttil, clearly referring to Keith Schembri’s withdrawal of his libel suit last week.
Following Dr Sammut’s explanation that the minister was in hospital, Magistrate Montebello adjourned the hearing to January, stating clearly that if the minister failed to put forward his evidence at that date, the court would deem that he had no evidence.
The case continues.
Edward Scicluna delivers 45-minute speech on money laundering
NationalCourtGovernment
By Edwina Brincat
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna addressing Parliament on Monday eveningUpdated 6.15pm with Minister's afternoon appearance in Parliament
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna skipped a libel hearing on Monday morning because he was in hospital, according to his lawyer, but he surprisingly turned up in Parliament in the afternoon to open a debate on money laundering.
Lawyer Ivan Sammut told Magistrate Rachel Montebello at around 9.30am that the minister had been taken ill while abroad last week and had been admitted to Mater Dei Hospital for further treatment upon his return to Malta.
However, the 73-year-old turned up in Parliament to deliver a 45-minute introducing a debate on a series of amendments to the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, which are meant to transpose the fifth anti-money laundering directive.
Professor Scicluna was due to appear in court over libel proceedings he had filed against former opposition leader Simon Busuttil over a tweet about the minister’s involvement in the deal for the sale of three hospitals to Vitals Global Healthcare.
Minister Scicluna had filed the libel suit in July, claiming that a tweet posted by Dr Busuttil over a magisterial decree green lighting an inquiry into the VGH hospitals deal, was defamatory in his regard.
A day after the magistrate’s decision, Dr Busuttil had posted a message claiming that Minister Scicluna, as one of the three ministers to be targeted by the criminal inquiry, was to step aside “until he clears his name.”
"Such allegations are totally unfounded and are aimed at tarnishing the minister’s reputation," the ministry said in a statement that same evening, adding that Prof. Scicluna did not have any other option than to initiate legal proceedings for defamation to protect his integrity.
No progress had been registered at the first hearing of the libel case last month, scheduled on the eve of the Budget speech, since the Minister had been unable to attend in view of his commitments in Parliament the following day.
When the case was once again called on Monday morning, Minister Scicluna was once again absent.
“Is he going to run away too!” quipped lawyer Peter Fenech, assisting Dr Busuttil, clearly referring to Keith Schembri’s withdrawal of his libel suit last week.
Following Dr Sammut’s explanation that the minister was in hospital, Magistrate Montebello adjourned the hearing to January, stating clearly that if the minister failed to put forward his evidence at that date, the court would deem that he had no evidence.
The case continues.
Hungarian man charged with raping girl at Dingli Cliffs
Monday, 18 November 2019,
A man has been accused of raping a drunk girl at Dingli cliffs after meeting her at a party.
32 year-old Jozsef Laszlo Kota from Hungary appeared in the dock before magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit this morning, accused by Inspector Stacy Attard of the rape of a person who was unable to resist and committing non-consensual sexual acts.
Laszlo Kota was also charged with dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and having the incorrect address on his identity documents.
The alleged sexual assault took place during the night between Friday and Saturday in Panoramika Street, Dingli, near Dingli cliffs, after the two met at a party.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyers, Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia requested bail.
Prosecuting police inspector Stacy Attard said the attack had left the Maltese victim “incontinent with fear,” in her objections to bail.
Debono argued that the accused did not even know the victim, much less intend to approach or intimidate her. “He got to know her on that night, he doesn’t know where she lives,” said the lawyer.
“We should not discriminate because he is a foreigner. He’s been in Malta for almost 4 years,” Debono argued.
The Court, however, noting that the prime witness was still to testify, rejected bail until she could explain her version of events in the next sitting.
The accused was remanded in custody.
Monday, 18 November 2019,
A man has been accused of raping a drunk girl at Dingli cliffs after meeting her at a party.
32 year-old Jozsef Laszlo Kota from Hungary appeared in the dock before magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit this morning, accused by Inspector Stacy Attard of the rape of a person who was unable to resist and committing non-consensual sexual acts.
Laszlo Kota was also charged with dangerous driving, driving under the influence of drink or drugs and having the incorrect address on his identity documents.
The alleged sexual assault took place during the night between Friday and Saturday in Panoramika Street, Dingli, near Dingli cliffs, after the two met at a party.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyers, Franco Debono and Amadeus Cachia requested bail.
Prosecuting police inspector Stacy Attard said the attack had left the Maltese victim “incontinent with fear,” in her objections to bail.
Debono argued that the accused did not even know the victim, much less intend to approach or intimidate her. “He got to know her on that night, he doesn’t know where she lives,” said the lawyer.
“We should not discriminate because he is a foreigner. He’s been in Malta for almost 4 years,” Debono argued.
The Court, however, noting that the prime witness was still to testify, rejected bail until she could explain her version of events in the next sitting.
The accused was remanded in custody.
Bus crashes into pole, palm trees in Floriana
Driver suspended
Photo: Alessandro P Sud, Facebook
The driver of a bus which nearly overturned on Sunday after it crashed into a pole and climbed the central strip before crashing and pulling down a number of palm trees with the impact has been suspended.
The police said the accident happened in Triq Sant’Anna at 6am.
Malta Public Transport said in a statement the driver was suspended following the initial findings of the investigation.
It said there were no passengers on the bus when the accident happened.
Its response team was immediately on site and an internal investigation is currently underway.
The company regretted any inconvenience caused and thanked the respective authorities for their immediate response and assistance.
Driver suspended
Photo: Alessandro P Sud, Facebook
The driver of a bus which nearly overturned on Sunday after it crashed into a pole and climbed the central strip before crashing and pulling down a number of palm trees with the impact has been suspended.
The police said the accident happened in Triq Sant’Anna at 6am.
Malta Public Transport said in a statement the driver was suspended following the initial findings of the investigation.
It said there were no passengers on the bus when the accident happened.
Its response team was immediately on site and an internal investigation is currently underway.
The company regretted any inconvenience caused and thanked the respective authorities for their immediate response and assistance.
Guess who’s coming to lunch?
Pope hosts meal for 1,500 needy people
By Reuters
-
November 17, 2019 3:11 PM
Pope Francis attends a lunch with the poor after celebrating a Mass marking the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of the Poor, in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, November 17, 2019. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Pope Francis hosted 1,500 homeless and needy people for lunch on Sunday as the Roman Catholic Church marked its World Day of the Poor.
The menu for all in the Vatican’s large audience hall, including the pope, was lasagne, chicken in cream of mushroom sauce, potatoes, sweets, fruit, and coffee.
The pope’s guests were brought to the Vatican by volunteers of charity groups who help them daily.
All last week, a mobile clinic was set up in St. Peter’s Square where volunteer doctors have been giving the poor free specialist health care. General care is available year-round nearby, another of Francis’ initiatives.
Earlier, at a Mass for Rome’s needy in St. Peter’s Square, Francis said those better off should not feel “annoyed” by the poor but help them as much as possible.
He said they should ask themselves: “Do I, a Christian, have at least one poor person as a friend?”
Francis established the yearly worldwide Catholic observance of the day in 2016.
Pope hosts meal for 1,500 needy people
By Reuters
-
November 17, 2019 3:11 PM
Pope Francis attends a lunch with the poor after celebrating a Mass marking the Roman Catholic Church's World Day of the Poor, in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican, November 17, 2019. REUTERS/Guglielmo Mangiapane
Pope Francis hosted 1,500 homeless and needy people for lunch on Sunday as the Roman Catholic Church marked its World Day of the Poor.
The menu for all in the Vatican’s large audience hall, including the pope, was lasagne, chicken in cream of mushroom sauce, potatoes, sweets, fruit, and coffee.
The pope’s guests were brought to the Vatican by volunteers of charity groups who help them daily.
All last week, a mobile clinic was set up in St. Peter’s Square where volunteer doctors have been giving the poor free specialist health care. General care is available year-round nearby, another of Francis’ initiatives.
Earlier, at a Mass for Rome’s needy in St. Peter’s Square, Francis said those better off should not feel “annoyed” by the poor but help them as much as possible.
He said they should ask themselves: “Do I, a Christian, have at least one poor person as a friend?”
Francis established the yearly worldwide Catholic observance of the day in 2016.
Filmat: ‘Is-silenzju u l-indifferenza huma l-alleati tal-korruzzjoni’ – Mark Anthony Sammut
Minn Josianne Vella
16 ta' Novembru 2019
Ara il film hawn: https://newsbook.com.mt/filmat-is-silenzju-u-l-indifferenza-huma-l-alleati-tal-korruzzjoni-mark-anthony-sammut/
Fid-diskors tiegħu waqt il-protesta li saret is-Sibt filgħaxija Mark Anthony Sammut qal li ‘is-silenzju u l-indifferenza huma l-alleati tal-korruzzjoni.’
Minkejja t-temp kiesaħ madwar 6,000 persuna ngħaqdu fil-Belt Valletta jitolbu r-riżenja taċ-Chief of Staff tal-Prim Ministru Keith Schembri. Bil-bnadar u l-banners f’idejhom l-attivisti mxew tul Triq ir-Repubblika sal-Monument tal-Assedju fil-Belt Valletta.
Aqra: 17 Black: Keith Schembri jirtira l-libell
Din il-protesta ssejħet mill-għaqda mhux governattiva Repubblika u minn Occupy Justice, it-Tlieta li għadda wara li Keith Schembri rrifjuta li jixhed fil-kontro-eżami tal-libell li fetaħ hu stess kontra l-eks Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Simon Busuttil.
Aqra: Waqqajt il-libell kontra qalbi – Schembri
Din il-protesta kienet indirizzata mill-ġurnalist u blogger Manuel Delia, mill-istudenta u attivista Petra Caruana, mill-avukat Jacques Rene Zammit, mill-President tal-għaqda Repubblika Vicki Ann Cremona u mill-Inġinier Mark Anthony Sammut.
Aqra: Protesta fil-Belt nhar is-Sibt
Fid-diskors tiegħu Mark Anthony Sammut qal li l-ġlieda kontra l-korruzzjoni u l-mafja mhux qed tiġi miġġielda wara bibien magħluqin, fis-silenzju jew b’attenzjoni. Huwa enfasizza li s-silenzju u l-indifferenza huma l-alleati tal-korruzjoni u saħaq li din il-ġlieda għandha tiġi miġġielda quddiem kulħadd. Żied li dawk kollha ta’ rieda tajba għandhom jingħaqdu flimkien biex jiġġieldu l-korruzzjoni.
Saħaq li l-affarijiet jinbidlu jekk aktar nies ikomplu jingħaqdu flimkien għal din il-kawża. Sammut qal li wieħed għandu jinsa d-differenzi u jingħaqad flimkien biex din il-bidla sseħħ. Huwa fakkar lill-Membri Parlamentari, li se jkunu qed jivvutaw dwar il-fiduċja tagħhom fiċ-Chief of Staff tal-Prim Ministru, li huma qed jirrapreżentaw lill-poplu li wera fiduċja fihom. Sammut saħaq li fl-aħħar mill-aħħar il-Membri Parlamentari mhux qed jirrapreżentaw partit imma lill-poplu li eleġġihom. Fakkarhom li huma ħalfu li se jirrapreżentaw lir-Repubblika ta’ Malta u liċ-ċittadini.
Mark Anthony Sammut sa ftit xhur ilu kien jagħmel parti mill-Kumitat tal-Eżekuttiv tal-Partit Nazzjonalista qal li jifhem kemm hi diffiċli biex wieħed jagħmel id-dmirijiet tiegħu.
‘Is-Sinjali kienu hemm’
Ara il film hawn: https://newsbook.com.mt/filmat-is-silenzju-u-l-indifferenza-huma-l-alleati-tal-korruzzjoni-mark-anthony-sammut/
L-Avukat Jacques Rene Zammit waqt l-indirizz tiegħu lill-attivisti qal li s-sinjali kienu ilhom hemm għal ħafna żmien. Huwa rrimarka li l-istituzzjonijiet ddgħajfu, hemm nuqqas ta’ kontabbilità u t-tkissir gradwali tal-istat jistgħu jiġu spjegati bi frażi waħda bħal ‘tkissir tas-saltna tad-dritt’ li ma jistgħu xejn kontra mewġa fuq mewġa ta’ populiżmu u demagoġija.
Huwa tkellem dwar ix-xogħlijiet li għamlet il-ġurnalista assassinata Daphne Caruana Galizia u semma kif hija daħlet mewġa ġdida ta’ ġurnaliżmu investigattiv u ħadmet kontra l-korruzzjoni fl-Ewropa, fid-dinja u anke f’Malta.
Minn Josianne Vella
16 ta' Novembru 2019
Ara il film hawn: https://newsbook.com.mt/filmat-is-silenzju-u-l-indifferenza-huma-l-alleati-tal-korruzzjoni-mark-anthony-sammut/
Fid-diskors tiegħu waqt il-protesta li saret is-Sibt filgħaxija Mark Anthony Sammut qal li ‘is-silenzju u l-indifferenza huma l-alleati tal-korruzzjoni.’
Minkejja t-temp kiesaħ madwar 6,000 persuna ngħaqdu fil-Belt Valletta jitolbu r-riżenja taċ-Chief of Staff tal-Prim Ministru Keith Schembri. Bil-bnadar u l-banners f’idejhom l-attivisti mxew tul Triq ir-Repubblika sal-Monument tal-Assedju fil-Belt Valletta.
Aqra: 17 Black: Keith Schembri jirtira l-libell
Din il-protesta ssejħet mill-għaqda mhux governattiva Repubblika u minn Occupy Justice, it-Tlieta li għadda wara li Keith Schembri rrifjuta li jixhed fil-kontro-eżami tal-libell li fetaħ hu stess kontra l-eks Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Simon Busuttil.
Aqra: Waqqajt il-libell kontra qalbi – Schembri
Din il-protesta kienet indirizzata mill-ġurnalist u blogger Manuel Delia, mill-istudenta u attivista Petra Caruana, mill-avukat Jacques Rene Zammit, mill-President tal-għaqda Repubblika Vicki Ann Cremona u mill-Inġinier Mark Anthony Sammut.
Aqra: Protesta fil-Belt nhar is-Sibt
Fid-diskors tiegħu Mark Anthony Sammut qal li l-ġlieda kontra l-korruzzjoni u l-mafja mhux qed tiġi miġġielda wara bibien magħluqin, fis-silenzju jew b’attenzjoni. Huwa enfasizza li s-silenzju u l-indifferenza huma l-alleati tal-korruzjoni u saħaq li din il-ġlieda għandha tiġi miġġielda quddiem kulħadd. Żied li dawk kollha ta’ rieda tajba għandhom jingħaqdu flimkien biex jiġġieldu l-korruzzjoni.
Saħaq li l-affarijiet jinbidlu jekk aktar nies ikomplu jingħaqdu flimkien għal din il-kawża. Sammut qal li wieħed għandu jinsa d-differenzi u jingħaqad flimkien biex din il-bidla sseħħ. Huwa fakkar lill-Membri Parlamentari, li se jkunu qed jivvutaw dwar il-fiduċja tagħhom fiċ-Chief of Staff tal-Prim Ministru, li huma qed jirrapreżentaw lill-poplu li wera fiduċja fihom. Sammut saħaq li fl-aħħar mill-aħħar il-Membri Parlamentari mhux qed jirrapreżentaw partit imma lill-poplu li eleġġihom. Fakkarhom li huma ħalfu li se jirrapreżentaw lir-Repubblika ta’ Malta u liċ-ċittadini.
Mark Anthony Sammut sa ftit xhur ilu kien jagħmel parti mill-Kumitat tal-Eżekuttiv tal-Partit Nazzjonalista qal li jifhem kemm hi diffiċli biex wieħed jagħmel id-dmirijiet tiegħu.
‘Is-Sinjali kienu hemm’
Ara il film hawn: https://newsbook.com.mt/filmat-is-silenzju-u-l-indifferenza-huma-l-alleati-tal-korruzzjoni-mark-anthony-sammut/
L-Avukat Jacques Rene Zammit waqt l-indirizz tiegħu lill-attivisti qal li s-sinjali kienu ilhom hemm għal ħafna żmien. Huwa rrimarka li l-istituzzjonijiet ddgħajfu, hemm nuqqas ta’ kontabbilità u t-tkissir gradwali tal-istat jistgħu jiġu spjegati bi frażi waħda bħal ‘tkissir tas-saltna tad-dritt’ li ma jistgħu xejn kontra mewġa fuq mewġa ta’ populiżmu u demagoġija.
Huwa tkellem dwar ix-xogħlijiet li għamlet il-ġurnalista assassinata Daphne Caruana Galizia u semma kif hija daħlet mewġa ġdida ta’ ġurnaliżmu investigattiv u ħadmet kontra l-korruzzjoni fl-Ewropa, fid-dinja u anke f’Malta.
Hanut gdid fin-Nadur - BAKERS SHOP
Hanut gdid fil-bidu ta' Triq it-Tigrija minn naha ta' Triq il-Knisja. Dan il-hanut li jifforma parti minn Mezzan Bakery Limited fetah il-bibien tieghu nhar it-Tnejn 11 ta' Novembru.
Hanut gdid fil-bidu ta' Triq it-Tigrija minn naha ta' Triq il-Knisja. Dan il-hanut li jifforma parti minn Mezzan Bakery Limited fetah il-bibien tieghu nhar it-Tnejn 11 ta' Novembru.
Protest: Repubblika did not invite PN, any political party, 'but will not oppose anyone who attends'
By Kevin Schembri Orland
Friday, 15 November 2019,
Watch the film here: https://www.facebook.com/repubblika/videos/410206299860120/
Repubblika will not be opposing anyone who comes to the protest against injustice on Saturday, whatever their political colour, the civil society organisation’s President Vicki Ann Cremona told The Malta Independent.
On Monday, the Office of the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri dropped a libel case he had instituted against former PN leader Simon Busuttil in order to avoid answering questions on the infamous 17 Black. Schembri later said he had done so reluctantly, but insisted he was answering all questions put to him in a magisterial inquiry on the subject. An anti-corruption protest was organised by civil society NGOs Repubblika and Occupy Justice, and is on the same day as the monthly vigil to Daphne Caruana Galizia.
On Wednesday, the Nationalist Party issued a statement and said it will take part in a demonstration against corruption which is being organised by civil society groups Repubblika and Occupy Justice. A PN spokesperson told confirmed with this newsroom yesterday that Adrian Delia will be attending. Delia has not had the best of relationships with these NGOs in the past.
The spokesperson said that he is not aware of there having been any communication between the PN and the civil society groups on the PN’s attendance.
President of Repubblika Vicki Ann Cremona, asked whether there had been any communication with the PN prior to the party announcing that it will be attending Saturday’s protest, and whether they are ok with the PN attending, said that Repubblika did not invite the PN or any political party to attend “but we are not going to oppose anybody who comes to protest against injustice whatever their political colour. There is a distinction to be made between political and politics. Wanting transparency is the right of every citizen, and every citizen who wants to protest in favour of transparency should do so irrespective of his or her political party. The issue of corruption is a national issue.
“That does not mean that we are going to allow anybody to take over the demonstration. People are allowed to come, this is a free country. Telling people not to come would impede on their freedom and you cannot do that. We are all there to fight corruption.”
“We will speak out against corruption wherever that lies. We cannot tell people not to come, but when you come you are going to have to listen to what we have to say.”
She explained that for the protest, they will be remembering Daphne Caruana Galizia, marking 25 months since her assassination. “Daphne Caruana Galizia was the first person to alert us to the current corruption. Every month, on the day she dies, we hold a vigil in her memory to remind the courts and the authorities that justice has not yet been done.
“Coincidentally, this past week there was the Keith Schembri court case. A person who was asked to take the stand five times in a court case he instituted himself, and then ends up giving up the case instead of answering questions, whether he did so reluctantly or not, he did not testify. My personal suspicion is that he has something to hide. The fact that Keith Schembri did not answer in court leads to justified questions as to what he is hiding. And if he is hiding it then it cannot be something good.
“The fact is that this person has not testified and is under suspicion. He is the highest official within the Office of the Prime Minister. This isn’t any Tom, Dick, or Harry, saying he doesn’t want to be incriminated. The fact that you are a senior official at such a high level means that he needs to step away from his position until all the issues are cleared.
“The role of the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff has to be transparent, but it is not right now as we do not know whether he is not testifying because he is guilty or for any other reason,” she said.
“The point is that he has put the Prime Minister’s office, of which he is responsible, in a very opaque light when this should be the office that leads by example and is transparent. This, in addition to other issues, like his Panama companies and other issues leads to speculation, and people are justified in speculating.”
By Kevin Schembri Orland
Friday, 15 November 2019,
Watch the film here: https://www.facebook.com/repubblika/videos/410206299860120/
Repubblika will not be opposing anyone who comes to the protest against injustice on Saturday, whatever their political colour, the civil society organisation’s President Vicki Ann Cremona told The Malta Independent.
On Monday, the Office of the Prime Minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri dropped a libel case he had instituted against former PN leader Simon Busuttil in order to avoid answering questions on the infamous 17 Black. Schembri later said he had done so reluctantly, but insisted he was answering all questions put to him in a magisterial inquiry on the subject. An anti-corruption protest was organised by civil society NGOs Repubblika and Occupy Justice, and is on the same day as the monthly vigil to Daphne Caruana Galizia.
On Wednesday, the Nationalist Party issued a statement and said it will take part in a demonstration against corruption which is being organised by civil society groups Repubblika and Occupy Justice. A PN spokesperson told confirmed with this newsroom yesterday that Adrian Delia will be attending. Delia has not had the best of relationships with these NGOs in the past.
The spokesperson said that he is not aware of there having been any communication between the PN and the civil society groups on the PN’s attendance.
President of Repubblika Vicki Ann Cremona, asked whether there had been any communication with the PN prior to the party announcing that it will be attending Saturday’s protest, and whether they are ok with the PN attending, said that Repubblika did not invite the PN or any political party to attend “but we are not going to oppose anybody who comes to protest against injustice whatever their political colour. There is a distinction to be made between political and politics. Wanting transparency is the right of every citizen, and every citizen who wants to protest in favour of transparency should do so irrespective of his or her political party. The issue of corruption is a national issue.
“That does not mean that we are going to allow anybody to take over the demonstration. People are allowed to come, this is a free country. Telling people not to come would impede on their freedom and you cannot do that. We are all there to fight corruption.”
“We will speak out against corruption wherever that lies. We cannot tell people not to come, but when you come you are going to have to listen to what we have to say.”
She explained that for the protest, they will be remembering Daphne Caruana Galizia, marking 25 months since her assassination. “Daphne Caruana Galizia was the first person to alert us to the current corruption. Every month, on the day she dies, we hold a vigil in her memory to remind the courts and the authorities that justice has not yet been done.
“Coincidentally, this past week there was the Keith Schembri court case. A person who was asked to take the stand five times in a court case he instituted himself, and then ends up giving up the case instead of answering questions, whether he did so reluctantly or not, he did not testify. My personal suspicion is that he has something to hide. The fact that Keith Schembri did not answer in court leads to justified questions as to what he is hiding. And if he is hiding it then it cannot be something good.
“The fact is that this person has not testified and is under suspicion. He is the highest official within the Office of the Prime Minister. This isn’t any Tom, Dick, or Harry, saying he doesn’t want to be incriminated. The fact that you are a senior official at such a high level means that he needs to step away from his position until all the issues are cleared.
“The role of the Prime Minister’s Chief of Staff has to be transparent, but it is not right now as we do not know whether he is not testifying because he is guilty or for any other reason,” she said.
“The point is that he has put the Prime Minister’s office, of which he is responsible, in a very opaque light when this should be the office that leads by example and is transparent. This, in addition to other issues, like his Panama companies and other issues leads to speculation, and people are justified in speculating.”
New members appointed to Daphne Caruana Galizia independent public inquiry
Friday, 15 November 2019,
Following various meetings held between representatives of the Government of Malta and the family of the late Daphne Caruana Galizia and their representatives, agreement was reached on changes to both the composition of the Board of Independent Public Inquiry and the terms of reference relative to the same Board, the government said in a statement.
Mr Justice Emeritus Michael Mallia is retaining his post as Chairperson. Agreement was reached on Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino and Judge Abigail Lofaro as the new members.
Professor Ian Refalo and Dr Anthony Abela Medici, who were nominated as members on the Board, retracted their acceptance to serve on the Board in view of this agreement.
As a sign of goodwill during the talks, the relative oath requested by law prior to the commencement of the inquiry was not administered to any of the members of the Board.
In light of the fact that Judge Abigail Lofaro is a sitting member of the Judiciary, consultations were held with the Chief Justice to mitigate any negative effect on the pending caseload of Judge Lofaro.
The terms of reference of the Board of Independent Public Inquiry have also been finetuned in the light of the discussions between the family Caruana Galizia and the government. The revised terms of reference are being published with this statement.
The government would like to extend its gratitude to Professor Ian Refalo and Dr Abela Medici for their readiness to be of service, as well as Judges Mallia, Said Pullicino and Lofaro for the work which they have accepted to undertake.
Meetings leading to this agreement were attended by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government and the Attorney General from the government’s side, and Dr Joseph Zammit Maempel, Dr Therese Comodini Cachia and members of the Caruana Galizia family.
The Caruana Galizia family had raised objections to the presence of both Refalo and Abela Medici, arguing that a proper inquiry demands that the board’s wider members have no financial or political links to the current political administration.
Refalo has acted as a lawyer for the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) and has also represented Allied Newspapers Ltd former managing director Adrian Hillman, whom Caruana Galizia wrote about extensively in the Panama Papers leak.
Abela Medici’s role was also questioned due to his lack of expertise in the area and his links to the executive by virtue of his government-appointed role as NGO Commissioner.
Friday, 15 November 2019,
Following various meetings held between representatives of the Government of Malta and the family of the late Daphne Caruana Galizia and their representatives, agreement was reached on changes to both the composition of the Board of Independent Public Inquiry and the terms of reference relative to the same Board, the government said in a statement.
Mr Justice Emeritus Michael Mallia is retaining his post as Chairperson. Agreement was reached on Chief Justice Emeritus Joseph Said Pullicino and Judge Abigail Lofaro as the new members.
Professor Ian Refalo and Dr Anthony Abela Medici, who were nominated as members on the Board, retracted their acceptance to serve on the Board in view of this agreement.
As a sign of goodwill during the talks, the relative oath requested by law prior to the commencement of the inquiry was not administered to any of the members of the Board.
In light of the fact that Judge Abigail Lofaro is a sitting member of the Judiciary, consultations were held with the Chief Justice to mitigate any negative effect on the pending caseload of Judge Lofaro.
The terms of reference of the Board of Independent Public Inquiry have also been finetuned in the light of the discussions between the family Caruana Galizia and the government. The revised terms of reference are being published with this statement.
The government would like to extend its gratitude to Professor Ian Refalo and Dr Abela Medici for their readiness to be of service, as well as Judges Mallia, Said Pullicino and Lofaro for the work which they have accepted to undertake.
Meetings leading to this agreement were attended by the Prime Minister, the Minister for Justice, Culture and Local Government and the Attorney General from the government’s side, and Dr Joseph Zammit Maempel, Dr Therese Comodini Cachia and members of the Caruana Galizia family.
The Caruana Galizia family had raised objections to the presence of both Refalo and Abela Medici, arguing that a proper inquiry demands that the board’s wider members have no financial or political links to the current political administration.
Refalo has acted as a lawyer for the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit (FIAU) and has also represented Allied Newspapers Ltd former managing director Adrian Hillman, whom Caruana Galizia wrote about extensively in the Panama Papers leak.
Abela Medici’s role was also questioned due to his lack of expertise in the area and his links to the executive by virtue of his government-appointed role as NGO Commissioner.
Steward Health Care b’telf ta’ $600 miljun f’sentejn – rapporti
Minn Joseph Giordimaina
14 ta' Novembru 2019
Steward Health Care, il-kumpanija li tmexxi tliet sptarijiet f’Malta u Għawdex allegament irreġistrat telf ta’ $600 miljun (€543m) tul dawn l-aħħar sentejn. Dan skont rapporti fil-midja Amerikana.
Steward Health Care topera total ta’ 37 sptar, bl-isptarijiet Maltin l-unika investiment li għamlu barra l-Istati Uniti. F’Malta, hija tmexxi l-Isptarijiet Karin Grech, San Luqa, u l-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex.
Skont l-informazzjoni finanzjarja ppreżentata fiċ-Ċentru għall-Informazzjoni u Analiżi tas-Saħħa f’Massachusetts, il-kumpanija rreġistrat telf ta’ $322 miljun f’2017, u $270 miljun f’2018.
Minn Joseph Giordimaina
14 ta' Novembru 2019
Steward Health Care, il-kumpanija li tmexxi tliet sptarijiet f’Malta u Għawdex allegament irreġistrat telf ta’ $600 miljun (€543m) tul dawn l-aħħar sentejn. Dan skont rapporti fil-midja Amerikana.
Steward Health Care topera total ta’ 37 sptar, bl-isptarijiet Maltin l-unika investiment li għamlu barra l-Istati Uniti. F’Malta, hija tmexxi l-Isptarijiet Karin Grech, San Luqa, u l-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex.
Skont l-informazzjoni finanzjarja ppreżentata fiċ-Ċentru għall-Informazzjoni u Analiżi tas-Saħħa f’Massachusetts, il-kumpanija rreġistrat telf ta’ $322 miljun f’2017, u $270 miljun f’2018.
510 educators among Gozitans who were stranded in Malta due to Tuesday’s rough seas
By Kevin Schembri Orland
Thursday, 14 November 2019,
510 educators were among the Gozitans stranded in Malta overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, the Gozo Ministry told The Malta Independent.
Strong winds and rough seas led the Gozo Channel to announce at 1.20pm on Tuesday that all ferry services were suspended. This mean that all Maltese in Gozo and Gozitans in Malta were, essentially, stranded.
Later on Tuesday, the Gozo ministry began working to negotiate preferential accommodation rates at hotels for the Gozitans stranded in Malta, asking those who went to the hotels to hold on to their receipts. After managing to find accommodation for all Gozitans stranded, the ministry then began working to negotiate preferential accommodation rates for the Maltese stranded in Gozo.
This newsroom sent a number of question to the Gozo Ministry, asking among other things, for further information as to how many people were found rooms; whether the people themselves would need to pay anything, whether this was the first time such a move was made by the government and why it chose this year to start, and for the total cost for the government of this measure.
The ministry said: “For the very first time, the Ministry for Gozo offered accommodation to both Gozitans and Maltese who were left stranded due to severe weather conditions and couldn't return home. We are aware that there were around 510 educator stranded in Malta. Later today (Wednesday), the Ministry for Gozo will be launching an application for those who benefited from the preferential rates negotiated by the ministry to apply for financial assistance to cover costs.”
From the answer given it does not seem like the ministry knew at that stage, the exact number of people who were stranded, or how much the move was going to cost the government.
The Malta Independent had reported that in 2017, there were just under 3,500 commuter workers between the two islands, who were predominantly Gozo and Comino residents working in the Malta region..
The strong winds and rough seas that battered the Maltese islands on Tuesday had left some localities, like Xlendi, flooded, and had even caused Electrogas to have the Delimara LNG tanker moved 70 metres off the jetty.
Indeed the bad weather also saw Nationalist Party spokesman Chris Said suggest that Gozitan workers who were trapped in Malta on Tuesday should be given an additional day of leave over and above their yearly allotment, and that the government should then compensate private entities who offer this extra day of leave to their Gozitan workers.
By Kevin Schembri Orland
Thursday, 14 November 2019,
510 educators were among the Gozitans stranded in Malta overnight between Tuesday and Wednesday, the Gozo Ministry told The Malta Independent.
Strong winds and rough seas led the Gozo Channel to announce at 1.20pm on Tuesday that all ferry services were suspended. This mean that all Maltese in Gozo and Gozitans in Malta were, essentially, stranded.
Later on Tuesday, the Gozo ministry began working to negotiate preferential accommodation rates at hotels for the Gozitans stranded in Malta, asking those who went to the hotels to hold on to their receipts. After managing to find accommodation for all Gozitans stranded, the ministry then began working to negotiate preferential accommodation rates for the Maltese stranded in Gozo.
This newsroom sent a number of question to the Gozo Ministry, asking among other things, for further information as to how many people were found rooms; whether the people themselves would need to pay anything, whether this was the first time such a move was made by the government and why it chose this year to start, and for the total cost for the government of this measure.
The ministry said: “For the very first time, the Ministry for Gozo offered accommodation to both Gozitans and Maltese who were left stranded due to severe weather conditions and couldn't return home. We are aware that there were around 510 educator stranded in Malta. Later today (Wednesday), the Ministry for Gozo will be launching an application for those who benefited from the preferential rates negotiated by the ministry to apply for financial assistance to cover costs.”
From the answer given it does not seem like the ministry knew at that stage, the exact number of people who were stranded, or how much the move was going to cost the government.
The Malta Independent had reported that in 2017, there were just under 3,500 commuter workers between the two islands, who were predominantly Gozo and Comino residents working in the Malta region..
The strong winds and rough seas that battered the Maltese islands on Tuesday had left some localities, like Xlendi, flooded, and had even caused Electrogas to have the Delimara LNG tanker moved 70 metres off the jetty.
Indeed the bad weather also saw Nationalist Party spokesman Chris Said suggest that Gozitan workers who were trapped in Malta on Tuesday should be given an additional day of leave over and above their yearly allotment, and that the government should then compensate private entities who offer this extra day of leave to their Gozitan workers.
Gozitans fear second Nadur road will soon collapse
By Shona Berger
Wednesday, 13 November 2019,
There are fears that a second road in Nadur is about the give way, weeks after one road on the perimeter of the locality was closed off until repairs are carried out.
Photos doing the rounds on social media indicate that part of Kenuna Road, which overlooks the valley, is showing similar cracks as the ones which were posted in September with regard to Ghajn Qasab Street.
The photos were posted on the ‘It-toroq t’Ghawdex’ Facebook page, with Gozitans saying that the matter should be addressed urgently before the damage - and danger of collapse - grows.
They hope that the ministry will react in the same manner as it did in September, when Ghajn Qasab Road was immediately closed off when the reports surfaced and work to repair the road started a few days later.
On Tuesday, part of another road in Nadur collapsed as Gozo was hit by bad weather.
Triq il-Madonna ta’ Fatima (below) partially gave in after a wall collapsed under heavy flooding.
Nadur’s mayor Edward Said posted photos on Facebook, saying that the Gozo Ministry had undertaken the task to rebuild this road.
Click on photo to enlarge.
By Shona Berger
Wednesday, 13 November 2019,
There are fears that a second road in Nadur is about the give way, weeks after one road on the perimeter of the locality was closed off until repairs are carried out.
Photos doing the rounds on social media indicate that part of Kenuna Road, which overlooks the valley, is showing similar cracks as the ones which were posted in September with regard to Ghajn Qasab Street.
The photos were posted on the ‘It-toroq t’Ghawdex’ Facebook page, with Gozitans saying that the matter should be addressed urgently before the damage - and danger of collapse - grows.
They hope that the ministry will react in the same manner as it did in September, when Ghajn Qasab Road was immediately closed off when the reports surfaced and work to repair the road started a few days later.
On Tuesday, part of another road in Nadur collapsed as Gozo was hit by bad weather.
Triq il-Madonna ta’ Fatima (below) partially gave in after a wall collapsed under heavy flooding.
Nadur’s mayor Edward Said posted photos on Facebook, saying that the Gozo Ministry had undertaken the task to rebuild this road.
Click on photo to enlarge.
PN files parliamentary motion calling for Keith Schembri's dismissal
Wednesday, 13 November 2019,
Nationalist Party Leader Adrian Delia, on behalf of the entire PN Parliamentary Group, has filed a parliamentary motion calling on the Prime Minister to sack his chief of staff, Keith Schembri.
The PN is requesting that the motion be debated with urgency.
On Monday, Schembri dropped a libel case he had instituted against former PN leader Simon Busuttil in order to avoid answering questions on the infamous 17 Black. Schembri later said he had done so reluctantly, but insisted he was answering all questions put to him in a magisterial inquiry on the subject.
The company, which belongs to Yorgen Fenech, is one of the main shareholders of the Delimara power station.
The PN motion notes that Schembri has dropped a case he had instituted against Busuttil over allegations of corruption made by the latter. It says Schembri has made numerous attempts to avoid testifying in his own court case, despite his earlier declarations that he would use the process to clear his name.
It also notes that Schembri is named in emails "that clearly indicate that he was to receive money from 17 Black and MacBridge through his secret Panama and New Zealand companies", and that Schembri had admitted that these two companies formed part of his business plan.
The motion notes that, despite having many opportunities to do so, Schembri has never explained his actions in view of these "worrying facts" - a shortcoming that makes his position as head of the Prime Minister's staff "absolutely untenable."
It also notes that on Monday the Opposition asked the PM to immediately dismiss Schembri but the PM refused to do so.
The PN, in its motion, said Schembri's actions do not only go against the Code of Ethics for public service employees but are also in breach of the principles and standards that Parliament adopted in the Act on Standards in Public Life. In a true democracy, such actions carry political responsibilities, it said.
The House of Representatives requires that the Prime Minister shoulders the political responsibility and immediately sack Keith Schembri from his post as a senior government official.
The motion was signed by Adrian Delia, and Deputy Leaders David Agius and Robert Arrigo on behalf of the entire Parliamentary Group.
PL statement
Reacting, the Labour Party said Delia's motion is built solely on the argument that he wants someone removed just because that person withdrew a libel case. With the same reasoning, the motion also applies to Delia, "because no one has dropped as many libels as he did."
The only difference, it said, is that in other cases there are ongoing magisterial inquiries while there is no such thing in the case of Delia because he was too scared to go to a magistrate.
It accused him of "giving in to Busuttil's faction", saying that, because he has not yet started to lead, he is letting others lead him into attacking himself, while thinking that he is attacking the government.
Wednesday, 13 November 2019,
Nationalist Party Leader Adrian Delia, on behalf of the entire PN Parliamentary Group, has filed a parliamentary motion calling on the Prime Minister to sack his chief of staff, Keith Schembri.
The PN is requesting that the motion be debated with urgency.
On Monday, Schembri dropped a libel case he had instituted against former PN leader Simon Busuttil in order to avoid answering questions on the infamous 17 Black. Schembri later said he had done so reluctantly, but insisted he was answering all questions put to him in a magisterial inquiry on the subject.
The company, which belongs to Yorgen Fenech, is one of the main shareholders of the Delimara power station.
The PN motion notes that Schembri has dropped a case he had instituted against Busuttil over allegations of corruption made by the latter. It says Schembri has made numerous attempts to avoid testifying in his own court case, despite his earlier declarations that he would use the process to clear his name.
It also notes that Schembri is named in emails "that clearly indicate that he was to receive money from 17 Black and MacBridge through his secret Panama and New Zealand companies", and that Schembri had admitted that these two companies formed part of his business plan.
The motion notes that, despite having many opportunities to do so, Schembri has never explained his actions in view of these "worrying facts" - a shortcoming that makes his position as head of the Prime Minister's staff "absolutely untenable."
It also notes that on Monday the Opposition asked the PM to immediately dismiss Schembri but the PM refused to do so.
The PN, in its motion, said Schembri's actions do not only go against the Code of Ethics for public service employees but are also in breach of the principles and standards that Parliament adopted in the Act on Standards in Public Life. In a true democracy, such actions carry political responsibilities, it said.
The House of Representatives requires that the Prime Minister shoulders the political responsibility and immediately sack Keith Schembri from his post as a senior government official.
The motion was signed by Adrian Delia, and Deputy Leaders David Agius and Robert Arrigo on behalf of the entire Parliamentary Group.
PL statement
Reacting, the Labour Party said Delia's motion is built solely on the argument that he wants someone removed just because that person withdrew a libel case. With the same reasoning, the motion also applies to Delia, "because no one has dropped as many libels as he did."
The only difference, it said, is that in other cases there are ongoing magisterial inquiries while there is no such thing in the case of Delia because he was too scared to go to a magistrate.
It accused him of "giving in to Busuttil's faction", saying that, because he has not yet started to lead, he is letting others lead him into attacking himself, while thinking that he is attacking the government.
Nadurin visit Canon Dun Anton Meilak
Recently a group of Nadurin went to visit Can. Anton Meilak at the elderly home in Malta.
Photo by Mario Muscat.
Recently a group of Nadurin went to visit Can. Anton Meilak at the elderly home in Malta.
Photo by Mario Muscat.
Ferries to Gozo, Sicily cancelled due to adverse weather conditions
By Monique Agius
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November 12, 2019
https://www.facebook.com/said.chris/videos/2822050764492236/
Both the Gozo Channel and Virtù Ferries have suspended their services due to adverse weather conditions.
In a Facebook post, Virtù Ferries announced that MV Saint John Paul II will not operate on Wednesday 13 November due to bad weather conditions. The company announced that extra voyages will be organised for Thursday, instead.
The schedule for Thursday is as follows:
VR100 Departing from Malta at 05:00 hrs arriving in Pozzallo 06:45 hrs (scheduled)
VR111 Departing from Pozzallo 09:15 hrs arriving in Malta 11:00 hrs (extra)
VR110 Departing from Malta 17:00 hrs arriving in Pozzallo 18:45 hrs (extra)
VR101 Departing from Pozzallo 21:30 hrs arriving in Malta 23:15 hrs (scheduled)
Gozo Channel announces suspension of service due to bad weather
The ferry service between Malta and Gozo has been suspended due to bad weather conditions, Gozo Channel announced in a Facebook status.
The ferry service was suspended around noon on Tuesday.
In its post, the Gozo Channel which operates the ferry service between Malta and Gozo has been suspended until further notice. Adding that the crew operated all scheduled trips throughout the night between Monday and Tuesday, as well as the scheduled trips on Tuesday morning, braving Gale Force Winds.
Meanwhile, Opposition MP and shadow minister for Gozo Chris Said published a video on Facebook showing a ferry sailing through the bad weather.
Said who is in favour of a permanent link between the two islands, reminded that Gozitans are forced to face such situations on days like these. The Nationalist MP remarked that without a doubt no one would cross to the sister island on holiday during a storm, however, Gozitans would need to come to Malta out of necessity such as in the case of a medical appointment, work, study or to take a flight.
Stranded Gozitans offered discounted hotel rooms, as tunnel arguments rage
Call for tender for tunnel to be issued in weeks
By Kristina Abela
The suspended ferry service led to a raging discussion about the merits of a Gozo-Malta tunnel. Photo: ShutterstockInfrastructure Malta will be issuing a call for tender for the Malta-Gozo tunnel within the next few weeks, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg said on Tuesday.
He made his announcement as Gozo Channel suspended the ferry service because of rough weather, and an argument ensued on social media over whether a Malta-Gozo tunnel is really necessary.
Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana, meanwhile, said that her ministry had made arrangements with several hotels who could house Gozitans stranded in Malta - although no mention was made about Maltese who were stranded in Gozo.
Tunnel tussleEarlier in the day, the shadow minister for Gozo, Chris Said, uploaded a video of a Gozo ferry navigating the choppy seas across the channel before the service was suspended.
It was the first time this year that the service was suspended. Vessels had continued to operate throughout February's fierce storm.
“There is no doubt that no one is going to travel to Gozo on holiday today. However, whether they like it or not Gozitans have to make the crossing to Malta because they may have a hospital appointment, work, exams, or may have to catch a flight,” he said. The suspension of the service, he said, meant that hundreds of Gozitans working in Malta could not return home, including many who were stranded on a ferry at Cirkewwa.
Dr Borg in a reaction, said he couldn’t agree more, but then asked whether he could leave it up to Dr Said to convince PN leader Adrian Delia about the need for a tunnel. It seemed, the minister said, that Dr Delia had had a change of heart about the tunnel after having backed it in parliament before the May MEP elections.
"This government is consistent and in the coming weeks, Infrastructure Malta will issue an international call for those interested in building and operating the tunnel," the minister said.
The minister was repeating a commitment about the tenders which he had made in December.
His reference to Dr Delia came in the wake of reports on One News about the PN leader being undecided over whether Malta needed and could afford the tunnel, especially after the recent introduction of the fourth ferry.
Dr Said, in turn, appealed to Dr Borg not to create a political football out of an issue that was so important to Gozitans and their future.
He called on Infrastructure Minister to complete and publish its studies on the project and for the government to explain the project to the people. He also pointed out that it was the PN government, through his prompting, which launched this project nine years ago.
Citizens have their sayBoth Gozo Channel's announcement of a suspension of service and the exchanges between the minister and Dr Said drew a flurry of arguments.
One reader pointed out in a Times of Malta comment how this was the first time in many months that crossings had been suspended. But did this justify spending a billion euro on such a project?
Another, writing on Dr Borg's Facebook post, said a proper survey should be held of whether the people felt this project was justified.
Many questioned how so much was being said about the tunnel, when the state of the roads in Gozo was a sham.
Several Gozitans backed the project, saying days like Tuesday's justified it.
Inevitably, there were a couple of jokes about expansion joints under the seabed.
Call for tender for tunnel to be issued in weeks
By Kristina Abela
The suspended ferry service led to a raging discussion about the merits of a Gozo-Malta tunnel. Photo: ShutterstockInfrastructure Malta will be issuing a call for tender for the Malta-Gozo tunnel within the next few weeks, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg said on Tuesday.
He made his announcement as Gozo Channel suspended the ferry service because of rough weather, and an argument ensued on social media over whether a Malta-Gozo tunnel is really necessary.
Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana, meanwhile, said that her ministry had made arrangements with several hotels who could house Gozitans stranded in Malta - although no mention was made about Maltese who were stranded in Gozo.
Tunnel tussleEarlier in the day, the shadow minister for Gozo, Chris Said, uploaded a video of a Gozo ferry navigating the choppy seas across the channel before the service was suspended.
It was the first time this year that the service was suspended. Vessels had continued to operate throughout February's fierce storm.
“There is no doubt that no one is going to travel to Gozo on holiday today. However, whether they like it or not Gozitans have to make the crossing to Malta because they may have a hospital appointment, work, exams, or may have to catch a flight,” he said. The suspension of the service, he said, meant that hundreds of Gozitans working in Malta could not return home, including many who were stranded on a ferry at Cirkewwa.
Dr Borg in a reaction, said he couldn’t agree more, but then asked whether he could leave it up to Dr Said to convince PN leader Adrian Delia about the need for a tunnel. It seemed, the minister said, that Dr Delia had had a change of heart about the tunnel after having backed it in parliament before the May MEP elections.
"This government is consistent and in the coming weeks, Infrastructure Malta will issue an international call for those interested in building and operating the tunnel," the minister said.
The minister was repeating a commitment about the tenders which he had made in December.
His reference to Dr Delia came in the wake of reports on One News about the PN leader being undecided over whether Malta needed and could afford the tunnel, especially after the recent introduction of the fourth ferry.
Dr Said, in turn, appealed to Dr Borg not to create a political football out of an issue that was so important to Gozitans and their future.
He called on Infrastructure Minister to complete and publish its studies on the project and for the government to explain the project to the people. He also pointed out that it was the PN government, through his prompting, which launched this project nine years ago.
Citizens have their sayBoth Gozo Channel's announcement of a suspension of service and the exchanges between the minister and Dr Said drew a flurry of arguments.
One reader pointed out in a Times of Malta comment how this was the first time in many months that crossings had been suspended. But did this justify spending a billion euro on such a project?
Another, writing on Dr Borg's Facebook post, said a proper survey should be held of whether the people felt this project was justified.
Many questioned how so much was being said about the tunnel, when the state of the roads in Gozo was a sham.
Several Gozitans backed the project, saying days like Tuesday's justified it.
Inevitably, there were a couple of jokes about expansion joints under the seabed.
“La żammejt Chief of Staff korrott inti korrott bħalu” – Busuttil lill-PM
Minn Charmaine Attard
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12 ta' Novembru 2019
Simon Busuttil, l-eks kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista, f’diskors fil-Parlament qal li la l-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat żamm maċ-Chief of Staff korrott, allura hu korrott bħalu.
Filmat: Mhux se nkeċċi lil Schembri – Muscat
Meta kien qed jitkellem waqt il-ħin tal-aġġornament, Busuttil żied jgħid li la l-Prim Ministru ilu jaħbi u jiddefendi lil Keith Schembri allura jqum is-suspett li huwa kompliċi ma’ Schembri li kien se jixxaħħam €5,000 kuljum mill-kumpanija 17 Black ta’ Yorgen Fenech u mill-kumpanija Macbridge li għadu mhux magħruf ta’ min hi.
Busuttil kompla jgħid li Schembri jaf ta’ min hi Macbridge u li allura l-PM kieku jrid, jista’ jsir jaf ta’ min hi. Huwa qal li lbieraħ, ic-Chief of Staff tal-Prim Ministru rrifjuta ħames darbiet l-ordni tal-Qorti biex iwieġeb għax beża’, u biex ma jintbagħatx il-ħabs ċeda l-armi u waqqa’ l-kawża.
17 Black: Keith Schembri jirtira l-libell
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista qal li kieku dan kollu ġara fi kwalunkwe pajjiż tal-Unjoni Ewropea, kieku waqa’ l-Gvern, ġie arrestat iċ-Chief of Staff u ġie interrogat il-Prim Ministru fuq kompliċità talli ilu jiddefendih dan iż-żmien kollu.
Waqqajt il-libell kontra qalbi – Schembri
“Allura d-domanda toħroġ weħidha: Għaliex f’Malta le?” staqsa Busuttil. Huwa qal li dak li ġara lbieraħ fil-qorti kien straordinarju u qatt ma esperjenzah f’20 sena li ilu fil-ħajja pubblika.
Huwa fakkar kif tliet snin u nofs ilu, il-ġurnalista assassinata Daphne Caruana Galizia kixfet li ċ-Chief of Staff u l-Ministru Konrad Mizzi li kienu fetħu kumpanija sigrieta fil-Panama.
“Dan kollu kien wassal biex tissejjaħ dimostrazzjoni l-Belt li fiha jien kont nissilt il-famużi kliem ‘barra, barra’ biex nagħmel referenza għal fatt li kieku kien iċ-Chief of Staff tiegħi kont inkeċċih immedjatament,” spjega Busuttil.
Dan wassal biex fl-1 ta’ April 2016, Keith Schembri kien fetaħ libell kontra Busuttil. Huwa qal li issa li Schembri rtira l-libell, sinjal li dak li qal fuqu, jiġiferi li hu korrott, hu veru.
Huwa qal li Schembri dam sena u nofs biex jitla’ jixhed u meta fl-2017 tela’ jixhed kien propju dakinhar li nqaltet Caruana Galizia, fis-16 ta’ Ottubru. Busuttil qal li fl-aħħar blogg tagħha, Daphne tellgħet blogg propju fuq ix-xhieda ta’ Keith Schembri fejn qalet
“that crook was in court today pleading that he is not a crook”
Busuttil qal li ftit tal-minuti wara, Daphne ħarġet mid-dar biex tmur il-bank għax flusha kienu ffriżati minn Chris Cardona, u nqatlet. “L-assassinju tagħha bidel il-karattru ta’ Malta u tad-demokrazija Maltija, l-affarijiet tbiddlu minn dakinhar,” stqarr Busuttil.
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista qal li Schembri kien mitlub biex jitla’ jwieġeb iżda dam sentejn biex jitla’ għall-kontro-eżami. “Hu tela’ għax il-qorti ordnatlu jitla’ bilfors,” insista Busuttil.
Simon Busuttil qal li l-qorti aġixxiet b’serjetà kbira u nsistiet li tkompli tisma’ l-kawża. Keith Schembri pprova jwaqqaf il-kawża għax qal li jekk iwieġeb jinkrimina lilu nnifsu. “Sinjal allura li għandu għaliex jinkrimina lilu nnifsu,” kompla jinsisti Busuttil. Huwa qal li r-reazzjoni ta’ Muscat tal-bieraħ kienet suspettuża.
“Il-Prim Ministru infixel meta staqsewh ta’ min hi l-kumpanija McBridge. Il-Prim Ministru gideb meta qal li ma jafx ta’ min hi McBridge. Il-Prim Ministru żelaq ukoll meta kien mistoqsi meta ltaqa’ ma’ Yurgen Fenech. Hawn il-Prim Ministru nfixel għax hemm xi ħaġa tinten u qal li ilu xi sena jew sentejn li ltaqa’ ma’ Yurgen Fenech,” qal Busuttil.
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista appella lin-nies biex ma jaqtgħux qalbhom u qal li Daphne kellha l-kuraġġ li tiġġieled il-korruzzjoni.”Lil Daphne qatluha iżda l-verità li kixfet rebħet. Il-verità telgħet f’wiċċ l-ilma; se nibqgħu niġġieldu għall-verità,” temm jgħid Busuttil.
Schembri għandu jitkeċċa – Delia
Filmat: Ian Borg ilaqlaq dwar Keith Schembri
Minn Charmaine Attard
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12 ta' Novembru 2019
Simon Busuttil, l-eks kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista, f’diskors fil-Parlament qal li la l-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat żamm maċ-Chief of Staff korrott, allura hu korrott bħalu.
Filmat: Mhux se nkeċċi lil Schembri – Muscat
Meta kien qed jitkellem waqt il-ħin tal-aġġornament, Busuttil żied jgħid li la l-Prim Ministru ilu jaħbi u jiddefendi lil Keith Schembri allura jqum is-suspett li huwa kompliċi ma’ Schembri li kien se jixxaħħam €5,000 kuljum mill-kumpanija 17 Black ta’ Yorgen Fenech u mill-kumpanija Macbridge li għadu mhux magħruf ta’ min hi.
Busuttil kompla jgħid li Schembri jaf ta’ min hi Macbridge u li allura l-PM kieku jrid, jista’ jsir jaf ta’ min hi. Huwa qal li lbieraħ, ic-Chief of Staff tal-Prim Ministru rrifjuta ħames darbiet l-ordni tal-Qorti biex iwieġeb għax beża’, u biex ma jintbagħatx il-ħabs ċeda l-armi u waqqa’ l-kawża.
17 Black: Keith Schembri jirtira l-libell
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista qal li kieku dan kollu ġara fi kwalunkwe pajjiż tal-Unjoni Ewropea, kieku waqa’ l-Gvern, ġie arrestat iċ-Chief of Staff u ġie interrogat il-Prim Ministru fuq kompliċità talli ilu jiddefendih dan iż-żmien kollu.
Waqqajt il-libell kontra qalbi – Schembri
“Allura d-domanda toħroġ weħidha: Għaliex f’Malta le?” staqsa Busuttil. Huwa qal li dak li ġara lbieraħ fil-qorti kien straordinarju u qatt ma esperjenzah f’20 sena li ilu fil-ħajja pubblika.
Huwa fakkar kif tliet snin u nofs ilu, il-ġurnalista assassinata Daphne Caruana Galizia kixfet li ċ-Chief of Staff u l-Ministru Konrad Mizzi li kienu fetħu kumpanija sigrieta fil-Panama.
“Dan kollu kien wassal biex tissejjaħ dimostrazzjoni l-Belt li fiha jien kont nissilt il-famużi kliem ‘barra, barra’ biex nagħmel referenza għal fatt li kieku kien iċ-Chief of Staff tiegħi kont inkeċċih immedjatament,” spjega Busuttil.
Dan wassal biex fl-1 ta’ April 2016, Keith Schembri kien fetaħ libell kontra Busuttil. Huwa qal li issa li Schembri rtira l-libell, sinjal li dak li qal fuqu, jiġiferi li hu korrott, hu veru.
Huwa qal li Schembri dam sena u nofs biex jitla’ jixhed u meta fl-2017 tela’ jixhed kien propju dakinhar li nqaltet Caruana Galizia, fis-16 ta’ Ottubru. Busuttil qal li fl-aħħar blogg tagħha, Daphne tellgħet blogg propju fuq ix-xhieda ta’ Keith Schembri fejn qalet
“that crook was in court today pleading that he is not a crook”
Busuttil qal li ftit tal-minuti wara, Daphne ħarġet mid-dar biex tmur il-bank għax flusha kienu ffriżati minn Chris Cardona, u nqatlet. “L-assassinju tagħha bidel il-karattru ta’ Malta u tad-demokrazija Maltija, l-affarijiet tbiddlu minn dakinhar,” stqarr Busuttil.
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista qal li Schembri kien mitlub biex jitla’ jwieġeb iżda dam sentejn biex jitla’ għall-kontro-eżami. “Hu tela’ għax il-qorti ordnatlu jitla’ bilfors,” insista Busuttil.
Simon Busuttil qal li l-qorti aġixxiet b’serjetà kbira u nsistiet li tkompli tisma’ l-kawża. Keith Schembri pprova jwaqqaf il-kawża għax qal li jekk iwieġeb jinkrimina lilu nnifsu. “Sinjal allura li għandu għaliex jinkrimina lilu nnifsu,” kompla jinsisti Busuttil. Huwa qal li r-reazzjoni ta’ Muscat tal-bieraħ kienet suspettuża.
“Il-Prim Ministru infixel meta staqsewh ta’ min hi l-kumpanija McBridge. Il-Prim Ministru gideb meta qal li ma jafx ta’ min hi McBridge. Il-Prim Ministru żelaq ukoll meta kien mistoqsi meta ltaqa’ ma’ Yurgen Fenech. Hawn il-Prim Ministru nfixel għax hemm xi ħaġa tinten u qal li ilu xi sena jew sentejn li ltaqa’ ma’ Yurgen Fenech,” qal Busuttil.
Id-deputat Nazzjonalista appella lin-nies biex ma jaqtgħux qalbhom u qal li Daphne kellha l-kuraġġ li tiġġieled il-korruzzjoni.”Lil Daphne qatluha iżda l-verità li kixfet rebħet. Il-verità telgħet f’wiċċ l-ilma; se nibqgħu niġġieldu għall-verità,” temm jgħid Busuttil.
Schembri għandu jitkeċċa – Delia
Filmat: Ian Borg ilaqlaq dwar Keith Schembri
Filmat: Mhux se nkeċċi lil Schembri – Muscat
Minn Christoph Schwaiger
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11 ta' Novembru 2019 4:37 PM
Ara il film hawn: https://newsbook.com.mt/mhux-se-nkecci-lil-schembri-muscat/#t=0:02
Ritratt minn Miguela Xuereb
Il-Prim Ministru Joseph Muscat qal li mhux se jkun qed ikeċċi liċ-Chief of Staff tiegħu Keith Schembri. Dan wara li dalgħodu, Schembri rtira libell li kien fetaħ kontra d-deputat Nazzjonalista u Eks Kap tal-PN Simon Busuttil.
Dr Muscat twaqqaf mill-ġurnalisti llejla, hu u dieħel fil-Parlament. Huwa wieġeb l-ewwel mistoqsija tal-ġurnalista b’mistoqsija oħra, fejn talabha l-interpretazzjoni tagħha dwar dak li ġara fil-Qorti.
Żied jgħid li Keith Schembri qed iwieġeb il-mistoqsijiet kollha fl-inkjesta u li kkwota deċiżjoni tal-Qorti stess li tgħid li ladarba jkun hemm inkjesta m’għandhiex tingħata xhieda oħra. Stqarr li l-Maġistrat kellu kull dritt li ma jaqbilx ma’ dik l-interpretazzjoni tal-Qorti, u li Schembri mexa mal-parir legali li ngħata.
Mistoqsi mill-ġdid jekk hux se jkeċċi lil Schembri, il-Prim Ministru wieġeb lill-ġurnalista “Taqra wisq lil Simon Busuttil”. Tenna li Keith Schembri ma jistax iwieġeb għall-mistoqsijiet fl-apert u li ladarba tkun konkluża l-inkjesta, l-informazzjoni kollha tkun pubblika.
Tistaqsuhx aktar dwar 17 Black – l-avukati ta’ Keith Schembri
Keith Schembri, fi stqarrija maħruġa mid-Dipartiment tal-Informazzjoni rreaġixxa b’seba’ punti, fost l-oħrajn li waqqa’ l-libell kontra qalbu.
Waqqajt il-libell kontra qalbi – Schembri
Wara dak li ġara fil-Qorti, il-Kap tal-PN Adrian Delia talab għar-riżenja ta’ Schembri.
“L-ugwaljanza ma teżistix għal dawk qrib tal-PM”
Aġġornata: Schembri għandu jitkeċċa – Delia
X’ġara dalgħodu fil-Qorti?
Iċ-Chief of Staff tal-Prim Ministru Keith Schembri rtira l-libell dwar 17 Black wara seduta mqanqla fil-Qorti tal-Maġistrati dalgħodu. Schembri kien mistenni jixhed dwar il-kumpanija bbażata f’Dubaj, bħala parti minn libell li fetaħ lil Simon Busuttil, l-eks Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u l-Partit Nazzjonalista, fuq allegat tixħim fl-2016.
Malli saritlu l-ewwel mistoqsija, Keith Schembri rrifjuta li jwieġeb fil-Qorti. Il-Maġistrat Victor Axiaq ordnalu jwieġeb u fakkru li jekk ma jagħmilx dan jista’ jkun hemm sanzjonijiet.
17 Black: Keith Schembri jirtira l-libell
17 Black - Keith Schembri withdraws defamation suit to avoid being questioned
Monday, 11 November 2019,
The Prime Minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri has announced in court he will drop a defamation suit against former PN leader Simon Busuttil, in order to avoid being questioned about the 17 Black offshore company.
His lawyer Edward Gatt told Magistrate Victor Axiak that Schembri, whose offshore Panama company was tied to the mysterious Dubai company 17 Black, was “feeling that many of his fundamental and constitutional rights are being prejudiced and because the witness is collaborating with the judicial authorities in other, connected, proceedings, he is at this stage unconditionally ceding the libel suit.”
The prime minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri was expected to testify about a secret Dubai company 17 Black, believed to have been used to channel payments through his own offshore Panama company.
The former Nationalist leader Simon Busuttil had accused Schembri of receiving bribes through the company, named in leaked e-mails as one of two companies that would pay $2 million to Schembri’s and Konrad Mizzi’s Panama companies.
Schembri was reluctant to be cross-examined on the subject of the Dubai-registered company, arguing that the company information was not in the public domain at the time that the alleged defamatory speech by Busuttil, about corruption and the Panama Papers, was delivered in March 2016.
In the last sitting magistrate Victor Axiak denied Schembri’s request that he be exempted from testifying about 17 Black.
Schembri’s lawyer Pawlu Lia told the court that his client had been advised not to answer questions about facts under a magisterial inquiry on 17 Black. The court said that irrespective of what is said in inquiries, the questions would be admissable. If the questions are incriminating, the witness has a right not to answer them, said the magistrate.
Schembri twice refused to answer the questions, with the court warning him it would take sanctions if he refuses to answer. He then proceeded to withdraw the defamation suit.
11:07 Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sister storms out of the courtroom, exclaiming incredulousness at the situation.
11:05 Edward Gatt cut off the magistrate as the court warned the witness for the last time. “Because the applicant is feeling that many of his fundamental and constitutional rights are being prejudiced and because the witness is collaborating with the judicial authorities in other, connected, proceedings, he is at this stage unconditionally ceding the libel suit.”
11:03 Sitting resumes.
10:52 The Court at this stage ordered the case be suspended for 5 minutes. Defence lawyer Jason Azzopardi said it’s “unheard of” that a witness stops testifying to consult with his lawyer. The court said it would postpone until 11am despite the objection.
10:50 Schembri repeats his refusal to answer.
10:50 Lawyers squabbled over a document, a screenshot from the DOI press release, which had the page numbers blacked out. Schembri was asked what led him to issue the press release “I have advice that I am not to speak about the inquiry,” he said.
Court obliged the witness to reply but he repeated the answer. Court explained that there were sanctions he was facing if he failed to answer, and that it didn’t want to reach that stage. The question was given again.
10:42 The court upheld the objection, but said the witness could later be reproduced as a witness for the plaintiffs.
10:41 Lawyer Jason Azzopardi asks him about a press release he had released via the DOI about 17 Black. Instant objection by Pawlu Lia.
10.40 Keith Schembri takes the stand
10:35 Edward Gatt declared, in view of the decrees handed down, that Schembri would be cross-examined today without prejudice to the rights he mentioned earlier or other proceedings he may file. Court warned the parties to maintain decorum, saying that he didn’t want a mass meeting.
10:28 Peter Fenech objected to the request for an appeal. The court at this stage denied the request, but asked the parties to keep the court informed at every stage of Constitutional proceedings before the First Hall Civil Court in its Constitutional Jurisdiction.
10:14 Case is suspended for five minutes.
10:11 Edward Gatt asked for leave to appeal the decision to deny the request. The court also denied that request because the reason mentioned by Schembri’s lawyers was catered for at law, which states that the appeal could only be made after the sentence. Gatt informed the court that he intends to file constitutional proceedings, because the order given by the court today impinges upon the right to silence.
10:05 The court pointed out that contrary to what Gatt had claimed, the cross-examination of the applicant never even started in these proceedings. It rejected the request because a request of this nature had already been made in the proceedings in June 2018 and had been rejected.
10:05 Peter Fenech objected to the request. Whilst a similar request had been filed before another court which had parallel elements to the present one, because today the request has been extended. “Every inquiry is secret,” Fenech said, adding that he had no control over when witnesses testify in inquiries. “This case has been pending for 3 and a half years. A case filed by the plaintiff and over a year for this cross-examination to continue and under article 589 of the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure, the witness has sufficient security… he cannot be forced to answer questions, when the answer may subject him to criminal proceedings.”
10:05 Gatt: “I filed the libel and have all interest to have it continue without obstacles. I’m not here to lengthen it without reason. After filing them someone went to open inquiries. I am taking an active role in them…”
10:05 Edward Gatt asked that the plaintiff does not continue his cross-examination and this as previously decreed by other courts in parallel cases, there are pending inquiries against Schembri. The right not to testify, pending judicial proceedings is a right protected by the Constitution. He asked that his cross-examination continue after he testifies in the pending inquiries.
10:04 With respect to the request for recusal, the court said the reasons given for this were not listed in the article of the law (art 730 of chapter 12) and so declared that the legal services which the magistrate had given to Casco Ltd as well as to another company, “mentioned erroneously and which is not a party to this case” had been given before or during the year 2010 and have absolutely nothing to do with the subject of this case. “For these reasons, as well as because the court is relying on the Chief Justice’s declaration during the opening of the year, in which he stated that a judge or magistrate is obliged to decide and not abstain unless clearly one of the reasons in the law result, the court is denying the request and ordering the continuation of the case.”
10:04 Defence lawyer Peter Fenech told the court that any undue influence on it had to be reported to the President of the Republic as well as the commissioner of police for investigation. The court said it had already reported the incident to the President, just hours after receiving this information.
10:04 Schembri’s lawyer Edward Gatt asked that the court recuse itself, given that before his appointment, the magistrate appeared to have given a service to Nexia BT and that the cross-examination so far shows questions would be made on the alleged involvement of this company.
Background
Schembri was reluctant to be cross-examined on the subject of the Dubai-registered company, arguing that the company information was not in the public domain at the time that the alleged defamatory speech by Busuttil, about corruption and the Panama Papers, was delivered in March 2016.
In the last sitting magistrate Victor Axiak denied Schembri’s request that he be exempted from testifying about 17 Black.
Former PN leader Simon Busuttil, MEP David Casa and Peter Caruana Galizia were present for the testimony.
The magistrate said that recently he had been approached by a third party, allegedly for a party in this case, with the message that he should recuse himself.
The court had, for some years, assisted Keith Schembri’s Casco ltd in the past. It said that it had not felt the need to declare this in open court.
Lawyer Peter Fenech thanked the court for bringing this to the attention of the defence at the first opportunity. He declared that he had no objection to having magistrate Axiaq hear the case.
Lawyers Edward Gatt, Mark Vassallo and Pawlu Lia are representing Schembri in the proceedings.
Lawyers Peter Fenech and Jason Azzopardi are appearing for Simon Busuttil
Monday, 11 November 2019,
The Prime Minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri has announced in court he will drop a defamation suit against former PN leader Simon Busuttil, in order to avoid being questioned about the 17 Black offshore company.
His lawyer Edward Gatt told Magistrate Victor Axiak that Schembri, whose offshore Panama company was tied to the mysterious Dubai company 17 Black, was “feeling that many of his fundamental and constitutional rights are being prejudiced and because the witness is collaborating with the judicial authorities in other, connected, proceedings, he is at this stage unconditionally ceding the libel suit.”
The prime minister’s chief of staff Keith Schembri was expected to testify about a secret Dubai company 17 Black, believed to have been used to channel payments through his own offshore Panama company.
The former Nationalist leader Simon Busuttil had accused Schembri of receiving bribes through the company, named in leaked e-mails as one of two companies that would pay $2 million to Schembri’s and Konrad Mizzi’s Panama companies.
Schembri was reluctant to be cross-examined on the subject of the Dubai-registered company, arguing that the company information was not in the public domain at the time that the alleged defamatory speech by Busuttil, about corruption and the Panama Papers, was delivered in March 2016.
In the last sitting magistrate Victor Axiak denied Schembri’s request that he be exempted from testifying about 17 Black.
Schembri’s lawyer Pawlu Lia told the court that his client had been advised not to answer questions about facts under a magisterial inquiry on 17 Black. The court said that irrespective of what is said in inquiries, the questions would be admissable. If the questions are incriminating, the witness has a right not to answer them, said the magistrate.
Schembri twice refused to answer the questions, with the court warning him it would take sanctions if he refuses to answer. He then proceeded to withdraw the defamation suit.
11:07 Daphne Caruana Galizia’s sister storms out of the courtroom, exclaiming incredulousness at the situation.
11:05 Edward Gatt cut off the magistrate as the court warned the witness for the last time. “Because the applicant is feeling that many of his fundamental and constitutional rights are being prejudiced and because the witness is collaborating with the judicial authorities in other, connected, proceedings, he is at this stage unconditionally ceding the libel suit.”
11:03 Sitting resumes.
10:52 The Court at this stage ordered the case be suspended for 5 minutes. Defence lawyer Jason Azzopardi said it’s “unheard of” that a witness stops testifying to consult with his lawyer. The court said it would postpone until 11am despite the objection.
10:50 Schembri repeats his refusal to answer.
10:50 Lawyers squabbled over a document, a screenshot from the DOI press release, which had the page numbers blacked out. Schembri was asked what led him to issue the press release “I have advice that I am not to speak about the inquiry,” he said.
Court obliged the witness to reply but he repeated the answer. Court explained that there were sanctions he was facing if he failed to answer, and that it didn’t want to reach that stage. The question was given again.
10:42 The court upheld the objection, but said the witness could later be reproduced as a witness for the plaintiffs.
10:41 Lawyer Jason Azzopardi asks him about a press release he had released via the DOI about 17 Black. Instant objection by Pawlu Lia.
10.40 Keith Schembri takes the stand
10:35 Edward Gatt declared, in view of the decrees handed down, that Schembri would be cross-examined today without prejudice to the rights he mentioned earlier or other proceedings he may file. Court warned the parties to maintain decorum, saying that he didn’t want a mass meeting.
10:28 Peter Fenech objected to the request for an appeal. The court at this stage denied the request, but asked the parties to keep the court informed at every stage of Constitutional proceedings before the First Hall Civil Court in its Constitutional Jurisdiction.
10:14 Case is suspended for five minutes.
10:11 Edward Gatt asked for leave to appeal the decision to deny the request. The court also denied that request because the reason mentioned by Schembri’s lawyers was catered for at law, which states that the appeal could only be made after the sentence. Gatt informed the court that he intends to file constitutional proceedings, because the order given by the court today impinges upon the right to silence.
10:05 The court pointed out that contrary to what Gatt had claimed, the cross-examination of the applicant never even started in these proceedings. It rejected the request because a request of this nature had already been made in the proceedings in June 2018 and had been rejected.
10:05 Peter Fenech objected to the request. Whilst a similar request had been filed before another court which had parallel elements to the present one, because today the request has been extended. “Every inquiry is secret,” Fenech said, adding that he had no control over when witnesses testify in inquiries. “This case has been pending for 3 and a half years. A case filed by the plaintiff and over a year for this cross-examination to continue and under article 589 of the Code of Organisation and Civil Procedure, the witness has sufficient security… he cannot be forced to answer questions, when the answer may subject him to criminal proceedings.”
10:05 Gatt: “I filed the libel and have all interest to have it continue without obstacles. I’m not here to lengthen it without reason. After filing them someone went to open inquiries. I am taking an active role in them…”
10:05 Edward Gatt asked that the plaintiff does not continue his cross-examination and this as previously decreed by other courts in parallel cases, there are pending inquiries against Schembri. The right not to testify, pending judicial proceedings is a right protected by the Constitution. He asked that his cross-examination continue after he testifies in the pending inquiries.
10:04 With respect to the request for recusal, the court said the reasons given for this were not listed in the article of the law (art 730 of chapter 12) and so declared that the legal services which the magistrate had given to Casco Ltd as well as to another company, “mentioned erroneously and which is not a party to this case” had been given before or during the year 2010 and have absolutely nothing to do with the subject of this case. “For these reasons, as well as because the court is relying on the Chief Justice’s declaration during the opening of the year, in which he stated that a judge or magistrate is obliged to decide and not abstain unless clearly one of the reasons in the law result, the court is denying the request and ordering the continuation of the case.”
10:04 Defence lawyer Peter Fenech told the court that any undue influence on it had to be reported to the President of the Republic as well as the commissioner of police for investigation. The court said it had already reported the incident to the President, just hours after receiving this information.
10:04 Schembri’s lawyer Edward Gatt asked that the court recuse itself, given that before his appointment, the magistrate appeared to have given a service to Nexia BT and that the cross-examination so far shows questions would be made on the alleged involvement of this company.
Background
Schembri was reluctant to be cross-examined on the subject of the Dubai-registered company, arguing that the company information was not in the public domain at the time that the alleged defamatory speech by Busuttil, about corruption and the Panama Papers, was delivered in March 2016.
In the last sitting magistrate Victor Axiak denied Schembri’s request that he be exempted from testifying about 17 Black.
Former PN leader Simon Busuttil, MEP David Casa and Peter Caruana Galizia were present for the testimony.
The magistrate said that recently he had been approached by a third party, allegedly for a party in this case, with the message that he should recuse himself.
The court had, for some years, assisted Keith Schembri’s Casco ltd in the past. It said that it had not felt the need to declare this in open court.
Lawyer Peter Fenech thanked the court for bringing this to the attention of the defence at the first opportunity. He declared that he had no objection to having magistrate Axiaq hear the case.
Lawyers Edward Gatt, Mark Vassallo and Pawlu Lia are representing Schembri in the proceedings.
Lawyers Peter Fenech and Jason Azzopardi are appearing for Simon Busuttil
Il-Festa it-Tajba ta' San Koronato Martri Kon Patrun tan-Nadur
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Lejliet il festa
Koncelebrazzjoni immexxija minn Mons. Lawrence Scibberas.
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Lejliet il festa
Koncelebrazzjoni immexxija minn Mons. Lawrence Scibberas.
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat
Illegal plant supplied concrete to Gozo Ministry
MDA calls for a proper policy
By Ivan Camilleri
Who cares where the concrete comes from, Just fix our road in Nadur.
Peter Paul Portelli Webmaster Nadurjana.com
A truck belonging to the owners of the illegal concrete batching plant pouring concrete during ministry works at the road leading to Ramla Bay in Nadur.
Updated at 2.03pm: Adds MDA statement
The Gozo Ministry used the services of the illegal concrete batching plant operating without any permits to repair a road last month, Times of Malta can reveal.
Concrete produced by the illegal batching plant, owned by a group of businessmen headed by construction magnate Joseph Portelli, was last month procured through a direct order from the Gozo Ministry.
Tons of cubic metres of concrete was used in an emergency project to fix a road leading to Ramla Bay in Nadur, after dangerous gaping holes were spotted by passers-by at the start of September.
Pictures published by the Gozo Ministry, in which Minister Justyne Caruana is seen inspecting the ongoing works, show one of the ready-mix trucks owned by the batching plant owners pouring concrete into the road project.
Works awarded by direct orderTimes of Malta is informed that one of the owners of the illegal batching plant, Anthony Bugeja, known as Ix-Xrik, was given a direct order by the ministry to carry out all the excavation works related to the road project.
Ministry sources also confirmed that all the concrete used in the project was loaded onto Mr Portelli’s trucks from the plant and supplied directly to the Nadur project.
The ministry paid tens of thousands to the plant operators for the concrete supplies.
One of the pictures published by the government shows Dr Caruana on site discussing the project with Mr Bugeja.
Gozo Ministry, OPM dodge questionsAsked to confirm that the ministry procured concrete from the illegal batching plant for its Ramla road project, a spokesman avoided a direct answer.
Refusing to name the beneficiary of the direct order, its value or to confirm that the project’s concrete originated from the illegal batching plant, the Gozo Ministry said: “Emergency works were carried out according to practice and standards established after obtaining the appropriate approval”.
The spokesman added that the majority of works were carried out by ministry employees and the contractor was engaged to do excavation works.
No action has been taken yet to close the plant despite footage by Times of Malta showing the flagrant abuse of the site.
The land in question, including the quarry where the illegal operation is taking place, is public property owned by the Lands Authority and is also covered by a separate enforcement order for illegal quarrying.
Asked whether Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will intervene to make sure that the rule of law is upheld by everyone, a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister replied: “Independent institutions are in a position to intervene on enforcement without the need for the Prime Minister to involve himself. This is what rule of law and independent institutions mean.”
Despite enforcement and stop notices by the Planning Authority to halt the assembly of the illegal batching plant, its owners have continued operating without any hindrance from the authorities
So far, despite enforcement and stop notices by the Planning Authority to halt the assembly of the illegal batching plant, its owners have continued operating without any hindrance from the authorities.
The police did not reply when asked whether they had been called in by the authorities to intervene.
Developers calls for proper policy In a statement, the Malta Developers Association called for a “reasonable” planning policy on batching plants in order for those in breach to regularise their position.
While acknowledging that a considerable number of plants were operating illegally, the MDA said that it would be defeating its own mission were it to accept such situation as if it was the norm.
“There is no doubt that such plants cannot be situated in development zones and, therefore, their siting can be controversial. The problem is that there is no established policy regarding these plants,” developers said.
However, the MDA said such plants constituted a vital industrial activity for the construction industry.
“Taking up land for industrial use to create employment has always been considered justified by different administrations so as to generate employment. Concrete batching plants should not be considered as an exception to this norm,” the statement read.
In view of this developers urged the Planning Authority and the Government to ensure that a reasonable policy for concrete batching plants is established.
“This would enable owners of existing plants that are not in breach of the policy to regularise and sanction their activity after payment of fines that are normally due in such circumstances,” the MDA said.
Photo below: Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana discussing the works with Anthony Bugeja, one of the owners of the illegal batching plant.
MDA calls for a proper policy
By Ivan Camilleri
Who cares where the concrete comes from, Just fix our road in Nadur.
Peter Paul Portelli Webmaster Nadurjana.com
A truck belonging to the owners of the illegal concrete batching plant pouring concrete during ministry works at the road leading to Ramla Bay in Nadur.
Updated at 2.03pm: Adds MDA statement
The Gozo Ministry used the services of the illegal concrete batching plant operating without any permits to repair a road last month, Times of Malta can reveal.
Concrete produced by the illegal batching plant, owned by a group of businessmen headed by construction magnate Joseph Portelli, was last month procured through a direct order from the Gozo Ministry.
Tons of cubic metres of concrete was used in an emergency project to fix a road leading to Ramla Bay in Nadur, after dangerous gaping holes were spotted by passers-by at the start of September.
Pictures published by the Gozo Ministry, in which Minister Justyne Caruana is seen inspecting the ongoing works, show one of the ready-mix trucks owned by the batching plant owners pouring concrete into the road project.
Works awarded by direct orderTimes of Malta is informed that one of the owners of the illegal batching plant, Anthony Bugeja, known as Ix-Xrik, was given a direct order by the ministry to carry out all the excavation works related to the road project.
Ministry sources also confirmed that all the concrete used in the project was loaded onto Mr Portelli’s trucks from the plant and supplied directly to the Nadur project.
The ministry paid tens of thousands to the plant operators for the concrete supplies.
One of the pictures published by the government shows Dr Caruana on site discussing the project with Mr Bugeja.
Gozo Ministry, OPM dodge questionsAsked to confirm that the ministry procured concrete from the illegal batching plant for its Ramla road project, a spokesman avoided a direct answer.
Refusing to name the beneficiary of the direct order, its value or to confirm that the project’s concrete originated from the illegal batching plant, the Gozo Ministry said: “Emergency works were carried out according to practice and standards established after obtaining the appropriate approval”.
The spokesman added that the majority of works were carried out by ministry employees and the contractor was engaged to do excavation works.
No action has been taken yet to close the plant despite footage by Times of Malta showing the flagrant abuse of the site.
The land in question, including the quarry where the illegal operation is taking place, is public property owned by the Lands Authority and is also covered by a separate enforcement order for illegal quarrying.
Asked whether Prime Minister Joseph Muscat will intervene to make sure that the rule of law is upheld by everyone, a spokesman for the Office of the Prime Minister replied: “Independent institutions are in a position to intervene on enforcement without the need for the Prime Minister to involve himself. This is what rule of law and independent institutions mean.”
Despite enforcement and stop notices by the Planning Authority to halt the assembly of the illegal batching plant, its owners have continued operating without any hindrance from the authorities
So far, despite enforcement and stop notices by the Planning Authority to halt the assembly of the illegal batching plant, its owners have continued operating without any hindrance from the authorities.
The police did not reply when asked whether they had been called in by the authorities to intervene.
Developers calls for proper policy In a statement, the Malta Developers Association called for a “reasonable” planning policy on batching plants in order for those in breach to regularise their position.
While acknowledging that a considerable number of plants were operating illegally, the MDA said that it would be defeating its own mission were it to accept such situation as if it was the norm.
“There is no doubt that such plants cannot be situated in development zones and, therefore, their siting can be controversial. The problem is that there is no established policy regarding these plants,” developers said.
However, the MDA said such plants constituted a vital industrial activity for the construction industry.
“Taking up land for industrial use to create employment has always been considered justified by different administrations so as to generate employment. Concrete batching plants should not be considered as an exception to this norm,” the statement read.
In view of this developers urged the Planning Authority and the Government to ensure that a reasonable policy for concrete batching plants is established.
“This would enable owners of existing plants that are not in breach of the policy to regularise and sanction their activity after payment of fines that are normally due in such circumstances,” the MDA said.
Photo below: Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana discussing the works with Anthony Bugeja, one of the owners of the illegal batching plant.
Just when you thought it could not get worse: more diversions announced for Tal-Barrani, Luqa
Saturday, 9 November 2019,
Just when you thought it would not get worse, Infrastructure Malta has announced fresh diversions affecting traffic in connection with major road projects taking place.
New Santa Lucija Underpass Project diversions: From Monday November 11, 10am, and for the next few months, northbound carriageway of Tal-Barrani Road will be diverted to an alternative route through Santa Lucija, towards Hal Luqa Road and Garibaldi Road.
Drivers are urged to follow diversion signs in Dawret it-Torri Street and Il-Prinjoli Street. No access from Tal-Barrani Road northbound to the Santa Lucija roundabout. Shuttle bus service for pedestrians travelling between Santa Lucija, Tarxien and Paola available Monday to Saturday, 8am-11am and 4pm-7pm.
Whilst these diversions are in place, Infrastructure Malta said it will continue building the underground walk-through culverts extending from Marsa to Santa Lucija, for some of the most important high voltage cables of the national electricity grid
“We will soon also start excavating and building the two road tunnels connecting Santa Lucija Avenue with Tal-Barrani Road,” IM said.
As from this morningand for the next 3 weeks, part of the southbound carriageway of San Tumas Road, Qormi to Luqa, will be diverted through Guzeppi Ellul Street, which runs in parallel to it. Follow diversion signs to Santa Lucija, Luqa, Gudja and the Malta International Airport.
This diversion is required, IM said, to continue the €9.5 million reconstruction of Hal Qormi Road and San Tumas Road, the arterial route between Qormi, HalFarrug and Luqa. "We are widening these roads to four lanes, with improved bus lay bys and a segregated cycle track, First new lanes of Hal Qormi Road will be opened in coming days, so that we can rebuild the existing lanes as well," IM said.
This morning, traffic was slow in the south as flyover beams were being installed.
Saturday, 9 November 2019,
Just when you thought it would not get worse, Infrastructure Malta has announced fresh diversions affecting traffic in connection with major road projects taking place.
New Santa Lucija Underpass Project diversions: From Monday November 11, 10am, and for the next few months, northbound carriageway of Tal-Barrani Road will be diverted to an alternative route through Santa Lucija, towards Hal Luqa Road and Garibaldi Road.
Drivers are urged to follow diversion signs in Dawret it-Torri Street and Il-Prinjoli Street. No access from Tal-Barrani Road northbound to the Santa Lucija roundabout. Shuttle bus service for pedestrians travelling between Santa Lucija, Tarxien and Paola available Monday to Saturday, 8am-11am and 4pm-7pm.
Whilst these diversions are in place, Infrastructure Malta said it will continue building the underground walk-through culverts extending from Marsa to Santa Lucija, for some of the most important high voltage cables of the national electricity grid
“We will soon also start excavating and building the two road tunnels connecting Santa Lucija Avenue with Tal-Barrani Road,” IM said.
As from this morningand for the next 3 weeks, part of the southbound carriageway of San Tumas Road, Qormi to Luqa, will be diverted through Guzeppi Ellul Street, which runs in parallel to it. Follow diversion signs to Santa Lucija, Luqa, Gudja and the Malta International Airport.
This diversion is required, IM said, to continue the €9.5 million reconstruction of Hal Qormi Road and San Tumas Road, the arterial route between Qormi, HalFarrug and Luqa. "We are widening these roads to four lanes, with improved bus lay bys and a segregated cycle track, First new lanes of Hal Qormi Road will be opened in coming days, so that we can rebuild the existing lanes as well," IM said.
This morning, traffic was slow in the south as flyover beams were being installed.
Tridu tal-festa ta' San Koronatu
Immexxi mill Arcipriet tal-Gharb bil participazzjoni ta' qassisin minn irhula ohra.
Immexxi mill Arcipriet tal-Gharb bil participazzjoni ta' qassisin minn irhula ohra.
Three ministers file urgent appeal after magistrate orders inquiry into VGH deal
Friday, 8 November 2019,
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and Economy Minister Chris Cardona have filed an urgent appeal following a decree by magistrate Doreen Clarke which cleared the way for a criminal inquiry to be held into their part in the Vitals Global Healthcare deal.
Clarke had decreed on Wednesday that an application by civil society group Repubblika which requested an inquiry into allegations of complicity in criminal acts with regards to the Vitals Global Healthcare hospitals deal by the three ministers, ought to be upheld in the light of fresh evidence.
This evidence about the conduct of the ministers in the sale of the St Luke’s, Karin Grech and Gozo state hospitals, had been deemed sufficient by the court to refer the matter to another Magistrate, who is currently investigating Ivan Vassallo, who owns hospital supply company Technoline.
The appeal was filed two days after the decree was handed down. In it, the ministers ask the Criminal Court to revoke the magistrate’s decree on several grounds.
Firstly, the ministers argued that by sending the matter to another magistrate, Magistrate Clarke had exceeded the parameters of the original application by Repubblika who, they said, had only asked the Magistrate to decide on whether there were grounds for an inquiry or not.
Secondly, they said, the application was identical to a previous one filed by the group, involving the same parties and subject matter, which had been dismissed by Mr Justice Giovanni Grixti on October 3.
The appellants claimed that Repubblika’s intention was clearly to file as many appeals as necessary until it obtained the outcome it wanted.
The appellants denied corruption and fraud, arguing that the material subject of the crime - a requirement for the holding of an inquiry in genere, was absent.
Dismissing the civil society group’s mammoth 109-page application as merely speculation based on news articles, journalistic opinions, blogs and conjecture, the ministers claimed that prerequisites necessary for the inquiry were not present, asking the Criminal Court to overturn the magisterial decree which authorised the inquiry.
Lawyers Aron Mifsud Bonnici and Christopher Vella signed the appeal.
Friday, 8 November 2019,
Finance Minister Edward Scicluna, Tourism Minister Konrad Mizzi and Economy Minister Chris Cardona have filed an urgent appeal following a decree by magistrate Doreen Clarke which cleared the way for a criminal inquiry to be held into their part in the Vitals Global Healthcare deal.
Clarke had decreed on Wednesday that an application by civil society group Repubblika which requested an inquiry into allegations of complicity in criminal acts with regards to the Vitals Global Healthcare hospitals deal by the three ministers, ought to be upheld in the light of fresh evidence.
This evidence about the conduct of the ministers in the sale of the St Luke’s, Karin Grech and Gozo state hospitals, had been deemed sufficient by the court to refer the matter to another Magistrate, who is currently investigating Ivan Vassallo, who owns hospital supply company Technoline.
The appeal was filed two days after the decree was handed down. In it, the ministers ask the Criminal Court to revoke the magistrate’s decree on several grounds.
Firstly, the ministers argued that by sending the matter to another magistrate, Magistrate Clarke had exceeded the parameters of the original application by Repubblika who, they said, had only asked the Magistrate to decide on whether there were grounds for an inquiry or not.
Secondly, they said, the application was identical to a previous one filed by the group, involving the same parties and subject matter, which had been dismissed by Mr Justice Giovanni Grixti on October 3.
The appellants claimed that Repubblika’s intention was clearly to file as many appeals as necessary until it obtained the outcome it wanted.
The appellants denied corruption and fraud, arguing that the material subject of the crime - a requirement for the holding of an inquiry in genere, was absent.
Dismissing the civil society group’s mammoth 109-page application as merely speculation based on news articles, journalistic opinions, blogs and conjecture, the ministers claimed that prerequisites necessary for the inquiry were not present, asking the Criminal Court to overturn the magisterial decree which authorised the inquiry.
Lawyers Aron Mifsud Bonnici and Christopher Vella signed the appeal.
Il-Vici Arcipriet tan-Nadur il Kanonku Rueben Micallef waqt it-Tridu ta San Koronatu 2019
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt taht: Il Mons. Joseph Curmi Arcipriet tal parrocca ta' San Gorg Ghawdex waqt il koncelebrazzjoni.
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt taht: Il Mons. Joseph Curmi Arcipriet tal parrocca ta' San Gorg Ghawdex waqt il koncelebrazzjoni.
Updated: VGH deal - Three ministers once again under criminal investigation
Wednesday, 6 November 2019,
Three government ministers are once again under criminal investigation after a court ordered that fresh claims be included in the inquiry into the Vitals Global Healthcare deal being held by magistrate Gabriella Vella.
In a 28-page decree issued on Wednesday afternoon, Magistrate Doreen Clarke said the prerequisites for such an inquiry had been satisfied and the request was justified.
The inquiry is the second one requested by rule of law NGO Repubblika in order to establish whether Scicluna, Cardona and Mizzi as well as Technoline managing director Ivan Vassallo had given the group of investors behind VGH an unfair advantage in the contract’s selection process.
In July Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit had ordered an inquiry into the three Ministers together with Vassallo, only for it to be overturned on appeal by Mr. Justice Giovanni Grixti in October. In the interim period, Magistrate Gabriella Vella had also started her inquiry into Ivan Vassallo who had not appealed the first order.
Repubblika had immediately filed a fresh request for an inquiry into the three Ministers together with a complaint to the Commission for the Administration of Justice about the conduct of Mr. Justice Grixti.
Magistrate Clarke ruled that the Ministers’ arguments that Repubblika had not proven that there had been bribery and corruption were unfounded at law. Citing a raft of case law and legal texts, the Magistrate ruled that the law gave private citizens the right to request an inquiry, but not to collect evidence, which was the point of an inquiry.
Reacting, Cardona, Scicluna and MIzzi said they had noted the decree whereby, whilst noting that most of the documents submitted by Repubblika would not even be considered as evidence, Repubblika’s allegations would be referred to a magisterial inquiry which was already open.
“As the Magistrate herself noted, the decision is in conflict with a previous recent decision of a superior court. An appeal to the Criminal Court will therefore be entered in the coming days.”
Wednesday, 6 November 2019,
Three government ministers are once again under criminal investigation after a court ordered that fresh claims be included in the inquiry into the Vitals Global Healthcare deal being held by magistrate Gabriella Vella.
In a 28-page decree issued on Wednesday afternoon, Magistrate Doreen Clarke said the prerequisites for such an inquiry had been satisfied and the request was justified.
The inquiry is the second one requested by rule of law NGO Repubblika in order to establish whether Scicluna, Cardona and Mizzi as well as Technoline managing director Ivan Vassallo had given the group of investors behind VGH an unfair advantage in the contract’s selection process.
In July Magistrate Claire Stafrace Zammit had ordered an inquiry into the three Ministers together with Vassallo, only for it to be overturned on appeal by Mr. Justice Giovanni Grixti in October. In the interim period, Magistrate Gabriella Vella had also started her inquiry into Ivan Vassallo who had not appealed the first order.
Repubblika had immediately filed a fresh request for an inquiry into the three Ministers together with a complaint to the Commission for the Administration of Justice about the conduct of Mr. Justice Grixti.
Magistrate Clarke ruled that the Ministers’ arguments that Repubblika had not proven that there had been bribery and corruption were unfounded at law. Citing a raft of case law and legal texts, the Magistrate ruled that the law gave private citizens the right to request an inquiry, but not to collect evidence, which was the point of an inquiry.
Reacting, Cardona, Scicluna and MIzzi said they had noted the decree whereby, whilst noting that most of the documents submitted by Repubblika would not even be considered as evidence, Repubblika’s allegations would be referred to a magisterial inquiry which was already open.
“As the Magistrate herself noted, the decision is in conflict with a previous recent decision of a superior court. An appeal to the Criminal Court will therefore be entered in the coming days.”
Nadur man gets suspended sentence for theft, slightly injuring personWednesday, 6 November 2019,
A 20-year-old man from Nadur has been handed a suspended sentence after he admitted to charges of theft, causing slight injuries to another person and relapsing.
Before Magistrate Monica Vella, the man was charged with having stolen cash and jewellery from a residence in Zebbug, Gozo, on the night between 19 and 20 June, and of having, on 27 October, slightly injured a person in Pjazza J.F. Kennedy in Victoria.
A 20-year-old man from Nadur has been handed a suspended sentence after he admitted to charges of theft, causing slight injuries to another person and relapsing.
Before Magistrate Monica Vella, the man was charged with having stolen cash and jewellery from a residence in Zebbug, Gozo, on the night between 19 and 20 June, and of having, on 27 October, slightly injured a person in Pjazza J.F. Kennedy in Victoria.
Programm tal-Festa ta' San Koronato Martri Kon Patrun tan-Nadur
Minn Mario Muscat
Nadur - Ghawdex
Minn Mario Muscat
Nadur - Ghawdex
Sacred Heart of Jesus Church, Nadur - Fundraising and Restoration Project
Man, 59, accused of sexually assaulting a girl in Xewkija
By Monique Agius
-
November 4, 2019
A 59-year-old man from Għajnsielem was accused of corrupting a girl who is under the age of 16.
The case allegedly took place in Xewkija between 10:15 and 11:15 on Sunday, when the man allegedly sexually assaulted the minor.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was remanded in custody.
Police Inspectors John Spiteri and Josef Gauci prosecuted.
Lawyer Kevin Mompalao appeared for the accused.
The Court was presided over by Magistrate Monica Vella.
By Monique Agius
-
November 4, 2019
A 59-year-old man from Għajnsielem was accused of corrupting a girl who is under the age of 16.
The case allegedly took place in Xewkija between 10:15 and 11:15 on Sunday, when the man allegedly sexually assaulted the minor.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him. He was remanded in custody.
Police Inspectors John Spiteri and Josef Gauci prosecuted.
Lawyer Kevin Mompalao appeared for the accused.
The Court was presided over by Magistrate Monica Vella.
After the pothole...'cracks' on new Marsa flyover
But Infrastructure Minister says issue is temporary
By Claire Caruana
Concerns about 'cracks' on the underside of one of two recently-opened flyovers in Marsa have been dismissed by Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg, who said the photos are a rehash of a "temporary" issue flagged last week.
Fears about the flyover's structural safety were also assuaged by the structural engineer responsible for it, who told Times of Malta the structure "is perfectly safe".
During a visit on Monday, Times of Malta confirmed reports that parts of the flyover have had wooden planks affixed in some areas that appeared to be disjointed.
Earlier in the day, Nationalist Party Deputy Leader Robert Arrigo wrote on Facebook that the flyover had "small stones falling from above".
"If this is fake news for Minister Ian Borg, then my name is Cristiano Ronaldo!" he wrote alongside a photo of the flyover.
On Friday, the same flyover had to undergo repair work to fix a gaping pothole in one of its lanes.
'Fake news' - ministerReacting to Mr Arrigo's post on Facebook, Dr Borg accused the PN deputy leader of being the latest to join the party's "fake news team" in a tongue-in-cheek post on his page.
"The photo shows the same spot I spoke about a few days ago, this time around from below instead of from above," the minister said.
Mr Arrigo's claims of stones falling was also incorrect, the minister said.
Rather, the missing material was a type of specialised "light foam" which workers had removed in the past days ahead of expansion joints being installed, he said.
As he had argued when reports of the pothole emerged on Friday, Dr Borg again insisted the issue was only temporary, until expansion joints are installed.
Questions sent to the ministry, both on Friday and on Monday, remained unanswered with a spokeswoman directing Times of Malta to the minister's Facebook post.
Civil engineers set minds at easeThe structural engineer responsible for the project reassured commuters that there was nothing to fear.
"I state categorically that the cracks are not structural, that the structure is perfectly safe and that all expansion joints will be installed in the near future and in no way are they linked to the structural safety of any users of the bridge," David Paul Grima said.
Another civil engineer who spoke to Times of Malta also confirmed that the cracks are not dangerous, though he said all the flyover’s various components should have been installed before it was opened.
Marc Bonnello, who heads the University of Malta’s Civil Structural Engineering department, explained that expansion joints are a common feature in structures like the flyover, as they “allow movement”.
While commuters were not in any danger if they used the flyover while it did not have expansion joints installed, cars which drove over the gaps could technically sustain damage, he said.
Insisting that he was not involved in the project in any way and was therefore not privy to its timeframes, Dr Bonello said that it did not seem to make much sense to open the flyover before all its components were in place.
“It seems that the issue is not one to do with the structure but with timing. If you inaugurate something, you assume everything is completed. It does not make sense to then stay opening and closing the junction afterwards,” he said.
Flyovers inaugurated in SeptemberThe flyover in question was one of two that was inaugurated on September 20 during an event by Infrastructure Malta costing €40,000.
The two interconnected flyovers, extending half a kilometre, link Marsa and Luqa, replacing the route through the Addolorata Cemetery traffic lights junction.
They are part of a €70 million project, co-financed through the EU’s Cohesion Fund and Connecting Europe Facility, which includes the development of a new multi-level intersection to replace the Addolorata traffic lights system with 12 kilometres of uninterrupted lanes, grade-separated at three levels, creating direct northbound and southbound connections between the arterial roads merging at this network node.
But Infrastructure Minister says issue is temporary
By Claire Caruana
Concerns about 'cracks' on the underside of one of two recently-opened flyovers in Marsa have been dismissed by Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg, who said the photos are a rehash of a "temporary" issue flagged last week.
Fears about the flyover's structural safety were also assuaged by the structural engineer responsible for it, who told Times of Malta the structure "is perfectly safe".
During a visit on Monday, Times of Malta confirmed reports that parts of the flyover have had wooden planks affixed in some areas that appeared to be disjointed.
Earlier in the day, Nationalist Party Deputy Leader Robert Arrigo wrote on Facebook that the flyover had "small stones falling from above".
"If this is fake news for Minister Ian Borg, then my name is Cristiano Ronaldo!" he wrote alongside a photo of the flyover.
On Friday, the same flyover had to undergo repair work to fix a gaping pothole in one of its lanes.
'Fake news' - ministerReacting to Mr Arrigo's post on Facebook, Dr Borg accused the PN deputy leader of being the latest to join the party's "fake news team" in a tongue-in-cheek post on his page.
"The photo shows the same spot I spoke about a few days ago, this time around from below instead of from above," the minister said.
Mr Arrigo's claims of stones falling was also incorrect, the minister said.
Rather, the missing material was a type of specialised "light foam" which workers had removed in the past days ahead of expansion joints being installed, he said.
As he had argued when reports of the pothole emerged on Friday, Dr Borg again insisted the issue was only temporary, until expansion joints are installed.
Questions sent to the ministry, both on Friday and on Monday, remained unanswered with a spokeswoman directing Times of Malta to the minister's Facebook post.
Civil engineers set minds at easeThe structural engineer responsible for the project reassured commuters that there was nothing to fear.
"I state categorically that the cracks are not structural, that the structure is perfectly safe and that all expansion joints will be installed in the near future and in no way are they linked to the structural safety of any users of the bridge," David Paul Grima said.
Another civil engineer who spoke to Times of Malta also confirmed that the cracks are not dangerous, though he said all the flyover’s various components should have been installed before it was opened.
Marc Bonnello, who heads the University of Malta’s Civil Structural Engineering department, explained that expansion joints are a common feature in structures like the flyover, as they “allow movement”.
While commuters were not in any danger if they used the flyover while it did not have expansion joints installed, cars which drove over the gaps could technically sustain damage, he said.
Insisting that he was not involved in the project in any way and was therefore not privy to its timeframes, Dr Bonello said that it did not seem to make much sense to open the flyover before all its components were in place.
“It seems that the issue is not one to do with the structure but with timing. If you inaugurate something, you assume everything is completed. It does not make sense to then stay opening and closing the junction afterwards,” he said.
Flyovers inaugurated in SeptemberThe flyover in question was one of two that was inaugurated on September 20 during an event by Infrastructure Malta costing €40,000.
The two interconnected flyovers, extending half a kilometre, link Marsa and Luqa, replacing the route through the Addolorata Cemetery traffic lights junction.
They are part of a €70 million project, co-financed through the EU’s Cohesion Fund and Connecting Europe Facility, which includes the development of a new multi-level intersection to replace the Addolorata traffic lights system with 12 kilometres of uninterrupted lanes, grade-separated at three levels, creating direct northbound and southbound connections between the arterial roads merging at this network node.
Two magistrates will share vacant post
By Luisa Apap
-
November 3, 2019
Two magistrates will fill the vacant post left by Dr Paul Coppini.
Dr Coppini is retiring as he reached the maximum age allowed by law for a magistrate to serve the judiciary. Two magistrates originating from Gozo, Simone Grech and Monica Vella are replacing Coppini.
Civil and Criminal cases at the Gozo Courts used to be presided by two magistrates. Dr Paul Coppini, who served for some 25 years, and Dr Brigette Sultana appointed in April 2019.
Informed sources have told Newsbook.com.mt that both Vella and Grech were interested in the post left vacant by Coppini. They both met with the Director at the Gozo Magisterial Court and struck an agreement to split the role and the workload.
The Chief Justice has not yet officially appointed the new magistrates. A deferral for next week cases is still to be published.
Newsbook.com.mt has spoken to legal experts. They said that the Gozo Courts were supposed to have a First Hall presided by Magistrate Joanne Vella Cuschieri. They added that this never materialised because of the pending constitutional y system.
Vella Cuschieri was a magistrate in the Gozo Courts. She now holds the position of Judge within the Malta Courts replacing Dr Lorraine Schembri Orland who is now a judge at the European Court of Human Rights.
A judge for the Gozo Courts?
Partit Laburista had pledged a dedicated judge for the Gozo Courts in its 2013 electoral manifest. We are still waiting.
The legal experts speaking with Newsbook.com.mt stated that such an appointment would improve the quality of the sentences pronounced at the Gozo Courts as well as improve the general administration of justice.
Back in 2017, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici was reported saying that by the end of the year (2017), a judge will hear cases in Gozo. Bonnici also referred to the amendments in the law discussed in the house of representatives.
A year later, in June 2018, Minister Bonnici told Newsbook.com.mt that implementation for a plan to appoint a judge for the Gozo Courts was to start in the coming months.
The Gozo Courts have also been waiting for new premises for many years.
On the 19th of October, Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana said that the government is exploring an alternative site. This new site will be the third site that the government is considering.
By Luisa Apap
-
November 3, 2019
Two magistrates will fill the vacant post left by Dr Paul Coppini.
Dr Coppini is retiring as he reached the maximum age allowed by law for a magistrate to serve the judiciary. Two magistrates originating from Gozo, Simone Grech and Monica Vella are replacing Coppini.
Civil and Criminal cases at the Gozo Courts used to be presided by two magistrates. Dr Paul Coppini, who served for some 25 years, and Dr Brigette Sultana appointed in April 2019.
Informed sources have told Newsbook.com.mt that both Vella and Grech were interested in the post left vacant by Coppini. They both met with the Director at the Gozo Magisterial Court and struck an agreement to split the role and the workload.
The Chief Justice has not yet officially appointed the new magistrates. A deferral for next week cases is still to be published.
Newsbook.com.mt has spoken to legal experts. They said that the Gozo Courts were supposed to have a First Hall presided by Magistrate Joanne Vella Cuschieri. They added that this never materialised because of the pending constitutional y system.
Vella Cuschieri was a magistrate in the Gozo Courts. She now holds the position of Judge within the Malta Courts replacing Dr Lorraine Schembri Orland who is now a judge at the European Court of Human Rights.
A judge for the Gozo Courts?
Partit Laburista had pledged a dedicated judge for the Gozo Courts in its 2013 electoral manifest. We are still waiting.
The legal experts speaking with Newsbook.com.mt stated that such an appointment would improve the quality of the sentences pronounced at the Gozo Courts as well as improve the general administration of justice.
Back in 2017, Justice Minister Owen Bonnici was reported saying that by the end of the year (2017), a judge will hear cases in Gozo. Bonnici also referred to the amendments in the law discussed in the house of representatives.
A year later, in June 2018, Minister Bonnici told Newsbook.com.mt that implementation for a plan to appoint a judge for the Gozo Courts was to start in the coming months.
The Gozo Courts have also been waiting for new premises for many years.
On the 19th of October, Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana said that the government is exploring an alternative site. This new site will be the third site that the government is considering.
Tberik ta' Mosaic gdida ghal kappella tac-Cimiterju tal hniena Divina fin-Nadur
Photos by Mario Muscat
Click on photos to enlarge.
Photos by Mario Muscat
Click on photos to enlarge.
Watch: Archbishop asks for forgiveness for the walls built which “separated our dearly departed”
By Monique Agius
November 2, 2019
Watch the video here: https://newsbook.com.mt/en/watch-archbishop-asks-for-forgiveness-for-the-walls-built-which-separated-our-dearly-departed/
Archbishop Charles Scicluna asked for forgiveness for the walls which were built to separate those who at the time of their death were at peace with the Church and those who were not, in clear reference to the interdict, which came into force in 1961 and lasted until 1969. Late Archbishop Ġużeppi Mercieca had also asked for forgiveness and blessed the unconsecrated ground of the cemetery.
After Mass, Archbishop Scicluna blessed the graves of those buried on unconsecrated ground in an area which was referred to as il-miżbla or the dump, and placed flowers on the grave of Partit Laburista politician Ġużé Ellul Mercer. He also blessed the graves of the migrants who lost their lives at sea.
Presiding over Mass celebrated on All Souls’ Day at the Addolorata Chapel in Paola, Archbishop Scicluna said that thousands of Maltese and foreigners were buried there, before referring to those who buried at the time of the interdict in unconsecrated ground and migrants who lost their lives during the perilous sea journey in search of a better life.
Mgr Scicluna told the congregation that among those buried at the Addolorata Cemetery are those who died at peace with the Church and those who were not at peace with the Church at the time when they passed away, and the two categories were separated by an allegorical wall. He added that nowadays those walls have collapsed, as he asked for forgiveness for the walls built which separated our dearly departed.
Curia – church.mt/photos
The bishops then had interdicted the executive members of Partit Laburista and its supporters, at the climax of the bitter Church-Labour dispute in the 1960s. By imposing the interdict, it meant that the persons that were affected by it could not get married in Church nor buried in hallowed ground.
Speaking about our brothers and sisters who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea and were buried at the Addolorata Cemetery, Mgr Scicluna said that while we may place candles and flowers for our deceased, their families do not know what happened to them.
Highlighting that it is our duty to take care of our brothers and sisters and to remember them. He added, that maybe we could have taken better care of them during their lifetime. It is important that we remember them now, Archbishop Scicluna added.
During the homily Mgr Scicluna explained that after Mass he would bless each grave irrespective of who is buried there, remarking that death unites us, sometimes more than during our lifetime.
By Monique Agius
November 2, 2019
Watch the video here: https://newsbook.com.mt/en/watch-archbishop-asks-for-forgiveness-for-the-walls-built-which-separated-our-dearly-departed/
Archbishop Charles Scicluna asked for forgiveness for the walls which were built to separate those who at the time of their death were at peace with the Church and those who were not, in clear reference to the interdict, which came into force in 1961 and lasted until 1969. Late Archbishop Ġużeppi Mercieca had also asked for forgiveness and blessed the unconsecrated ground of the cemetery.
After Mass, Archbishop Scicluna blessed the graves of those buried on unconsecrated ground in an area which was referred to as il-miżbla or the dump, and placed flowers on the grave of Partit Laburista politician Ġużé Ellul Mercer. He also blessed the graves of the migrants who lost their lives at sea.
Presiding over Mass celebrated on All Souls’ Day at the Addolorata Chapel in Paola, Archbishop Scicluna said that thousands of Maltese and foreigners were buried there, before referring to those who buried at the time of the interdict in unconsecrated ground and migrants who lost their lives during the perilous sea journey in search of a better life.
Mgr Scicluna told the congregation that among those buried at the Addolorata Cemetery are those who died at peace with the Church and those who were not at peace with the Church at the time when they passed away, and the two categories were separated by an allegorical wall. He added that nowadays those walls have collapsed, as he asked for forgiveness for the walls built which separated our dearly departed.
Curia – church.mt/photos
The bishops then had interdicted the executive members of Partit Laburista and its supporters, at the climax of the bitter Church-Labour dispute in the 1960s. By imposing the interdict, it meant that the persons that were affected by it could not get married in Church nor buried in hallowed ground.
Speaking about our brothers and sisters who drowned in the Mediterranean Sea and were buried at the Addolorata Cemetery, Mgr Scicluna said that while we may place candles and flowers for our deceased, their families do not know what happened to them.
Highlighting that it is our duty to take care of our brothers and sisters and to remember them. He added, that maybe we could have taken better care of them during their lifetime. It is important that we remember them now, Archbishop Scicluna added.
During the homily Mgr Scicluna explained that after Mass he would bless each grave irrespective of who is buried there, remarking that death unites us, sometimes more than during our lifetime.
ALL SOULS DAY
Ramla Road Cemetery
Photo by Mario Muscat
Ramla Road Cemetery
Photo by Mario Muscat
Indepth: No point having integration programmes if they lack funding or will – Ahmed Bugre
Give them a vote, so they can take over the country
Friday, 1 November 2019,
There is no point in having integration programmes if they do not have funding or the will to go through with them, Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants (FSM) Director Ahmed Bugre said.
In the second episode of the season of Indepth, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Neil Camilleri welcomed Dr Ahmed Bugre – founder of FSM who is also involved with the Third Country National Network, an umbrella organization representing around 15 different migrant communities and groups.
Throughout the programme, they touched on issues such as integration, hate speech, and the various migrant centers in Malta.
When queried on the issues and methods of integration, Bugre rhetorically asked whether the Maltese people “want African migrants to integrate, or to be included”.
“Look at our national system - how many migrants, how many African migrants are involved in it? They are excluded.”
He lamented that Malta’s national programs don’t include migrants, and that the only place they are included is in the labour force because it is needed.
“You can never fully become a Maltese person in terms of how you integrate, but what is integration?
“Integration is building friendships, embedding yourself in your community and being productive which comes by learning how people live, but it is not only the migrants who have to do that but also the Maltese have to reach out and understand where the other people are coming from.”
“Integration is a two-way street - one cannot integrate unless he is wanted,” Bugre insisted, going on to criticize the local system as one that is built to “make people move on”.
“The question is whether the onus is on the migrant to integrate, or on Maltese society itself to reach out.”
***
Give the refugees a vote, and integration will change because it will empower them to be included in society, Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants (FSM) Director Ahmed Bugre said.
In the second episode of Indepth, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Neil Camilleri welcomed Dr Ahmed Bugre - founder of FSM who is also involved with the Third Country National Network, an umbrella organization representing around 15 different migrant communities and groups.
Throughout the programme, they touched on issues such as integration, hate speech, and the recent incidents at migrant centres in Malta.
Bugre pointed out that "all the asylum seekers and refugees who have been given protection in this country cannot vote, not even at the local level. They are living within communities, working, paying taxes, contributing and yet they cannot even choose their local councillor."
He accused governments of excluding them, and insisted that if there was no civil participation then they will never be able to integrate.
"How many Africans have you seen stand for elections? This is because they feel like they would be laughed at. That is what politicians know. All the Africans, refugees and whoever is here - at the end of the day they can protest, but they can never vote. And that is why people are emboldened to go onto social media and spew hate and nobody will prosecute them - because they have a vote."
Bugre maintained that he doesn't agree with the notion that refugees and migrants do not want to integrate because of cultural differences - "it is an excuse," he insisted - noting that people must be accepted for who they are if they are to integrate.
"Include me in civic participation and don't just use me as a worker and pay me fewer wages and not give me rights."
Give them a vote, so they can take over the country
Friday, 1 November 2019,
There is no point in having integration programmes if they do not have funding or the will to go through with them, Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants (FSM) Director Ahmed Bugre said.
In the second episode of the season of Indepth, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Neil Camilleri welcomed Dr Ahmed Bugre – founder of FSM who is also involved with the Third Country National Network, an umbrella organization representing around 15 different migrant communities and groups.
Throughout the programme, they touched on issues such as integration, hate speech, and the various migrant centers in Malta.
When queried on the issues and methods of integration, Bugre rhetorically asked whether the Maltese people “want African migrants to integrate, or to be included”.
“Look at our national system - how many migrants, how many African migrants are involved in it? They are excluded.”
He lamented that Malta’s national programs don’t include migrants, and that the only place they are included is in the labour force because it is needed.
“You can never fully become a Maltese person in terms of how you integrate, but what is integration?
“Integration is building friendships, embedding yourself in your community and being productive which comes by learning how people live, but it is not only the migrants who have to do that but also the Maltese have to reach out and understand where the other people are coming from.”
“Integration is a two-way street - one cannot integrate unless he is wanted,” Bugre insisted, going on to criticize the local system as one that is built to “make people move on”.
“The question is whether the onus is on the migrant to integrate, or on Maltese society itself to reach out.”
***
Give the refugees a vote, and integration will change because it will empower them to be included in society, Foundation for Shelter and Support to Migrants (FSM) Director Ahmed Bugre said.
In the second episode of Indepth, Deputy Editor-in-Chief Neil Camilleri welcomed Dr Ahmed Bugre - founder of FSM who is also involved with the Third Country National Network, an umbrella organization representing around 15 different migrant communities and groups.
Throughout the programme, they touched on issues such as integration, hate speech, and the recent incidents at migrant centres in Malta.
Bugre pointed out that "all the asylum seekers and refugees who have been given protection in this country cannot vote, not even at the local level. They are living within communities, working, paying taxes, contributing and yet they cannot even choose their local councillor."
He accused governments of excluding them, and insisted that if there was no civil participation then they will never be able to integrate.
"How many Africans have you seen stand for elections? This is because they feel like they would be laughed at. That is what politicians know. All the Africans, refugees and whoever is here - at the end of the day they can protest, but they can never vote. And that is why people are emboldened to go onto social media and spew hate and nobody will prosecute them - because they have a vote."
Bugre maintained that he doesn't agree with the notion that refugees and migrants do not want to integrate because of cultural differences - "it is an excuse," he insisted - noting that people must be accepted for who they are if they are to integrate.
"Include me in civic participation and don't just use me as a worker and pay me fewer wages and not give me rights."
NADUR LAWYER LANDS TOP JOB AT THE EUROPEAN COMMISSION
Charmaine Hili from Nadur has been appointed by the incoming European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.
She will be her chief adviser on migration.
The migrants crisis is one of the most important issues facing the EU.
Charmaine previously served in Jean-Claude Juncker‘s cabinet where she served as his legal adviser on migration, justice, citizenship, consumer rights and gender equality.
Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana welcomed news of the appointment by posting on Facebook: ‘Another Gozitan talent making a name for herself and Gozo. Well done Charmaine Hili.’
- By Bay News
- October 31, 2019
- Malta News
Charmaine Hili from Nadur has been appointed by the incoming European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen.
She will be her chief adviser on migration.
The migrants crisis is one of the most important issues facing the EU.
Charmaine previously served in Jean-Claude Juncker‘s cabinet where she served as his legal adviser on migration, justice, citizenship, consumer rights and gender equality.
Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana welcomed news of the appointment by posting on Facebook: ‘Another Gozitan talent making a name for herself and Gozo. Well done Charmaine Hili.’
Halloween Party in Nadur
Photos by Mario Muscat
Libyan man charged with committing sexual act with girl under 12 in GozoThursday, 31 October 2019,
A 34-year-old Libyan man who resides in Gozo was today charged with corrupting a minor who was under the age of 12, and committing a sexual act without her consent on 28 October in Zebbug, Gozo.
The Libyan man was also accused with being a recidivist, a police statement read.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was not granted bail.
The prosecution is being led by Inspectors Josef Gauci and John Spiteri
A 34-year-old Libyan man who resides in Gozo was today charged with corrupting a minor who was under the age of 12, and committing a sexual act without her consent on 28 October in Zebbug, Gozo.
The Libyan man was also accused with being a recidivist, a police statement read.
He pleaded not guilty to the charges and was not granted bail.
The prosecution is being led by Inspectors Josef Gauci and John Spiteri
No money for courthouse but Gozo ministry promises it 'will be delivered'
Plans unveiled for a new Gozo courthouse two years ago have been scrapped as the Gozo Ministry ‘explores’ a new site for the project to replace the
30 October 2019, 7:00am
by Kurt Sansone
No money was voted for the project in Budget 2020, which raised eyebrows among people in the legal profession who have been clamouring for a new courthouse
Plans unveiled for a new Gozo courthouse two years ago have been scrapped as the Gozo Ministry ‘explores’ a new site for the project to replace the Citadella court.
No money was voted for the project in Budget 2020, which raised eyebrows among people in the legal profession who have been clamouring for a new courthouse.
The first confirmation that previous plans were abandoned was given by Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana in a parliamentary reply to questions by Nationalist MP Chris Said.
Caruana told Parliament last week that her ministry was “exploring a more central site” but could not give details.
Follow-up questions sent by MaltaToday to determine whether the plans unveiled in November 2017 for a courthouse between Xewkija and Victoria have been scrapped were met with a similar short answer.
“The courthouse is a project that will be delivered. At the moment, we are exploring a new site which was not available earlier but we are still at discussion stage,” the ministry replied. No further detail was given and questions as to why Budget 2020 did not contain an allocation for the project remained unanswered.
The courthouse saga has been going on for the past few years with no progress whatsoever. Caruana’s predecessor, Anton Refalo, had unveiled plans for a new courthouse in Victoria for which a planning permit was obtained in 2016.
However, after the 2017 general election, Caruana, the incoming minister, unveiled new plans for a different site on the outskirts of Xewkija. The reason for abandoning the original plans was put down to inadequate geology at the Victoria site.
Now, a third location is being explored and no reason has been given yet for the change in direction.
The budget for the missed project has been diminishing year after year. In Budget 2018, €450,000 were allocated in capital funding for the courthouse project but actual expenditure was of €5,192. Budget 2019 allocated €120,000 for the project.
And next year no money has been made available.
Expression of interest to be issued
In Parliament on Wednesday, Justyne Caruana said an expression of interest will soon be issued for a more central location for the new law courts, confirming once again government's intention to have a new courthouse for Gozo.
She was speaking in Parliament on the budget vote for her ministry.
Plans unveiled for a new Gozo courthouse two years ago have been scrapped as the Gozo Ministry ‘explores’ a new site for the project to replace the
30 October 2019, 7:00am
by Kurt Sansone
No money was voted for the project in Budget 2020, which raised eyebrows among people in the legal profession who have been clamouring for a new courthouse
Plans unveiled for a new Gozo courthouse two years ago have been scrapped as the Gozo Ministry ‘explores’ a new site for the project to replace the Citadella court.
No money was voted for the project in Budget 2020, which raised eyebrows among people in the legal profession who have been clamouring for a new courthouse.
The first confirmation that previous plans were abandoned was given by Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana in a parliamentary reply to questions by Nationalist MP Chris Said.
Caruana told Parliament last week that her ministry was “exploring a more central site” but could not give details.
Follow-up questions sent by MaltaToday to determine whether the plans unveiled in November 2017 for a courthouse between Xewkija and Victoria have been scrapped were met with a similar short answer.
“The courthouse is a project that will be delivered. At the moment, we are exploring a new site which was not available earlier but we are still at discussion stage,” the ministry replied. No further detail was given and questions as to why Budget 2020 did not contain an allocation for the project remained unanswered.
The courthouse saga has been going on for the past few years with no progress whatsoever. Caruana’s predecessor, Anton Refalo, had unveiled plans for a new courthouse in Victoria for which a planning permit was obtained in 2016.
However, after the 2017 general election, Caruana, the incoming minister, unveiled new plans for a different site on the outskirts of Xewkija. The reason for abandoning the original plans was put down to inadequate geology at the Victoria site.
Now, a third location is being explored and no reason has been given yet for the change in direction.
The budget for the missed project has been diminishing year after year. In Budget 2018, €450,000 were allocated in capital funding for the courthouse project but actual expenditure was of €5,192. Budget 2019 allocated €120,000 for the project.
And next year no money has been made available.
Expression of interest to be issued
In Parliament on Wednesday, Justyne Caruana said an expression of interest will soon be issued for a more central location for the new law courts, confirming once again government's intention to have a new courthouse for Gozo.
She was speaking in Parliament on the budget vote for her ministry.
Happy birthday to the Mayor of Nadur
Dr. Edward Said the Mayor of Nadur celebrated his birthday yesterday with heaps of messages from Nadurin around the globe.
'I didn't kill anybody': inspector recalls murder suspect's tearful denial
Lorin Scicluna 'cried a lot' during interrogation over Lassana Cisse murder
By Edwina Brincat
Lorin Scicluna (inset) is one of the two men accused of murdering Lassana Cisse.One of two soldiers accused of killing a man because he was black cried incessantly throughout his interrogation and insisted that he had not killed anyone, a court heard on Tuesday.
Lorin Scicluna, 22, stands accused alongside his former fellow soldier Francesco Fenech, 21, of the racially motivated murder of Lassana Cisse Souleymane, who was shot as he walked home Birżebbuġa.
Mr Scicluna had at first denied any involvement in the drive-by shooting that took place on April 6.
Testifying in court on Tuesday, senior inspector Trevor Micallef described Mr Scicluna’s behaviour following his arrest, up to the moment of his arraignment.
Under cross-examination by lawyer Franco Debono, the inspector explained how Mr Scicluna had at first told police that he had rented his car to a Syrian man, who brought it back with a smashed windscreen.
The Syrian had rented his car for a second time around the time of the shooting, Mr Scicluna had told investigators.
However, investigators had not bought this tale, sensing that the suspect was “afraid and tearful.”
“Why do you say he was afraid?” asked Dr Debono.
“He [Scicluna] cried a lot. In fact he cried all the while, insisting over and over ‘I didn’t kill anyone,’” said Inspector Micallef, describing how the suspect had run his fingers through his hair, bent over and wept.
“Then who did?” the investigators had asked.
Mr Scicluna met that question with more tears but no reply, Inspector Micallef recalled.
“Did he say who he was afraid of?” asked Dr Debono.
“No,” came the reply, as defence lawyer Giannella DeMarco, assisting the other co-accused Mr Fenech, promptly remarked that the man might have been crying because he was sorry for what he had done.
Earlier on, Inspector Micallef said that Mr Scicluna had told police how on the day of the drive-by shooting, he had taken his firearm to shoot cats at Ħal Far. Francesco Fenech had been riding in the passenger seat.
Suddenly, Mr Fenech had allegedly leaned across his friend, firing the weapon outside the car window and fired again as the car moved further down the road, Inspector Micallef said, testifying about the version allegedly supplied by Mr Scicluna under interrogation.
Some four shots had been fired in all, the court was told.
In Tuesday’s hearing, a man who had lived with Mr Cisse in the month preceding the murder described his friend as “a very good man.”
Mr Cisse had worked as a steel fixer at a Ħal Far plant. His former manager, who also testified on Tuesday, described him as a normal worker who never had any trouble with workmates.
The case continues in December.
Inspector Keith Arnaud prosecuted.
Lawyer Nadia Attard from the AG’s Office also prosecuted.
Lawyers Kris Busietta and Julian Farrugia also assisted Mr Scicluna.
Lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell also assisted Mr Fenech.
Lorin Scicluna 'cried a lot' during interrogation over Lassana Cisse murder
By Edwina Brincat
Lorin Scicluna (inset) is one of the two men accused of murdering Lassana Cisse.One of two soldiers accused of killing a man because he was black cried incessantly throughout his interrogation and insisted that he had not killed anyone, a court heard on Tuesday.
Lorin Scicluna, 22, stands accused alongside his former fellow soldier Francesco Fenech, 21, of the racially motivated murder of Lassana Cisse Souleymane, who was shot as he walked home Birżebbuġa.
Mr Scicluna had at first denied any involvement in the drive-by shooting that took place on April 6.
Testifying in court on Tuesday, senior inspector Trevor Micallef described Mr Scicluna’s behaviour following his arrest, up to the moment of his arraignment.
Under cross-examination by lawyer Franco Debono, the inspector explained how Mr Scicluna had at first told police that he had rented his car to a Syrian man, who brought it back with a smashed windscreen.
The Syrian had rented his car for a second time around the time of the shooting, Mr Scicluna had told investigators.
However, investigators had not bought this tale, sensing that the suspect was “afraid and tearful.”
“Why do you say he was afraid?” asked Dr Debono.
“He [Scicluna] cried a lot. In fact he cried all the while, insisting over and over ‘I didn’t kill anyone,’” said Inspector Micallef, describing how the suspect had run his fingers through his hair, bent over and wept.
“Then who did?” the investigators had asked.
Mr Scicluna met that question with more tears but no reply, Inspector Micallef recalled.
“Did he say who he was afraid of?” asked Dr Debono.
“No,” came the reply, as defence lawyer Giannella DeMarco, assisting the other co-accused Mr Fenech, promptly remarked that the man might have been crying because he was sorry for what he had done.
Earlier on, Inspector Micallef said that Mr Scicluna had told police how on the day of the drive-by shooting, he had taken his firearm to shoot cats at Ħal Far. Francesco Fenech had been riding in the passenger seat.
Suddenly, Mr Fenech had allegedly leaned across his friend, firing the weapon outside the car window and fired again as the car moved further down the road, Inspector Micallef said, testifying about the version allegedly supplied by Mr Scicluna under interrogation.
Some four shots had been fired in all, the court was told.
In Tuesday’s hearing, a man who had lived with Mr Cisse in the month preceding the murder described his friend as “a very good man.”
Mr Cisse had worked as a steel fixer at a Ħal Far plant. His former manager, who also testified on Tuesday, described him as a normal worker who never had any trouble with workmates.
The case continues in December.
Inspector Keith Arnaud prosecuted.
Lawyer Nadia Attard from the AG’s Office also prosecuted.
Lawyers Kris Busietta and Julian Farrugia also assisted Mr Scicluna.
Lawyer Stephen Tonna Lowell also assisted Mr Fenech.
New medical school building opened in Gozo
Monday, 28 October 2019,
The new medical school building at Queen Mary University of London’s Malta campus has opened, providing Barts and The London students and staff with a new facility for teaching and study of the University’s MBBS medical degree.
The four-storey 8,100 square metre building is situated on the island of Gozo in Malta, next to Gozo General Hospital. It includes:
Professor Anthony Warrens, Dean for Education at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, said: “This marks a significant new chapter in Queen Mary’s presence in Malta. This state-of-the-art facility will be a boon for students and staff alike, creating an excellent teaching and learning environment while also providing additional areas for students to study and relax.”
The new building adds to Queen Mary’s Malta campus which includes an Anatomy Centre, which opened in December 2018 and features a dedicated area for teaching anatomy through dissection. It is equipped with facilities for clinical imaging, as well as office accommodation for academic, technical and administrative staff.
Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chris Fearne, visited the building on Saturday.
Queen Mary launched a five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme taught on the Mediterranean islands of the Maltese Republic two years ago. It has now accepted its third cohort of students for the 2019/20 academic year.
The MBBS is taught by Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary and has been designed to provide students with the medical knowledge, clinical skills and professional attitudes that are required to become a competent Foundation Year (FY1) Doctor.
The programme is taught in English, using the same curriculum as the MBBS in London, and results in the award of a Medicine MBBS from Queen Mary University of London. Arrangements have also been made to make junior doctor (Foundation Year 1 and 2) positions in Malta available to our graduates.
Monday, 28 October 2019,
The new medical school building at Queen Mary University of London’s Malta campus has opened, providing Barts and The London students and staff with a new facility for teaching and study of the University’s MBBS medical degree.
The four-storey 8,100 square metre building is situated on the island of Gozo in Malta, next to Gozo General Hospital. It includes:
- A 140 seat auditorium
- Two smaller lecture theatres that can combine into a 120 seat facility
- Two computer labs (each with capacity for 70 students)
- Teaching rooms and clinical skills rooms.
Professor Anthony Warrens, Dean for Education at Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, said: “This marks a significant new chapter in Queen Mary’s presence in Malta. This state-of-the-art facility will be a boon for students and staff alike, creating an excellent teaching and learning environment while also providing additional areas for students to study and relax.”
The new building adds to Queen Mary’s Malta campus which includes an Anatomy Centre, which opened in December 2018 and features a dedicated area for teaching anatomy through dissection. It is equipped with facilities for clinical imaging, as well as office accommodation for academic, technical and administrative staff.
Malta’s Deputy Prime Minister, Chris Fearne, visited the building on Saturday.
Queen Mary launched a five-year Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programme taught on the Mediterranean islands of the Maltese Republic two years ago. It has now accepted its third cohort of students for the 2019/20 academic year.
The MBBS is taught by Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry at Queen Mary and has been designed to provide students with the medical knowledge, clinical skills and professional attitudes that are required to become a competent Foundation Year (FY1) Doctor.
The programme is taught in English, using the same curriculum as the MBBS in London, and results in the award of a Medicine MBBS from Queen Mary University of London. Arrangements have also been made to make junior doctor (Foundation Year 1 and 2) positions in Malta available to our graduates.
Witness says Neville Gafa’ offered him €200,000 to not testify in visas case
Five Libyan men say government official demanded €2,500 for treatment
By Edwina Brincat
Neville Gafa’. Photo: Facebook
A Libyan man told court on Monday that government official Neville Gafa’ had offered him €200,000 to €300,000 “so as not to testify” in a case concerning payments for medical visas.
“I am Muslim and you are Muslim and I want to solve this case in a friendly way,” the man recalled Mr Gafa’ telling him along with the six-figure offer.
The witness was one of five men to testify via Skype in libel proceedings Mr Gafa’ filed concerning the allegations.
All five men testified through a translator and said that Mr Gafa’ had asked them for €2,500 to cover visas and medical treatment in Malta, which they needed back in 2014 after suffering injuries during the war in their home country.
At the time, the Maltese government had offered free treatment to casualties of war in Libya.
One of the witnesses told the court he had undergone surgery at Saint James Hospital in October 2014 and then told he had to be transferred to the state hospital.
When there, he noticed security officers stationed outside his room and those of other Libyan casualty victims. The officers told the man that they were there obeying “orders of Neville Gafa’,” he testified.
The man said Mr Gafa’ had introduced himself as “the agent of health of Malta” and demanded €2,500 for treatment.
Those who did not have the necessary funds were allegedly asked to contact their families back in Libya, to ask them to send the money, the witness went on.
Another witness who had been brought to Malta to have his leg amputated recalled how Mr Gafa’ had demanded money through a translator.
“If you stay here, you pay money,” the translator had allegedly said.
“This is bad,” one witness had allegedly told Mr Gafa’ and the translator after being asked for money.
“Yes we accept this bad thing,” came the reply, the witness alleged.
Another man told the court that he had been denied an extension of his time in Malta to continue treatment after he refused to cough up the €2,500.
The men were testifying in a libel case Mr Gafa’ has filed against The Malta Independent on Sunday editor David Lindsey.
They told the court that Mr Gafa’ had visited them in Libya to discuss these proceedings, offering them money and treatment “so as not to testify.”
However, the men had turned down the offer.
RELATED STORIES
“We believe in the Maltese courts and believe that right is on our side,” said one of the witnesses.
Meanwhile, all five men requested that recordings of their testimonies, which they had handed over to Ivan Grech Mintoff, be filed today in the records of the libel proceedings.
Magistrate Victor George Axiak upheld the request.
The case continues.
Lawyers Edward Gatt, Mark Vassallo and legal procurator Peter Paul Zammit assisted Mr Gafa’. Lawyer Peter Fenech assisted the respondents.
Five Libyan men say government official demanded €2,500 for treatment
By Edwina Brincat
Neville Gafa’. Photo: Facebook
A Libyan man told court on Monday that government official Neville Gafa’ had offered him €200,000 to €300,000 “so as not to testify” in a case concerning payments for medical visas.
“I am Muslim and you are Muslim and I want to solve this case in a friendly way,” the man recalled Mr Gafa’ telling him along with the six-figure offer.
The witness was one of five men to testify via Skype in libel proceedings Mr Gafa’ filed concerning the allegations.
All five men testified through a translator and said that Mr Gafa’ had asked them for €2,500 to cover visas and medical treatment in Malta, which they needed back in 2014 after suffering injuries during the war in their home country.
At the time, the Maltese government had offered free treatment to casualties of war in Libya.
One of the witnesses told the court he had undergone surgery at Saint James Hospital in October 2014 and then told he had to be transferred to the state hospital.
When there, he noticed security officers stationed outside his room and those of other Libyan casualty victims. The officers told the man that they were there obeying “orders of Neville Gafa’,” he testified.
The man said Mr Gafa’ had introduced himself as “the agent of health of Malta” and demanded €2,500 for treatment.
Those who did not have the necessary funds were allegedly asked to contact their families back in Libya, to ask them to send the money, the witness went on.
Another witness who had been brought to Malta to have his leg amputated recalled how Mr Gafa’ had demanded money through a translator.
“If you stay here, you pay money,” the translator had allegedly said.
“This is bad,” one witness had allegedly told Mr Gafa’ and the translator after being asked for money.
“Yes we accept this bad thing,” came the reply, the witness alleged.
Another man told the court that he had been denied an extension of his time in Malta to continue treatment after he refused to cough up the €2,500.
The men were testifying in a libel case Mr Gafa’ has filed against The Malta Independent on Sunday editor David Lindsey.
They told the court that Mr Gafa’ had visited them in Libya to discuss these proceedings, offering them money and treatment “so as not to testify.”
However, the men had turned down the offer.
RELATED STORIES
“We believe in the Maltese courts and believe that right is on our side,” said one of the witnesses.
Meanwhile, all five men requested that recordings of their testimonies, which they had handed over to Ivan Grech Mintoff, be filed today in the records of the libel proceedings.
Magistrate Victor George Axiak upheld the request.
The case continues.
Lawyers Edward Gatt, Mark Vassallo and legal procurator Peter Paul Zammit assisted Mr Gafa’. Lawyer Peter Fenech assisted the respondents.
Weekend of motocross in Nadur
Gozo vs Sicily – for young and old with GMA
BY GOZO NEWS · OCTOBER 27, 2019
Next weekend, the second part of the sports twinning between Gozo and Sicily will be take place, organised by the Gozo Motocross Association in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, at Ta Xhajma Motocross Track
The first part was in May last year, when twelve Gozitan motocross riders, members of the Gozo Motocross Association, were in Sicily to compete in friendly races with Sicilian riders at Mx Francavilla Park, in the municipality of Francavilla di Sicilia, making it the perfect opportunity to combine sports tourism and culture.
The GMA said that Sicilian motocross riders will enjoy their time visiting Gozo both as tourists and motocross riders.
On the Friday, they will have a day of training at Ta Xhajma motocross track. Then on Sunday, competitions will take place between Sicilian and Gozitan riders.
The GMA said that apart from the usual classes with Sicilian riders, a special veteran class will also be part of the programme on Sunday.
70 year old Antonino Muscolino, an active Sicilian motocross veteran, will be competing with Gozitan, Maltese and foreign veterans.
All riders, young and old are invited to be part of this exciting weekend, and of course as many spectators, fans and supporters as possible are welcome to attend, on Friday the 1st and Sunday, the 3rd of November.
Please see the GMA facebook page for information and event updates, including start times for next weekend.
Gozo vs Sicily – for young and old with GMA
BY GOZO NEWS · OCTOBER 27, 2019
Next weekend, the second part of the sports twinning between Gozo and Sicily will be take place, organised by the Gozo Motocross Association in collaboration with the Ministry for Gozo, at Ta Xhajma Motocross Track
The first part was in May last year, when twelve Gozitan motocross riders, members of the Gozo Motocross Association, were in Sicily to compete in friendly races with Sicilian riders at Mx Francavilla Park, in the municipality of Francavilla di Sicilia, making it the perfect opportunity to combine sports tourism and culture.
The GMA said that Sicilian motocross riders will enjoy their time visiting Gozo both as tourists and motocross riders.
On the Friday, they will have a day of training at Ta Xhajma motocross track. Then on Sunday, competitions will take place between Sicilian and Gozitan riders.
The GMA said that apart from the usual classes with Sicilian riders, a special veteran class will also be part of the programme on Sunday.
70 year old Antonino Muscolino, an active Sicilian motocross veteran, will be competing with Gozitan, Maltese and foreign veterans.
All riders, young and old are invited to be part of this exciting weekend, and of course as many spectators, fans and supporters as possible are welcome to attend, on Friday the 1st and Sunday, the 3rd of November.
Please see the GMA facebook page for information and event updates, including start times for next weekend.
After bishops call for married priests, pope urges new ways
Associated Press Sunday,
27 October 2019,
On the heels of a bold call by Amazon region bishops for married men to become priests, Pope Francis is urging openness to new ways, and in a possible slap at conservative critics who fear he is weakening the Catholic church's foundations, he cautions faithful against entering the "swampy waters of ideologies."
At Mass Sunday in St. Peter's Basilica to conclude a weeks-long Vatican meeting on the special needs of Catholics in that South American region, Francis thanked the bishops for their candor.
In follow-up remarks to faithful in St. Peter's Square, he didn't cite the vote a day earlier by a majority of the synod's bishops to ordain married men in special circumstances in the region, where some faithful who want to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist don't see priests for months, even years.
But Francis said he and other participants at the gathering, known as a synod, felt encouraged to "leave comfortable shores" in seeking new ways to carry out the church's mission to spread the Catholic faith.
On Saturday, Francis told bishops he would draw his conclusions about their requests in a document he hoped to write by year's end. His conclusions will be eagerly awaited by faithful who wonder if it will include an opening to lifting a ban on married priests, at least in some circumstances, in a part of the world where evangelical Protestant churches are increasingly winning converts.
Allowing married men to be ordained in remote Amazon areas that are facing severe shortages of priests would chip away at the Catholic Church's nearly millennium-old teaching upholding priestly celibacy.
Since Francis on numerous occasions has praised celibacy for priests, it was unclear if the Argentine-born pontiff would embrace the bishops' appeal for married men's ordinations or, more significantly, if such approval would erode the celibacy rule.
The pope said that faithful sometimes ask how they can propagate the word of the Gospel.
"In the synod, we asked it of ourselves, desiring to open new roads for the proclamation of the Gospel," Francis told the crowd in St. Peter's Square.
"To live by the Gospel, one must go beyond oneself. We felt prodded to go out, to leave the comfortable shores of our safe ports to sink into deep waters — not in the swampy waters of ideologies, but in the open sea in which the Spirit invites us to throw out the fishing nets," Francis said, referring to Gospel parables about fishing for the souls of people.
In prepared remarks, which he didn't read, he appeared to hint at the appeal for married priests. In them, he said that setting off from shore meant being open to "new things." The pope sometimes skips part or all of prepared remarks.
His conservative critics, who include so-called traditionalist Catholics, insist that the Vatican adhere strictly to centuries-old rules demanding that the church's priests be celibate, unmarried men. But in the first centuries of the church, married priests were allowed, and nearly all the first apostles were married men.
Currently, the Vatican allows married men to become priests in Eastern rite churches. Eager to include converts, it has also allowed married Anglican priests to remain priests when they join the Roman Catholic church.
Associated Press Sunday,
27 October 2019,
On the heels of a bold call by Amazon region bishops for married men to become priests, Pope Francis is urging openness to new ways, and in a possible slap at conservative critics who fear he is weakening the Catholic church's foundations, he cautions faithful against entering the "swampy waters of ideologies."
At Mass Sunday in St. Peter's Basilica to conclude a weeks-long Vatican meeting on the special needs of Catholics in that South American region, Francis thanked the bishops for their candor.
In follow-up remarks to faithful in St. Peter's Square, he didn't cite the vote a day earlier by a majority of the synod's bishops to ordain married men in special circumstances in the region, where some faithful who want to attend Mass and receive the Eucharist don't see priests for months, even years.
But Francis said he and other participants at the gathering, known as a synod, felt encouraged to "leave comfortable shores" in seeking new ways to carry out the church's mission to spread the Catholic faith.
On Saturday, Francis told bishops he would draw his conclusions about their requests in a document he hoped to write by year's end. His conclusions will be eagerly awaited by faithful who wonder if it will include an opening to lifting a ban on married priests, at least in some circumstances, in a part of the world where evangelical Protestant churches are increasingly winning converts.
Allowing married men to be ordained in remote Amazon areas that are facing severe shortages of priests would chip away at the Catholic Church's nearly millennium-old teaching upholding priestly celibacy.
Since Francis on numerous occasions has praised celibacy for priests, it was unclear if the Argentine-born pontiff would embrace the bishops' appeal for married men's ordinations or, more significantly, if such approval would erode the celibacy rule.
The pope said that faithful sometimes ask how they can propagate the word of the Gospel.
"In the synod, we asked it of ourselves, desiring to open new roads for the proclamation of the Gospel," Francis told the crowd in St. Peter's Square.
"To live by the Gospel, one must go beyond oneself. We felt prodded to go out, to leave the comfortable shores of our safe ports to sink into deep waters — not in the swampy waters of ideologies, but in the open sea in which the Spirit invites us to throw out the fishing nets," Francis said, referring to Gospel parables about fishing for the souls of people.
In prepared remarks, which he didn't read, he appeared to hint at the appeal for married priests. In them, he said that setting off from shore meant being open to "new things." The pope sometimes skips part or all of prepared remarks.
His conservative critics, who include so-called traditionalist Catholics, insist that the Vatican adhere strictly to centuries-old rules demanding that the church's priests be celibate, unmarried men. But in the first centuries of the church, married priests were allowed, and nearly all the first apostles were married men.
Currently, the Vatican allows married men to become priests in Eastern rite churches. Eager to include converts, it has also allowed married Anglican priests to remain priests when they join the Roman Catholic church.
PS Farrugia Portelli raises breach of privilege case against Jason Azzopardi
Saturday, 26 October 2019,
Parliamentary Secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli has raised a breach of privilege complaint against Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi regarding a post he made on his Facebook page.
In Friday’s parliamentary sitting, she claimed that what Azzopardi wrote in the post was a “false statement”.
Azzopardi wrote that it is a “heresy” that a junior minister invites someone to break the law, whatever that law is. How can we expect people to abide by the law if the government invites you to break it, he added.
The post was in relation to what Farrugia Portelli had said in Parliament in an earlier sitting about the use of cannabis.
PN Deputy Leader David Agius requested a clarification as to what the PS was referring to, with Acting Speaker Claudette Buttigieg saying Farrugia Portelli was clear that her reference was to the Facebook post and not to a journalistic report.
The Acting Speaker said she is to consider the request and deliver her ruling later.
Saturday, 26 October 2019,
Parliamentary Secretary Julia Farrugia Portelli has raised a breach of privilege complaint against Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi regarding a post he made on his Facebook page.
In Friday’s parliamentary sitting, she claimed that what Azzopardi wrote in the post was a “false statement”.
Azzopardi wrote that it is a “heresy” that a junior minister invites someone to break the law, whatever that law is. How can we expect people to abide by the law if the government invites you to break it, he added.
The post was in relation to what Farrugia Portelli had said in Parliament in an earlier sitting about the use of cannabis.
PN Deputy Leader David Agius requested a clarification as to what the PS was referring to, with Acting Speaker Claudette Buttigieg saying Farrugia Portelli was clear that her reference was to the Facebook post and not to a journalistic report.
The Acting Speaker said she is to consider the request and deliver her ruling later.
Malta żgħira wisq biex iġġorr il-piż tal-immigrazzjoni – Delia
Minn Christoph Schwaiger
26 ta' Ottubru 2019
Il-Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Adrian Delia qal li Malta hi żgħira wisq biex iġġorr il-piż tal-immigrazzjoni rregolari.
Delia qal dan waqt intervista li saritlu fuq l-istazzjon tar-radju tal-partit tiegħu llum filgħodu.
Tkellem dwar l-immigrazzjoni rregolari u qal li l-PN irid ikun uman ma’ min hu dgħajjef u b’saħħtu ma’ min qed jabbuża.
“Filwaqt li l-protezzjoni tal-ħajja tibqa’ prinċipju sagru, irridu ninsistu fuq tqassim ġust ta’ persuni u soluzzjonijiet oħra għax Malta żgħira wisq biex iġġorr dan il-piż,” qal Delia.
Tkellem dwar l-irvelli f’Ħal Far u qal li l-Oppożizzjoni għamlet ħafna mistoqsijiet li baqgħu bla tweġibiet.
“Il-poplu nkwetat kien u għadu. Il-Gvern ma jistax jibqa jaħbi l-verità mill-poplu,” qal Adrian Delia.
Skont Delia, il-bniedem, irrelevanti mill-kulur tal-ġilda tiegħu jew min fejn ġej, jibqa’ bniedem li jrid jingħata dinjità.
Akkuża lill-Gvern li qiegħed iġelled l-ħaddiema Maltin ma’ dawk barranin minħabba s-sistema ekonomika li qiegħed iħaddem. Saħaq li l-familji Maltin spiċċaw iridu jikkompetu ma’ gruppi ħafna akbar ta’ barranin li qed joħonqu s-suq tal- kera’.
Delia tkellem ukoll dwar kif l-edukazzjoni hija mezz ewlieni fil-ġlieda kontra l-faqar. Qal li ingredjent għas-suċċess ta’ dan is-settur huma l-għalliema li skont il-Kap Nazzjonalista, il-Gvern injora għal kollox.
“Kurt Farrugia, li sa ftit ilu kien il-PRO tal-Prim Ministru illum qed jingħata pakkett oħxon ta’ Ewro 180,000 fis-sena bħala CEO tal-Malta Enterprise. Farrugia sinjur żgħir – jaqla’ daqs disa’ għalliema f’daqqa,” qal Delia.
Minn Christoph Schwaiger
26 ta' Ottubru 2019
Il-Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Adrian Delia qal li Malta hi żgħira wisq biex iġġorr il-piż tal-immigrazzjoni rregolari.
Delia qal dan waqt intervista li saritlu fuq l-istazzjon tar-radju tal-partit tiegħu llum filgħodu.
Tkellem dwar l-immigrazzjoni rregolari u qal li l-PN irid ikun uman ma’ min hu dgħajjef u b’saħħtu ma’ min qed jabbuża.
“Filwaqt li l-protezzjoni tal-ħajja tibqa’ prinċipju sagru, irridu ninsistu fuq tqassim ġust ta’ persuni u soluzzjonijiet oħra għax Malta żgħira wisq biex iġġorr dan il-piż,” qal Delia.
Tkellem dwar l-irvelli f’Ħal Far u qal li l-Oppożizzjoni għamlet ħafna mistoqsijiet li baqgħu bla tweġibiet.
“Il-poplu nkwetat kien u għadu. Il-Gvern ma jistax jibqa jaħbi l-verità mill-poplu,” qal Adrian Delia.
Skont Delia, il-bniedem, irrelevanti mill-kulur tal-ġilda tiegħu jew min fejn ġej, jibqa’ bniedem li jrid jingħata dinjità.
Akkuża lill-Gvern li qiegħed iġelled l-ħaddiema Maltin ma’ dawk barranin minħabba s-sistema ekonomika li qiegħed iħaddem. Saħaq li l-familji Maltin spiċċaw iridu jikkompetu ma’ gruppi ħafna akbar ta’ barranin li qed joħonqu s-suq tal- kera’.
Delia tkellem ukoll dwar kif l-edukazzjoni hija mezz ewlieni fil-ġlieda kontra l-faqar. Qal li ingredjent għas-suċċess ta’ dan is-settur huma l-għalliema li skont il-Kap Nazzjonalista, il-Gvern injora għal kollox.
“Kurt Farrugia, li sa ftit ilu kien il-PRO tal-Prim Ministru illum qed jingħata pakkett oħxon ta’ Ewro 180,000 fis-sena bħala CEO tal-Malta Enterprise. Farrugia sinjur żgħir – jaqla’ daqs disa’ għalliema f’daqqa,” qal Delia.
Tonia and Grace Portelli having fun playing bingo
Photo by Mario Muscat
Nadur Teen & Youth Centre
Wednesdays (group forms 3,4 & 5) 🎉
Theme: Following Jesus means loving others by spreading the good news, by helping others, and by praying for others.
Wednesdays (group forms 3,4 & 5) 🎉
Theme: Following Jesus means loving others by spreading the good news, by helping others, and by praying for others.
25 October 1979 - 40 years ago today:
The storm that killed four
Friday, 25 October 2019,
The 25 of October 1979 will remain etched in the memories of many because of a huge storm that hit the Maltese Islands that day.
Four people died that day, when heavy rains poured over Malta as from the early morning and continued all throughout the day.
Low-lying areas such as Marsa, Msida and Birkirkara were harshly hit, with life rafts used to rescue people who were trapped by the floods at the Marsa Sports Ground. Several cars were carried away by the water in both Msida and Birkirkara.
The victims of that terrible storm were Vivien Huntingford, 55, who drowned when the basement of her house in Attard was flooded; Loraine Wales, 39, an English tourists who was washed away by the waters at Salina; Anthony Galea, 64, whose car was carried away in Qormi, and John Herbert, 51, of Suffolk, whose car was also carried by the waters from Siggiewi all the way to Marsa.
Picture above shows the floods in Xlendi, Gozo
The storm that killed four
Friday, 25 October 2019,
The 25 of October 1979 will remain etched in the memories of many because of a huge storm that hit the Maltese Islands that day.
Four people died that day, when heavy rains poured over Malta as from the early morning and continued all throughout the day.
Low-lying areas such as Marsa, Msida and Birkirkara were harshly hit, with life rafts used to rescue people who were trapped by the floods at the Marsa Sports Ground. Several cars were carried away by the water in both Msida and Birkirkara.
The victims of that terrible storm were Vivien Huntingford, 55, who drowned when the basement of her house in Attard was flooded; Loraine Wales, 39, an English tourists who was washed away by the waters at Salina; Anthony Galea, 64, whose car was carried away in Qormi, and John Herbert, 51, of Suffolk, whose car was also carried by the waters from Siggiewi all the way to Marsa.
Picture above shows the floods in Xlendi, Gozo
Nadur to get an astronomical observatory
By Monique Agius
October 23, 2019
An astronomical observatory is planned for Ġnien ta’ Isopu in Nadur, following a €160,000 investment by the government alongside the University of Malta. One will be able to observe stellar movements and other astronomical phenomena.
A telescope will be used to obtain information on celestial objects relatively close to Earth, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Ministry for Gozo said that astronomical science is growing in importance.
Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana explained that sites like Dwejra, Fanal tal-Ġordan, which is now being restored, and now Ġnien ta’ Sopu, attract many people around the world to observe stellar movements and other astronomical phenomena.
The rector of the University of Malta Professor Alfred Vella thanked the Ministry for accepting the University’s request to install a sophisticated telescope on a site which has been restored and is not affected by light pollution.
Astrophysicist Joseph Caruana from the University of Malta explained that such a project would serve as a tool for students and researchers of astrophysics and will result in collaborations with other scientists outside of Malta. He added that the project would also have educational and cultural aims.
The sophisticated telescope is furnished with specialised photographic capabilities will be used to obtain information on objects close to the earth, such as asteroids.
By Monique Agius
October 23, 2019
An astronomical observatory is planned for Ġnien ta’ Isopu in Nadur, following a €160,000 investment by the government alongside the University of Malta. One will be able to observe stellar movements and other astronomical phenomena.
A telescope will be used to obtain information on celestial objects relatively close to Earth, the government said in a statement on Wednesday.
The Ministry for Gozo said that astronomical science is growing in importance.
Minister for Gozo Justyne Caruana explained that sites like Dwejra, Fanal tal-Ġordan, which is now being restored, and now Ġnien ta’ Sopu, attract many people around the world to observe stellar movements and other astronomical phenomena.
The rector of the University of Malta Professor Alfred Vella thanked the Ministry for accepting the University’s request to install a sophisticated telescope on a site which has been restored and is not affected by light pollution.
Astrophysicist Joseph Caruana from the University of Malta explained that such a project would serve as a tool for students and researchers of astrophysics and will result in collaborations with other scientists outside of Malta. He added that the project would also have educational and cultural aims.
The sophisticated telescope is furnished with specialised photographic capabilities will be used to obtain information on objects close to the earth, such as asteroids.
Harga ghal anzjani tan-Nadur
Kunsill Lokali tan-Nadur
Il-Kunsill lokali tan-Nadur organizza harga ghal anzjani tan-Nadur.Il-harga bdiet billi ghamlu zjara gewwa l-Ggantija ,wara saret zjara gewwa l-Mithna ta Kola ,imbghad semghu quddiesa gol kappella ta Sant Anton .u fl ahhar kellhom tombla u ikla gewwa il Hotel Cornucopia ,kollha gewwa X-Xaghra
Kunsill Lokali tan-Nadur
Il-Kunsill lokali tan-Nadur organizza harga ghal anzjani tan-Nadur.Il-harga bdiet billi ghamlu zjara gewwa l-Ggantija ,wara saret zjara gewwa l-Mithna ta Kola ,imbghad semghu quddiesa gol kappella ta Sant Anton .u fl ahhar kellhom tombla u ikla gewwa il Hotel Cornucopia ,kollha gewwa X-Xaghra
NGOs welcome purchase of Queen Elizabeth’s Malta home by government
Wednesday, 23 October 2019,
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna welcomed the acquisition by government of Villa Guardamangia, a house which served as a residence to Queen Elizabeth when she used to reside in Malta. This important building is of significant historic and artistic merit which justifies it acquisition by the state on behalf of future generations.
Besides its architectural value Villa Guardamangia also forms an integral part of the historic environment of Guardamangia Hill to which it gives its character. One hopes that with this move the long term conservation of this important building is ensured for the benefit of future generations.
While considering this move as a positive one, FWA appealed to the government to activate without further delay the long planned Heritage Fund as stipulated in the Cultural Heritage and which has remained on paper since 2002. This fund is specifically meant to provide the necessary mechanisms for such eventualities and will surely facilitate similar important acquisitions in the future.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar also welcomed Government's purchase of Villa Guardamangia, Pieta. FAA has been calling for its restoration for over a decade, in line with Malta's regulations protecting scheduled heritage buildings. The villa deserves to be restored not only for its historic value, being the only residence of Queen Elizabeth II outside of the UK, but also because of its architectural merit, set in a street that is being restored to its former grandeur. The sensitive restoration of this building will be an asset that adds to Malta's touristic appeal and to Maltese cultural identity, as it will now be accessible to the Maltese public, bringing us in touch with our rich heritage.
FAA appealed to the Government to continue with such purchases; at a time of year-on-year budget surplusses the public would hugely welcome the buying back of historic public sites that were wrongfully sold to private interests. After two millenia of colonisation, it is time that the public is given access to its own land, rather than being newly-colonised by developers. Manoel Island is a case in point where, rather than a luxury commercial development which will increase toxic vehicle emissions in a highly polluted area, the public will be far better served if Manoel Island is turned into a health-giving green heritage park and open space from which all will benefit.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said in parliament that the property had the potential to become a huge tourist attraction.
The deal to buy the villa was signed on Monday.
Dr Muscat said talks would start with Pieta Council on ways to mitigate the expected interest by tourists in the site.
He said the villa, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, would be restored by the government.
Wednesday, 23 October 2019,
Fondazzjoni Wirt Artna welcomed the acquisition by government of Villa Guardamangia, a house which served as a residence to Queen Elizabeth when she used to reside in Malta. This important building is of significant historic and artistic merit which justifies it acquisition by the state on behalf of future generations.
Besides its architectural value Villa Guardamangia also forms an integral part of the historic environment of Guardamangia Hill to which it gives its character. One hopes that with this move the long term conservation of this important building is ensured for the benefit of future generations.
While considering this move as a positive one, FWA appealed to the government to activate without further delay the long planned Heritage Fund as stipulated in the Cultural Heritage and which has remained on paper since 2002. This fund is specifically meant to provide the necessary mechanisms for such eventualities and will surely facilitate similar important acquisitions in the future.
Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar also welcomed Government's purchase of Villa Guardamangia, Pieta. FAA has been calling for its restoration for over a decade, in line with Malta's regulations protecting scheduled heritage buildings. The villa deserves to be restored not only for its historic value, being the only residence of Queen Elizabeth II outside of the UK, but also because of its architectural merit, set in a street that is being restored to its former grandeur. The sensitive restoration of this building will be an asset that adds to Malta's touristic appeal and to Maltese cultural identity, as it will now be accessible to the Maltese public, bringing us in touch with our rich heritage.
FAA appealed to the Government to continue with such purchases; at a time of year-on-year budget surplusses the public would hugely welcome the buying back of historic public sites that were wrongfully sold to private interests. After two millenia of colonisation, it is time that the public is given access to its own land, rather than being newly-colonised by developers. Manoel Island is a case in point where, rather than a luxury commercial development which will increase toxic vehicle emissions in a highly polluted area, the public will be far better served if Manoel Island is turned into a health-giving green heritage park and open space from which all will benefit.
Prime Minister Joseph Muscat said in parliament that the property had the potential to become a huge tourist attraction.
The deal to buy the villa was signed on Monday.
Dr Muscat said talks would start with Pieta Council on ways to mitigate the expected interest by tourists in the site.
He said the villa, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, would be restored by the government.
107 arrested in Hal Far centre riot
Monday, 21 October 2019
The Home Affairs Ministry issued a statement on Monday afternoon about the Hal Far Open Centre riots, saying that around 300 were involved.
In Parliament, Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia said that as a democratic country, peaceful protests can take place, but breaking the law is not allowed and it applies to everyone even migrants.
He said that a magistrate was conducting a magisterial inquiry, after which more details would be able to be given. The minister said that 107 people have been arrested. Some of the people that were arrested have had their identities confirmed and will have measures taken against them.
The minister, at this point rased the number of injured officers from one to three. "three police suffered light injuries and were sent home." In terms of the damage to vehicles, he said that the government will pay for them.
In a statement prior to the minister's Parliamentary intervention, the Home Affairs Ministry said that incidents at the Hal Far Open Centre occurred when a migrant tried to enter the Open Centre while drunk, "against the centre's regulations."
"While a small group of immigrants incited a riot that spread to around 300 people, a considerable number of other migrants did not take part in any way," the Home Affairs Ministry said.
"Through work that began at night and continued Monday morning, the police launched investigations and eventually arrested 60 people who allegedly incited the incidents." This number seemed to have risen given that the minister in Parliament said 107 were arrested.
The Home Affairs Ministry thanked the AWAS agency for their work and the police, while expressing solidarity with those who suffered damages. The ministry said that over the past two years, various meetings took place with the employees, that even ended in a collective agreement and more investment in human resources. The minister on Monday met with the employees and it was agreed that a meeting with the GWU will take place Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday, riot police were called in to arrest the migrants who are believed to have been behind the uprising that took place on Sunday night.
The incident had seen three cars burnt and a police vehicle damaged. One police officer was also slightly injured.
The arrests were made hours after the riot at the Hal Far Open Centre was brought under control.
They were taken to the police headquarters on police buses, escorted by traffic policemen. Some of the migrants were led away in handcuffs.
The UNHCR also spoke about the incident, and expressed its concern.
UNHCR Malta said that Malta and it's Armed Forces has made a commendable job in rescuing the lives of many at sea and in leading solutions on disembarkations.
"This has, however, led to considerable pressure on Malta's resources and to overcrowding in the reception centres - both closed and open, and are thereby falling far short on acceptable standards."
"UNHCR urges the Maltese government to take immediate action in improving the conditions in the centres."
While they said that they understand the frustration and anxiety the current conditions can create for the people detained, they insisted that resorting to violence can never be a solution as it puts both the residents and staff at risk.
"We also call on the law enforcement agencies to reach out in dialogue and avoid action that might exasperate the situation further."
UNHCR continues to offer support to the Maltese Government and authorities.
At around 1pm, Hal Far Detention Centre employees - visibly shocked by what had taken place earlier - were also seen protesting outside Castille, holding signs reading "security for everyone" and "safety for everyone."
During the uprising, migrants threw objects at the officers, with one of the policemen being slightly injured. A spokesman for the police said that the protest started inside the Hal Far Centre but other migrants who are not detained went on site to join in.
The police had elevated evidence which will help in the prosecution of the masterminds behind the uprising, including CCTV footage.
The police had also carried out searches to look for illicit items that could have been in the migrants' possession at the time of the uprising, the minister said, saying that some of the migrants will be taken to court.
Photos Michael Camilleri
Monday, 21 October 2019
The Home Affairs Ministry issued a statement on Monday afternoon about the Hal Far Open Centre riots, saying that around 300 were involved.
In Parliament, Home Affairs Minister Michael Farrugia said that as a democratic country, peaceful protests can take place, but breaking the law is not allowed and it applies to everyone even migrants.
He said that a magistrate was conducting a magisterial inquiry, after which more details would be able to be given. The minister said that 107 people have been arrested. Some of the people that were arrested have had their identities confirmed and will have measures taken against them.
The minister, at this point rased the number of injured officers from one to three. "three police suffered light injuries and were sent home." In terms of the damage to vehicles, he said that the government will pay for them.
In a statement prior to the minister's Parliamentary intervention, the Home Affairs Ministry said that incidents at the Hal Far Open Centre occurred when a migrant tried to enter the Open Centre while drunk, "against the centre's regulations."
"While a small group of immigrants incited a riot that spread to around 300 people, a considerable number of other migrants did not take part in any way," the Home Affairs Ministry said.
"Through work that began at night and continued Monday morning, the police launched investigations and eventually arrested 60 people who allegedly incited the incidents." This number seemed to have risen given that the minister in Parliament said 107 were arrested.
The Home Affairs Ministry thanked the AWAS agency for their work and the police, while expressing solidarity with those who suffered damages. The ministry said that over the past two years, various meetings took place with the employees, that even ended in a collective agreement and more investment in human resources. The minister on Monday met with the employees and it was agreed that a meeting with the GWU will take place Tuesday.
Earlier on Monday, riot police were called in to arrest the migrants who are believed to have been behind the uprising that took place on Sunday night.
The incident had seen three cars burnt and a police vehicle damaged. One police officer was also slightly injured.
The arrests were made hours after the riot at the Hal Far Open Centre was brought under control.
They were taken to the police headquarters on police buses, escorted by traffic policemen. Some of the migrants were led away in handcuffs.
The UNHCR also spoke about the incident, and expressed its concern.
UNHCR Malta said that Malta and it's Armed Forces has made a commendable job in rescuing the lives of many at sea and in leading solutions on disembarkations.
"This has, however, led to considerable pressure on Malta's resources and to overcrowding in the reception centres - both closed and open, and are thereby falling far short on acceptable standards."
"UNHCR urges the Maltese government to take immediate action in improving the conditions in the centres."
While they said that they understand the frustration and anxiety the current conditions can create for the people detained, they insisted that resorting to violence can never be a solution as it puts both the residents and staff at risk.
"We also call on the law enforcement agencies to reach out in dialogue and avoid action that might exasperate the situation further."
UNHCR continues to offer support to the Maltese Government and authorities.
At around 1pm, Hal Far Detention Centre employees - visibly shocked by what had taken place earlier - were also seen protesting outside Castille, holding signs reading "security for everyone" and "safety for everyone."
During the uprising, migrants threw objects at the officers, with one of the policemen being slightly injured. A spokesman for the police said that the protest started inside the Hal Far Centre but other migrants who are not detained went on site to join in.
The police had elevated evidence which will help in the prosecution of the masterminds behind the uprising, including CCTV footage.
The police had also carried out searches to look for illicit items that could have been in the migrants' possession at the time of the uprising, the minister said, saying that some of the migrants will be taken to court.
Photos Michael Camilleri
Feasta ta' San Dimitri f'Gharb
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat
GOZO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION
GFA BOV GFL Division I – Sun 20 Oct 2019 – Gozo Stadium
Nadur Youngsters FC – FT (2-1) – Victoria Hotspurs FC
Click on pictures to enlarge.
‘Nagħmlu żball jekk nippretendu li n-Nisrani jibqa’ jilbes l-għonnella’
Minn Nicole Borg
20 ta' Ottubru 2019
L-Isqof ta’ Għawdex Mario Grech sostna li minkejja li hemm baħar jaqsam bejn in-Nisrani tan-nanniet u tal-ulied, ma jfissirx li l-ġenerazzjoni l-ġdida hija agħar minn ta’ qabilha. Sostna li wieħed ikun qed jagħmel żball kbir jekk jippretendi li n-Nisrani tal-lum għandu jibqa’ jilbes l-għonnella.
Fil-messaġġ tiegħu lill-membri Għawdxin tal-Azzjoni Kattolika fl-okkażjoni tal-Assemblea Ġenerali, Mons. Grech silet numru ta’ argumenti differenti dwar il-futur tan-Nisrani.
Hu rrefera għal Freidrich Nietzsche li kien qal li “Alla miet”. Qal li llum il-ġurnata hawn min ma għadux jimpurtah wisq minn Alla u jibqa’ għaddej b’ħajtu daqslikieku Alla ma jeżistix. Mill-perspettiva opposta, għamel referenza għall-argumenti ta’ Jenkins Philip, studjuż Ingliż, li qal li fl-Ewropa l-fidi Nisranija qed tevolvi, tinbidel u tieħu għamla ġdida. Sostna li huwa minnu li l-kultura Kristjana qed tinbidel imma l-Verità tal-Vanġelu tibqa’ l-istess.
Mons. Grech sostna li l-Insara ma jridux jinsew li hawn min m’għadux jirfes l-għatba tal-Knisja u għadu ma fehemx il-ġmiel tal-Ewkaristija. Għaldaqstant hu ħeġġeġ lill-Membri tal-Azzjoni Kattolika sabiex ma jibżgħux mill-bidla u jilqgħu it-tranżizzjoni bil-ferħ.
Minn Nicole Borg
20 ta' Ottubru 2019
L-Isqof ta’ Għawdex Mario Grech sostna li minkejja li hemm baħar jaqsam bejn in-Nisrani tan-nanniet u tal-ulied, ma jfissirx li l-ġenerazzjoni l-ġdida hija agħar minn ta’ qabilha. Sostna li wieħed ikun qed jagħmel żball kbir jekk jippretendi li n-Nisrani tal-lum għandu jibqa’ jilbes l-għonnella.
Fil-messaġġ tiegħu lill-membri Għawdxin tal-Azzjoni Kattolika fl-okkażjoni tal-Assemblea Ġenerali, Mons. Grech silet numru ta’ argumenti differenti dwar il-futur tan-Nisrani.
Hu rrefera għal Freidrich Nietzsche li kien qal li “Alla miet”. Qal li llum il-ġurnata hawn min ma għadux jimpurtah wisq minn Alla u jibqa’ għaddej b’ħajtu daqslikieku Alla ma jeżistix. Mill-perspettiva opposta, għamel referenza għall-argumenti ta’ Jenkins Philip, studjuż Ingliż, li qal li fl-Ewropa l-fidi Nisranija qed tevolvi, tinbidel u tieħu għamla ġdida. Sostna li huwa minnu li l-kultura Kristjana qed tinbidel imma l-Verità tal-Vanġelu tibqa’ l-istess.
Mons. Grech sostna li l-Insara ma jridux jinsew li hawn min m’għadux jirfes l-għatba tal-Knisja u għadu ma fehemx il-ġmiel tal-Ewkaristija. Għaldaqstant hu ħeġġeġ lill-Membri tal-Azzjoni Kattolika sabiex ma jibżgħux mill-bidla u jilqgħu it-tranżizzjoni bil-ferħ.
Nadur in pictures
By Mario Muscat
By Mario Muscat
Nadur in pictures
By Mario Muscat
The tabernacle in the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in Nadur, Gozo.
Click on the picture to enlarge.
By Mario Muscat
The tabernacle in the Basilica of St. Peter and Paul in Nadur, Gozo.
Click on the picture to enlarge.
Italian priest Don Ciotti, an anti-mafia campaigner Palermo’s anti-mafia mayor Leoluca Orlando
Nadur in pictures
By Mario Muscat
Click on the picture to enlarge.
By Mario Muscat
Click on the picture to enlarge.
Scene of the cliffs in Nadur from St. Blas
Picture by Mario Muscat
Picture by Mario Muscat
The Most Respected Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Address: December 13 Street. Nadur, Gozo.
22 September, 2019
Congratulations to our Members in Malta for doing such a great job in helping the poor in Peru.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
The mission of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul is to help the poor and the sick
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Address: December 13 Street. Nadur, Gozo.
22 September, 2019
Congratulations to our Members in Malta for doing such a great job in helping the poor in Peru.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
The mission of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul is to help the poor and the sick
Nadur Maritime Museum
Click on the link to see the collection.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Maritime-Museum-Nadur-281092168942357/reviews/?post_id=10220428464525495&referrer=page_recommendations_home_card
Click on the link to see the collection.
https://www.facebook.com/pg/Maritime-Museum-Nadur-281092168942357/reviews/?post_id=10220428464525495&referrer=page_recommendations_home_card
Feast of St. Padre Pio
Sunday 15 September, 2019
The feast of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina was held today by the Italian community at Ta' Pinu Shrine in Bacchus Marsh, Melbourne.
The Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul was invited to take part in the celebration.
Sunday 15 September, 2019
The feast of St. Padre Pio of Pietrelcina was held today by the Italian community at Ta' Pinu Shrine in Bacchus Marsh, Melbourne.
The Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul was invited to take part in the celebration.
HELPING THE POOR IN PERU
Yesterday Bishop Giovanni Cefai a missionary priest in Peru celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Nadur.
After the Mass the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul donated money to his mission.
Thanks to the Supreme Council of the Confraternity in Melbourne and the Grand Chapter of Nadur for the money.
Thanks also to Mons. Jimmy Xerri Parish Priest of Nadur for his support.
This was the second time that the Confraternity donated money to missions in Peru in the last couple of months.
God bless His Excellency Bishop Giovanni Cefai for his work to help the poor and the sick.
God bless the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Yesterday Bishop Giovanni Cefai a missionary priest in Peru celebrated Mass in the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul in Nadur.
After the Mass the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul donated money to his mission.
Thanks to the Supreme Council of the Confraternity in Melbourne and the Grand Chapter of Nadur for the money.
Thanks also to Mons. Jimmy Xerri Parish Priest of Nadur for his support.
This was the second time that the Confraternity donated money to missions in Peru in the last couple of months.
God bless His Excellency Bishop Giovanni Cefai for his work to help the poor and the sick.
God bless the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter and St. Paul.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Dahlet Qorrot Bay from Sopu Tower in San Blas Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Nadur Bailica Church from San Blas
Sopu Tower built in 1667 by the Knights of Malta
Sopu Tower is situated on the cliffs between St. Blas and Dahlet Qorrot bays in Nadur.
Sopu Tower is situated on the cliffs between St. Blas and Dahlet Qorrot bays in Nadur.
Black statue of St. Peter on the throne
I saw this statue while visiting the church of St Anselm and St Cecilia Roman Catholic church in Kingsway, Holborn, London.
Just like the one in Rome and Nadur.
VISITING ENGLAND
After a week of evnts representing the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul in Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, I am now spending a few days with my daughter and her family in England.
I went to Buckingham Palce to meet the queen but although I told them that I am Bin is-Sultan they refused my request.
Then I had to settle for Kensington Palace.
After a week of evnts representing the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul in Lisbon and Porto in Portugal, I am now spending a few days with my daughter and her family in England.
I went to Buckingham Palce to meet the queen but although I told them that I am Bin is-Sultan they refused my request.
Then I had to settle for Kensington Palace.
Grand Master Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli in Mafra Portugal
Sunday 7 July, 2019
The Grand Master of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli is currently in Portugal visiting his members.
Pictures from Left: With members of the Fraternity of Wines and in the Basilica of Mafra.
Sunday 7 July, 2019
The Grand Master of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli is currently in Portugal visiting his members.
Pictures from Left: With members of the Fraternity of Wines and in the Basilica of Mafra.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Nadur. Gozo.
A meeting of the Confraternity was held in the Nadur Council Board Room on Monday 24th June where two newly Knights were appointed by Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul.
These are Chev Joe M. Attard of Rabat Gozo and Chev Joe Meilaq.
Congratulations.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
Nadur. Gozo.
A meeting of the Confraternity was held in the Nadur Council Board Room on Monday 24th June where two newly Knights were appointed by Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli Grand Master CKSPP of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul.
These are Chev Joe M. Attard of Rabat Gozo and Chev Joe Meilaq.
Congratulations.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
After the meeting of the Confraternity of the Knights of St Peter and Paul we attended for the 25th Anniversary Mass of Fr Raymond Portelli at Nadur Basilica.
Donations to Fr Raymond were presented to be used in his mission in Peru.
Congratulations to Fr Raymond.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
Donations to Fr Raymond were presented to be used in his mission in Peru.
Congratulations to Fr Raymond.
Photos Copyright Carmel Saliba 24.6.19.
Mnarja Agricultural Show 2019
The Mnarja Agricultural Show was held this weekend in Archpriest Dun Martin Camilleri Square in Nadur.
The show was full of entertainment and display of animals, fruits, vegetables, arts and craft, etc.
The Mnarja Agricultural Show was held this weekend in Archpriest Dun Martin Camilleri Square in Nadur.
The show was full of entertainment and display of animals, fruits, vegetables, arts and craft, etc.
Collision between two boats in Comino leaves one seriously hurtAccident took place on Thursday nightAccidentMaritime
Two boats collided in the channel between Comino and Mġarr on Thursday night, leaving the driver of one of them seriously hurt.
The injured man is a 27-year-old Macedonian residing in Żebbuġ, Gozo. He was alone in his boat at the time of the incident around 10.15pm.
There were two people in the other boat: a 48-year-old man from Naxxar and a 35-year-old woman, also from Naxxar. They were not hurt.
Police investigations are still under way.
Two boats collided in the channel between Comino and Mġarr on Thursday night, leaving the driver of one of them seriously hurt.
The injured man is a 27-year-old Macedonian residing in Żebbuġ, Gozo. He was alone in his boat at the time of the incident around 10.15pm.
There were two people in the other boat: a 48-year-old man from Naxxar and a 35-year-old woman, also from Naxxar. They were not hurt.
Police investigations are still under way.