NOW PLAYING THE SUNDAY PROGRAM
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
| programm_tal-hadd_5_ta_april_2020.mp3 |
| dawl_mill-kelma_5-3-20__hadd_il-palm_a.mp3 |
| kliem_u_hajja_april_5_hadd_il_palm_2020.mp3 |
Is-Seba’ Duluri ta’ Marija
Mill Kav. Joe M Attard
Victoria. Ghawdex.
Iftah il file taht halli taqra.
Mill Kav. Joe M Attard
Victoria. Ghawdex.
Iftah il file taht halli taqra.
| ktieb_seba_duluri_-_san_gakbu.pdf |
Read the full judgement summary from George Pell's successful High Court of Australia appeal
Cardinal George Pell has won his appeal against his child sexual abuse convictions.
Here is the judgment summary from the High Court of Australia.
Pell v The Queen — [2020] HCA 12Today, the High Court granted special leave to appeal against a decision of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria and unanimously allowed the appeal.
The High Court found that the jury, acting rationally on the whole of the evidence, ought to have entertained a doubt as to the applicant's guilt with respect to each of the offences for which he was convicted, and ordered that the convictions be quashed and that verdicts of acquittal be entered in their place.
On 11 December 2018, following a trial by jury in the County Court of Victoria, the applicant, who was Archbishop of Melbourne at the time of the alleged offending, was convicted of one charge of sexual penetration of a child under 16 years and four charges of committing an act of indecency with or in the presence of a child under the age of 16 years.
This was the second trial of these charges, the jury at the first trial having been unable to agree on its verdicts.
The prosecution case, as it was left to the jury, alleged that the offending occurred on two separate occasions, the first on 15 or 22 December 1996 and the second on 23 February 1997.
The incidents were alleged to have occurred in and near the priests' sacristy at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne, following the celebration of Sunday solemn Mass.
The victims of the alleged offending were two Cathedral choirboys aged 13 years at the time of the events.
The applicant sought leave to appeal against his convictions before the Court of Appeal. On 21 August 2019 the Court of Appeal granted leave on a single ground, which contended that the verdicts were unreasonable or could not be supported by the evidence, and dismissed the appeal.
The Court of Appeal viewed video-recordings of a number of witnesses' testimony, including that of the complainant.
The majority, Ferguson CJ and Maxwell P, assessed the complainant to be a compelling witness.
Their Honours went on to consider the evidence of a number of "opportunity witnesses", who had described the movements of the applicant and others following the conclusion of Sunday solemn Mass in a way that was inconsistent with the complainant's account.
Their Honours found that no witness could say with certainty that these routines and practices were never departed from and concluded that the jury had not been compelled to entertain a reasonable doubt as to the applicant's guilt.
Weinberg JA dissented, concluding that, by reason of the unchallenged evidence of the opportunity witnesses, the jury, acting rationally on the whole of the evidence, ought to have had a reasonable doubt.
On 17 September 2019, the applicant applied to the High Court for special leave to appeal from the Court of Appeal's decision on two grounds.
On 13 November 2019, Gordon and Edelman JJ referred the application for special leave to a Full Court of the High Court for argument as on an appeal.
The application was heard by the High Court on 11 and 12 March 2020.
The High Court considered that, while the Court of Appeal majority assessed the evidence of the opportunity witnesses as leaving open the possibility that the complainant's account was correct, their Honours' analysis failed to engage with the question of whether there remained a reasonable possibility that the offending had not taken place, such that there ought to have been a reasonable doubt as to the applicant's guilt.
The unchallenged evidence of the opportunity witnesses was inconsistent with the complainant's account, and described: (i) the applicant's practice of greeting congregants on or near the Cathedral steps after Sunday solemn Mass; (ii) the established and historical Catholic church practice that required that the applicant, as an archbishop, always be accompanied when robed in the Cathedral; and (iii) the continuous traffic in and out of the priests' sacristy for ten to 15 minutes after the conclusion of the procession that ended Sunday solemn Mass.
The Court held that, on the assumption that the jury had assessed the complainant's evidence as thoroughly credible and reliable, the evidence of the opportunity witnesses nonetheless required the jury, acting rationally, to have entertained a reasonable doubt as to the applicant's guilt in relation to the offences involved in both alleged incidents.
With respect to each of the applicant's convictions, there was, consistently with the words the Court used in Chidiac v The Queen (1991) 171 CLR 432 at 444 and M v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 487 at 494, "a significant possibility that an innocent person has been convicted because the evidence did not establish guilt to the requisite standard of proof".
Cardinal George Pell has won his appeal against his child sexual abuse convictions.
Here is the judgment summary from the High Court of Australia.
Pell v The Queen — [2020] HCA 12Today, the High Court granted special leave to appeal against a decision of the Court of Appeal of the Supreme Court of Victoria and unanimously allowed the appeal.
The High Court found that the jury, acting rationally on the whole of the evidence, ought to have entertained a doubt as to the applicant's guilt with respect to each of the offences for which he was convicted, and ordered that the convictions be quashed and that verdicts of acquittal be entered in their place.
On 11 December 2018, following a trial by jury in the County Court of Victoria, the applicant, who was Archbishop of Melbourne at the time of the alleged offending, was convicted of one charge of sexual penetration of a child under 16 years and four charges of committing an act of indecency with or in the presence of a child under the age of 16 years.
This was the second trial of these charges, the jury at the first trial having been unable to agree on its verdicts.
The prosecution case, as it was left to the jury, alleged that the offending occurred on two separate occasions, the first on 15 or 22 December 1996 and the second on 23 February 1997.
The incidents were alleged to have occurred in and near the priests' sacristy at St Patrick's Cathedral in East Melbourne, following the celebration of Sunday solemn Mass.
The victims of the alleged offending were two Cathedral choirboys aged 13 years at the time of the events.
The applicant sought leave to appeal against his convictions before the Court of Appeal. On 21 August 2019 the Court of Appeal granted leave on a single ground, which contended that the verdicts were unreasonable or could not be supported by the evidence, and dismissed the appeal.
The Court of Appeal viewed video-recordings of a number of witnesses' testimony, including that of the complainant.
The majority, Ferguson CJ and Maxwell P, assessed the complainant to be a compelling witness.
Their Honours went on to consider the evidence of a number of "opportunity witnesses", who had described the movements of the applicant and others following the conclusion of Sunday solemn Mass in a way that was inconsistent with the complainant's account.
Their Honours found that no witness could say with certainty that these routines and practices were never departed from and concluded that the jury had not been compelled to entertain a reasonable doubt as to the applicant's guilt.
Weinberg JA dissented, concluding that, by reason of the unchallenged evidence of the opportunity witnesses, the jury, acting rationally on the whole of the evidence, ought to have had a reasonable doubt.
On 17 September 2019, the applicant applied to the High Court for special leave to appeal from the Court of Appeal's decision on two grounds.
On 13 November 2019, Gordon and Edelman JJ referred the application for special leave to a Full Court of the High Court for argument as on an appeal.
The application was heard by the High Court on 11 and 12 March 2020.
The High Court considered that, while the Court of Appeal majority assessed the evidence of the opportunity witnesses as leaving open the possibility that the complainant's account was correct, their Honours' analysis failed to engage with the question of whether there remained a reasonable possibility that the offending had not taken place, such that there ought to have been a reasonable doubt as to the applicant's guilt.
The unchallenged evidence of the opportunity witnesses was inconsistent with the complainant's account, and described: (i) the applicant's practice of greeting congregants on or near the Cathedral steps after Sunday solemn Mass; (ii) the established and historical Catholic church practice that required that the applicant, as an archbishop, always be accompanied when robed in the Cathedral; and (iii) the continuous traffic in and out of the priests' sacristy for ten to 15 minutes after the conclusion of the procession that ended Sunday solemn Mass.
The Court held that, on the assumption that the jury had assessed the complainant's evidence as thoroughly credible and reliable, the evidence of the opportunity witnesses nonetheless required the jury, acting rationally, to have entertained a reasonable doubt as to the applicant's guilt in relation to the offences involved in both alleged incidents.
With respect to each of the applicant's convictions, there was, consistently with the words the Court used in Chidiac v The Queen (1991) 171 CLR 432 at 444 and M v The Queen (1994) 181 CLR 487 at 494, "a significant possibility that an innocent person has been convicted because the evidence did not establish guilt to the requisite standard of proof".
How not to behave at a funeral...
Paying respects the Mr Bean way
MUST WATCH. Very funny.
Watch film here: https://www.facebook.com/MrBean/videos/800021017036698/
Paying respects the Mr Bean way
MUST WATCH. Very funny.
Watch film here: https://www.facebook.com/MrBean/videos/800021017036698/
Għawdex għadu mingħajr il-120 sodda li kellhom jiżdiedu – PN
Minn Sephora Francalanza
6 ta' April 2020
Il-Partit Nazzjonalista qal li minkejja li l-Gvern qal li se jiżdiedu 120 sodda fl-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex, dawn għadhom ma żdidux.
Fi stqarrija, il-PN qal li għaddiet aktar minn ġimgħa minn meta permezz ta’ stqarrija għamlu numru ta’ mistoqsijiet lill-Ministeru għas-Saħħa, il-Ministeru għal Għawdex u Steward Health Care dwar il-preparamenti fl-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex, iżda dawn il-mistoqsijiet ma ġewx imwieġba u fl-aħħar jiem komplew jiżdiedu minflok jonqsu l-inċertezzi marbuta mal-preparamenti fl-uniku sptar f’Għawdex.
Suldat Għawdxi li jaqdi dmiru fil-barracks tan-Nadur instab li għandu l-coronavirus. Huwa wieħed mill-żewġ każijiet ta’ Għawdxin li tħabbru llum u żdiedu mas-6 każi li kien hemm sas-Sibt.
Suldat Għawdxi
Suldat pożittiv għall-coronavirus
Il-PN insista li hemm mistoqsijiet li għandhom jiġu mwieġba bla dewmien biex tisserraħ ras l-Għawdxin. Huwa elenka mill-ġdid lista ta’ mistoqsijiet.
Minn Sephora Francalanza
6 ta' April 2020
Il-Partit Nazzjonalista qal li minkejja li l-Gvern qal li se jiżdiedu 120 sodda fl-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex, dawn għadhom ma żdidux.
Fi stqarrija, il-PN qal li għaddiet aktar minn ġimgħa minn meta permezz ta’ stqarrija għamlu numru ta’ mistoqsijiet lill-Ministeru għas-Saħħa, il-Ministeru għal Għawdex u Steward Health Care dwar il-preparamenti fl-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex, iżda dawn il-mistoqsijiet ma ġewx imwieġba u fl-aħħar jiem komplew jiżdiedu minflok jonqsu l-inċertezzi marbuta mal-preparamenti fl-uniku sptar f’Għawdex.
Suldat Għawdxi li jaqdi dmiru fil-barracks tan-Nadur instab li għandu l-coronavirus. Huwa wieħed mill-żewġ każijiet ta’ Għawdxin li tħabbru llum u żdiedu mas-6 każi li kien hemm sas-Sibt.
Suldat Għawdxi
Suldat pożittiv għall-coronavirus
Il-PN insista li hemm mistoqsijiet li għandhom jiġu mwieġba bla dewmien biex tisserraħ ras l-Għawdxin. Huwa elenka mill-ġdid lista ta’ mistoqsijiet.
Watch: Gary Neville sends message to Maltese people in COVID-19 fight
Ex-Manchester United player sent his thoughts to healthcare workers
By Valhmor Camilleri
Watch video here: https://www.facebook.com/MaltaTogether/videos/625713408273447/
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville sent a message of support to the Maltese public, encouraging them to stay safe and home in these challenging times.
Throughout the last 20 years, Neville, a two-time Champions League winner with Manchester United, has built a huge relationship with the Maltese islands and was also official tourism ambassador for Malta for several years after 2001.
In a message posted on the Malta Together Facebook page, Neville has appealed to the Maltese people to bank on their strength in a bid to come through these challenging times.
“It’s incredible challenging times at the moment from a health perspective and all our thoughts go to all health professionals in both countries in these unique times,” he said.
“Obviously we have never experienced this before and probably we will never experience anything like it again but what will help us to come through this will be the strength of the people.”
Neville, who is now still involved in football as a pundit for SkySports, heaped praise on the hospitality and generosity of the Maltese people and said that he is looking forward to returning to the island with his family.
“I have been coming to Malta for the past 27 years, from the age of 18 when together with David Beckham, Chris Casper and Ben Thornley we visited the island for the first time.
“Since then, I have been back to the country every single year for one single reason and that is you – the Maltese people."
He said Malta would be the "first place" that he visits "once this is over and the virus has left us".
“So please stay safe and stay well.”
Ex-Manchester United player sent his thoughts to healthcare workers
By Valhmor Camilleri
Watch video here: https://www.facebook.com/MaltaTogether/videos/625713408273447/
Former Manchester United and England defender Gary Neville sent a message of support to the Maltese public, encouraging them to stay safe and home in these challenging times.
Throughout the last 20 years, Neville, a two-time Champions League winner with Manchester United, has built a huge relationship with the Maltese islands and was also official tourism ambassador for Malta for several years after 2001.
In a message posted on the Malta Together Facebook page, Neville has appealed to the Maltese people to bank on their strength in a bid to come through these challenging times.
“It’s incredible challenging times at the moment from a health perspective and all our thoughts go to all health professionals in both countries in these unique times,” he said.
“Obviously we have never experienced this before and probably we will never experience anything like it again but what will help us to come through this will be the strength of the people.”
Neville, who is now still involved in football as a pundit for SkySports, heaped praise on the hospitality and generosity of the Maltese people and said that he is looking forward to returning to the island with his family.
“I have been coming to Malta for the past 27 years, from the age of 18 when together with David Beckham, Chris Casper and Ben Thornley we visited the island for the first time.
“Since then, I have been back to the country every single year for one single reason and that is you – the Maltese people."
He said Malta would be the "first place" that he visits "once this is over and the virus has left us".
“So please stay safe and stay well.”
[WATCH] Hal Far migrant open centre under lockdown
Army called in to ensure Hal Far open centre quarantine rules are adhered to • Crammed conditions contributed to outbreak, aid workers say
6 April 2020, 11:18am
by Karl Azzopardi
Soldiers are guarding the perimeter of the Hal Far open centre to ensure that the quarantine rules are observed (Photo: Karl Azzopardi/MediatToday)
Play Video: For more than 1,000 people who live at the Hal Far open centre, today marks the first day of quarantine after eight residents registered positive for Covid-19.
The decision was announced yesterday by the government in a bid to stem the spread of the virus in the community.
The open centre houses migrants in crammed mobile homes, which are not the ideal conditions to self-isolate.
Police officers inside the centre are ensuring law and order are maintained as more medical staff have been deployed to see to the needs of immigrants (Photo: Karl Azzopardi/MediaToday)On Monday, MaltaToday toured the perimeter of the open centre, which is guarded by a heavy presence of police and soldiers. Inside, the number of medical staff has also been increased with the help of the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, Maria Pisani from the Integra Foundation, an NGO that works with migrants, told MaltaToday that residents they spoke to on Sunday were calm.
She said it was unclear how the situation would pan out over the coming days, pointing out that the crammed conditions in which migrants lived were not ideal and probably the cause of the outbreak.
She said NGOs have offered to go into the centre and help with whatever is needed.
Army called in to ensure Hal Far open centre quarantine rules are adhered to • Crammed conditions contributed to outbreak, aid workers say
6 April 2020, 11:18am
by Karl Azzopardi
Soldiers are guarding the perimeter of the Hal Far open centre to ensure that the quarantine rules are observed (Photo: Karl Azzopardi/MediatToday)
Play Video: For more than 1,000 people who live at the Hal Far open centre, today marks the first day of quarantine after eight residents registered positive for Covid-19.
The decision was announced yesterday by the government in a bid to stem the spread of the virus in the community.
The open centre houses migrants in crammed mobile homes, which are not the ideal conditions to self-isolate.
Police officers inside the centre are ensuring law and order are maintained as more medical staff have been deployed to see to the needs of immigrants (Photo: Karl Azzopardi/MediaToday)On Monday, MaltaToday toured the perimeter of the open centre, which is guarded by a heavy presence of police and soldiers. Inside, the number of medical staff has also been increased with the help of the Red Cross.
Meanwhile, Maria Pisani from the Integra Foundation, an NGO that works with migrants, told MaltaToday that residents they spoke to on Sunday were calm.
She said it was unclear how the situation would pan out over the coming days, pointing out that the crammed conditions in which migrants lived were not ideal and probably the cause of the outbreak.
She said NGOs have offered to go into the centre and help with whatever is needed.
[WATCH] Rogue truck driver’s rampage in Mellieha causes multiple damages to cars, bus
Havoc in Mellieha as rogue truck driver’s rampage comes to an end with a crash
5 April 2020,
by Matthew Vella
https://player.vimeo.com/external/404213041.sd.mp4?s=371778db71ded164cff6229877aebe2219c5eb1f&profile_id=165&oauth2_token_id=955780173
A rogue truck driver caused havoc in Mellieha on Saturday, leaving multiple cars damaged in his wake as he drove his faulty truck cab into streets with little care for ongoing traffic.
Witnesses told MaltaToday the driver started with a hit-and-run at the bottom of the Mellieha hill near the Seabank Hotel, then drove up to Marfa, and turned back.
“He drove back up to Mellieha the wrong way, up through the village, hit multiple cars, including a motorcycle, a car, and ended up smashing a bus… all the way without a front right wheel, which he dropped at Marfa.”
A red pick-up driving in front of him up the hill deliberately tried to slow him down.
“Then he tried to escape from the bus crash by reversing, which did by reversing into the Mellieha Hotel where people attempting to stop him.”
One witness said he chased him from the first hit and finally approached the truck to see what had happened to the driver.“He seemed to be in another world, saliva coming out of his mouth.”
Havoc in Mellieha as rogue truck driver’s rampage comes to an end with a crash
5 April 2020,
by Matthew Vella
https://player.vimeo.com/external/404213041.sd.mp4?s=371778db71ded164cff6229877aebe2219c5eb1f&profile_id=165&oauth2_token_id=955780173
A rogue truck driver caused havoc in Mellieha on Saturday, leaving multiple cars damaged in his wake as he drove his faulty truck cab into streets with little care for ongoing traffic.
Witnesses told MaltaToday the driver started with a hit-and-run at the bottom of the Mellieha hill near the Seabank Hotel, then drove up to Marfa, and turned back.
“He drove back up to Mellieha the wrong way, up through the village, hit multiple cars, including a motorcycle, a car, and ended up smashing a bus… all the way without a front right wheel, which he dropped at Marfa.”
A red pick-up driving in front of him up the hill deliberately tried to slow him down.
“Then he tried to escape from the bus crash by reversing, which did by reversing into the Mellieha Hotel where people attempting to stop him.”
One witness said he chased him from the first hit and finally approached the truck to see what had happened to the driver.“He seemed to be in another world, saliva coming out of his mouth.”
Furious Jacinda Ardern takes aim at Australia for telling thousands of New Zealanders 'it's time to go home' amid coronavirus pandemic
A cheesed-off Jacinda Ardern has taken aim at Australia's new ruling on temporary visa holders after acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge effectively told thousands of out-of-work New Zealanders 'it's time to go home'.
The Australian government introduced new advice to the 2.17 million people in Australia on temporary visas on Saturday, which includes 672,000 people on the New Zealand-specific 444 visa.
Many of those Kiwis will have arrived in Australia prior to 2001, which grants them access to Centrelink benefits.
More still will have been in permanent, full-time or part-time work, which grants them access to the Australian government's mammoth JobKeeper scheme.
But others in casual, insecure work or without jobs find themselves without support and have been asked to leave by Mr Tudge.
Ms Ardern suspects that will be 'a wide number' given the impact of coronavirus on the economy, and has urged her Australian counterparts, once again, to better support New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
Immigration Minister Alan Tudge effectively told thousands of out-of-work New Zealanders 'it's time to go home'
The New Zealand PM - who in February infamously chastised Prime Minister Scott Morrison for deporting criminals to New Zealand who held Kiwi passports but did not hold established links to her country - sounded off at the Australian government again.
'What (Mr Tudge would) do well to remember is that if they wish for Australia to be in a position to gear up in the aftermath of the outbreak, they now need a workforce to do that,' she said from Wellington.
'New Zealanders make up that workforce.
'They, on average, earn more and pay more taxes than others. They are a key part of the Australian economy and I would have thought they wouldn't want to be so quick to lose them.'
Ms Ardern tersely pointed out many were employed in the health care system.
Australians queue at Centrelink during COVID-19 pandemic. Many Kiwis are eligible for the Centrelink JobKeeper scheme
'New Zealanders make up (a portion of Australia's) health workforce and that there are some, for instance, who won't be being kept on (by employers) because they may have been involved in contractual arrangement and the health workforce and in elective services,' she said.
'That, I would have thought again, would be a workforce that they would wish to keep.'
The 203,000 international tourists currently visiting Australia have also been asked to leave 'as quickly as possible'.
Mr Tudge said the 118,000 people on a working holiday visa - or backpacker visa - should leave if they did not have confidence to sustain themselves for six months, with exemptions made for critical sectors.
Those are health, aged and disability care, agriculture, food processing and childcare.
A cheesed-off Jacinda Ardern has taken aim at Australia's new ruling on temporary visa holders after acting Immigration Minister Alan Tudge effectively told thousands of out-of-work New Zealanders 'it's time to go home'.
The Australian government introduced new advice to the 2.17 million people in Australia on temporary visas on Saturday, which includes 672,000 people on the New Zealand-specific 444 visa.
Many of those Kiwis will have arrived in Australia prior to 2001, which grants them access to Centrelink benefits.
More still will have been in permanent, full-time or part-time work, which grants them access to the Australian government's mammoth JobKeeper scheme.
But others in casual, insecure work or without jobs find themselves without support and have been asked to leave by Mr Tudge.
Ms Ardern suspects that will be 'a wide number' given the impact of coronavirus on the economy, and has urged her Australian counterparts, once again, to better support New Zealand citizens living in Australia.
Immigration Minister Alan Tudge effectively told thousands of out-of-work New Zealanders 'it's time to go home'
The New Zealand PM - who in February infamously chastised Prime Minister Scott Morrison for deporting criminals to New Zealand who held Kiwi passports but did not hold established links to her country - sounded off at the Australian government again.
'What (Mr Tudge would) do well to remember is that if they wish for Australia to be in a position to gear up in the aftermath of the outbreak, they now need a workforce to do that,' she said from Wellington.
'New Zealanders make up that workforce.
'They, on average, earn more and pay more taxes than others. They are a key part of the Australian economy and I would have thought they wouldn't want to be so quick to lose them.'
Ms Ardern tersely pointed out many were employed in the health care system.
Australians queue at Centrelink during COVID-19 pandemic. Many Kiwis are eligible for the Centrelink JobKeeper scheme
'New Zealanders make up (a portion of Australia's) health workforce and that there are some, for instance, who won't be being kept on (by employers) because they may have been involved in contractual arrangement and the health workforce and in elective services,' she said.
'That, I would have thought again, would be a workforce that they would wish to keep.'
The 203,000 international tourists currently visiting Australia have also been asked to leave 'as quickly as possible'.
Mr Tudge said the 118,000 people on a working holiday visa - or backpacker visa - should leave if they did not have confidence to sustain themselves for six months, with exemptions made for critical sectors.
Those are health, aged and disability care, agriculture, food processing and childcare.
Watch - Coronavirus briefing - 14 new cases, total reaches 227
By Rebekah CiliaSunday,
5 April 2020,
14 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Malta in the last 24 hours, and all were the result of local transmission, Public Health Superintendent, Charmaine Gauci said on Sunday afternoon.
This brings the total to 227 confirmed cases since the first case was registered on 7 March.
On Saturday, 656 tests were carried out, Gauci said, adding that the strategy is to continue testing as many people as possible. The increase in the number of swabs gives a new total of over 10,000 tests having been carried out so far.
All the new patients are in good condition, whilst of the three that were already in the ITU, their condition has remained the same. The man who was in a critical condition remained so.
Another four patients are in Mater Dei Hospital, whilst there are 20 patients in St Thomas Hospital, eight patients in Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and one in Mount Carmel Hospital.
Of the 14 cases, 11 cases were male, with Gauci noting that the local statistics show that more males have contracted the virus, until now. Three of the new cases were female. The ages of the new cases were one between 15 to 20 years, five which are aged between 20 to 30, two aged between 30 to 40, two aged between 40 to 50, three cases aged 60 to 70 and one person who is 86 years old.
The 86 year old patient is reported to be in good condition.
Gauci said that most vulnerable persons should have now received a letter stating so. If one may feel they fall under the category of vulnerable people and have not yet received the letter, they can call on the helpline 111 or send an email on covid19.vulnerable@gov.mt.
Following questions by this newsroom, Gauci said the list of vulnerable people was drawn up after an assessment was made, taking into consideration that these people, should they contract the virus, may have greater complications.
Gauci also noted that there could be other people who are receiving treatment privately, and appealed that they contact the Authorities. As evidence for employers, Gauci said that the letter received is sufficient.
Sustained decrease in cases would mean the worst is over
Questioned what numbers could indicate that Malta is out of the eye of the storm, Gauci said cases are still increasing but at some point, which is still unknown, a plateau will be reached, followed by a sustained decrease. Only then can we say that the worst is over.
Gauci said that the list of Coronavirus patients is being evaluated as are the negative tests that have resulted. These results are being checked and in the coming days, the patients who have recovered will be announced.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being used depending on the exposure of the person, to control the use, to ensure enough is available for what is to come.
According to the latest local statistics, the reproductive value is 1.5 but the situation is always fluctuating and is constantly being updated.
More cases from open centres
Asked about the overcrowding in open centres, as well as the language barrier, Gauci said that work has been carried out with NGOs so the message is transmitted to those who do not speak Maltese and to those who may come from a different culture.
Gauci also confirmed that new cases stemmed from open centres and a risk assessment is being carried out to see who they were in contact with.
The fact that these people come forward to get tested is a clear indication that the message is being transmitted, Gauci said, adding that the work will not stop to ensure that the message is transmitted to everyone, no matter what age or nationality.
A clear procedure has been set out for those living with vulnerable people and many employers have already provided teleworking possibilities to aid such people.
How long Malta will be in this situation depends on the public, Gauci noted, adding that cooperation from the public is essential for the control of this virus.
Many tests are being carried out and for most cases, the results are issued in a short time. Technology is being evaluated so as quicker results may be issued.
As regards antibody testing, Gauci said the authorities set up a working group to verify when such tests should be done. She explained that immunity takes six to eight weeks to develop, and that is why timing is important. The group on who this test will be performed is also being evaluated.
This immunity test is being evaluated in many countries, whilst the results need to be validated to ensure the results show a realistic portrayal of the situation
The Prime Minister said this morning that people should go out for a walk but Gauci said that people need to go out only if it is essential and for work, and even then social distancing needs to be employed. Those noted as vulnerable, need to go out only if essential.
Gauci appealed for anyone who has any of the symptoms, including those which are respiratory-related or diarrhoea, to call helpline 111.
She also noted that whilst today is a Sunday and the weather is nice, we should stay inside to avoid contracting the virus, which could be a risk for everyone.
By Rebekah CiliaSunday,
5 April 2020,
14 new Coronavirus cases were registered in Malta in the last 24 hours, and all were the result of local transmission, Public Health Superintendent, Charmaine Gauci said on Sunday afternoon.
This brings the total to 227 confirmed cases since the first case was registered on 7 March.
On Saturday, 656 tests were carried out, Gauci said, adding that the strategy is to continue testing as many people as possible. The increase in the number of swabs gives a new total of over 10,000 tests having been carried out so far.
All the new patients are in good condition, whilst of the three that were already in the ITU, their condition has remained the same. The man who was in a critical condition remained so.
Another four patients are in Mater Dei Hospital, whilst there are 20 patients in St Thomas Hospital, eight patients in Sir Paul Boffa Hospital and one in Mount Carmel Hospital.
Of the 14 cases, 11 cases were male, with Gauci noting that the local statistics show that more males have contracted the virus, until now. Three of the new cases were female. The ages of the new cases were one between 15 to 20 years, five which are aged between 20 to 30, two aged between 30 to 40, two aged between 40 to 50, three cases aged 60 to 70 and one person who is 86 years old.
The 86 year old patient is reported to be in good condition.
Gauci said that most vulnerable persons should have now received a letter stating so. If one may feel they fall under the category of vulnerable people and have not yet received the letter, they can call on the helpline 111 or send an email on covid19.vulnerable@gov.mt.
Following questions by this newsroom, Gauci said the list of vulnerable people was drawn up after an assessment was made, taking into consideration that these people, should they contract the virus, may have greater complications.
Gauci also noted that there could be other people who are receiving treatment privately, and appealed that they contact the Authorities. As evidence for employers, Gauci said that the letter received is sufficient.
Sustained decrease in cases would mean the worst is over
Questioned what numbers could indicate that Malta is out of the eye of the storm, Gauci said cases are still increasing but at some point, which is still unknown, a plateau will be reached, followed by a sustained decrease. Only then can we say that the worst is over.
Gauci said that the list of Coronavirus patients is being evaluated as are the negative tests that have resulted. These results are being checked and in the coming days, the patients who have recovered will be announced.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is being used depending on the exposure of the person, to control the use, to ensure enough is available for what is to come.
According to the latest local statistics, the reproductive value is 1.5 but the situation is always fluctuating and is constantly being updated.
More cases from open centres
Asked about the overcrowding in open centres, as well as the language barrier, Gauci said that work has been carried out with NGOs so the message is transmitted to those who do not speak Maltese and to those who may come from a different culture.
Gauci also confirmed that new cases stemmed from open centres and a risk assessment is being carried out to see who they were in contact with.
The fact that these people come forward to get tested is a clear indication that the message is being transmitted, Gauci said, adding that the work will not stop to ensure that the message is transmitted to everyone, no matter what age or nationality.
A clear procedure has been set out for those living with vulnerable people and many employers have already provided teleworking possibilities to aid such people.
How long Malta will be in this situation depends on the public, Gauci noted, adding that cooperation from the public is essential for the control of this virus.
Many tests are being carried out and for most cases, the results are issued in a short time. Technology is being evaluated so as quicker results may be issued.
As regards antibody testing, Gauci said the authorities set up a working group to verify when such tests should be done. She explained that immunity takes six to eight weeks to develop, and that is why timing is important. The group on who this test will be performed is also being evaluated.
This immunity test is being evaluated in many countries, whilst the results need to be validated to ensure the results show a realistic portrayal of the situation
The Prime Minister said this morning that people should go out for a walk but Gauci said that people need to go out only if it is essential and for work, and even then social distancing needs to be employed. Those noted as vulnerable, need to go out only if essential.
Gauci appealed for anyone who has any of the symptoms, including those which are respiratory-related or diarrhoea, to call helpline 111.
She also noted that whilst today is a Sunday and the weather is nice, we should stay inside to avoid contracting the virus, which could be a risk for everyone.
Parroċċa Nadur
Messagg mill Arcipriet Mons. Jimmy Xerri. Ara il video hawn: https://www.facebook.com/173850303302579/videos/552733985359988/
Programm ta' attivitajiet għall-Ħadd, 5 t'April 2020 - Ħadd il-Palm, fil-Bażilika ta' San Pietru u San Pawl fin-Nadur. Infakkrukom li l-quddies kollu jixxandar live fuq MnarjaLive u Radju Luminaria 106.9FM.
Messagg mill Arcipriet Mons. Jimmy Xerri. Ara il video hawn: https://www.facebook.com/173850303302579/videos/552733985359988/
Programm ta' attivitajiet għall-Ħadd, 5 t'April 2020 - Ħadd il-Palm, fil-Bażilika ta' San Pietru u San Pawl fin-Nadur. Infakkrukom li l-quddies kollu jixxandar live fuq MnarjaLive u Radju Luminaria 106.9FM.
Adrian Delia announces PN parliamentary group reshuffle
Jason Azzopardi is shadow minister for justice, Karol Aquilina gets good governance, David Thake is now shadow environment minister
Last updated on 4 April 2020, 5:06pm
by Matthew Vella
Adrian Delia
Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia has announced a new parliamentary reshuffle.
Delia said on Net FM said his reshuffle will not be just a case of musical chairs, but a proper shadowing of ministers with titles that reflect the wider remits of the traditional portfolios.
The last years have seen the departure of David Stellini, who returned to his job at the European Parliament; the other Gozo MP Marthese Portelli, who took up a post with the construction lobby, as well as former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, who was hand-picked by EPP leader Manfred Weber to become the EPP secretary-general.
New MPs this year include 6PM chairman Ivan Bartolo and the former Radio 101 host David Thake, as well as Gozo MP Kevin Cutajar.
The new portfolios
David Agius: deputy leader, family, social solidarity, sustainable pensions, children’s rights
Robert Arrigo: tourism
Robert Cutajar: youth, sports, voluntary sector, fight against obesity
Frederick Azzopardi: deputy whip
Karol Aquilina: good governance, democracy, citizenship and public sector reforms
Jason Azzopardi: justice
Ivan Bartolo: social accommodation, fight against poverty, solitude and social exclusion
Ivan J. Bartolo: digital society
Toni Bezzina: transport and mobility, infrastructure and capital projects
Claudette Buttigieg: equality and deputy speaker
Ryan Callus: energy and water management
Therese Comodini Cachia: national heritage, arts, culture and media
Kevin Cutajar: lands, construction, sustainable planning
Mario de Marco: finance
Kristy Debono: investment, small business, financial services, EU funds
Maria Deguara: elderly and inclusivity of disabled
Beppe Fenech Adami: home affairs, national security and fight against criminality
Mario Galea: mental health, dementia, fight against diabetes, animal rights
Karl Gouder: local councils and communities
Claudio Grech: economy
Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici: foreign and EU affairs
Clyde Puli: education, renewal of work, social dialogue
Chris Said: Gozo, constitutional reforms
Hermann Schiavone: catering and recreational industries, consumer protection, public cleansing
Stephen Spiteri: health
David Thake: environment and climate emergency
Edwin Vassallo: agriculture and fisheries, self-employed and cooperatives
Jason Azzopardi is shadow minister for justice, Karol Aquilina gets good governance, David Thake is now shadow environment minister
Last updated on 4 April 2020, 5:06pm
by Matthew Vella
Adrian Delia
Nationalist Party leader Adrian Delia has announced a new parliamentary reshuffle.
Delia said on Net FM said his reshuffle will not be just a case of musical chairs, but a proper shadowing of ministers with titles that reflect the wider remits of the traditional portfolios.
The last years have seen the departure of David Stellini, who returned to his job at the European Parliament; the other Gozo MP Marthese Portelli, who took up a post with the construction lobby, as well as former Opposition leader Simon Busuttil, who was hand-picked by EPP leader Manfred Weber to become the EPP secretary-general.
New MPs this year include 6PM chairman Ivan Bartolo and the former Radio 101 host David Thake, as well as Gozo MP Kevin Cutajar.
The new portfolios
David Agius: deputy leader, family, social solidarity, sustainable pensions, children’s rights
Robert Arrigo: tourism
Robert Cutajar: youth, sports, voluntary sector, fight against obesity
Frederick Azzopardi: deputy whip
Karol Aquilina: good governance, democracy, citizenship and public sector reforms
Jason Azzopardi: justice
Ivan Bartolo: social accommodation, fight against poverty, solitude and social exclusion
Ivan J. Bartolo: digital society
Toni Bezzina: transport and mobility, infrastructure and capital projects
Claudette Buttigieg: equality and deputy speaker
Ryan Callus: energy and water management
Therese Comodini Cachia: national heritage, arts, culture and media
Kevin Cutajar: lands, construction, sustainable planning
Mario de Marco: finance
Kristy Debono: investment, small business, financial services, EU funds
Maria Deguara: elderly and inclusivity of disabled
Beppe Fenech Adami: home affairs, national security and fight against criminality
Mario Galea: mental health, dementia, fight against diabetes, animal rights
Karl Gouder: local councils and communities
Claudio Grech: economy
Carmelo Mifsud Bonnici: foreign and EU affairs
Clyde Puli: education, renewal of work, social dialogue
Chris Said: Gozo, constitutional reforms
Hermann Schiavone: catering and recreational industries, consumer protection, public cleansing
Stephen Spiteri: health
David Thake: environment and climate emergency
Edwin Vassallo: agriculture and fisheries, self-employed and cooperatives
Eleven new coronavirus cases, all locally transmitted
Malta now has 213 confirmed cases of COVID-19
NationalCOVID-19
5 April, 2020
A public cleansing official disinfects the area close to Rabat playground and Mdina Gate on Saturday morning, in a council initiative.
Eleven new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus were identified over the past day, bringing Malta’s total number of confirmed cases to 213.
All of the cases discovered on Friday are considered to be of local transmission. Among the new patients are a two-year-old child and a resident of the Ħal Far open centre - the second case there in two days.
The two-year-old is the youngest COVID-19 patient in Malta.
Authorities carried out 659 tests over the past day and have conducted 9,703 tests for the virus in total.
Among the active cases:
Malta now has 213 confirmed cases of COVID-19
NationalCOVID-19
5 April, 2020
A public cleansing official disinfects the area close to Rabat playground and Mdina Gate on Saturday morning, in a council initiative.
Eleven new cases of the COVID-19 coronavirus were identified over the past day, bringing Malta’s total number of confirmed cases to 213.
All of the cases discovered on Friday are considered to be of local transmission. Among the new patients are a two-year-old child and a resident of the Ħal Far open centre - the second case there in two days.
The two-year-old is the youngest COVID-19 patient in Malta.
Authorities carried out 659 tests over the past day and have conducted 9,703 tests for the virus in total.
Among the active cases:
- Three patients are in intensive care
- 10 are being held at Mater Dei’s infectious diseases unit
- Two are at Mount Carmel Hospital
- Four are at Boffa hospital
- 16 are at St Thomas Hospital
- The rest are recovering at home.
Anti-parasitic drug kills COVID-19 in lab
By Christine McGinn
'Australian medical supplies will stay in Australia'
© Shutterstock Representational Image An anti-parasitic drug available throughout the world has been found to kill COVID-19 in the lab within 48 hours.
A Monash University-led study has shown a single dose of the drug Ivermectin could stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus growing in cell culture.
"We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA (effectively removed all genetic material of the virus) by 48 hours and that even at 24 hours there was a really significant reduction in it," Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute's Dr Kylie Wagstaff said on Friday.
While it's not known how Ivermectin works on the virus, the drug likely stops the virus dampening the host cells' ability to clear it.
The next step is for scientists to determine the correct human dosage, to make sure the level used in vitro is safe for humans.
By Christine McGinn
'Australian medical supplies will stay in Australia'
© Shutterstock Representational Image An anti-parasitic drug available throughout the world has been found to kill COVID-19 in the lab within 48 hours.
A Monash University-led study has shown a single dose of the drug Ivermectin could stop the SARS-CoV-2 virus growing in cell culture.
"We found that even a single dose could essentially remove all viral RNA (effectively removed all genetic material of the virus) by 48 hours and that even at 24 hours there was a really significant reduction in it," Monash Biomedicine Discovery Institute's Dr Kylie Wagstaff said on Friday.
While it's not known how Ivermectin works on the virus, the drug likely stops the virus dampening the host cells' ability to clear it.
The next step is for scientists to determine the correct human dosage, to make sure the level used in vitro is safe for humans.
Gozo Channel workers lament preferential treatment for Nikolaos employees
The UHM Voice of the Workers says government reneged on a verbal agreement by reducing work hours for Maltese Gozo Channel staff while retaining same shifts for Greek workers on fourth ferry
3 April 2020, 7:17pm
by Karl Azzopardi
The Gozo Channel is operating on a reduced schedule as a result of travel restrictions between the islands to avoid the spread of the coronavirus
Government has breached a verbal agreement not to afford preferential treatment to the crew of Nikolaos when reducing working hours, the UHM Voice of the Workers has said.
The issue arose after Maltese workers operating the original three Gozo Channel ferries were told to take leave because the company was going to operate a reduced schedule.
However, the reduced hours were not applicable to the foreign crew of the fourth ferry, MV Nikolaos, which was leased last summer with crew.
UHM CEO Josef Vella told MaltaToday that talks were underway on the matter but government had backtracked on a verbal agreement with the company issuing the coming week’s shift roster with reduced hours for Maltese workers.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Maltese Gozo Channel workers have seen their shifts being shortened, to cater for for less traffic and lower revenue due to government restrictions on travel between the islands.
The reduced schedule means that the remaining hours are being paid out of the accumulated leave hours workers had collected.
Gozo Channel employees who spoke to MaltaToday said that shifts for workers aboard the Greek ship have remained the same, with no reduction in operating hours.
Vella said that while the union knew that the situation is a precarious one, and that sacrifices must be made, it felt such sacrifices should be shared evenly.
“The ship was brought in to help with the workload, and so we can’t expect that in times like these, foreigners are prioritised over Maltese workers,” he said.
Vella said that the union fears that the contract surrounding the Greek ship would be defective, “like that of Steward Health Care”, which would not bode well for Maltese Gozo Channel workers.
“This is not a time for industrial action, but this is not a time for local workers to be put on the back burner,” Vella said.
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri confirmed ongoing discussions, and stated that some workers have over three years of leave hours still to be taken.
“Everyone must understand that we all have a role to play in the circumstance we find ourselves in,” Camilleri said.
He also promised that no Gozo Channel employee will be losing their job.
The UHM Voice of the Workers says government reneged on a verbal agreement by reducing work hours for Maltese Gozo Channel staff while retaining same shifts for Greek workers on fourth ferry
3 April 2020, 7:17pm
by Karl Azzopardi
The Gozo Channel is operating on a reduced schedule as a result of travel restrictions between the islands to avoid the spread of the coronavirus
Government has breached a verbal agreement not to afford preferential treatment to the crew of Nikolaos when reducing working hours, the UHM Voice of the Workers has said.
The issue arose after Maltese workers operating the original three Gozo Channel ferries were told to take leave because the company was going to operate a reduced schedule.
However, the reduced hours were not applicable to the foreign crew of the fourth ferry, MV Nikolaos, which was leased last summer with crew.
UHM CEO Josef Vella told MaltaToday that talks were underway on the matter but government had backtracked on a verbal agreement with the company issuing the coming week’s shift roster with reduced hours for Maltese workers.
Due to the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic, Maltese Gozo Channel workers have seen their shifts being shortened, to cater for for less traffic and lower revenue due to government restrictions on travel between the islands.
The reduced schedule means that the remaining hours are being paid out of the accumulated leave hours workers had collected.
Gozo Channel employees who spoke to MaltaToday said that shifts for workers aboard the Greek ship have remained the same, with no reduction in operating hours.
Vella said that while the union knew that the situation is a precarious one, and that sacrifices must be made, it felt such sacrifices should be shared evenly.
“The ship was brought in to help with the workload, and so we can’t expect that in times like these, foreigners are prioritised over Maltese workers,” he said.
Vella said that the union fears that the contract surrounding the Greek ship would be defective, “like that of Steward Health Care”, which would not bode well for Maltese Gozo Channel workers.
“This is not a time for industrial action, but this is not a time for local workers to be put on the back burner,” Vella said.
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri confirmed ongoing discussions, and stated that some workers have over three years of leave hours still to be taken.
“Everyone must understand that we all have a role to play in the circumstance we find ourselves in,” Camilleri said.
He also promised that no Gozo Channel employee will be losing their job.
L-Arċisqof iħabbar Pellegrinaġġ Nazzjonali għall-14 ta’ Settembru
Minn Beppe Galea
-
3 ta' April 2020
L-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna ħabbar li fl-14 ta’ Settembru li ġej se jiġi organizzat Pellegrinaġġ Nazzjonali bil-Kurċifiss Mirakoluż. Huwa ħabbar dan f’Jum id-Duluri waqt Quddiesa li xxandret LIVE mill‑Knisja ta’ Ġieżu, il‑Belt Valletta.
Huwa spjega li dan se jiġi organizzat jekk sa dakinhar, l-awtoritajiet ikunu taw l-approvazzjoni tagħhom għall-manifestazzjonijiet bil-parteċipazzjoni tal-pubbliku.
Fl-Omelija tiegħu, l-Arċisqof talab għall-anzjani li minħabba direttivi tal-awtoritajiet minħabba saħħithom huma mitlub li jibqgħu f’darhom. Huwa qal li ta’ kull sena l-Maltin u l-Għawdxin ifakkru lill-Madonna tad-Duluri f’din il-ġurnata bil-Purċissjoni penitenzjali iżda qal li bħalissa dan huwa mument iebes għal kulħadd.
Huwa talab ukoll għall-202 persuni li ntlaqtu mill-coronavirus f’Malta. L-Arċisqof awguralhom is-saħħa u qal li “bl-għajnuna ta’ Alla ngħaddu minn din il-burraxkat li ħakmet lil Malta u lid-dinja”. L-Arċisqof sellem ukoll lill-professjonisti tas-saħħa li qal li huma qrib is-salib ta’ ħafna morda.
Minn Beppe Galea
-
3 ta' April 2020
L-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna ħabbar li fl-14 ta’ Settembru li ġej se jiġi organizzat Pellegrinaġġ Nazzjonali bil-Kurċifiss Mirakoluż. Huwa ħabbar dan f’Jum id-Duluri waqt Quddiesa li xxandret LIVE mill‑Knisja ta’ Ġieżu, il‑Belt Valletta.
Huwa spjega li dan se jiġi organizzat jekk sa dakinhar, l-awtoritajiet ikunu taw l-approvazzjoni tagħhom għall-manifestazzjonijiet bil-parteċipazzjoni tal-pubbliku.
Fl-Omelija tiegħu, l-Arċisqof talab għall-anzjani li minħabba direttivi tal-awtoritajiet minħabba saħħithom huma mitlub li jibqgħu f’darhom. Huwa qal li ta’ kull sena l-Maltin u l-Għawdxin ifakkru lill-Madonna tad-Duluri f’din il-ġurnata bil-Purċissjoni penitenzjali iżda qal li bħalissa dan huwa mument iebes għal kulħadd.
Huwa talab ukoll għall-202 persuni li ntlaqtu mill-coronavirus f’Malta. L-Arċisqof awguralhom is-saħħa u qal li “bl-għajnuna ta’ Alla ngħaddu minn din il-burraxkat li ħakmet lil Malta u lid-dinja”. L-Arċisqof sellem ukoll lill-professjonisti tas-saħħa li qal li huma qrib is-salib ta’ ħafna morda.
English Premier League suspended indefinitely, players to be asked for wage cut
Associated Press
Friday, 3 April 2020,
The English Premier League was suspended indefinitely on Friday following a meeting of its 20 clubs, who discussed financial painkiller measures including asking players to take a substantial pay cut during the coronavirus outbreak.
Having previously given a tentative — and improbable -- return date of April 30, the world's richest league said the season would not be resuming at the start of May and "will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so,” and only with the full support of government and medical guidance.
Associated Press
Friday, 3 April 2020,
The English Premier League was suspended indefinitely on Friday following a meeting of its 20 clubs, who discussed financial painkiller measures including asking players to take a substantial pay cut during the coronavirus outbreak.
Having previously given a tentative — and improbable -- return date of April 30, the world's richest league said the season would not be resuming at the start of May and "will only return when it is safe and appropriate to do so,” and only with the full support of government and medical guidance.
Member of Kennedy family and her son identified as missing boaters in Chesapeake Bay
Rachel Weiner, Peter Hermann, Dana Hedgpeth
3 April, 2020
Two boaters who went missing in the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis on Thursday evening have been identified as Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean, 40, and her 8-year-old son Gideon Joseph Kennedy McKean.
David McKean confirmed his wife and son disappeared on Thursday afternoon while in a canoe on the Chesapeake Bay.
In a brief interview with The Washington Post, he said the family had gathered at a waterfront house owned by his wife’s mother, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, in Shady Side, Md.
At about 4 p.m., children were kicking a ball back and forth in a yard and the ball went into the water.
He said his wife and son “popped into a canoe to chase it down. They just got farther out than they could handle and couldn’t get back in.”
A spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard said the wind in that part of the bay was at 26 knots — about 30 mph — Thursday afternoon, with waves two to three feet high.
McKean said he has been told the search is continuing. He would not say whether the canoe has been found, but the Maryland Department of Natural Resources police said Friday that an overturned canoe matching the description of the one went missing was recovered.
McKean is executive director of the Georgetown University Global Health Initiative and the daughter of former lieutenant governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.
McKean is also a granddaughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and grandniece of former president John F. Kennedy.
Capt. Erik Kornmeyer, a spokesman for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, said in a statement that a concerned person called authorities around 4:30 p.m.
Thursday to say he saw the canoe from the Columbia Beach pier.
According to the Coast Guard, the caller said that the boaters were “seen struggling to return to shore in a canoe” near Herring Bay and then not seen again.
Crews on boat and helicopters engaged in the search until dark Thursday and resumed Friday morning. By Friday afternoon, the Coast Guard said 2,275 square miles had been covered.
“At this time, our family asks for privacy and that everyone keeps Maeve and Gideon in their prayers,” family spokesman Alan Fleischmann said in a statement. Maeve is Fleischmann’s goddaughter.
McKean graduated from Boston College and Georgetown University with a joint degree in law and international conflict resolution.
She served in the Peace Corps in Mozambique, coming home to help with her mother’s 2002 campaign for governor.
She went on to work for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in California — where she met her future husband. Gideon is their first child; the pair of human rights lawyers named him after a Supreme Court case ordering states to pay for defence attorneys for the poor.
During the Obama administration McKean worked in the State Department’s global AIDS program and on human rights in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Last year, she and her mother spoke out openly against her uncle Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine advocacy.
“We stand behind him in his ongoing fight to protect our environment,” they wrote in a Politico column. “However, on vaccines he is wrong.”
The Kennedy family has been beset by tragedy, from the assassinations of McKean’s grandfather and great-uncle to the death of her cousin Saoirse Kennedy Hill last year.
While they are also widely seen as blessed by fortune, McKean told Glamour in 2008 that was a misconception.
“People think, because I’m a Kennedy, I’m extremely wealthy and don’t flaunt it. Ha!” she said. “I have a great name, but by the time you get to the fourth generation, the money’s run out. We’re fortunate compared to the average American, but to think I’m a trust fund kid — so not true!”
The Maryland Natural Resources Police is the lead agency in the search, with help from the Coast Guard, Queen Anne Police Department, Anne Arundel Police Department, and Maryland State Police.
Rachel Weiner, Peter Hermann, Dana Hedgpeth
3 April, 2020
Two boaters who went missing in the Chesapeake Bay near Annapolis on Thursday evening have been identified as Maeve Kennedy Townsend McKean, 40, and her 8-year-old son Gideon Joseph Kennedy McKean.
David McKean confirmed his wife and son disappeared on Thursday afternoon while in a canoe on the Chesapeake Bay.
In a brief interview with The Washington Post, he said the family had gathered at a waterfront house owned by his wife’s mother, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, in Shady Side, Md.
At about 4 p.m., children were kicking a ball back and forth in a yard and the ball went into the water.
He said his wife and son “popped into a canoe to chase it down. They just got farther out than they could handle and couldn’t get back in.”
A spokesman for the U.S. Coast Guard said the wind in that part of the bay was at 26 knots — about 30 mph — Thursday afternoon, with waves two to three feet high.
McKean said he has been told the search is continuing. He would not say whether the canoe has been found, but the Maryland Department of Natural Resources police said Friday that an overturned canoe matching the description of the one went missing was recovered.
McKean is executive director of the Georgetown University Global Health Initiative and the daughter of former lieutenant governor Kathleen Kennedy Townsend.
McKean is also a granddaughter of the late Sen. Robert F. Kennedy and grandniece of former president John F. Kennedy.
Capt. Erik Kornmeyer, a spokesman for the Anne Arundel County Fire Department, said in a statement that a concerned person called authorities around 4:30 p.m.
Thursday to say he saw the canoe from the Columbia Beach pier.
According to the Coast Guard, the caller said that the boaters were “seen struggling to return to shore in a canoe” near Herring Bay and then not seen again.
Crews on boat and helicopters engaged in the search until dark Thursday and resumed Friday morning. By Friday afternoon, the Coast Guard said 2,275 square miles had been covered.
“At this time, our family asks for privacy and that everyone keeps Maeve and Gideon in their prayers,” family spokesman Alan Fleischmann said in a statement. Maeve is Fleischmann’s goddaughter.
McKean graduated from Boston College and Georgetown University with a joint degree in law and international conflict resolution.
She served in the Peace Corps in Mozambique, coming home to help with her mother’s 2002 campaign for governor.
She went on to work for U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein in California — where she met her future husband. Gideon is their first child; the pair of human rights lawyers named him after a Supreme Court case ordering states to pay for defence attorneys for the poor.
During the Obama administration McKean worked in the State Department’s global AIDS program and on human rights in the Department of Health and Human Services.
Last year, she and her mother spoke out openly against her uncle Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s anti-vaccine advocacy.
“We stand behind him in his ongoing fight to protect our environment,” they wrote in a Politico column. “However, on vaccines he is wrong.”
The Kennedy family has been beset by tragedy, from the assassinations of McKean’s grandfather and great-uncle to the death of her cousin Saoirse Kennedy Hill last year.
While they are also widely seen as blessed by fortune, McKean told Glamour in 2008 that was a misconception.
“People think, because I’m a Kennedy, I’m extremely wealthy and don’t flaunt it. Ha!” she said. “I have a great name, but by the time you get to the fourth generation, the money’s run out. We’re fortunate compared to the average American, but to think I’m a trust fund kid — so not true!”
The Maryland Natural Resources Police is the lead agency in the search, with help from the Coast Guard, Queen Anne Police Department, Anne Arundel Police Department, and Maryland State Police.
Quddiem l isfida tal Covid19.
Ejja naghmlu kuragg.
Ejja nibzghu ghal xulxin
Ara il film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/beppe.adami/videos/10220743903883328/
Ejja naghmlu kuragg.
Ejja nibzghu ghal xulxin
Ara il film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/beppe.adami/videos/10220743903883328/
Nadur invokes Our Lady’s intercession
Photo: Charles Spiteri
A 1689 painting depicting Our Lady breastfeeding Jesus has been placed near the main altar at St Peter and St Paul Basilica in Nadur to invoke Our Lady’s intercession against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The painting, donated to the church on the occasion of the inauguration of the new parish in 1688, must have been commissioned by someone who most probably ex-perienced the 1675-1676 plague which left around 11,300 persons dead. However, Gozo, Lija and Mdina recorded no fatalities.
Besides Our Lady, the painting depicts St Michael Archangel, St Roque and St Sebastian, and a lady on the bottom left-hand side, reciting the rosary. Since the Middle Ages, St Sebastian and St Roque were regarded as protectors from various epidemics, including the bubonic plague.
Photo: Charles Spiteri
A 1689 painting depicting Our Lady breastfeeding Jesus has been placed near the main altar at St Peter and St Paul Basilica in Nadur to invoke Our Lady’s intercession against the COVID-19 pandemic.
The painting, donated to the church on the occasion of the inauguration of the new parish in 1688, must have been commissioned by someone who most probably ex-perienced the 1675-1676 plague which left around 11,300 persons dead. However, Gozo, Lija and Mdina recorded no fatalities.
Besides Our Lady, the painting depicts St Michael Archangel, St Roque and St Sebastian, and a lady on the bottom left-hand side, reciting the rosary. Since the Middle Ages, St Sebastian and St Roque were regarded as protectors from various epidemics, including the bubonic plague.
Charmaine Gauci confronted outside TVM studios by angry driving instructor
Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci was accosted by an angry driving instructor just after leaving the TVM studios where she was a guest on Dissett
2 April 2020, 10:14am
by Kurt Sansone
A screen shot of the incident that was filmed on a mobile phone taken from TVM
Updated at 3:40pm with Malta Enterprise clarification on aid to driving schools
Charmaine Gauci was confronted just after leaving the studios at TVM by an angry driving instructor who accused her of threatening their livelihood.
The incident happened late on Wednesday, minutes after Gauci exited the TVM studios in Gwardamanga where she was a guest with virologist Chris Barbara, on Reno Bugeja’s Dissett.
Gauci was approached by a woman who was waiting outside the building. MaltaToday understands that the woman, who identified herself as a driving instructor, started shouting at Gauci and even grabbed her by the jacket.
The police were called in but this news portal is not in a position to confirm whether any arrests were made.
Driving instructors and driving schools were informed last week by Transport Malta that they have to stop lessons as part of restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
However, a couple of days later the ban on driving instructors was lifted, leaving many confused as to what they should do.
Instructors are worried because of the risk they face as a result of the close proximity with driving students. Many have opted to stop lessons.
A spokesperson for Malta Enterprise has clarified that driving school activities are listed in Annex A, the more generous wage subsidy package announced by government. "This means that even without a legal notice ordering stoppage of driving lessons, instructors can still apply for the subsidy," the spokesperson said.
During Dissett, which was taking phone calls from people, two driving instructors called to seek clarification on the risks they face.
Gauci said a risk assessment was still going on.
Clarification
An earlier version of this report erroneously stated that without a legal notice ordering their stoppage, driving schools will not be entitled to any form of compensation. In fact, they are entitled to Annex A benefits.
Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci was accosted by an angry driving instructor just after leaving the TVM studios where she was a guest on Dissett
2 April 2020, 10:14am
by Kurt Sansone
A screen shot of the incident that was filmed on a mobile phone taken from TVM
Updated at 3:40pm with Malta Enterprise clarification on aid to driving schools
Charmaine Gauci was confronted just after leaving the studios at TVM by an angry driving instructor who accused her of threatening their livelihood.
The incident happened late on Wednesday, minutes after Gauci exited the TVM studios in Gwardamanga where she was a guest with virologist Chris Barbara, on Reno Bugeja’s Dissett.
Gauci was approached by a woman who was waiting outside the building. MaltaToday understands that the woman, who identified herself as a driving instructor, started shouting at Gauci and even grabbed her by the jacket.
The police were called in but this news portal is not in a position to confirm whether any arrests were made.
Driving instructors and driving schools were informed last week by Transport Malta that they have to stop lessons as part of restrictions to stop the spread of the coronavirus.
However, a couple of days later the ban on driving instructors was lifted, leaving many confused as to what they should do.
Instructors are worried because of the risk they face as a result of the close proximity with driving students. Many have opted to stop lessons.
A spokesperson for Malta Enterprise has clarified that driving school activities are listed in Annex A, the more generous wage subsidy package announced by government. "This means that even without a legal notice ordering stoppage of driving lessons, instructors can still apply for the subsidy," the spokesperson said.
During Dissett, which was taking phone calls from people, two driving instructors called to seek clarification on the risks they face.
Gauci said a risk assessment was still going on.
Clarification
An earlier version of this report erroneously stated that without a legal notice ordering their stoppage, driving schools will not be entitled to any form of compensation. In fact, they are entitled to Annex A benefits.
Coronavirus restrictions: Man fined $1000 for eating a kebab on a bench
By Phoebe Loomes
Sydney, Australia
A man who repeatedly ignored police warnings then ate a kebab in public has been fined by police.
Police fined a number of people yesterday including a man who had ignored police warnings and was fined for eating on a bench.
A man has been fined $1000 after he was caught eating a kebab on a park bench in Newcastle.
The man, 21, was fined on Wednesday after he’d allegedly failed to comply with two previous warnings from police, to do with new social distancing measures.
After giving the man two warnings, officers from Newcastle City Police found the man on Market St in Newcastle eating a kebab on a park bench. He was then slapped with the $1000 fine.
Ministerial guidelines have given police powers to issue on-the-spot fines to people who won’t comply with social distancing guidelines under the Public Health Act, and in NSW members of the public violating these rules can be handed fines of up to $1000.
By Phoebe Loomes
Sydney, Australia
A man who repeatedly ignored police warnings then ate a kebab in public has been fined by police.
Police fined a number of people yesterday including a man who had ignored police warnings and was fined for eating on a bench.
A man has been fined $1000 after he was caught eating a kebab on a park bench in Newcastle.
The man, 21, was fined on Wednesday after he’d allegedly failed to comply with two previous warnings from police, to do with new social distancing measures.
After giving the man two warnings, officers from Newcastle City Police found the man on Market St in Newcastle eating a kebab on a park bench. He was then slapped with the $1000 fine.
Ministerial guidelines have given police powers to issue on-the-spot fines to people who won’t comply with social distancing guidelines under the Public Health Act, and in NSW members of the public violating these rules can be handed fines of up to $1000.
Old farm house in Upper Ramla
Photo by Mario Muscat
Gvern u Oppożizzjoni bi ftehim storiku dwar il-ġudikatura
Minn Paul Cachia
1 ta' April 2020
Jum storiku fil-Parlament hekk kif għall-ewwel darba l-Gvern u l-Oppożizzjoni qablu bejniethom dwar il-ħatra tal-Prim Imħallef, bil-Prim Ministru Robert Abela jgħid li qatt ma kienet l-intenzjoni tiegħu li jisforza l-għażla fuq l-Oppożizzjoni.
Min-naħa tiegħu, il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni Adrian Delia qal li b’dan il-ftehim, il-Parlament bagħat messaġġ li kapaċi jingħaqad u jsewwi r-reputazzjoni tiegħu.
Aktar kmieni
Ftehim dwar kif se jinħatru l-ġudikanti
Il-Prim Ministru ddeskriva l-ħatra tal-Imħallef Mark Chetcuti bħala Prim Imħallef bħala waħda storika li tibgħat messaġġ b’saħħtu hekk kif għall-ewwel darba l-ħatra qed issir bi qbil unanimu bejn iż-żewġ naħat tal-kamra. Waqt diskussjoni fuq il-mozzjoni mressqa mill-Ministru Edward Zammit Lewis, il-Prim Ministru ħabbar li mhux biss intlaħaq qbil dwar il-ħatra tal-Imħallef Checuti iżda anki dwar l-metodu tal-għażla tal-ġudikatura.
Huwa qal li ma riedx jisforzax l-għażla tiegħu fuq l-Oppożizzjoni kif sar mill-predeċessuri tiegħu fl-imgħoddi. Huwa qal li sa mill-bidu din kienet waħda mill-ewwel ambizzjonijiet tiegħu. Abela qal li kienu l-kwalitajiet ta’ bżulija, integrità, dixxiplina, għarfien legali u umiltà li xrupnaw l-għażla ta’ Checuti. Huwa qal li dan hu jum storiku għal Malta wara li sar pass bla preċedent u se jgħaddi messaġġ lill-Kummissjoni Venezja li l-Gvern mid għonqu għax-xogħol.
Min-naħa tiegħu, il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni Adrian Delia qal li li l-ftehim bejnu u l-Prim Ministru ntlaħaq f’temp ta’ 15-il minuta wara diversi laqgħat u ħidma sfieqa minn bosta persuni. Huwa qal li l-Parlament qed jgħaddi messaġġ li kapaċi jingħaqad flimkien biex isewwi r-reputazzjoni ta’ Malta. Huwa awgura li dan il-ftehim jixpruna diskussjonijiet oħra li għad iridu jsiru dwar il-ħatra tal-Avukat Ġenerali u l-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija. Hu faħħar lill-Imħallef Chetcuti li qal li fil-formazzjoni nisranija tiegħu, b’kuxjenza retta, jista’ jserraħ rasu li l-ġustizzja mhux biss issir iżda tidher li qed issir.
Nuqqas ta’ qbil dwar l-għażla ta’ Kummissarju tal-PulizijaIl-Kelliem tal-Oppożizzjoni għar-Riforma Kostituzzjonali Chris Said qal li l-mozzjoni kienet waħda storika u sinjal sinifikattiv u faħħar lill-Prim Minitru li qal li ma kienx obbligat bil-ligi li jressaq dan l-isem quddiem il-Parlament. Huwa qal li kienet ħasra li f’dan il-jum storiku, l-Gvern kien se jivvota kontra l-għażla tal-ħatra tal-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija.
Il-Ministru għall-Ġustizzja Zammit Lewis qal li l-ħatra ta’ Chetcuti ma kinitx xi eżerċizzju ta’ kompromess iżda għażla b’konvinzjoni. Filwaqt li faħħar lid-deputat Chris Said li jiddeskrivih bħala interlokatur formidabbli, hu qal li l-għażla ta’ Kummissarju tal-Pulizija saret b’mod differenti għax f’dan il-każ irid jintgħażel l-aħjar persuna b’mod meritokratiku.
Minn Paul Cachia
1 ta' April 2020
Jum storiku fil-Parlament hekk kif għall-ewwel darba l-Gvern u l-Oppożizzjoni qablu bejniethom dwar il-ħatra tal-Prim Imħallef, bil-Prim Ministru Robert Abela jgħid li qatt ma kienet l-intenzjoni tiegħu li jisforza l-għażla fuq l-Oppożizzjoni.
Min-naħa tiegħu, il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni Adrian Delia qal li b’dan il-ftehim, il-Parlament bagħat messaġġ li kapaċi jingħaqad u jsewwi r-reputazzjoni tiegħu.
Aktar kmieni
Ftehim dwar kif se jinħatru l-ġudikanti
Il-Prim Ministru ddeskriva l-ħatra tal-Imħallef Mark Chetcuti bħala Prim Imħallef bħala waħda storika li tibgħat messaġġ b’saħħtu hekk kif għall-ewwel darba l-ħatra qed issir bi qbil unanimu bejn iż-żewġ naħat tal-kamra. Waqt diskussjoni fuq il-mozzjoni mressqa mill-Ministru Edward Zammit Lewis, il-Prim Ministru ħabbar li mhux biss intlaħaq qbil dwar il-ħatra tal-Imħallef Checuti iżda anki dwar l-metodu tal-għażla tal-ġudikatura.
Huwa qal li ma riedx jisforzax l-għażla tiegħu fuq l-Oppożizzjoni kif sar mill-predeċessuri tiegħu fl-imgħoddi. Huwa qal li sa mill-bidu din kienet waħda mill-ewwel ambizzjonijiet tiegħu. Abela qal li kienu l-kwalitajiet ta’ bżulija, integrità, dixxiplina, għarfien legali u umiltà li xrupnaw l-għażla ta’ Checuti. Huwa qal li dan hu jum storiku għal Malta wara li sar pass bla preċedent u se jgħaddi messaġġ lill-Kummissjoni Venezja li l-Gvern mid għonqu għax-xogħol.
Min-naħa tiegħu, il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni Adrian Delia qal li li l-ftehim bejnu u l-Prim Ministru ntlaħaq f’temp ta’ 15-il minuta wara diversi laqgħat u ħidma sfieqa minn bosta persuni. Huwa qal li l-Parlament qed jgħaddi messaġġ li kapaċi jingħaqad flimkien biex isewwi r-reputazzjoni ta’ Malta. Huwa awgura li dan il-ftehim jixpruna diskussjonijiet oħra li għad iridu jsiru dwar il-ħatra tal-Avukat Ġenerali u l-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija. Hu faħħar lill-Imħallef Chetcuti li qal li fil-formazzjoni nisranija tiegħu, b’kuxjenza retta, jista’ jserraħ rasu li l-ġustizzja mhux biss issir iżda tidher li qed issir.
Nuqqas ta’ qbil dwar l-għażla ta’ Kummissarju tal-PulizijaIl-Kelliem tal-Oppożizzjoni għar-Riforma Kostituzzjonali Chris Said qal li l-mozzjoni kienet waħda storika u sinjal sinifikattiv u faħħar lill-Prim Minitru li qal li ma kienx obbligat bil-ligi li jressaq dan l-isem quddiem il-Parlament. Huwa qal li kienet ħasra li f’dan il-jum storiku, l-Gvern kien se jivvota kontra l-għażla tal-ħatra tal-Kummissarju tal-Pulizija.
Il-Ministru għall-Ġustizzja Zammit Lewis qal li l-ħatra ta’ Chetcuti ma kinitx xi eżerċizzju ta’ kompromess iżda għażla b’konvinzjoni. Filwaqt li faħħar lid-deputat Chris Said li jiddeskrivih bħala interlokatur formidabbli, hu qal li l-għażla ta’ Kummissarju tal-Pulizija saret b’mod differenti għax f’dan il-każ irid jintgħażel l-aħjar persuna b’mod meritokratiku.
Breastfeeding mum approached by cops during crackdown
Sydney, Australia.
Courtesy of 9 News.
A young mother breastfeeding her child, tradies eating their lunch and a man reading a newspaper alone have all been approached by police enforcing social distancing rules.Officers are again patrolling beaches and parks across Sydney and sending people sitting in public home.
Today at Coogee Beach, in the city's east, patrol cars drove down the promenade while a police helicopter circled overhead.
© 9News A young mother breastfeeding is spoken to by police. © 9News Tradies eating their lunch at Coogee are told to move on.
Officers also walked up and down the beach and through the park, speaking to people strolling, exercising and on their bicycles.
One spoke to two young mums sitting in their activewear with their prams and holding their babies – one of whom was breastfeeding.
Why can you leave your house in NSW?1. Obtaining food or other goods or services for the personal needs of the household or other household purposes (including for pets) and for vulnerable persons
2. Travelling for the purposes of work if the person cannot work from the person's place of residence
3. Travelling for the purposes of attending childcare (including picking up or dropping another person at childcare)
4. Travelling for the purposes of facilitating attendance at a school or other educational institution if the person attending the school or institution cannot learn from the person's place of residence
5. Exercising
6. Obtaining medical care or supplies or health supplies or fulfilling carer's responsibilities
7. Attending a wedding or a funeral in the circumstances referred to in clause 6(2)(d) and (e) or 7(1)(h)
8. Moving to a new place of residence (including a business moving to new premises or between different places of residence of the person or inspecting a potential new place of residence
9. Providing care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or providing emergency assistance
10. Donating blood
11. Undertaking any legal obligations
12. Accessing public services (whether provided by Government, a private provider or a non-Government organisation), including: (a) social services, and (b) employment services, and (c) domestic violence services, and (d) mental health services, and (e) services provided to victims (including as victims of crime)
13. For children who do not live in the same household as their parents or siblings or one of their parents or siblings—continuing existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children or siblings
14. For a person who is a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order— going to the person's place of worship or providing pastoral care to another person
15. Avoiding injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm
16. For emergencies or compassionate reasons
Sydney, Australia.
Courtesy of 9 News.
A young mother breastfeeding her child, tradies eating their lunch and a man reading a newspaper alone have all been approached by police enforcing social distancing rules.Officers are again patrolling beaches and parks across Sydney and sending people sitting in public home.
Today at Coogee Beach, in the city's east, patrol cars drove down the promenade while a police helicopter circled overhead.
© 9News A young mother breastfeeding is spoken to by police. © 9News Tradies eating their lunch at Coogee are told to move on.
Officers also walked up and down the beach and through the park, speaking to people strolling, exercising and on their bicycles.
One spoke to two young mums sitting in their activewear with their prams and holding their babies – one of whom was breastfeeding.
Why can you leave your house in NSW?1. Obtaining food or other goods or services for the personal needs of the household or other household purposes (including for pets) and for vulnerable persons
2. Travelling for the purposes of work if the person cannot work from the person's place of residence
3. Travelling for the purposes of attending childcare (including picking up or dropping another person at childcare)
4. Travelling for the purposes of facilitating attendance at a school or other educational institution if the person attending the school or institution cannot learn from the person's place of residence
5. Exercising
6. Obtaining medical care or supplies or health supplies or fulfilling carer's responsibilities
7. Attending a wedding or a funeral in the circumstances referred to in clause 6(2)(d) and (e) or 7(1)(h)
8. Moving to a new place of residence (including a business moving to new premises or between different places of residence of the person or inspecting a potential new place of residence
9. Providing care or assistance (including personal care) to a vulnerable person or providing emergency assistance
10. Donating blood
11. Undertaking any legal obligations
12. Accessing public services (whether provided by Government, a private provider or a non-Government organisation), including: (a) social services, and (b) employment services, and (c) domestic violence services, and (d) mental health services, and (e) services provided to victims (including as victims of crime)
13. For children who do not live in the same household as their parents or siblings or one of their parents or siblings—continuing existing arrangements for access to, and contact between, parents and children or siblings
14. For a person who is a priest, minister of religion or member of a religious order— going to the person's place of worship or providing pastoral care to another person
15. Avoiding injury or illness or to escape a risk of harm
16. For emergencies or compassionate reasons
[WATCH] Coronavirus: Non-essential travel between Malta and Gozo stopped
Gozo Minister says only commercial vehicles and people travelling for work and medical reasons will be allowed to cross between the islands
https://www.facebook.com/MaltaGov/videos/829690697537947/
31 March 2020, 5:20pm
by Massimo Costa
Travel restrictions between the islands are intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus
All travel between Malta and Gozo, except for specific reasons, has been restricted in a bid to prevent Covid-19 from spreading further.
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said on Tuesday that all travel between the two islands would be prohibited unless for specific purposes.
Officials will be asking passengers travelling between the islands the reason for their visit before allowing them to board the ferry.
Travel between Malta and Gozo will only be allowed for: work or medical reasons; family visiting other family members, including to see hospitalised relatives; the carrying of merchandise; and for people returning to their place of ordinary residence.
Any other kind of travel, including for leisure or holiday purposes, will not be allowed, Camilleri said. All passengers boarding the Gozo Channel at Ċirkewwa, Malta or Mġarr, Gozo will be questioned as to their purpose for travel.
The measures come after the government announced on Monday that people gathering in groups of more than three people would be liable to a €100 fine.
Although travel between Malta and Gozo had already been discouraged in the past weeks, Camilleri said that some people were still choosing to disregard the guidelines. The new rules were necessary to counter this issue, he said.
Earlier today, former Gozo minister Justyne Caruana called on people to avoid all unnecessary travel between the two islands. “[Such travel] shows a lack of respect towards others and is a great injustice to residents and workers who have continue to offer vital [connectivity] services,” she said.
Gozo Minister says only commercial vehicles and people travelling for work and medical reasons will be allowed to cross between the islands
https://www.facebook.com/MaltaGov/videos/829690697537947/
31 March 2020, 5:20pm
by Massimo Costa
Travel restrictions between the islands are intended to limit the spread of the coronavirus
All travel between Malta and Gozo, except for specific reasons, has been restricted in a bid to prevent Covid-19 from spreading further.
Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said on Tuesday that all travel between the two islands would be prohibited unless for specific purposes.
Officials will be asking passengers travelling between the islands the reason for their visit before allowing them to board the ferry.
Travel between Malta and Gozo will only be allowed for: work or medical reasons; family visiting other family members, including to see hospitalised relatives; the carrying of merchandise; and for people returning to their place of ordinary residence.
Any other kind of travel, including for leisure or holiday purposes, will not be allowed, Camilleri said. All passengers boarding the Gozo Channel at Ċirkewwa, Malta or Mġarr, Gozo will be questioned as to their purpose for travel.
The measures come after the government announced on Monday that people gathering in groups of more than three people would be liable to a €100 fine.
Although travel between Malta and Gozo had already been discouraged in the past weeks, Camilleri said that some people were still choosing to disregard the guidelines. The new rules were necessary to counter this issue, he said.
Earlier today, former Gozo minister Justyne Caruana called on people to avoid all unnecessary travel between the two islands. “[Such travel] shows a lack of respect towards others and is a great injustice to residents and workers who have continue to offer vital [connectivity] services,” she said.
Eight fined €100 each for being in groups of four or more
Six fined €3,000 each for breaching quarantine law
NationalCOVID-19Police
Photo: Malta Police ForceUpdated 8.40pm
Eight fines were issued on Tuesday during police inspections to groups of four or more people in public spaces.
The government announced on Monday that groups of four or more people caught in public by the police will be fined €100 each, as part of measures to enforce coronavirus social distancing.
They said the inspections were carried out in Malta and Gozo throughout the day and focused mainly on enforcing the order relating to the number of people in public spaces.
The operations were carried out jointly by district police, police from the Rapid Intervention Unit, the Mellieħa Community Policing Team, the Mounted and Dog Sections.
The Administrative Law Enforcement is continuing with inspections in relation to breach of the quarantine regulations.
Meanwhile, in its Covid daily bulletin, the government said that 471 breach of quarantine inspections were carried out around Malta and Gozo.
The Police, together with Department of Health and Civil Protection Department
officials, found six individuals breaking the law and these were fined €3,000 each.
Since inspections started, the authorities issued 49 fines for non-observance of mandatory quarantine.
Hotel in breach of regulations - termination of utilities requestedThe authorities also said that a hotel in Sliema which last Sunday was found to have 80 foreign workers residing in it was on Tuesday found to have another 11 people residing in it by Malta Tourism Authority officials.
The hotel is supposed to be closed through an enforcement notice. Used rooms were also found in the hotel, among other indications that there were more people residing in it.
A request for the termination of electricity and water supplies to the hotel has been made. Food and drinking establishments have been complying with
the regulations imposed for their continued closure. 550 inspections in total were carried out. One can report abuses on 21692447.
Helplines111 – For those who feel symptoms of COVID-19 or who wish further information
21411 411 – For those in mandatory quarantine who require provisions of
food and medicine
144 – For those who require information about the financial measures
administered by Malta Enterprise.
153 – For those who require information about the financial measures
administered by the Department for Social Security.
1772 – For those who are feeling lonely.
2204 2200 – For Maltese residents who were caught in one of the high-risk
countries and wish to return to Malta
22944511/22944504 – To report breaches of regulations regarding public health
and Covid-19 to the Police.
25981000 – For those who have questions about the education sector and the
impact of the coronavirus.
21692447– For hoteliers and tourists who have questions about the
announced measures.
25903030 – For elderly persons bereft of support who need medicines, ready-made meals or food products (fruit and vegetables).
25469111 – For those who work in the gaming industry.
Six fined €3,000 each for breaching quarantine law
NationalCOVID-19Police
Photo: Malta Police ForceUpdated 8.40pm
Eight fines were issued on Tuesday during police inspections to groups of four or more people in public spaces.
The government announced on Monday that groups of four or more people caught in public by the police will be fined €100 each, as part of measures to enforce coronavirus social distancing.
They said the inspections were carried out in Malta and Gozo throughout the day and focused mainly on enforcing the order relating to the number of people in public spaces.
The operations were carried out jointly by district police, police from the Rapid Intervention Unit, the Mellieħa Community Policing Team, the Mounted and Dog Sections.
The Administrative Law Enforcement is continuing with inspections in relation to breach of the quarantine regulations.
Meanwhile, in its Covid daily bulletin, the government said that 471 breach of quarantine inspections were carried out around Malta and Gozo.
The Police, together with Department of Health and Civil Protection Department
officials, found six individuals breaking the law and these were fined €3,000 each.
Since inspections started, the authorities issued 49 fines for non-observance of mandatory quarantine.
Hotel in breach of regulations - termination of utilities requestedThe authorities also said that a hotel in Sliema which last Sunday was found to have 80 foreign workers residing in it was on Tuesday found to have another 11 people residing in it by Malta Tourism Authority officials.
The hotel is supposed to be closed through an enforcement notice. Used rooms were also found in the hotel, among other indications that there were more people residing in it.
A request for the termination of electricity and water supplies to the hotel has been made. Food and drinking establishments have been complying with
the regulations imposed for their continued closure. 550 inspections in total were carried out. One can report abuses on 21692447.
Helplines111 – For those who feel symptoms of COVID-19 or who wish further information
21411 411 – For those in mandatory quarantine who require provisions of
food and medicine
144 – For those who require information about the financial measures
administered by Malta Enterprise.
153 – For those who require information about the financial measures
administered by the Department for Social Security.
1772 – For those who are feeling lonely.
2204 2200 – For Maltese residents who were caught in one of the high-risk
countries and wish to return to Malta
22944511/22944504 – To report breaches of regulations regarding public health
and Covid-19 to the Police.
25981000 – For those who have questions about the education sector and the
impact of the coronavirus.
21692447– For hoteliers and tourists who have questions about the
announced measures.
25903030 – For elderly persons bereft of support who need medicines, ready-made meals or food products (fruit and vegetables).
25469111 – For those who work in the gaming industry.
Coronavirus Australia live updates:
The country's most infected group revealed
One surprising demographic of Australians has tested positive for the coronavirus more than any other age or sex group.
By Gavin Fernando and Alle McMahon
Watch the film click on the link.
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/coronavirus-australia-live-updates/live-coverage/ec666e19a1d62724434dba05028818bd
Extraordinary measures are being taken to enforce new social distancing measures, just hours after the new powers came into effect. Sky News vision showed police cars driving...
More young women in their 20s have tested positive for the coronavirus in Australia than any other age or sex group, according to Health Department data.
The surprising find has been put down to their active social lives and higher likelihood of travelling overseas, according to an exclusive report by The Australian.
It comes as a cluster of coronavirus cases has been discovered among backpackers in Bondi, who often stay in close quarters in busy hostels.
READ MORE: Follow the latest coronavirus news
A total of 4711 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across Australia and 20 people have died.
There are 2182 cases in NSW, 917 in Victoria, 743 in Queensland, 337 in South Australia, 364 in Western Australia, 69 in Tasmania, 80 in the Australian Capital Territory and 19 in the Northern Territory.
Follow our live, rolling coverage below.
The country's most infected group revealed
One surprising demographic of Australians has tested positive for the coronavirus more than any other age or sex group.
By Gavin Fernando and Alle McMahon
Watch the film click on the link.
https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/health/health-problems/coronavirus-australia-live-updates/live-coverage/ec666e19a1d62724434dba05028818bd
Extraordinary measures are being taken to enforce new social distancing measures, just hours after the new powers came into effect. Sky News vision showed police cars driving...
More young women in their 20s have tested positive for the coronavirus in Australia than any other age or sex group, according to Health Department data.
The surprising find has been put down to their active social lives and higher likelihood of travelling overseas, according to an exclusive report by The Australian.
It comes as a cluster of coronavirus cases has been discovered among backpackers in Bondi, who often stay in close quarters in busy hostels.
READ MORE: Follow the latest coronavirus news
A total of 4711 cases of coronavirus have now been confirmed across Australia and 20 people have died.
There are 2182 cases in NSW, 917 in Victoria, 743 in Queensland, 337 in South Australia, 364 in Western Australia, 69 in Tasmania, 80 in the Australian Capital Territory and 19 in the Northern Territory.
Follow our live, rolling coverage below.
Malta could foot €100 million bill if Steward contract rescinded by court
Konrad Mizzi signed a 2019 agreement making any Steward breach of contract a government event default
30 March 2020,
by Matthew Vella
Then Malta Enterprise Chairman Mario Vella and Dean of Barts Medical School Anthony Warrens in March 2015 when a memorandum of understanding was signed to launch an overseas campus at Gozo General Hospital
The Maltese government is exposed to a new kind of risk on the Steward hospitals’ concession: information received by a magistrate carrying out an inquiry into the controversial public-private partnership, has revealed that Malta could face a hefty bill should the concession ever be rescinded.
MaltaToday understands that an agreement hammered out in August 2019 with former tourism minister Konrad Mizzi has given Steward Healthcare an “escape clause”, that turns any termination of its concession into a government default.
The wording is part of an agreement in which the government is acknowledging that a €28 million loan from Bank of Valletta to Steward Healthcare is acknowledged as “lender’s debt”.
In the agreement signed by Mizzi and Steward Healthcare, the government agreed that should the hospitals’ concession be terminated by a court of law – for whatever reason, and even if Steward is in breach of contract – such an event would be a government default.
That would mean that all debts incurred by Steward would be passed on to the government, and the American company would still be liable for a €100 million contractual pay-out for its equity.
MaltaToday understands the agreement has raised concerns inside government, because the clause might make it impossible for the government to terminate the Steward contract.
Steward acquired the 30-year concession to run three state hospitals as a private concern in December 2017 from Vitals Global Healthcare, an unknown consortium of medical entrepreneurs granted the concession in 2015. But VGH racked up millions in debt with nothing to show for it, negotiating a buy-out of some €15 million from Steward.
Later in 2018, Bank of Valletta granted Steward a €5 million overdraft facility and a €3 million loan; but in August 2019, BOV also consented to a loan of €22 million and another of €5.9 million to two Steward subsidiaries.
Apart from placing the hospital lands under Steward’s control as guarantees for the debt, the agreement gave Steward unprecedented generosity by accepting that should the concession be rescinded by any law, public order or decision, judgement or decree – effectively any government or court decision – such an event will be “a non-rectifiable government of Malta event or default.”
Government insiders baulked at the agreement, claiming the loan facility and Mizzi’s commitment to Steward was unknown to Cabinet colleagues.
And that’s because the 2019 agreement’s wording means the government has no wriggle room should Steward be found in breach of the concession by any tribunal: the decision will instantly trigger an obligation on government to pay out €100 million in cold cash, and take on any lenders’ debt, such as these BOV loans.
The American healthcare company was on the verge of being given wider berth on its concession back in November 2019, before former prime minister Joseph Muscat lost control of power in the wake of his chief of staff’s resignation in connection with the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation.
Already the concession obliges the Maltese taxpayer to pay hefty penalties should the government default on the concession: €100 million in cash and any lenders’ debt incurred by Steward.
But should Steward default on the contract and not fulfill its obligations on the St Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo hospitals, it would ‘only’ lose its equity – the investment it carried out during the PPP – although government would still have to pay the debt they incurred.
Together with Muscat, in November 2019 Steward was close to extending the grounds on which a ‘force majeure’ or national emergency default might incur, that is, situations where civil strife or war would make the operation unworkable. In such case, government would be obliged to pay Steward 50% of its equity, but also cover any debt the company incurred.
But Steward to add a host of other such ‘force majeure’ conditions, such as accidental loss or damage, strikes and work-to-rule situations, and even changes in laws such as those affected by EU regulations all situations that tend to affect the ordinary running of any business.
Vitals debts
Vitals Global Healthcare was a financial mess in 2017.
The mysterious group of investors had clinched a 30-year concession to run three Maltese state hospitals in a bogus ‘request for proposals’ tender run by Project Malta, the privatisation arm under former minister Konrad Mizzi’s purview.
By mid-2017, VGH was still without the necessary banking finance to take its project forward.
Despite the existence of multi-million debts, and now even the suspicion of inflated consultancy fees being charged to expenses, VGH’s two directors – the Canadian Ram Tumuluri and Briton Mark Pawley – were about to sign off on a very lucrative payday.
In June 2017, Tumuluri and Pawley signed on a back-dated contract for their remuneration to bind Vitals to pay them exorbitant directors’ fees despite no sign of clear progress on the hospitals concession project.
Tumuluri’s contract was that he be paid €600,000 annually, for the three years since the start of the concession – €1.8 million in total; as well as a €5 million bonus for the third year of the concession.
Even Mark Edward Pawley, whose Bluestone Investments in the British Virgin Islands was set up as the ultimate beneficial owner of the Vitals group, was ensured a higher-than-normal di-rectors’ fee: €400,000 annually. The two directors hastily drew up a contract that would pay both of them €1 million each year, on a project which was now destined to fail.
Vitals’ total liabilities exceeded assets by €27 million, with losses for that year alone amounting to €18 million. But Steward finally paid Pawley and Bluestone a €9 million settlement to take over the concession, which together with Tumuluri’s claim amount to just over €15 million paid to the former investors.
Konrad Mizzi signed a 2019 agreement making any Steward breach of contract a government event default
30 March 2020,
by Matthew Vella
Then Malta Enterprise Chairman Mario Vella and Dean of Barts Medical School Anthony Warrens in March 2015 when a memorandum of understanding was signed to launch an overseas campus at Gozo General Hospital
The Maltese government is exposed to a new kind of risk on the Steward hospitals’ concession: information received by a magistrate carrying out an inquiry into the controversial public-private partnership, has revealed that Malta could face a hefty bill should the concession ever be rescinded.
MaltaToday understands that an agreement hammered out in August 2019 with former tourism minister Konrad Mizzi has given Steward Healthcare an “escape clause”, that turns any termination of its concession into a government default.
The wording is part of an agreement in which the government is acknowledging that a €28 million loan from Bank of Valletta to Steward Healthcare is acknowledged as “lender’s debt”.
In the agreement signed by Mizzi and Steward Healthcare, the government agreed that should the hospitals’ concession be terminated by a court of law – for whatever reason, and even if Steward is in breach of contract – such an event would be a government default.
That would mean that all debts incurred by Steward would be passed on to the government, and the American company would still be liable for a €100 million contractual pay-out for its equity.
MaltaToday understands the agreement has raised concerns inside government, because the clause might make it impossible for the government to terminate the Steward contract.
Steward acquired the 30-year concession to run three state hospitals as a private concern in December 2017 from Vitals Global Healthcare, an unknown consortium of medical entrepreneurs granted the concession in 2015. But VGH racked up millions in debt with nothing to show for it, negotiating a buy-out of some €15 million from Steward.
Later in 2018, Bank of Valletta granted Steward a €5 million overdraft facility and a €3 million loan; but in August 2019, BOV also consented to a loan of €22 million and another of €5.9 million to two Steward subsidiaries.
Apart from placing the hospital lands under Steward’s control as guarantees for the debt, the agreement gave Steward unprecedented generosity by accepting that should the concession be rescinded by any law, public order or decision, judgement or decree – effectively any government or court decision – such an event will be “a non-rectifiable government of Malta event or default.”
Government insiders baulked at the agreement, claiming the loan facility and Mizzi’s commitment to Steward was unknown to Cabinet colleagues.
And that’s because the 2019 agreement’s wording means the government has no wriggle room should Steward be found in breach of the concession by any tribunal: the decision will instantly trigger an obligation on government to pay out €100 million in cold cash, and take on any lenders’ debt, such as these BOV loans.
The American healthcare company was on the verge of being given wider berth on its concession back in November 2019, before former prime minister Joseph Muscat lost control of power in the wake of his chief of staff’s resignation in connection with the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation.
Already the concession obliges the Maltese taxpayer to pay hefty penalties should the government default on the concession: €100 million in cash and any lenders’ debt incurred by Steward.
But should Steward default on the contract and not fulfill its obligations on the St Luke’s, Karin Grech, and Gozo hospitals, it would ‘only’ lose its equity – the investment it carried out during the PPP – although government would still have to pay the debt they incurred.
Together with Muscat, in November 2019 Steward was close to extending the grounds on which a ‘force majeure’ or national emergency default might incur, that is, situations where civil strife or war would make the operation unworkable. In such case, government would be obliged to pay Steward 50% of its equity, but also cover any debt the company incurred.
But Steward to add a host of other such ‘force majeure’ conditions, such as accidental loss or damage, strikes and work-to-rule situations, and even changes in laws such as those affected by EU regulations all situations that tend to affect the ordinary running of any business.
Vitals debts
Vitals Global Healthcare was a financial mess in 2017.
The mysterious group of investors had clinched a 30-year concession to run three Maltese state hospitals in a bogus ‘request for proposals’ tender run by Project Malta, the privatisation arm under former minister Konrad Mizzi’s purview.
By mid-2017, VGH was still without the necessary banking finance to take its project forward.
Despite the existence of multi-million debts, and now even the suspicion of inflated consultancy fees being charged to expenses, VGH’s two directors – the Canadian Ram Tumuluri and Briton Mark Pawley – were about to sign off on a very lucrative payday.
In June 2017, Tumuluri and Pawley signed on a back-dated contract for their remuneration to bind Vitals to pay them exorbitant directors’ fees despite no sign of clear progress on the hospitals concession project.
Tumuluri’s contract was that he be paid €600,000 annually, for the three years since the start of the concession – €1.8 million in total; as well as a €5 million bonus for the third year of the concession.
Even Mark Edward Pawley, whose Bluestone Investments in the British Virgin Islands was set up as the ultimate beneficial owner of the Vitals group, was ensured a higher-than-normal di-rectors’ fee: €400,000 annually. The two directors hastily drew up a contract that would pay both of them €1 million each year, on a project which was now destined to fail.
Vitals’ total liabilities exceeded assets by €27 million, with losses for that year alone amounting to €18 million. But Steward finally paid Pawley and Bluestone a €9 million settlement to take over the concession, which together with Tumuluri’s claim amount to just over €15 million paid to the former investors.
Fauci warns coronavirus could kill as many as 200,000 Americans
By Victoria Bekiempis in New York
Dr Anthony Fauci, the leading US government infectious disease expert, offered a grim prediction on Sunday: the coronavirus could kill as many as 200,000 Americans.
“I mean, looking at what we’re seeing now, I would say between 100,000 and 200,000 … deaths,” Fauci told CNN’s State of the Union, though he added: “I just don’t think that we really need to make a projection when it’s such a moving target that you can so easily be wrong and mislead people.”
According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, by Sunday morning the US had confirmed nearly 125,000 cases of Covid-19, a respiratory illness especially dangerous to older people and those with health problems, and 2,188 deaths. In New York, the state worst hit, Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday announced a death toll of 965, 237 up on the figure the day before.
The US has the most confirmed cases of any country. Nearly 700,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide and about 32,000 people have died.
CNN’s Jake Tapper asked Fauci about Trump’s suggestion on Saturday of quarantining New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, an idea ultimately abandoned in favor of a strong advisory urging residents not to engage in non-essential travel.
“We had very intensive discussions last night at the White House with the president,” Fauci said.
“As you know, the original proposal was to consider seriously an enforceable quarantine. After discussions with the president, we made it clear, and he agreed, that it would be much better to do what’s called a strong advisory.
“And the reason for that is that you don’t want to get to the point where you’re … enforcing things that would create a bigger difficulty, morale and otherwise, when you could probably accomplish the same goal.
“One of the issues is that the infection rate in New York City, in the New York City area, is about 56% of all of the new infections in the country are coming from that area. That’s terrible suffering for the people of New York, which I feel myself personally, as a New Yorker.
“So what was trying to be done is to get people, unless there’s necessary travel, so, all nonessential travel, to just hold off, because what you don’t want is people traveling from that area to other areas of the country, and inadvertently and innocently infecting other individuals.
“We felt the better part of – way to do this would be an advisory, as opposed to a very strict quarantine. And the president agreed. And that’s why he made that determination last night. And I believe he tweeted it out last night.”
Trump did so after New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, told CNN it would lead to “chaos and mayhem” and amount to a “federal declaration of war”.
Also on Sunday morning, Dr Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus taskforce coordinator, said on NBC’s Meet The Press that Covid-19 would affect the entire US.
“We’ve been raising the alert in all metro areas and in all states,” she said. “No state, no metro area will be spared.
“The sooner we react, and the sooner the states and the metro areas react and ensure that they put in full mitigation, at the same time understanding exactly what their hospitals need, then we’ll be able to move forward together and protect the most Americans.”
Fauci and Birx’s comments stood in contrast with Trump’s expressions of optimism.
The president’s statements suggesting that parts of the US could reopen by Easter were opposed by public health officials, as well as state and local authorities, who have repeatedly emphasized that things are poised to get far worse, not better, in the near future.
By Victoria Bekiempis in New York
Dr Anthony Fauci, the leading US government infectious disease expert, offered a grim prediction on Sunday: the coronavirus could kill as many as 200,000 Americans.
“I mean, looking at what we’re seeing now, I would say between 100,000 and 200,000 … deaths,” Fauci told CNN’s State of the Union, though he added: “I just don’t think that we really need to make a projection when it’s such a moving target that you can so easily be wrong and mislead people.”
According to researchers at Johns Hopkins University, by Sunday morning the US had confirmed nearly 125,000 cases of Covid-19, a respiratory illness especially dangerous to older people and those with health problems, and 2,188 deaths. In New York, the state worst hit, Governor Andrew Cuomo on Sunday announced a death toll of 965, 237 up on the figure the day before.
The US has the most confirmed cases of any country. Nearly 700,000 cases have been confirmed worldwide and about 32,000 people have died.
CNN’s Jake Tapper asked Fauci about Trump’s suggestion on Saturday of quarantining New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut, an idea ultimately abandoned in favor of a strong advisory urging residents not to engage in non-essential travel.
“We had very intensive discussions last night at the White House with the president,” Fauci said.
“As you know, the original proposal was to consider seriously an enforceable quarantine. After discussions with the president, we made it clear, and he agreed, that it would be much better to do what’s called a strong advisory.
“And the reason for that is that you don’t want to get to the point where you’re … enforcing things that would create a bigger difficulty, morale and otherwise, when you could probably accomplish the same goal.
“One of the issues is that the infection rate in New York City, in the New York City area, is about 56% of all of the new infections in the country are coming from that area. That’s terrible suffering for the people of New York, which I feel myself personally, as a New Yorker.
“So what was trying to be done is to get people, unless there’s necessary travel, so, all nonessential travel, to just hold off, because what you don’t want is people traveling from that area to other areas of the country, and inadvertently and innocently infecting other individuals.
“We felt the better part of – way to do this would be an advisory, as opposed to a very strict quarantine. And the president agreed. And that’s why he made that determination last night. And I believe he tweeted it out last night.”
Trump did so after New York’s governor, Andrew Cuomo, told CNN it would lead to “chaos and mayhem” and amount to a “federal declaration of war”.
Also on Sunday morning, Dr Deborah Birx, the White House coronavirus taskforce coordinator, said on NBC’s Meet The Press that Covid-19 would affect the entire US.
“We’ve been raising the alert in all metro areas and in all states,” she said. “No state, no metro area will be spared.
“The sooner we react, and the sooner the states and the metro areas react and ensure that they put in full mitigation, at the same time understanding exactly what their hospitals need, then we’ll be able to move forward together and protect the most Americans.”
Fauci and Birx’s comments stood in contrast with Trump’s expressions of optimism.
The president’s statements suggesting that parts of the US could reopen by Easter were opposed by public health officials, as well as state and local authorities, who have repeatedly emphasized that things are poised to get far worse, not better, in the near future.
Coronavirus: Gozo shadow minister calls for more restrictions on Gozo channel travel
Chris Said says that health authorities should impose restrictions on who can cross from Malta to Gozo and vice-versa during Covid-19 crisis
29 March 2020,
by David Hudson
Gozo Shadow Minister Chris Said
Gozo shadow minister Chris Said has called upon the government to introduce new restrictive measures on who can cross from Malta to Gozo and vice-versa during the Covid-19 crisis.
"In normal situations, we would welcome anyone who comes to Gozo. But these are not normal times and we have to take all the necessary steps to come out of this difficult situation in the shortest time possible and with the least amount of damage possible," Said wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Said remarked that a lot of people are seen ambulating through the roads and towns during particularly sunny days over the weekend.
"These restrictions should be imposed now that we're entering deeply into spring and the weather invites excursions," Said wrote.
He added that he had been approached by a number of concerned Gozitans who witnessed people out on the street when staying isolated at home was being advised by the health authorities and the government.
Bil Malti
Hafna kellmuni dwar ammont konsiderevoli ta' persuni li illum ghazlu li jaqsmu lejn Ghawdex biex jghaddu l-weekend jew il-gurnata tal-Hadd fil-gzira taghna.
Hafna minnhom gew innutati jimxu u jduru f' hafna postijiet f'Ghawdex anke ghaliex kellna gurnata sabiha wara jiem ta' ftit maltemp.
Fi zminijiet normali naghtuhom merhba mill-qalb u naghmlu minn kollox biex jgawdu bl-aqwa mod is-sbuhija ta' Ghawdex. PERO DAN LI GHADDEJJIN MINNU MHUX ZMIEN NORMALI u rridu naghmlu kull pass necessarju biex nohorgu minn dan iz-zmien difficli fl-iqsar perjodu possibbli u bl-inqas danni possibbli.
Ghalhekk nahseb li wasal il-mument li l-awtoritajiet tas-sahha u l-Ministeru ghal Ghawdex jikkunsidraw serjament li jaghmlu restrizzjonijiet fuq min jista' jaqsam minn Malta ghal Ghawdex u vice-versa.
Dawn ir-restrizzjonijiet hemm bzonnhom malajr issa li dehlin sew fir-rebbiegha meta t-temp jhajrek tohrog.
Hekk nkunu qed naghmlu pass iehor biex nohorgu minn dan il-perjodu fl-iqsar zmien possibbli u bl-inqas danni possibbli fuq is-sahha tal-poplu Malti u Ghawdxi.
Chris Said says that health authorities should impose restrictions on who can cross from Malta to Gozo and vice-versa during Covid-19 crisis
29 March 2020,
by David Hudson
Gozo Shadow Minister Chris Said
Gozo shadow minister Chris Said has called upon the government to introduce new restrictive measures on who can cross from Malta to Gozo and vice-versa during the Covid-19 crisis.
"In normal situations, we would welcome anyone who comes to Gozo. But these are not normal times and we have to take all the necessary steps to come out of this difficult situation in the shortest time possible and with the least amount of damage possible," Said wrote in a Facebook post on Sunday.
Said remarked that a lot of people are seen ambulating through the roads and towns during particularly sunny days over the weekend.
"These restrictions should be imposed now that we're entering deeply into spring and the weather invites excursions," Said wrote.
He added that he had been approached by a number of concerned Gozitans who witnessed people out on the street when staying isolated at home was being advised by the health authorities and the government.
Bil Malti
Hafna kellmuni dwar ammont konsiderevoli ta' persuni li illum ghazlu li jaqsmu lejn Ghawdex biex jghaddu l-weekend jew il-gurnata tal-Hadd fil-gzira taghna.
Hafna minnhom gew innutati jimxu u jduru f' hafna postijiet f'Ghawdex anke ghaliex kellna gurnata sabiha wara jiem ta' ftit maltemp.
Fi zminijiet normali naghtuhom merhba mill-qalb u naghmlu minn kollox biex jgawdu bl-aqwa mod is-sbuhija ta' Ghawdex. PERO DAN LI GHADDEJJIN MINNU MHUX ZMIEN NORMALI u rridu naghmlu kull pass necessarju biex nohorgu minn dan iz-zmien difficli fl-iqsar perjodu possibbli u bl-inqas danni possibbli.
Ghalhekk nahseb li wasal il-mument li l-awtoritajiet tas-sahha u l-Ministeru ghal Ghawdex jikkunsidraw serjament li jaghmlu restrizzjonijiet fuq min jista' jaqsam minn Malta ghal Ghawdex u vice-versa.
Dawn ir-restrizzjonijiet hemm bzonnhom malajr issa li dehlin sew fir-rebbiegha meta t-temp jhajrek tohrog.
Hekk nkunu qed naghmlu pass iehor biex nohorgu minn dan il-perjodu fl-iqsar zmien possibbli u bl-inqas danni possibbli fuq is-sahha tal-poplu Malti u Ghawdxi.
Woman claiming she was going to COVID-19 testing allegedly spat at police after car chase
Sydney, Australia.
See video here: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/woman-going-to-covid-19-test-allegedly-spat-at-police-after-car-chase-20200328-p54eu0.html
A 25-year-old woman claiming to be on her way to get tested for COVID-19 allegedly spat at police while resisting arrest after a car chase through south-west Sydney last night.
Police in Greenacre attempted to stop an Audi on Greenacre Rd just after 5pm on Friday. As police did a U-turn, the Audi allegedly accelerated away, travelling at no less than 120km/h in a 50km/h zone.
She was physically removed and handcuffed, claiming she was on her way to be tested for COVID-19 before resisting and repeatedly coughing in the officer’s face.
The woman was escorted to the police vehicle, and as the officer reached inside, she struck her head against the vehicle window and spat at the officer.
She continued to resist despite a warning from police and was physically restrained on the ground after again spitting in the officer’s face.
More police attended the scene, and the woman was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with dangerous driving, speeding, driving while disqualified, and assault.
The woman was granted bail after appearing at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.
While the woman was not displaying any symptoms of coronavirus, the officer has undergone COVID-19 testing as a precaution.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said this kind of behaviour towards police was not acceptable.
“Police will not tolerate being spat at in any climate, let alone the one we’re facing right now. It’s as simple as that,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
Sydney, Australia.
See video here: https://www.smh.com.au/national/nsw/woman-going-to-covid-19-test-allegedly-spat-at-police-after-car-chase-20200328-p54eu0.html
A 25-year-old woman claiming to be on her way to get tested for COVID-19 allegedly spat at police while resisting arrest after a car chase through south-west Sydney last night.
Police in Greenacre attempted to stop an Audi on Greenacre Rd just after 5pm on Friday. As police did a U-turn, the Audi allegedly accelerated away, travelling at no less than 120km/h in a 50km/h zone.
She was physically removed and handcuffed, claiming she was on her way to be tested for COVID-19 before resisting and repeatedly coughing in the officer’s face.
The woman was escorted to the police vehicle, and as the officer reached inside, she struck her head against the vehicle window and spat at the officer.
She continued to resist despite a warning from police and was physically restrained on the ground after again spitting in the officer’s face.
More police attended the scene, and the woman was taken to Bankstown Police Station and charged with dangerous driving, speeding, driving while disqualified, and assault.
The woman was granted bail after appearing at Parramatta Local Court on Saturday.
While the woman was not displaying any symptoms of coronavirus, the officer has undergone COVID-19 testing as a precaution.
Traffic and Highway Patrol Commander, Assistant Commissioner Michael Corboy, said this kind of behaviour towards police was not acceptable.
“Police will not tolerate being spat at in any climate, let alone the one we’re facing right now. It’s as simple as that,” Assistant Commissioner Corboy said.
BANK TA' BLA- RISPETT
Poezija ta' Ninu Attard Il-Bukkacc
1
QATT MA KTIBT FUQ LI SA NIKTEB
U LI SA NGHID KOLLOX GHAD DRETT
GHAL KEMM MINNU QATT MADDEJT
GHAX SIRT NAF IL BANK BLA RISPETT
2
BLI-RAJT-U -SMAJT BQAJT IMBELLAH
GHAL BEKK TIEGHU HADD INTERESS
JIEN LILKHOM BIEH SA NURI
W’GHAL DAN MANDIX BZONN PERMESS
3
RAJT KOPPJA B’TIFEL WIEHED
HUWA XTARA D’AR TAL HOLMA
DAN MIL BANK IL FLUS ISSELEF
U KBIRA KIENET IS SOMMA
4
IT TIFEL XHUR KIEN GHAD KELLU
KIEN GHODU TA FUQ LIDEJN
AVOLJA L’MISSIER BISS KIEN JAHDEM
U QALBU MA QATAX MID DEJN
5
HUWA KIEN MIZMUM B’RAGEL
MINN HAFNA NIES GIE MAHBUB
DAN MIX XOGHOL MA KIENX JFALLI
GHAX GHALIEH KIEN MIKLUB
6
WARA SENA GIE HUH B’MARTU
GHAX FEJN JOGHQODU MA KELLOMX
SENTEJN SHAH ZAMMOM MIEGHU
MINAJR IKEL U XORB MAHALLIJHOMX
7
MID DAR TELQU GHAX XTRAW DAROM
HU HA PJACIR GHAX HASSU L’PIZ
GHAL KEMM IX XOGHOL BEDA JONQOS
K’JIPQAX JAHDEM MA KIENX DECIZ
8
IT TIFEL KURAGG AKTAR GHAMILLU
W’IL MARA GHAMLITLU W’UKOLL
WARA X’ERGHBA SNIN DAM IHALLAS
MISKIN SAFA MINN GHAJR XOGHOL
9
FUQ HEKK QABDU FERH TA GENN
GHALIEX XOGHOL MA SETAX ISIB
KIEN FALLA X’ERGHBA PAGAMENTI
WÍD- DINJA FIT TARF BEDA JGIB
10
MIL LIRQAD WISQ KIEN NAQQAS
META WARA L’BIEB HABTULU
FETAH U RA LIL TAL BANK
QALU LID-DAR SA JOHDULU
11
XJIBQA FIK META WARA EGHRBA SNIN
IT THALLAS IL PAGAMENTI
KTISFA BLA XOGHOL JOHDUWIELEK
MA KIENX JAF BIR REGOLAMENTI
12
META QRAWHOMMLU MA TAX KAS
IMBASTA F’FIRMA BL’ADDOCC
MID DAR KECCEW ÍL FAMILJA
W’IT -TLIETA HARGU BIL KAPOCC
13
IL MARA QALTLU XAGHMILT BIJDEK
INT LILI MAKKOLKOLAJTNIX
ID DAR QBAD U XTRAJTA WAHDEK
SA NIEHU T’TIFEL U MA TARANIX
14
BDAL KLIEM NIVDITTLU QALBU
W’IT TIFEL BIKKIELU GHAJNEJH
MISKIN BDAK LI KIEN SEMA
KIEN SAJ NEHHI RUHU BIDEJH
15
ISSA MA KELLUX FEJN JOQGHOD
ZDIEDET L’GHEJJA W’ANKE L’GUH
MAR IL PUB W’OPFFREWLU X’X-XORB
QALU DAN KIF MA MARX GHANT HUH
16
SEMAHHOM JGHIDU W’HEKK GHAMEL
HUH QALLU JIDHOL W’ORQOD FUQ IS SUFAN
MARTU MA HADITX PJACIR BIEH
QALTLU X’GIE JAGHMEL DAX XITAN
17
LGHADA QALLU XQATLU MARTU
DAR-RISPETT MUHX BHAL MA GIBTLEK JIEN
SENTEJN SHAH TRIEKLU TIXORBU W’TORQDU
W’GHALIKHOM HDIMT F’DAK IZZMIEN
18
BDAN TRID THALLASNI LURA
LI MA KONTX VERU GRUDIL
JISTHOQQLI LI TAGHMLULI HEKK
LINQAS L KELLI DEMMI QALIL
19
MNN HEMM MAR FID DAR LANZJNI
SABIEX LIL LOMMU JITTALLAB
RATU W’QALTLU KWIET HALLINI
QALLA MA’ NINSTAB IMSALLAB
20
MA S’SMA W’GHINI GHAX FIL BZONN
QALTLU NSEJT KEMM HADD HSIEBEK
KEMM HALLASTLEK LHEMM U L’HAWN
U QATT MA HADTNI WARA BIEBEK
21
IL VERU GHANDEK WICC TOST
WARA DAZ ZMIEN GEJT TITLOBNI
INTI KIF TWIELID SALLUM GHADEK
LA QATT GEJT TARANI WINQAS THOBNI
22
GHOXRIN SENA F’DAL POST ILNI
JIEN LIL WICCEK DARBTEJN RAJTU
ILLUM U META KONT GIBTNI
TUL-DAS -SNIN LEHNEK QATT MA SMAJTU
23
BLA DOLAR GIE W’HEKK LURA MAR
GHAX OMMU LILU MA QDIETUX
REGA MAR IL PUB FEJN HSABU
ID DWEJJAQ ZDIEDU MANAQQSUX
24
PERO DAN QABEL MA WASAL
KIEN MIEXI W’RAGEL TAJRU
REFAW ML LART SKUZA RUHU
MINN KOLLOX OFFRIELU XEJN MA HAJRU
25
ANKE KIRIDX JWASSLU XIMKIEN
B’LE BIDA W‘BLE SPICCA
QALLU MA JIMPORTAX HA NIBQA SEJJER
L ZAMM LOFFERTI KIEN JIKKAPR ICCA
26
DAWN IPPROVAW JIKKONSULAWH
IMMA HU BISS KEN JAF XI HOSS
GHAX GIE FDIN LISTREMITA
W’’IL HADD MIEGHU MAGHNDU XI ROSS
27
FLAHHAR SHABU KKONFINCUH
SABIEX JIBDA JISRAQ MAHHOM
ACCETTA FORSI X’KIEN BISSAKKRA
IL BQIJA MA KIENX KLASSI TAHHOM
28
BDEW JIFTEMU LIL MINN JISIRQU
FUQ DAN SERQ LILI STAQQSUNI
TIBZAW XEJN GHAX MUHX IL BOGHOD
NISIRQU DAWK LI SERQUNI
29
QALLULU PROSET KEMM INT GHAREF
QAL-LEJLA NIEKLU W’NIXORBU FRANK
GHAX KIF JAGHMLULEK TRID TAGHMLILHM
LIL DAWK IL LHUD L’GHANDHOM IL BANK
30
LOHRAJN HARGU ROVERVERS
QALLHOM AHNA GHAS SERQ SEJRIN
MINAJR MANWEGGAW LIL HADD
ACCETTAW U TELQU FIL HIN
31
SIEGHA WARA LI BANK FETAH
KIEN HEMM HAFNA PARRUCCANI
SAKKRU L’BIEB IFFIRMAW KULLHADD
BLGHAJJAT KOLLHA SFAW BEZANI
32
IN-NIES KIENU KOLLHA LHUD
RAGEL MAKIENX U JOQGHOD MA HALLIEHX
DAN KIEN IR RAGEL LI TAJRU
ARFU GHAX LIL WICCU MA NISIEHX
33
QALLU INT MANDEKX STAQSAM MAL LHUD
ITLAQ GHAX TIEGHEK MHUX POSTOK
PRONT SHIEHBU SPARA GHAR-RAGEL
FIRIEH U QAL NAF LI MHUX GOSTOK
34
HU BEDA JGHAJJAT MA MINN SPARA
MA FTEMNIEX LI MANWEGGAW LIL HADD
QALLHOM JIEN MARRIDX INKOMPLI
MINN DIS SERQA LILI N’NIFSI CHADD
34
F’DAQQA WAHDA DAHLU L’PULIZIJA
W’IT-TNEJN MINNHOM ARRESTAW
IS SINJUR QALLHOM DAT TNEJN HUDHOM
W’IL- DAK LIEHOR HALLUH HAW
35
PULIZIJA JAFU MINNTHOM LORDNI
BEKK MINN INT MA STAQQSUHX
GHAX KIEN BICCA WAHDA MAD D.A.
BEKK HALLUH HEMM U MA HADUHX
36
LIL MANIGER TAL BANK SEJJAH
BIEX LILU JATIEH LI HADULU
MAHHA $100.000 DOLLAR FIL BUT
BIEX IPATTI GHAL LI GHAMLULU
37
QABEL MA MAR LISPTAR HADLU F’IDU
MIEGHEK UREJT LATTITUDNI TIEGHI
GHAX META WAQAJT INT UREJT TIEGHEK
MIL LISPTAR INQABDEK TAHDEM MIEGHI
38
MEBIDIEX JEMMEN X’QED JISEMA’
JINTQAL MINN GHANT IS SINJUR
IL MANIGER QALLU LI QALLEK
KOLLU MINNU D’DAR TISTA TMUR
39
GHAL KUPTEJH NIZEL W’ IRRINGRAZZJAH
QALLU F’ALLA NEMMEN JIENA
W’ISSA FIK QIEGHED NEMMEN
X‘IL KARITA TIEGHEK WISQ TA HNIENA
NINU ATTARD 15/01/19
Poezija ta' Ninu Attard Il-Bukkacc
1
QATT MA KTIBT FUQ LI SA NIKTEB
U LI SA NGHID KOLLOX GHAD DRETT
GHAL KEMM MINNU QATT MADDEJT
GHAX SIRT NAF IL BANK BLA RISPETT
2
BLI-RAJT-U -SMAJT BQAJT IMBELLAH
GHAL BEKK TIEGHU HADD INTERESS
JIEN LILKHOM BIEH SA NURI
W’GHAL DAN MANDIX BZONN PERMESS
3
RAJT KOPPJA B’TIFEL WIEHED
HUWA XTARA D’AR TAL HOLMA
DAN MIL BANK IL FLUS ISSELEF
U KBIRA KIENET IS SOMMA
4
IT TIFEL XHUR KIEN GHAD KELLU
KIEN GHODU TA FUQ LIDEJN
AVOLJA L’MISSIER BISS KIEN JAHDEM
U QALBU MA QATAX MID DEJN
5
HUWA KIEN MIZMUM B’RAGEL
MINN HAFNA NIES GIE MAHBUB
DAN MIX XOGHOL MA KIENX JFALLI
GHAX GHALIEH KIEN MIKLUB
6
WARA SENA GIE HUH B’MARTU
GHAX FEJN JOGHQODU MA KELLOMX
SENTEJN SHAH ZAMMOM MIEGHU
MINAJR IKEL U XORB MAHALLIJHOMX
7
MID DAR TELQU GHAX XTRAW DAROM
HU HA PJACIR GHAX HASSU L’PIZ
GHAL KEMM IX XOGHOL BEDA JONQOS
K’JIPQAX JAHDEM MA KIENX DECIZ
8
IT TIFEL KURAGG AKTAR GHAMILLU
W’IL MARA GHAMLITLU W’UKOLL
WARA X’ERGHBA SNIN DAM IHALLAS
MISKIN SAFA MINN GHAJR XOGHOL
9
FUQ HEKK QABDU FERH TA GENN
GHALIEX XOGHOL MA SETAX ISIB
KIEN FALLA X’ERGHBA PAGAMENTI
WÍD- DINJA FIT TARF BEDA JGIB
10
MIL LIRQAD WISQ KIEN NAQQAS
META WARA L’BIEB HABTULU
FETAH U RA LIL TAL BANK
QALU LID-DAR SA JOHDULU
11
XJIBQA FIK META WARA EGHRBA SNIN
IT THALLAS IL PAGAMENTI
KTISFA BLA XOGHOL JOHDUWIELEK
MA KIENX JAF BIR REGOLAMENTI
12
META QRAWHOMMLU MA TAX KAS
IMBASTA F’FIRMA BL’ADDOCC
MID DAR KECCEW ÍL FAMILJA
W’IT -TLIETA HARGU BIL KAPOCC
13
IL MARA QALTLU XAGHMILT BIJDEK
INT LILI MAKKOLKOLAJTNIX
ID DAR QBAD U XTRAJTA WAHDEK
SA NIEHU T’TIFEL U MA TARANIX
14
BDAL KLIEM NIVDITTLU QALBU
W’IT TIFEL BIKKIELU GHAJNEJH
MISKIN BDAK LI KIEN SEMA
KIEN SAJ NEHHI RUHU BIDEJH
15
ISSA MA KELLUX FEJN JOQGHOD
ZDIEDET L’GHEJJA W’ANKE L’GUH
MAR IL PUB W’OPFFREWLU X’X-XORB
QALU DAN KIF MA MARX GHANT HUH
16
SEMAHHOM JGHIDU W’HEKK GHAMEL
HUH QALLU JIDHOL W’ORQOD FUQ IS SUFAN
MARTU MA HADITX PJACIR BIEH
QALTLU X’GIE JAGHMEL DAX XITAN
17
LGHADA QALLU XQATLU MARTU
DAR-RISPETT MUHX BHAL MA GIBTLEK JIEN
SENTEJN SHAH TRIEKLU TIXORBU W’TORQDU
W’GHALIKHOM HDIMT F’DAK IZZMIEN
18
BDAN TRID THALLASNI LURA
LI MA KONTX VERU GRUDIL
JISTHOQQLI LI TAGHMLULI HEKK
LINQAS L KELLI DEMMI QALIL
19
MNN HEMM MAR FID DAR LANZJNI
SABIEX LIL LOMMU JITTALLAB
RATU W’QALTLU KWIET HALLINI
QALLA MA’ NINSTAB IMSALLAB
20
MA S’SMA W’GHINI GHAX FIL BZONN
QALTLU NSEJT KEMM HADD HSIEBEK
KEMM HALLASTLEK LHEMM U L’HAWN
U QATT MA HADTNI WARA BIEBEK
21
IL VERU GHANDEK WICC TOST
WARA DAZ ZMIEN GEJT TITLOBNI
INTI KIF TWIELID SALLUM GHADEK
LA QATT GEJT TARANI WINQAS THOBNI
22
GHOXRIN SENA F’DAL POST ILNI
JIEN LIL WICCEK DARBTEJN RAJTU
ILLUM U META KONT GIBTNI
TUL-DAS -SNIN LEHNEK QATT MA SMAJTU
23
BLA DOLAR GIE W’HEKK LURA MAR
GHAX OMMU LILU MA QDIETUX
REGA MAR IL PUB FEJN HSABU
ID DWEJJAQ ZDIEDU MANAQQSUX
24
PERO DAN QABEL MA WASAL
KIEN MIEXI W’RAGEL TAJRU
REFAW ML LART SKUZA RUHU
MINN KOLLOX OFFRIELU XEJN MA HAJRU
25
ANKE KIRIDX JWASSLU XIMKIEN
B’LE BIDA W‘BLE SPICCA
QALLU MA JIMPORTAX HA NIBQA SEJJER
L ZAMM LOFFERTI KIEN JIKKAPR ICCA
26
DAWN IPPROVAW JIKKONSULAWH
IMMA HU BISS KEN JAF XI HOSS
GHAX GIE FDIN LISTREMITA
W’’IL HADD MIEGHU MAGHNDU XI ROSS
27
FLAHHAR SHABU KKONFINCUH
SABIEX JIBDA JISRAQ MAHHOM
ACCETTA FORSI X’KIEN BISSAKKRA
IL BQIJA MA KIENX KLASSI TAHHOM
28
BDEW JIFTEMU LIL MINN JISIRQU
FUQ DAN SERQ LILI STAQQSUNI
TIBZAW XEJN GHAX MUHX IL BOGHOD
NISIRQU DAWK LI SERQUNI
29
QALLULU PROSET KEMM INT GHAREF
QAL-LEJLA NIEKLU W’NIXORBU FRANK
GHAX KIF JAGHMLULEK TRID TAGHMLILHM
LIL DAWK IL LHUD L’GHANDHOM IL BANK
30
LOHRAJN HARGU ROVERVERS
QALLHOM AHNA GHAS SERQ SEJRIN
MINAJR MANWEGGAW LIL HADD
ACCETTAW U TELQU FIL HIN
31
SIEGHA WARA LI BANK FETAH
KIEN HEMM HAFNA PARRUCCANI
SAKKRU L’BIEB IFFIRMAW KULLHADD
BLGHAJJAT KOLLHA SFAW BEZANI
32
IN-NIES KIENU KOLLHA LHUD
RAGEL MAKIENX U JOQGHOD MA HALLIEHX
DAN KIEN IR RAGEL LI TAJRU
ARFU GHAX LIL WICCU MA NISIEHX
33
QALLU INT MANDEKX STAQSAM MAL LHUD
ITLAQ GHAX TIEGHEK MHUX POSTOK
PRONT SHIEHBU SPARA GHAR-RAGEL
FIRIEH U QAL NAF LI MHUX GOSTOK
34
HU BEDA JGHAJJAT MA MINN SPARA
MA FTEMNIEX LI MANWEGGAW LIL HADD
QALLHOM JIEN MARRIDX INKOMPLI
MINN DIS SERQA LILI N’NIFSI CHADD
34
F’DAQQA WAHDA DAHLU L’PULIZIJA
W’IT-TNEJN MINNHOM ARRESTAW
IS SINJUR QALLHOM DAT TNEJN HUDHOM
W’IL- DAK LIEHOR HALLUH HAW
35
PULIZIJA JAFU MINNTHOM LORDNI
BEKK MINN INT MA STAQQSUHX
GHAX KIEN BICCA WAHDA MAD D.A.
BEKK HALLUH HEMM U MA HADUHX
36
LIL MANIGER TAL BANK SEJJAH
BIEX LILU JATIEH LI HADULU
MAHHA $100.000 DOLLAR FIL BUT
BIEX IPATTI GHAL LI GHAMLULU
37
QABEL MA MAR LISPTAR HADLU F’IDU
MIEGHEK UREJT LATTITUDNI TIEGHI
GHAX META WAQAJT INT UREJT TIEGHEK
MIL LISPTAR INQABDEK TAHDEM MIEGHI
38
MEBIDIEX JEMMEN X’QED JISEMA’
JINTQAL MINN GHANT IS SINJUR
IL MANIGER QALLU LI QALLEK
KOLLU MINNU D’DAR TISTA TMUR
39
GHAL KUPTEJH NIZEL W’ IRRINGRAZZJAH
QALLU F’ALLA NEMMEN JIENA
W’ISSA FIK QIEGHED NEMMEN
X‘IL KARITA TIEGHEK WISQ TA HNIENA
NINU ATTARD 15/01/19
Watch: It is not about face masks or gloves, but keeping your hands clean - Prof Michael BorgGiulia Magri
Friday, 27 March 2020,
Watch film here: https://www.facebook.com/materdeihospital/videos/823578044814766/
Keep an alcohol hand sanitizer and wash your hands clean frequently; it is not about face masks or gloves, but keeping your hands clean, Prof Michael Borg said today.
“We have received many questions regarding people who go out in public wearing masks and gloves, and unfortunately some people follow the wrong information,” Borg said.
Prof Borg, head of the Infection Control at Mater Dei Hospital, was speaking during a Facebook live video transmission from Mater Dei, speaking about COVID-19 and answers any queries the public had.
“The masks are used inside hospital, for medical professionals who are in close contact with patients. If the patient is to cough, that nurse or doctor is at risk of getting the virus. Outside the hospital, there is less likely a chance that you would be so close to those people.”
He explained that with gravity, the virus would fall to the ground and in cases where the area is very large, the microbes break down. He also said that whilst wearing a mask, there is more chance of touching your face to arrange the mask if it moves out of place and this brings a higher risk of catching the virus.
“The solution? Wash your hands. Keep an alcohol rub with you and that way you constantly have a way to keep your hands clean. No alcohol rub? Wash your hands constantly; the focus is not about face masks or gloves, but keeping our hands clean.”
He said that when washing your hands, it is very important to wash every part of the hand, especially between the fingers. He also demonstrated how to wash your hands properly and to ensure to cover the whole hand.
“It is a difficult period, and we are calling for everyone to stay at home, especially the more vulnerable individuals, such as those individuals over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic disease, but please it is important to do exercise. You need to stay active and healthy. If you have a treadmill, use it and if not just walk around the house or do basic exercise. It is very important we do this and we keep a healthy diet which will help our immune system.”
How should I keep healthy- it is very difficult right now, we are calling all these people to not go outside, especially those 65 plus, chronic disease- it is still important to do exercise. If you have a treadmill, and if not just walk around the flat, house- we eat well. Very important that we eat a healthy diet, this will help our immune system.”
Friday, 27 March 2020,
Watch film here: https://www.facebook.com/materdeihospital/videos/823578044814766/
Keep an alcohol hand sanitizer and wash your hands clean frequently; it is not about face masks or gloves, but keeping your hands clean, Prof Michael Borg said today.
“We have received many questions regarding people who go out in public wearing masks and gloves, and unfortunately some people follow the wrong information,” Borg said.
Prof Borg, head of the Infection Control at Mater Dei Hospital, was speaking during a Facebook live video transmission from Mater Dei, speaking about COVID-19 and answers any queries the public had.
“The masks are used inside hospital, for medical professionals who are in close contact with patients. If the patient is to cough, that nurse or doctor is at risk of getting the virus. Outside the hospital, there is less likely a chance that you would be so close to those people.”
He explained that with gravity, the virus would fall to the ground and in cases where the area is very large, the microbes break down. He also said that whilst wearing a mask, there is more chance of touching your face to arrange the mask if it moves out of place and this brings a higher risk of catching the virus.
“The solution? Wash your hands. Keep an alcohol rub with you and that way you constantly have a way to keep your hands clean. No alcohol rub? Wash your hands constantly; the focus is not about face masks or gloves, but keeping our hands clean.”
He said that when washing your hands, it is very important to wash every part of the hand, especially between the fingers. He also demonstrated how to wash your hands properly and to ensure to cover the whole hand.
“It is a difficult period, and we are calling for everyone to stay at home, especially the more vulnerable individuals, such as those individuals over the age of 65 and those suffering from chronic disease, but please it is important to do exercise. You need to stay active and healthy. If you have a treadmill, use it and if not just walk around the house or do basic exercise. It is very important we do this and we keep a healthy diet which will help our immune system.”
How should I keep healthy- it is very difficult right now, we are calling all these people to not go outside, especially those 65 plus, chronic disease- it is still important to do exercise. If you have a treadmill, and if not just walk around the flat, house- we eat well. Very important that we eat a healthy diet, this will help our immune system.”
Dozens of St Kilda beachgoers spotted flouting stern warnings to 'stay home'
Courtesy of Nine News Melbourne
"No one should be going to the beach - if I have to take preventative action to stop people from going to the beach then I will," he said.
"I really hope we don't see again the sorts of scenes we saw in Bondi last weekend.
"This is putting lives at risk for people will die if Victorians act in this way."
The state has 54 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the state's total to 574.
Premier Andrews said Victorians "must stay home" unless it is essential they leave the house.
All international arrivals to quarantine in hotels
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced 5000 hotel rooms will be used to house overseas travellers returning to Melbourne who are forced to go into mandatory quarantine.
Premier Andrews said there was between 1300 and 2000 people arriving in Melbourne each day, with the state obtaining "sufficient capacity" to house the international arrivals.
It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared all overseas travellers must self-isolate inside hotels for 14-days upon their return to Australia.
"We have 5000 rooms on standby," he said.
"We will do the work to flex up, to step up to that challenge.
"We have sufficient capacity and have done the work early to be able to accommodate those people."
The international arrivals will be housed in quarantine at no cost, with meals and transport costs also footed by the government. The exact hotels to be used for quarantine purposes have not yet been revealed.
"They will be fed and taken care of at no cost to them," Premier Andrews said.
"This is the best way to ensure absolute compliance."
Courtesy of Nine News Melbourne
"No one should be going to the beach - if I have to take preventative action to stop people from going to the beach then I will," he said.
"I really hope we don't see again the sorts of scenes we saw in Bondi last weekend.
"This is putting lives at risk for people will die if Victorians act in this way."
The state has 54 new cases of coronavirus, bringing the state's total to 574.
Premier Andrews said Victorians "must stay home" unless it is essential they leave the house.
All international arrivals to quarantine in hotels
Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews has announced 5000 hotel rooms will be used to house overseas travellers returning to Melbourne who are forced to go into mandatory quarantine.
Premier Andrews said there was between 1300 and 2000 people arriving in Melbourne each day, with the state obtaining "sufficient capacity" to house the international arrivals.
It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison declared all overseas travellers must self-isolate inside hotels for 14-days upon their return to Australia.
"We have 5000 rooms on standby," he said.
"We will do the work to flex up, to step up to that challenge.
"We have sufficient capacity and have done the work early to be able to accommodate those people."
The international arrivals will be housed in quarantine at no cost, with meals and transport costs also footed by the government. The exact hotels to be used for quarantine purposes have not yet been revealed.
"They will be fed and taken care of at no cost to them," Premier Andrews said.
"This is the best way to ensure absolute compliance."
[WATCH] Coronavirus: Fearne announces lockdown for over-65s and vulnerable groups, including pregnant women
New restrictive measures | Lockdown on all elderly over 65 and people who fall in health-related vulnerable groups • Public gatherings of more than five people will be dispersed by police
26 March 2020, 4:49pm
by Karl Azzopardi
Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne
Watch video here: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne addresses a press conference
MaltaGov was Live
All elderly people over 65 and people below that age who fall in health-related vulnerable groups will be forced to stay at home as part of a partial lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The measure was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne on Thursday and will impact 118,000 people. The lockdown will be enforced at law and come into effect on Saturday.
The vulnerable groups irrespective of age are: insulin-dependent diabetics, patients on biologicals, patients on chemotherapy or who underwent such treatment in the past six months, patients who are immuno-suppressed such as those with transplants and HIV, people who undergo renal dialysis, pregnant women, patients who were admitted to hospital for some respiratory disease over the past year, anybody who had a heart condition in the past six months, all those who attend the heart failure clinic and people on oral steroids.
People in these categories and who work, are being asked to either work from home or benefit from special quarantine leave.
The lockdown also applies to people who live with these vulnerable individuals.
All people who fall within the vulnerable categories will be receiving a letter at home informing them of their status.
People under lockdown will be able to go out for medical appointments or be allowed to circulate if they have a special dispensation from the government health officer, which could include doctors over-65.
Fearne said no fines will be introduced at this stage and government was asking for cooperation because it was for the benefit of the individuals involved. He said the measure was intended to avoid a situation as happened in major cities abroad like Milan, Madrid and New York where deaths and critical patients were primarily among vulnerable people.
Play VideoThe police will also be empowered with immediate effect to disperse groups of more than five people gathered in public places and ensure that they respect a minimum two-metre distance between each other.
Fearne said the measures were part of an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus at a juncture when Malta expected community spread to start picking up.
This follows a government announcement earlier that from Monday it will be closing all its social security district offices and customer care centres across Malta and Gozo.
Malta has, so far, registered a total of 134 coronavirus cases. Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci today announced five new cases overnight.
Two people have healed completely and the rest are doing well. A man who is recovering at Mater Dei Hospital's Intensive Therapy Unit has improved.
New restrictive measures | Lockdown on all elderly over 65 and people who fall in health-related vulnerable groups • Public gatherings of more than five people will be dispersed by police
26 March 2020, 4:49pm
by Karl Azzopardi
Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne
Watch video here: Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne addresses a press conference
MaltaGov was Live
All elderly people over 65 and people below that age who fall in health-related vulnerable groups will be forced to stay at home as part of a partial lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The measure was announced by Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne on Thursday and will impact 118,000 people. The lockdown will be enforced at law and come into effect on Saturday.
The vulnerable groups irrespective of age are: insulin-dependent diabetics, patients on biologicals, patients on chemotherapy or who underwent such treatment in the past six months, patients who are immuno-suppressed such as those with transplants and HIV, people who undergo renal dialysis, pregnant women, patients who were admitted to hospital for some respiratory disease over the past year, anybody who had a heart condition in the past six months, all those who attend the heart failure clinic and people on oral steroids.
People in these categories and who work, are being asked to either work from home or benefit from special quarantine leave.
The lockdown also applies to people who live with these vulnerable individuals.
All people who fall within the vulnerable categories will be receiving a letter at home informing them of their status.
People under lockdown will be able to go out for medical appointments or be allowed to circulate if they have a special dispensation from the government health officer, which could include doctors over-65.
Fearne said no fines will be introduced at this stage and government was asking for cooperation because it was for the benefit of the individuals involved. He said the measure was intended to avoid a situation as happened in major cities abroad like Milan, Madrid and New York where deaths and critical patients were primarily among vulnerable people.
Play VideoThe police will also be empowered with immediate effect to disperse groups of more than five people gathered in public places and ensure that they respect a minimum two-metre distance between each other.
Fearne said the measures were part of an effort to curb the spread of the coronavirus at a juncture when Malta expected community spread to start picking up.
This follows a government announcement earlier that from Monday it will be closing all its social security district offices and customer care centres across Malta and Gozo.
Malta has, so far, registered a total of 134 coronavirus cases. Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci today announced five new cases overnight.
Two people have healed completely and the rest are doing well. A man who is recovering at Mater Dei Hospital's Intensive Therapy Unit has improved.
Muscat u Mizzi qed iwaħħlu f’xulxin – Repubblika
Minn Christoph Schwaiger
26 ta' Marzu 2020
Joseph Muscat u Konrad Mizzi qed iwaħħlu f’xulxin minħabba t-trasferiment tal-art tal-ITS lid-DB Group, skont l-għaqda Repubblika.
Fi stqarrija, l-għaqda Repubblika qalet li għandha ssir inkjesta pubblika li tiddetermina min ħa d-deċiżjonijiet marbutin mal-għoti tas-sit fil-Bajja ta’ San Ġorġ u għalfejn.
Ilbieraħ l-Awditur Ġenerali esprima d-dubji tiegħu dwar ir-regolarità tat-tender maħruġ minn Projects Malta biex il-Gvern ibiegħ is-sit li qabel kien tal-ITS lill-grupp DB.
“Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela ma jistax jibqa’ ċass quddiem l-inkwiet serju li l-Awditur Ġenerali qajjem dwar it-trasferiment ta’ art pubblika ġewwa Pembroke lid-DB Group,” qalet Repubblika.
“Jeħtieġ li l-Pulizija tinvestiga s-suspetti ta’ korruzzjoni. U jeħtieġ li l-art tintradd lura lill-pubbliku Malti. Dan ir-rapport kixef manuvri skandalużi. Għalina huwa skandaluż li l-Uffiċċju tal-Prim Ministru u l-Ministeru tat-Turiżmu taw rendikonti li ma jaqblux lill-Awditur Ġenerali.”
L-attivisti qalu li huwa skandaluż kif l-Awditur Ġenerali ma rnexxilux jsib min ħa d-deċiżjoni politika dwar l-għoti tal-art.
“L-Awditur Ġenerali kellu jirraporta li ma ingħatax dokumenti dwar in-negozjati li għaddew,” qalet Repubblika.
Repubblika qalet li l-PM Robert Abela issa jew se jissieħeb fil-ħmieġ ta’ Joseph Muscat u Konrad Mizzi jew jagħmel dmiru.
“Robert Abela ma jistax jinqeda bil-COVID-19 biex jaħbi dan il-ħmieġ”, temmet tgħid Repubblika.
L-Awditur Ġenerali esprima d-dubji tiegħu dwar ir-regolarità tat-tender maħruġ minn Projects Malta biex il-Gvern ibiegħ is-sit li qabel kien tal-ITS lill-grupp DB.
L-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika ppubblika r-rapport li fih indika li Projects Malta naqset milli ġġib l-awtorizzazzjoni tad-Dipartiment tal-Kuntratti qabel ħarġet is-sejħa għall-proposti f’Novembru 2015 għad-disinn, il-bini u l-operat ta’ żvilupp turistiku fuq is-sit li kien okkupat mill-ITS.
Minn Christoph Schwaiger
26 ta' Marzu 2020
Joseph Muscat u Konrad Mizzi qed iwaħħlu f’xulxin minħabba t-trasferiment tal-art tal-ITS lid-DB Group, skont l-għaqda Repubblika.
Fi stqarrija, l-għaqda Repubblika qalet li għandha ssir inkjesta pubblika li tiddetermina min ħa d-deċiżjonijiet marbutin mal-għoti tas-sit fil-Bajja ta’ San Ġorġ u għalfejn.
Ilbieraħ l-Awditur Ġenerali esprima d-dubji tiegħu dwar ir-regolarità tat-tender maħruġ minn Projects Malta biex il-Gvern ibiegħ is-sit li qabel kien tal-ITS lill-grupp DB.
“Il-Prim Ministru Robert Abela ma jistax jibqa’ ċass quddiem l-inkwiet serju li l-Awditur Ġenerali qajjem dwar it-trasferiment ta’ art pubblika ġewwa Pembroke lid-DB Group,” qalet Repubblika.
“Jeħtieġ li l-Pulizija tinvestiga s-suspetti ta’ korruzzjoni. U jeħtieġ li l-art tintradd lura lill-pubbliku Malti. Dan ir-rapport kixef manuvri skandalużi. Għalina huwa skandaluż li l-Uffiċċju tal-Prim Ministru u l-Ministeru tat-Turiżmu taw rendikonti li ma jaqblux lill-Awditur Ġenerali.”
L-attivisti qalu li huwa skandaluż kif l-Awditur Ġenerali ma rnexxilux jsib min ħa d-deċiżjoni politika dwar l-għoti tal-art.
“L-Awditur Ġenerali kellu jirraporta li ma ingħatax dokumenti dwar in-negozjati li għaddew,” qalet Repubblika.
Repubblika qalet li l-PM Robert Abela issa jew se jissieħeb fil-ħmieġ ta’ Joseph Muscat u Konrad Mizzi jew jagħmel dmiru.
“Robert Abela ma jistax jinqeda bil-COVID-19 biex jaħbi dan il-ħmieġ”, temmet tgħid Repubblika.
L-Awditur Ġenerali esprima d-dubji tiegħu dwar ir-regolarità tat-tender maħruġ minn Projects Malta biex il-Gvern ibiegħ is-sit li qabel kien tal-ITS lill-grupp DB.
L-Uffiċċju Nazzjonali tal-Verifika ppubblika r-rapport li fih indika li Projects Malta naqset milli ġġib l-awtorizzazzjoni tad-Dipartiment tal-Kuntratti qabel ħarġet is-sejħa għall-proposti f’Novembru 2015 għad-disinn, il-bini u l-operat ta’ żvilupp turistiku fuq is-sit li kien okkupat mill-ITS.
Messaġġ mill-Arċipriet Mons. Jimmy Xerri - 24.03.2020 ...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH7xZh9bfnc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TH7xZh9bfnc
Summer feasts limited to Sunday pilgrimages
First Holy Communion, Confirmation ceremonies postponed
24 March, 2020
Photo by Martin Attard - Nadur
The bishops of Malta and Gozo have issued directives to limit the traditional summer feasts – if they are allowed to go ahead by the health authorities in view of current coronavirus concerns.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the bishops reiterated their decision calling off the forthcoming events related to Our Lady of Sorrows, Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.
They suggested, however, that the processions of Our Lady of Sorrows could be held on September 15, when the feast proper is marked.
The bishops said First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies are being put off until circumstances permit.
The village feasts during the summer may be held only if the health authorities lift their ban on large gatherings.
In any case, and for this year only, the feasts will be held in the following format: On the Sunday or actual feast day (when it is a public holiday), a pilgrimage of thanksgiving will be held with the statue of the village saint.
High Mass to mark the feast will be celebrated.
“There will be no other internal or external festivities.”
Other details will be issued as the situation develops.
First Holy Communion, Confirmation ceremonies postponed
24 March, 2020
Photo by Martin Attard - Nadur
The bishops of Malta and Gozo have issued directives to limit the traditional summer feasts – if they are allowed to go ahead by the health authorities in view of current coronavirus concerns.
In a statement issued Tuesday, the bishops reiterated their decision calling off the forthcoming events related to Our Lady of Sorrows, Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter.
They suggested, however, that the processions of Our Lady of Sorrows could be held on September 15, when the feast proper is marked.
The bishops said First Holy Communion and Confirmation ceremonies are being put off until circumstances permit.
The village feasts during the summer may be held only if the health authorities lift their ban on large gatherings.
In any case, and for this year only, the feasts will be held in the following format: On the Sunday or actual feast day (when it is a public holiday), a pilgrimage of thanksgiving will be held with the statue of the village saint.
High Mass to mark the feast will be celebrated.
“There will be no other internal or external festivities.”
Other details will be issued as the situation develops.
“Oqogħdu attenti daqslikieku kellna 100 każ illum, li ġara lid-dinja se jiġri lilna wkoll” – Fearne
Minn Paul Cachia
-
24 ta' Marzu 2020
Minn Miguela Xuereb
Id-deputat Prim Ministru Chris Fearne qal li dak li qed jiġri fid-dinja minħabba l-coronavirus, se jiġri f’Malta wkoll.
Meta kien qed jitkellem fil-bidu tad-dibattitu dwar l-abbozz ta’ liġi li jemenda l-att dwar is-saħħa pubblika, Fearne qal li l-fatt li f’ġurnata waħda kellna biss tliet każijiet ma jfisser xejn.
“Oqogħdu attenti daqslikieku kellna 100 każ illum. Veru, aħjar tlieta minn 17 iżda fil-ġranet li ġejjin qed nistennew li se jkollna numri għoljin. Jekk naħsbu li din kienet mewġa żgħira u li issa għaddiet, il-każijiet jerġgħu jisplodu,” spjega Fearne.
Huwa qal li f’Hong Kong u Singapore qed jerġgħu jaraw żieda f’każijiet ġodda, tant li f’Singapore stess, l-awtoritajiet qed jerġgħu jdaħħlu miżuri ristrettivi li kienu tneħħew.
Il-Ministru qal li l-banek la jistgħu u lanqas se jingħalqu, iżda l-persuni jridu jieħdu l-prekawzjonijiet u jżommu d-distanza meħtieġa.
“19 -il ġurnata wara l-ewwel każ ta’ Covid-19 u llum li għandna 110 każi b’uħud minnhom trażmessi lokalment, potenzjalment kulħadd jista’ jkun infettiv,” hu spjega.
Fearne wissa lill-unjins biex ma japprofittawx ruħhom mis-sitwazzjoni. “Ma ninħlewx fi ġlieda bejnietna, iżda ejja noħorġu minn din is-sitwazzjoni bħala nazzjon wieħed,” hu appella.
Id-Deputat Prim Ministru qal li l-Gvern, wara li ra rispons qawwi min-naħa tat-tobba u infermiera, qed jaħseb biex jibni sptar pre-fabrikat ħdejn Mater Dei biex iżid il-kapaċità ta’ sodod tal-ITU b’60, kif ukoll 30 sodda oħra ta’ high dependency.
Minn Paul Cachia
-
24 ta' Marzu 2020
Minn Miguela Xuereb
Id-deputat Prim Ministru Chris Fearne qal li dak li qed jiġri fid-dinja minħabba l-coronavirus, se jiġri f’Malta wkoll.
Meta kien qed jitkellem fil-bidu tad-dibattitu dwar l-abbozz ta’ liġi li jemenda l-att dwar is-saħħa pubblika, Fearne qal li l-fatt li f’ġurnata waħda kellna biss tliet każijiet ma jfisser xejn.
“Oqogħdu attenti daqslikieku kellna 100 każ illum. Veru, aħjar tlieta minn 17 iżda fil-ġranet li ġejjin qed nistennew li se jkollna numri għoljin. Jekk naħsbu li din kienet mewġa żgħira u li issa għaddiet, il-każijiet jerġgħu jisplodu,” spjega Fearne.
Huwa qal li f’Hong Kong u Singapore qed jerġgħu jaraw żieda f’każijiet ġodda, tant li f’Singapore stess, l-awtoritajiet qed jerġgħu jdaħħlu miżuri ristrettivi li kienu tneħħew.
Il-Ministru qal li l-banek la jistgħu u lanqas se jingħalqu, iżda l-persuni jridu jieħdu l-prekawzjonijiet u jżommu d-distanza meħtieġa.
“19 -il ġurnata wara l-ewwel każ ta’ Covid-19 u llum li għandna 110 każi b’uħud minnhom trażmessi lokalment, potenzjalment kulħadd jista’ jkun infettiv,” hu spjega.
Fearne wissa lill-unjins biex ma japprofittawx ruħhom mis-sitwazzjoni. “Ma ninħlewx fi ġlieda bejnietna, iżda ejja noħorġu minn din is-sitwazzjoni bħala nazzjon wieħed,” hu appella.
Id-Deputat Prim Ministru qal li l-Gvern, wara li ra rispons qawwi min-naħa tat-tobba u infermiera, qed jaħseb biex jibni sptar pre-fabrikat ħdejn Mater Dei biex iżid il-kapaċità ta’ sodod tal-ITU b’60, kif ukoll 30 sodda oħra ta’ high dependency.
THE SHIELD OF THE CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Made by Chevalier Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
The shield will form part of the furniture in the Office of the Confraternity in Nadur, Gozo.
Well done Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Made by Chevalier Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
The shield will form part of the furniture in the Office of the Confraternity in Nadur, Gozo.
Well done Chancellor Joe Louis Meilak.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Francis calls entire world to prayer on 25 March, Feast of the Annunciation
By Guest Contributor
March 23, 2020
Pope Francis is seen in a window greeting some religious sisters standing in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on 22 March 2020, after reciting his weekly Angelus prayer from the library of the Apostolic Palace. The pope announced he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 pm Rome time (4am on 28 March Australian Eastern Standard Time) on 27 March in an “empty” St Peter’s Square because all of Italy is on lockdown to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
Photo: CNS, Alberto Lingria, Reuters
Pope Francis said that at a time “when humanity trembles” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was asking Christians of every denomination to join together at noon on 25 March to recite the Lord’s Prayer. The Catholic Church and many others mark that day as the feast of the Annunciation.
“To the pandemic of the virus we want to respond with the universality of prayer, compassion and tenderness,” he said. “Let’s stay united. Let us make those who are alone and tested feel our closeness,” as well as doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers and volunteers.
Urbi et Orbi BlessingMeanwhile, in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 pm Rome time on 27 March (4am on 28 March Australian Eastern Standard Time).
The formal blessing – usually given only immediately after a new pope’s election and on Christmas and Easter – carries with it a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, internet or radio, are sorry for their sins, recite a few prescribed prayers and promise to go to confession and to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible.
Worshippers pray during a 22 March Mass at St Gabriel Catholic Church, in Abuja, Nigeria, as African governments struggle to control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo: CNS, Afolabi Sotunde, ReutersAfter reciting the Angelus prayer on 22 March from the library of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis announced his plans for the special blessing, which, he said, would be given in an “empty” St Peter’s Square because all of Italy is on lockdown to prevent further spread of the virus.
The Word, prayer, adoration and an IndulgenceWith the public joining him only by television, internet or radio, “we will listen to the word of God, raise our prayer (and) adore the Blessed Sacrament,” he said. “At the end, I will give the benediction ‘urbi et orbi,’ to which will be connected to the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence.”
An indulgence is an ancient practice of prayer and penance for the remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. In Catholic teaching, a person can draw on the merits of Jesus and the saints to claim the indulgence for themselves or offer it on behalf of someone who has died.
Pope Francis also expressed concern for “authorities who have to take strong measures for our good” and the police and soldiers maintaining public order and enforcing the lockdown.
By Guest Contributor
March 23, 2020
Pope Francis is seen in a window greeting some religious sisters standing in St Peter’s Square at the Vatican on 22 March 2020, after reciting his weekly Angelus prayer from the library of the Apostolic Palace. The pope announced he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 pm Rome time (4am on 28 March Australian Eastern Standard Time) on 27 March in an “empty” St Peter’s Square because all of Italy is on lockdown to prevent further spread of the coronavirus.
Photo: CNS, Alberto Lingria, Reuters
Pope Francis said that at a time “when humanity trembles” because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he was asking Christians of every denomination to join together at noon on 25 March to recite the Lord’s Prayer. The Catholic Church and many others mark that day as the feast of the Annunciation.
“To the pandemic of the virus we want to respond with the universality of prayer, compassion and tenderness,” he said. “Let’s stay united. Let us make those who are alone and tested feel our closeness,” as well as doctors, nurses, other healthcare workers and volunteers.
Urbi et Orbi BlessingMeanwhile, in response to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Pope Francis said he will give an extraordinary blessing “urbi et orbi” (to the city and the world) at 6 pm Rome time on 27 March (4am on 28 March Australian Eastern Standard Time).
The formal blessing – usually given only immediately after a new pope’s election and on Christmas and Easter – carries with it a plenary indulgence for all who follow by television, internet or radio, are sorry for their sins, recite a few prescribed prayers and promise to go to confession and to receive the Eucharist as soon as possible.
Worshippers pray during a 22 March Mass at St Gabriel Catholic Church, in Abuja, Nigeria, as African governments struggle to control the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19). Photo: CNS, Afolabi Sotunde, ReutersAfter reciting the Angelus prayer on 22 March from the library of the Apostolic Palace, Pope Francis announced his plans for the special blessing, which, he said, would be given in an “empty” St Peter’s Square because all of Italy is on lockdown to prevent further spread of the virus.
The Word, prayer, adoration and an IndulgenceWith the public joining him only by television, internet or radio, “we will listen to the word of God, raise our prayer (and) adore the Blessed Sacrament,” he said. “At the end, I will give the benediction ‘urbi et orbi,’ to which will be connected to the possibility of receiving a plenary indulgence.”
An indulgence is an ancient practice of prayer and penance for the remission of the temporal punishment a person is due for sins that have been forgiven. In Catholic teaching, a person can draw on the merits of Jesus and the saints to claim the indulgence for themselves or offer it on behalf of someone who has died.
Pope Francis also expressed concern for “authorities who have to take strong measures for our good” and the police and soldiers maintaining public order and enforcing the lockdown.
GOD HELP US
PROTECT US FROM THIS VIRUS
Heal those already infected.
Our Lady of Fatima - Pray for us.
St. Peter and Paul - Pray for us
St. Coronato - Pray for us
St. Blaise - Pray for us
St. Cosmas and Damian - Pray for us
PROTECT US FROM THIS VIRUS
Heal those already infected.
Our Lady of Fatima - Pray for us.
St. Peter and Paul - Pray for us
St. Coronato - Pray for us
St. Blaise - Pray for us
St. Cosmas and Damian - Pray for us
Coronavirus: 17 new cases, no Covid-19 deaths to date, non-essential shops to close
New coronavirus cases registered overnight number 17, but no deaths have been registered to date • Non-essential shops to close, non-essential services to stop from Monday morning, public gatherings are banned
22 March 2020, 12:11pm
by Massimo Costa
Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci will be providing updates on the coronavirus situation at 2pm
Main points emerging from today's press conference:
New coronavirus cases registered overnight number 17, but no deaths have been registered to date • Non-essential shops to close, non-essential services to stop from Monday morning, public gatherings are banned
22 March 2020, 12:11pm
by Massimo Costa
Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne and Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci will be providing updates on the coronavirus situation at 2pm
Main points emerging from today's press conference:
- 17 new coronavirus cases, total now numbers 90
- No Covid-19 deaths to date, contrary to rumours
- 60 patients recovering at home. 2 others have recovered completely and are no longer positive for Covid-19
- All non-essential shops to close by Monday 8am. The same applies to all non-essential services. Supermarkets, grocers, pet shops, banks and post offices are amongst those not affected by the new measures - they will remain operating normally. A full list of which shops and services are impacted by the new rules will be published in tomorrow's Government Gazette
- All organised public meetings and gatherings are to be stopped as from Monday 8am
- Fines of €3,000 for each breach instance will be imposed for those not abiding by the new measures
Pope calls all Christians to pray Our Father together, March 25 at noon
Kathleen N. Hattrup | Mar 22, 2020
As we are all united in the pandemic, may we all be united in prayer, Pope Francis urges.Pope Francis on March 22 has invited all Christians of the globe to unite on March 25 at noon to pray the Our Father together — so that as the entire world is suffering from the pandemic, so the Lord might hear all of Christendom united in prayer.
On that day, Catholics and many Christians are celebrating the Annunciation, the day Gabriel visited Our Lady and thus the feast of the Lord becoming flesh within the womb of the Virgin.
The pope made the invitation at the end of the Angelus address, live-streamed from the Apostolic Library.
He also said that on Friday, March 27, he will spend time in prayer in St. Peter’s, starting at 6 pm. He invited the faithful to tune in to the ceremony, which will include the Liturgy of the Word, and benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. He said he will give an “urbi et orbi” apostolic blessing — “to the City of Rome and the world” — with the possibility of attaining a plenary indulgence.
The urbi et orbi blessings are usually given on solemn occasions — Christmas, Easter, and when a new pope is elected, as his first blessing for the world.
After the end of his reflection in the Apostolic Library, the pope went to the window overlooking the empty St. Peter’s Square, and blessed the security guards and, symbolically, the world.
Kathleen N. Hattrup | Mar 22, 2020
As we are all united in the pandemic, may we all be united in prayer, Pope Francis urges.Pope Francis on March 22 has invited all Christians of the globe to unite on March 25 at noon to pray the Our Father together — so that as the entire world is suffering from the pandemic, so the Lord might hear all of Christendom united in prayer.
On that day, Catholics and many Christians are celebrating the Annunciation, the day Gabriel visited Our Lady and thus the feast of the Lord becoming flesh within the womb of the Virgin.
The pope made the invitation at the end of the Angelus address, live-streamed from the Apostolic Library.
He also said that on Friday, March 27, he will spend time in prayer in St. Peter’s, starting at 6 pm. He invited the faithful to tune in to the ceremony, which will include the Liturgy of the Word, and benediction with the Blessed Sacrament. He said he will give an “urbi et orbi” apostolic blessing — “to the City of Rome and the world” — with the possibility of attaining a plenary indulgence.
The urbi et orbi blessings are usually given on solemn occasions — Christmas, Easter, and when a new pope is elected, as his first blessing for the world.
After the end of his reflection in the Apostolic Library, the pope went to the window overlooking the empty St. Peter’s Square, and blessed the security guards and, symbolically, the world.
Saints Cosmas and Damian
Saints Cosmas and Damian were two Arab physicians in the town Cyrhus, and were reputedly twin brothers, and early Christian martyrs. They practised their profession in the seaport of Aegeae, then in the Roman province of Syria.
Saints Cosmas and Damian were two Arab physicians in the town Cyrhus, and were reputedly twin brothers, and early Christian martyrs. They practised their profession in the seaport of Aegeae, then in the Roman province of Syria.
€8 million for Nadur’s Mġarr Road; it has been closed off for a year and a half
By Monique Agius
March 21, 2020 3:17 PM
Works on Nadur’s arterial road have started, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri announced.
€8 million will be invested in Mġarr Road which has been closed off for a year and a half. The money will be used to reconstruct the road. Camilleri explained that in a month and a half all the necessary permits were issued, all the necessary plans and structural designs have been drawn up, further geological testing was done.
In a statement, the Minister was quoted saying that “finally the road was being given the deserved attention after being left in a disastrous state”.
Last April, then-Minister Justyne Caruana had said that the road was in that state due to lack of action in the past.
Minister Camilleri explained that the project includes the reconstruction of the road, rebuilding retaining and rubble walls, passing key services under the road surface and installing road safety features in the hope of reducing traffic accidents.
Works on Triq iż-Żewwieqa have been completed he said. The cost of the project amounted to €300,000.
By Monique Agius
March 21, 2020 3:17 PM
Works on Nadur’s arterial road have started, Minister for Gozo Clint Camilleri announced.
€8 million will be invested in Mġarr Road which has been closed off for a year and a half. The money will be used to reconstruct the road. Camilleri explained that in a month and a half all the necessary permits were issued, all the necessary plans and structural designs have been drawn up, further geological testing was done.
In a statement, the Minister was quoted saying that “finally the road was being given the deserved attention after being left in a disastrous state”.
Last April, then-Minister Justyne Caruana had said that the road was in that state due to lack of action in the past.
Minister Camilleri explained that the project includes the reconstruction of the road, rebuilding retaining and rubble walls, passing key services under the road surface and installing road safety features in the hope of reducing traffic accidents.
Works on Triq iż-Żewwieqa have been completed he said. The cost of the project amounted to €300,000.
Coronavirus: Italy records 800 new deaths and almost 5,000 infections in 24 hours
Italy continues to see an exponential rise in Covid-19 infections and deaths despite a country-wide lockdown • Overstretched health authorities appeal to people to obey restrictions on mobility
21 March 2020, 7:51pm
by Kurt Sansone
Deaths in Italy from the coronavirus have surpassed those in China
Italy has registered 793 new deaths from the coronavirus on Saturday, according to figures released by civil protection head Angelo Borrelli on Saturday.
The number of deaths in Italy now stands at 4,825, making it the epicentre of infection in Europe and with more deaths than China, where Covid-19 started.
The Italian civil protection said 4,821 new infections were recorded by Saturday 6pm, putting the total of infections in Italy since the start of the crisis at 53,578. Just over 6,000 have fully recovered from the infection.
The Lombardy region remains the worst hit with an exponential increase of 546 in one day.
Italy’s health services are overstretched with the country opening its doors to 52 Cuban doctors who have been dispatched to help in a hospital in Cremona.
The rapid increase in numbers signals that people are still flouting the restrictive measures introduced by the Italian government to limit the circulation of people.
“These numbers show that we have not yet taken the dangers posed by this virus seriously… There are still people who, with the excuse of taking a stroll end up meeting others. These escapades damage us and our dearest and the more fragile among us,” Silvio Brusaferro, director of the health institute was quoted telling La Repubblica.
The Colosseum in Rome empty of people but health authorities warn that too many people are ignoring restrictive measures to stay indoors, causing the number of infections to spikeUnless Italians respect the strict lockdown measures, the country will not be able to slow down the spread of Covid-19, he warned.
Spain is the second worst-hit country in Europe with 24,926 infections and 1,351 deaths.
Global infections with the coronavirus are fast approaching 300,000, including almost 12,000 deaths.
In Malta, nine new cases were registered on Saturday bringing the total number of infections to 73.
Two patients have fully recovered and the rest are doing well, apart from an elderly man who had to be transferred to hospital’s intensive therapy unit.
Malta has, so far, recorded no deaths.
Italy continues to see an exponential rise in Covid-19 infections and deaths despite a country-wide lockdown • Overstretched health authorities appeal to people to obey restrictions on mobility
21 March 2020, 7:51pm
by Kurt Sansone
Deaths in Italy from the coronavirus have surpassed those in China
Italy has registered 793 new deaths from the coronavirus on Saturday, according to figures released by civil protection head Angelo Borrelli on Saturday.
The number of deaths in Italy now stands at 4,825, making it the epicentre of infection in Europe and with more deaths than China, where Covid-19 started.
The Italian civil protection said 4,821 new infections were recorded by Saturday 6pm, putting the total of infections in Italy since the start of the crisis at 53,578. Just over 6,000 have fully recovered from the infection.
The Lombardy region remains the worst hit with an exponential increase of 546 in one day.
Italy’s health services are overstretched with the country opening its doors to 52 Cuban doctors who have been dispatched to help in a hospital in Cremona.
The rapid increase in numbers signals that people are still flouting the restrictive measures introduced by the Italian government to limit the circulation of people.
“These numbers show that we have not yet taken the dangers posed by this virus seriously… There are still people who, with the excuse of taking a stroll end up meeting others. These escapades damage us and our dearest and the more fragile among us,” Silvio Brusaferro, director of the health institute was quoted telling La Repubblica.
The Colosseum in Rome empty of people but health authorities warn that too many people are ignoring restrictive measures to stay indoors, causing the number of infections to spikeUnless Italians respect the strict lockdown measures, the country will not be able to slow down the spread of Covid-19, he warned.
Spain is the second worst-hit country in Europe with 24,926 infections and 1,351 deaths.
Global infections with the coronavirus are fast approaching 300,000, including almost 12,000 deaths.
In Malta, nine new cases were registered on Saturday bringing the total number of infections to 73.
Two patients have fully recovered and the rest are doing well, apart from an elderly man who had to be transferred to hospital’s intensive therapy unit.
Malta has, so far, recorded no deaths.
Nadur in isolation
Photo by Mario Muscat
Photo by Mario Muscat
Coronavirus, cardinal accuses: «Created in the laboratory by a rich and powerful nation»
VATICAN
Wednesday 18 March 2020
by Franca Giansoldati
The Sri Lankan cardinal, Archbishop of Colombo, Malcom Ranjith is inclined to the conspiracy thesis. He is convinced that Covid-19 is a man-made virus in the laboratory and not so much a virus that entered circulation by animal-human contact. For this, reports the local press, the United Nations should open the investigation and bring the "perpetrators to trial for genocide".
Coronavirus, Marcello Natali, family doctor in Codogno, died: he was 57 years old
Of course, apart from the always denied rumors of a virus coming out of a laboratory , the hypothesis continues to make its way. Cardinal Ranjith in practice is personally convinced that the coronavirus, in his opinion, is the fruit "of experiments by a rich and powerful nation. Some viruses we are talking about these days are the product of unscrupulous trials. We must ban this type of experimentation that leads to the result of loss of life and causes pain and suffering to all humanity ".
Rieti, coronavirus: after the appeal, donate 100 masks by Takeda to the carabinieri
In Sri Kanka at the moment only 28 cases of positivity have been confirmed, most of them the result of contagion by tourists from Italy. The cardinal's comments immediately raised a great debate. «These types of research are not carried out for people in poor countries but in laboratories in rich countries. Producing these things is a very serious crime for humanity. I ask the Lord to come to reveal who sowed this poison. I think the United Nations must take action to understand how this whole incident arose and to punish those responsible. These searches should be prohibited. "
VATICAN
Wednesday 18 March 2020
by Franca Giansoldati
The Sri Lankan cardinal, Archbishop of Colombo, Malcom Ranjith is inclined to the conspiracy thesis. He is convinced that Covid-19 is a man-made virus in the laboratory and not so much a virus that entered circulation by animal-human contact. For this, reports the local press, the United Nations should open the investigation and bring the "perpetrators to trial for genocide".
Coronavirus, Marcello Natali, family doctor in Codogno, died: he was 57 years old
Of course, apart from the always denied rumors of a virus coming out of a laboratory , the hypothesis continues to make its way. Cardinal Ranjith in practice is personally convinced that the coronavirus, in his opinion, is the fruit "of experiments by a rich and powerful nation. Some viruses we are talking about these days are the product of unscrupulous trials. We must ban this type of experimentation that leads to the result of loss of life and causes pain and suffering to all humanity ".
Rieti, coronavirus: after the appeal, donate 100 masks by Takeda to the carabinieri
In Sri Kanka at the moment only 28 cases of positivity have been confirmed, most of them the result of contagion by tourists from Italy. The cardinal's comments immediately raised a great debate. «These types of research are not carried out for people in poor countries but in laboratories in rich countries. Producing these things is a very serious crime for humanity. I ask the Lord to come to reveal who sowed this poison. I think the United Nations must take action to understand how this whole incident arose and to punish those responsible. These searches should be prohibited. "
Coronavirus briefing - 10 new cases, total of 48
Wednesday, 18 March 2020,
Ten new cases of Coronavirus were registered today, for a total of 48, Health Chief Charmaine Gauci said.
Addressing the media, she said that Malta has the first cases of Coronavirus that hit elderly persons, two men aged 70 and 73. The latter was already a patient at the hospital.
The 70-year-old of Maltese nationality, Gauci said, experienced symptoms on 9 March but it was only in the last hours that he tested positive to Coronavirus. This provides a different challenge to the authorities given the patient's age, by Gauci said that the man was in a stable condition. The man, who had not travelled, had little contact and the authorities are still to established what led to the contagion.
Another two cases are two young women, who are relatives, aged 26 and 27. They were in Germany and Poland and returned via Berlin on 11 March. The two had already started to experience symptoms two days before their return to Malta, and they went into quarantine. As happens in these cases, contact tracing is being carried out to find out who were the passengers in proximity to them on the plane.
An Italian couple, a man and woman both aged 34 and resident in Malta, were also diagnosed with Coronavirus. They had not been abroad but had been in contact with another person who was diagnosed with Coronavirus in the past days after having been exposed to it at his place of work from a person who had travelled. The woman experienced symptoms on 12 March, and the man a day later.
The sixth case was of a Maltese 48-year-old woman who was in London between 1 and 7 March. She experienced symptoms on 17 March, and was in quarantine. Her family is now also in quarantine.
Two hospital patients have also contracted the disease. They are two men aged 57 and 73. They were diagnosed after the health authorities carried out tests on patients after a woman who was in hospital because of a fracture developed the disease. The two men were in a different ward than that of the original patient. These two patients were transferred to the infectious disease unit; other patients in the ward tested negative. The ward has been closed and hospital staff who had come into contact with these patients are in quarantine.
Another case is that of a Maltese man, aged 37, with no travel history but who had contact at work with a foreigner who came from the UK. He developed symptoms on 9 March. He works in a private company and a contact tracing exercise is being carried out.
A woman aged 26, a relative of another person who contracted the disease, also tested positive in the last 24 hours. She is from the same family of the woman who had travelled to Belgium, which had led to the contagion of two other members of the family, including the 3-year-old boy. So, in this case, from this cluster four people developed the disease, Gauci said.
Gauci noted that from new cases, there is a mix in terms of the sources of transmission. She said that while the majority remain travel associated, there are now other cases of local transmission – some coming directly from those who were abroad, and others where authorities could not pinpoint the exact source.
Gauci stressed that this was something that they were expecting as the number of cases, and indeed the number of tests carried out increased.
She said that a total of 1,799 swab tests have been carried out thus far – one of the highest test rates on the planet.
Gauci said that the superintendence would continue to emphasise on social distancing measures, with mass gatherings and certain outlets where people tend to congregate being closed.
She said that with the virus now spreading to all countries in Europe, the time has come to stop flights from all countries, a ban which will come into being on Friday at 23:59 – the only exception will be an Air Malta flight scheduled to arrive from Heathrow at 00:30 on Saturday.
She said that aircraft will still be seen arriving in Malta, but noted that these will be for the sole person of repatriating tourists to their home countries.
Asked by The Malta Independent about reports of drugs used for other diseases such as HIV being used in countries such as India to successfully treat Coronavirus patients, Gauci replied that this was something that they were looking into, especially to be able to treat older patients.
She said that contact had been made with European authorities for Malta to participate in clinical trials using such medicines, noting that discussions were underway in order to increase the stock of these medicines in Malta so that they can be used for such trials.
Asked about a recently published legal notice, which stipulated that the superintendence reserves the right to change the mandatory quarantine period for those who work in “essential jobs”, Gauci said that as things stand the Maltese government has imposed what is the maximum period of incubation for the virus as the mandatory quarantine period – this being 14 days.
However, she noted that research is being conducted based on what is happening with regards to the virus abroad so as to identify which period is most prevalent in terms of the emergence of symptoms.
She said that a risk assessment-based decision will then be taken to see whether people who are essential for certain services can be returned to the workforce a day earlier.
Asked whether all patients are being kept at Mater Dei Hospital, Gauci said that there are a number of models of treatment in terms of where the patients can be kept. She said that they may be kept at Mater Dei, at other facilities such as Boffa Hospital, or even at home.
She said that a clinical assessment is done on each positive case where the risk of complications or otherwise is ascertained. Those who are at risk of complications, such as the elderly, would be kept at Mater Dei; those at a lesser risk would be kept at other facilities, while those with no risk can be kept at home, where a doctor will communicate with them everyday either through video-conferencing or through the telephone. If the case is a child, then an assessment, even on site, by a paediatrician will be done.
Asked whether there where any predictions as to when the peak of the outbreak would be reached, Gauci said that any predictions depend on where is hit by the outbreak. She said that the disease’s spread depends on everyone’s personal responsibility.
“If people have symptoms and stay home then we are going to limit how they are spread”, she said.
Wednesday, 18 March 2020,
Ten new cases of Coronavirus were registered today, for a total of 48, Health Chief Charmaine Gauci said.
Addressing the media, she said that Malta has the first cases of Coronavirus that hit elderly persons, two men aged 70 and 73. The latter was already a patient at the hospital.
The 70-year-old of Maltese nationality, Gauci said, experienced symptoms on 9 March but it was only in the last hours that he tested positive to Coronavirus. This provides a different challenge to the authorities given the patient's age, by Gauci said that the man was in a stable condition. The man, who had not travelled, had little contact and the authorities are still to established what led to the contagion.
Another two cases are two young women, who are relatives, aged 26 and 27. They were in Germany and Poland and returned via Berlin on 11 March. The two had already started to experience symptoms two days before their return to Malta, and they went into quarantine. As happens in these cases, contact tracing is being carried out to find out who were the passengers in proximity to them on the plane.
An Italian couple, a man and woman both aged 34 and resident in Malta, were also diagnosed with Coronavirus. They had not been abroad but had been in contact with another person who was diagnosed with Coronavirus in the past days after having been exposed to it at his place of work from a person who had travelled. The woman experienced symptoms on 12 March, and the man a day later.
The sixth case was of a Maltese 48-year-old woman who was in London between 1 and 7 March. She experienced symptoms on 17 March, and was in quarantine. Her family is now also in quarantine.
Two hospital patients have also contracted the disease. They are two men aged 57 and 73. They were diagnosed after the health authorities carried out tests on patients after a woman who was in hospital because of a fracture developed the disease. The two men were in a different ward than that of the original patient. These two patients were transferred to the infectious disease unit; other patients in the ward tested negative. The ward has been closed and hospital staff who had come into contact with these patients are in quarantine.
Another case is that of a Maltese man, aged 37, with no travel history but who had contact at work with a foreigner who came from the UK. He developed symptoms on 9 March. He works in a private company and a contact tracing exercise is being carried out.
A woman aged 26, a relative of another person who contracted the disease, also tested positive in the last 24 hours. She is from the same family of the woman who had travelled to Belgium, which had led to the contagion of two other members of the family, including the 3-year-old boy. So, in this case, from this cluster four people developed the disease, Gauci said.
Gauci noted that from new cases, there is a mix in terms of the sources of transmission. She said that while the majority remain travel associated, there are now other cases of local transmission – some coming directly from those who were abroad, and others where authorities could not pinpoint the exact source.
Gauci stressed that this was something that they were expecting as the number of cases, and indeed the number of tests carried out increased.
She said that a total of 1,799 swab tests have been carried out thus far – one of the highest test rates on the planet.
Gauci said that the superintendence would continue to emphasise on social distancing measures, with mass gatherings and certain outlets where people tend to congregate being closed.
She said that with the virus now spreading to all countries in Europe, the time has come to stop flights from all countries, a ban which will come into being on Friday at 23:59 – the only exception will be an Air Malta flight scheduled to arrive from Heathrow at 00:30 on Saturday.
She said that aircraft will still be seen arriving in Malta, but noted that these will be for the sole person of repatriating tourists to their home countries.
Asked by The Malta Independent about reports of drugs used for other diseases such as HIV being used in countries such as India to successfully treat Coronavirus patients, Gauci replied that this was something that they were looking into, especially to be able to treat older patients.
She said that contact had been made with European authorities for Malta to participate in clinical trials using such medicines, noting that discussions were underway in order to increase the stock of these medicines in Malta so that they can be used for such trials.
Asked about a recently published legal notice, which stipulated that the superintendence reserves the right to change the mandatory quarantine period for those who work in “essential jobs”, Gauci said that as things stand the Maltese government has imposed what is the maximum period of incubation for the virus as the mandatory quarantine period – this being 14 days.
However, she noted that research is being conducted based on what is happening with regards to the virus abroad so as to identify which period is most prevalent in terms of the emergence of symptoms.
She said that a risk assessment-based decision will then be taken to see whether people who are essential for certain services can be returned to the workforce a day earlier.
Asked whether all patients are being kept at Mater Dei Hospital, Gauci said that there are a number of models of treatment in terms of where the patients can be kept. She said that they may be kept at Mater Dei, at other facilities such as Boffa Hospital, or even at home.
She said that a clinical assessment is done on each positive case where the risk of complications or otherwise is ascertained. Those who are at risk of complications, such as the elderly, would be kept at Mater Dei; those at a lesser risk would be kept at other facilities, while those with no risk can be kept at home, where a doctor will communicate with them everyday either through video-conferencing or through the telephone. If the case is a child, then an assessment, even on site, by a paediatrician will be done.
Asked whether there where any predictions as to when the peak of the outbreak would be reached, Gauci said that any predictions depend on where is hit by the outbreak. She said that the disease’s spread depends on everyone’s personal responsibility.
“If people have symptoms and stay home then we are going to limit how they are spread”, she said.
MALTESE CULTURAL CENTRE MELBOURNE
We regret to announce that because of the spread of the Coronavirus, all the events by the Maltese Cultural Association of Victoria will be posponed for the time being.
The health and wellbeing of our members is very important to us.
We will inform you when is the right time to open again.
Peter Paul Portelli - President
We regret to announce that because of the spread of the Coronavirus, all the events by the Maltese Cultural Association of Victoria will be posponed for the time being.
The health and wellbeing of our members is very important to us.
We will inform you when is the right time to open again.
Peter Paul Portelli - President
KURUN IL-VIRUS
Minn Joseph Engerer - Nadur
Kull fil-ghodu mmur sal-piazza
gewwa r-rahal tan-Nadur
Ghal mixja u cappuccino
u dlonk lura nerga mmur
Hekk kif lejn id-dar kont sejjer
ragel gie waqaf quddiemi
jiena wqaft inhallih jghaddi
Qadt ghawn x'gej dal-ghodu kmieni.
Dawwar rasu w hares lejja
dahak u tghani themmiza
Qalli kultant wiehed minna
jigi u jtikhom tbezbiza.
Skuzi ta' vantagg int ghandek
ghaliex lilek qatt ma rajt
ghandek dehra hafna stramba
trid tkellimni w indunajt.
Qalli jien KURUN il-VIRUS
u kullhadd qed jibza minni
ghoqod ghawn poggi bil-qeghda
u ghall l-istorja dan stedinni.
WUHAN kien il post f-ghamduni
u tlaqt nimxi minnufih
kont ic-Cina gejt l-Ewropa
u sa ndur l-erba t-irjieh.
U warajja inhalli ismi
ghax herba dina ghalikom
kullma rrid li niekol bhalkhom
u biex nghix nidhol go fikhom.
U saqsejtu ghax gie ghandna
u ma baqax go l-annimali
ser tohdilna qabda sewwa
Kemm Zaghzah u aktar Anziani.
Qalli habib dalwaqt nitlaq
u kollox jigi ghan normal
jghaddi zmien u nerga nigi
kemm ghal kbar u anke zghar.
Joseph Engerer.
Minn Joseph Engerer - Nadur
Kull fil-ghodu mmur sal-piazza
gewwa r-rahal tan-Nadur
Ghal mixja u cappuccino
u dlonk lura nerga mmur
Hekk kif lejn id-dar kont sejjer
ragel gie waqaf quddiemi
jiena wqaft inhallih jghaddi
Qadt ghawn x'gej dal-ghodu kmieni.
Dawwar rasu w hares lejja
dahak u tghani themmiza
Qalli kultant wiehed minna
jigi u jtikhom tbezbiza.
Skuzi ta' vantagg int ghandek
ghaliex lilek qatt ma rajt
ghandek dehra hafna stramba
trid tkellimni w indunajt.
Qalli jien KURUN il-VIRUS
u kullhadd qed jibza minni
ghoqod ghawn poggi bil-qeghda
u ghall l-istorja dan stedinni.
WUHAN kien il post f-ghamduni
u tlaqt nimxi minnufih
kont ic-Cina gejt l-Ewropa
u sa ndur l-erba t-irjieh.
U warajja inhalli ismi
ghax herba dina ghalikom
kullma rrid li niekol bhalkhom
u biex nghix nidhol go fikhom.
U saqsejtu ghax gie ghandna
u ma baqax go l-annimali
ser tohdilna qabda sewwa
Kemm Zaghzah u aktar Anziani.
Qalli habib dalwaqt nitlaq
u kollox jigi ghan normal
jghaddi zmien u nerga nigi
kemm ghal kbar u anke zghar.
Joseph Engerer.
Foreigners laid off during Covid-19 crisis will be deported, minister says
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri says foreigners who lose their jobs at this time would have to return to their home country • Opposition MP Beppe Fenech Adami says foreigners losing jobs could result in social unrest and a spike in criminality
17 March 2020,
by David Hudson
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that if any foreigners lose their jobs during the Covid-19 epidemic crisis, they would have to return home immediately or risk deportation.
“Charity begins at home. Our main focus is Maltese workers. When foreign workers lose their jobs, they will have to go back to their country,” Schembri said in parliament on Tuesday.
Parliament discussed the coronavirus epidemic for the first time on Tuesday as Finance Minister Edward Scicluna and Schembri delivered speeches among others. Schembri warned that the economy would not be the same as previously after the crisis subsides.
“Nobody knows for sure for how long this situation will last but a small budget will be announced by the end of this week to safeguard jobs,” he said.
Opposition MP Beppe Fenech Adami warned that there might be social unrest as a result of foreigners losing their jobs, with Malta possibly experiencing a spike in criminality.
Referring to third-country nationals who required a work permit to work in Malta, Schembri said that his ministry was liaising with the Home Affairs Ministry to make sure that they leave the country once they lose their jobs.
“Talks are already underway with Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri so that foreigners in Malta without a work permit would have to return to their country the moment they lose their jobs,” Schembri said, adding that work permits were not going to be renewed.
At the risk of stirring some controversy, he said, the priority was safeguarding the Maltese people and their jobs.
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri says foreigners who lose their jobs at this time would have to return to their home country • Opposition MP Beppe Fenech Adami says foreigners losing jobs could result in social unrest and a spike in criminality
17 March 2020,
by David Hudson
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri
Economy Minister Silvio Schembri said that if any foreigners lose their jobs during the Covid-19 epidemic crisis, they would have to return home immediately or risk deportation.
“Charity begins at home. Our main focus is Maltese workers. When foreign workers lose their jobs, they will have to go back to their country,” Schembri said in parliament on Tuesday.
Parliament discussed the coronavirus epidemic for the first time on Tuesday as Finance Minister Edward Scicluna and Schembri delivered speeches among others. Schembri warned that the economy would not be the same as previously after the crisis subsides.
“Nobody knows for sure for how long this situation will last but a small budget will be announced by the end of this week to safeguard jobs,” he said.
Opposition MP Beppe Fenech Adami warned that there might be social unrest as a result of foreigners losing their jobs, with Malta possibly experiencing a spike in criminality.
Referring to third-country nationals who required a work permit to work in Malta, Schembri said that his ministry was liaising with the Home Affairs Ministry to make sure that they leave the country once they lose their jobs.
“Talks are already underway with Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri so that foreigners in Malta without a work permit would have to return to their country the moment they lose their jobs,” Schembri said, adding that work permits were not going to be renewed.
At the risk of stirring some controversy, he said, the priority was safeguarding the Maltese people and their jobs.
[WATCH] Coronavirus: Bars, restaurants, gyms and każini among establishments to close
Fine for those who breach mandatory quarantine increased to €3,000 • Establishments such as bars and restaurants to close • Food delivery and takeaways unaffected by ban • Prime Minister appeals to all Maltese and residents abroad to return
16 March 2020,
by David Hudson
https://www.facebook.com/maltatoday/videos/136779317756395/
Prime Minister Robert Abela
Bars, restaurants, gyms, village każini, gyms and other establishments where people gather socially will have to close as from midnight tomorrow as government ramps up restrictive measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The new measures were announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday afternoon. A full list of establishments affected by the ban will be released at a later stage when the legal notice is published.
Takeaway outlets and delivery services offered by restaurants are not affected by this ban.
Abela said the fine for those who breach mandatory quarantine will increase to €3,000 from €1,000 for every breach. From 376 quarantine inspections carried out by the police and public health officials so far, five people were fined after they were not found at home.
The Prime Minister said that a plan for a total lockdown is in place but this will only kick in, when and if the health authorities decide that this is the best option.
Government has so far escalated restrictive measures gradually. The latest decisions come on the day that Malta registered nine new cases, bringing the total to 30.
Abela said all measures being taken were intended to keep the situation under control.
Health Minister Chris Fearne said the authorities were aiming to have a "river of infections", which will be manageable, rather than a "tsunami" which will overwhelm the system.
Fearne urged parents to keep their children active at home and avoid visiting their grand parents.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that local wardens have been enlisted, alongside the army to deliver food and medicines to people who are in quarantine.
Fine for those who breach mandatory quarantine increased to €3,000 • Establishments such as bars and restaurants to close • Food delivery and takeaways unaffected by ban • Prime Minister appeals to all Maltese and residents abroad to return
16 March 2020,
by David Hudson
https://www.facebook.com/maltatoday/videos/136779317756395/
Prime Minister Robert Abela
Bars, restaurants, gyms, village każini, gyms and other establishments where people gather socially will have to close as from midnight tomorrow as government ramps up restrictive measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus.
The new measures were announced by Prime Minister Robert Abela on Monday afternoon. A full list of establishments affected by the ban will be released at a later stage when the legal notice is published.
Takeaway outlets and delivery services offered by restaurants are not affected by this ban.
Abela said the fine for those who breach mandatory quarantine will increase to €3,000 from €1,000 for every breach. From 376 quarantine inspections carried out by the police and public health officials so far, five people were fined after they were not found at home.
The Prime Minister said that a plan for a total lockdown is in place but this will only kick in, when and if the health authorities decide that this is the best option.
Government has so far escalated restrictive measures gradually. The latest decisions come on the day that Malta registered nine new cases, bringing the total to 30.
Abela said all measures being taken were intended to keep the situation under control.
Health Minister Chris Fearne said the authorities were aiming to have a "river of infections", which will be manageable, rather than a "tsunami" which will overwhelm the system.
Fearne urged parents to keep their children active at home and avoid visiting their grand parents.
Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri said that local wardens have been enlisted, alongside the army to deliver food and medicines to people who are in quarantine.
Former Pilatus Bank chair Ali Sadr convicted of fraud
Faces a maximum of 85 years in jail
Bank fraud
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Defrauding the United States
Breaking sanctions against Iran
#PilatusBank owner Ali Sadr Hasheminejad has just been found guilty of a barrage of crimes by US courts. Confirmation that MaltaGov befriended a world class criminal who was nothing but a money-laundering machine for their plans to rob Maltese citizens dry.
Ali SadrFormer Pilatus Bank chair Ali Sadr has been convicted of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, defrauding the United States and busting sanctions against Iran.
He was, however, cleared of conspiracy to commit money laundering and faces a maximum of 85 years in jail.
Sadr, 40, or Iran, was found guilty following a two-week trial of participating in a scheme to evade US sanctions and funnel more than $115 million paid under a Venezuelan construction contract through the US financial system.
Jurors heard prosecutors explain how Sadr took steps to evade US economic sanctions and defraud US banks by concealing the role of Iranian parties in US dollar payments sent through the US banking system.
For example, in 2010, Sadr and a co-conspirator used St Kitts and Nevis passports and a United Arab Emirates address to incorporate two front companies outside of Iran to receive US dollar payments.
Sadr and others then conducted a series of international financial transactions for the benefit of Iranian parties in a manner that concealed the Iranian nexus to the payments, in violation of US economic sanctions between April 2011 and November 2013. During that time, SADR took several steps to hide the Iranian beneficiaries of these funds.
Sadr had been arrested in February 2018 and charged with participating in a scheme to evade US sanctions. The court ruled in its preliminary decision that statements of co-conspirators and most e-mails will be admissible in the trial.
Times of Malta reported in March last year that US prosecutors while silently building the money-laundering case, were granted a warrant to search his e-mails in April 2014, at a time when Pilatus Bank was in the process of obtaining a category two investment licence from Malta’s financial services watchdog.
Pilatus Bank’s licence was revoked by the European Central Bank in November 2018, two years after it was first implicated in alleged money laundering breaches.
The bank had been at the centre of political controversy ever since a series of leaked financial intelligence reports flagged evidence of money-laundering and serious compliance shortcomings back in 2016.
It had also been alleged that the bank was used as a conduit for Azerbaijani millions making their way into Europe, while it was linked to allegations that former prime minister Joseph Muscat’s wife, Michelle, secretly received graft payments, of which no evidence was found in a magisterial inquiry.
Faces a maximum of 85 years in jail
Bank fraud
Conspiracy to commit bank fraud
Defrauding the United States
Breaking sanctions against Iran
#PilatusBank owner Ali Sadr Hasheminejad has just been found guilty of a barrage of crimes by US courts. Confirmation that MaltaGov befriended a world class criminal who was nothing but a money-laundering machine for their plans to rob Maltese citizens dry.
Ali SadrFormer Pilatus Bank chair Ali Sadr has been convicted of bank fraud, conspiracy to commit bank fraud, defrauding the United States and busting sanctions against Iran.
He was, however, cleared of conspiracy to commit money laundering and faces a maximum of 85 years in jail.
Sadr, 40, or Iran, was found guilty following a two-week trial of participating in a scheme to evade US sanctions and funnel more than $115 million paid under a Venezuelan construction contract through the US financial system.
Jurors heard prosecutors explain how Sadr took steps to evade US economic sanctions and defraud US banks by concealing the role of Iranian parties in US dollar payments sent through the US banking system.
For example, in 2010, Sadr and a co-conspirator used St Kitts and Nevis passports and a United Arab Emirates address to incorporate two front companies outside of Iran to receive US dollar payments.
Sadr and others then conducted a series of international financial transactions for the benefit of Iranian parties in a manner that concealed the Iranian nexus to the payments, in violation of US economic sanctions between April 2011 and November 2013. During that time, SADR took several steps to hide the Iranian beneficiaries of these funds.
Sadr had been arrested in February 2018 and charged with participating in a scheme to evade US sanctions. The court ruled in its preliminary decision that statements of co-conspirators and most e-mails will be admissible in the trial.
Times of Malta reported in March last year that US prosecutors while silently building the money-laundering case, were granted a warrant to search his e-mails in April 2014, at a time when Pilatus Bank was in the process of obtaining a category two investment licence from Malta’s financial services watchdog.
Pilatus Bank’s licence was revoked by the European Central Bank in November 2018, two years after it was first implicated in alleged money laundering breaches.
The bank had been at the centre of political controversy ever since a series of leaked financial intelligence reports flagged evidence of money-laundering and serious compliance shortcomings back in 2016.
It had also been alleged that the bank was used as a conduit for Azerbaijani millions making their way into Europe, while it was linked to allegations that former prime minister Joseph Muscat’s wife, Michelle, secretly received graft payments, of which no evidence was found in a magisterial inquiry.
I just couldn’t pass by and not video such a beautiful thing
Watch video here: https://www.facebook.com/manny.buhagiar.7/videos/10216262946428174/
Manny Buhagiar- Xaghra.
16/3/2020
Watch video here: https://www.facebook.com/manny.buhagiar.7/videos/10216262946428174/
Manny Buhagiar- Xaghra.
16/3/2020
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL AND FRIENDS
WE PRAY TO THE LORD
By Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master
Greetings.
Messages and prayers from our Reverend Chaplains
Dear All:
What seems impossible to us Humans, prayers and supplications will rise like Incense before our merciful Father-God ,
because for God NOTHING is impossible.
May the Good Lord bless all Medical Teams to find a cure .
One of the best prayers I would like to suggest is the Litany of the Saints.
I will keep all in my daily prayers.
Fr Francis Xavier Buhagiar PE
Chaplain of the Confraternity St Peter and St. Paul
MELBOURNE
Covid-19
Prayer to ask for help, comfort and salvation
God the Father, Creator of the world, omnipotent and merciful,
that for our love you have sent your Son into the world as a doctor of bodies and souls,
look at your kids that at this difficult time of disorientation and consternation
in many regions of Europe and the world turn to You
in search of strength, salvation, and relief.
Deliver us from sickness and fear, heals our patients, comforts his family members,
gives wisdom to our rulers, energy and reward to doctors, nurses and volunteers,
eternal life to the deceased.
Don't abandon us in this time of trial, but deliver us from all evil.
All this we ask of you, O Father who, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign for centuries.
Amen.
Santa Maria, Mother of health and hope, pray for us!
Bishops of Europe
With friendship
Fr. Manuel Martins
Chaplain of the Confraternity of St. Peter & St. Paul
PORTUGAL
Litany of the Saints
Lord, have mercy on us.
CHRIST, have mercy on us.
LORD, have mercy on us.
CHRIST, hear us.
CHRIST, graciously hear us.
GOD, THE FATHER OF HEAVEN, have mercy on us.
GOD THE SON, REDEEMER OF THE WORLD, have mercy on us.
GOD THE HOLY GHOST, have mercy on us.
HOLY TRINITY, ONE GOD, have mercy on us.
HOLY MARY, pray for us.
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, pray for us.
HOLY VIRGIN OF VIRGINS, pray for us.
ST. MICHAEL, pray for us.
ST. GABRIEL, pray for us.
ST. RAPHAEL, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY ANGELS AND ARCHANGELS, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY ORDERS OF BLESSED SPIRITS, pray for us.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, pray for us. ST. JOSEPH, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS, pray for us.
ST. PETER, pray for us.
ST. PAUL, pray for us.
ST. ANDREW, pray for us.
ST. JAMES, pray for us.
ST. JOHN, pray for us.
ST. THOMAS, pray for us.
ST. JAMES, pray for us.
ST. PHILIP, pray for us.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW, pray for us.
ST. MATTHEW, pray for us.
ST. SIMON, pray for us.
ST. THADDEUS, pray for us.
ST. BARNABAS, pray for us.
ST. LUKE, pray for us.
ST. MARK, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY APOSTLES AND EVANGELIST, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY INNOCENTS, pray for us.
ST. STEPHEN, pray for us.
ST. LAWRENCE, pray for us.
ST. VINCENT, pray for us.
SS. FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN, pray for us.
SS. JOHN AND PAUL, pray for us.
SS. COSMOS AND DAMIAN, pray for us.
SS. GERVASE AND PROTASE, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY MARTYRS, pray for us.
ST. SYLVESTER, pray for us.
ST. GREGORY, pray for us.
ST. AMBROSE, pray for us.
ST. AUGUSTINE, pray for us.
ST. JEROME, pray for us.
ST. MARTIN, pray for us.
ST. NICHOLAS, pray for us.
ST. ANTHONY, pray for us.
ST. BENEDICT, pray for us.
ST. BERNARD, pray for us.
ST. DOMINIC, pray for us.
ST. FRANCIS, pray for us.
ST. MARY MAGDALEN, pray for us.
ST. AGATHA, pray for us.
ST. LUCY, pray for us.
ST. AGNES, pray for us.
ST. CECILIA, pray for us.
ST. CATHERINE, pray for us.
ST. ANASTASIA, pray for us.
WE PRAY TO THE LORD
By Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master
Greetings.
Messages and prayers from our Reverend Chaplains
Dear All:
What seems impossible to us Humans, prayers and supplications will rise like Incense before our merciful Father-God ,
because for God NOTHING is impossible.
May the Good Lord bless all Medical Teams to find a cure .
One of the best prayers I would like to suggest is the Litany of the Saints.
I will keep all in my daily prayers.
Fr Francis Xavier Buhagiar PE
Chaplain of the Confraternity St Peter and St. Paul
MELBOURNE
Covid-19
Prayer to ask for help, comfort and salvation
God the Father, Creator of the world, omnipotent and merciful,
that for our love you have sent your Son into the world as a doctor of bodies and souls,
look at your kids that at this difficult time of disorientation and consternation
in many regions of Europe and the world turn to You
in search of strength, salvation, and relief.
Deliver us from sickness and fear, heals our patients, comforts his family members,
gives wisdom to our rulers, energy and reward to doctors, nurses and volunteers,
eternal life to the deceased.
Don't abandon us in this time of trial, but deliver us from all evil.
All this we ask of you, O Father who, with the Son and the Holy Spirit, you live and reign for centuries.
Amen.
Santa Maria, Mother of health and hope, pray for us!
Bishops of Europe
With friendship
Fr. Manuel Martins
Chaplain of the Confraternity of St. Peter & St. Paul
PORTUGAL
Litany of the Saints
Lord, have mercy on us.
CHRIST, have mercy on us.
LORD, have mercy on us.
CHRIST, hear us.
CHRIST, graciously hear us.
GOD, THE FATHER OF HEAVEN, have mercy on us.
GOD THE SON, REDEEMER OF THE WORLD, have mercy on us.
GOD THE HOLY GHOST, have mercy on us.
HOLY TRINITY, ONE GOD, have mercy on us.
HOLY MARY, pray for us.
HOLY MOTHER OF GOD, pray for us.
HOLY VIRGIN OF VIRGINS, pray for us.
ST. MICHAEL, pray for us.
ST. GABRIEL, pray for us.
ST. RAPHAEL, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY ANGELS AND ARCHANGELS, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY ORDERS OF BLESSED SPIRITS, pray for us.
ST. JOHN THE BAPTIST, pray for us. ST. JOSEPH, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY PATRIARCHS AND PROPHETS, pray for us.
ST. PETER, pray for us.
ST. PAUL, pray for us.
ST. ANDREW, pray for us.
ST. JAMES, pray for us.
ST. JOHN, pray for us.
ST. THOMAS, pray for us.
ST. JAMES, pray for us.
ST. PHILIP, pray for us.
ST. BARTHOLOMEW, pray for us.
ST. MATTHEW, pray for us.
ST. SIMON, pray for us.
ST. THADDEUS, pray for us.
ST. BARNABAS, pray for us.
ST. LUKE, pray for us.
ST. MARK, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY APOSTLES AND EVANGELIST, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY DISCIPLES OF OUR LORD, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY INNOCENTS, pray for us.
ST. STEPHEN, pray for us.
ST. LAWRENCE, pray for us.
ST. VINCENT, pray for us.
SS. FABIAN AND SEBASTIAN, pray for us.
SS. JOHN AND PAUL, pray for us.
SS. COSMOS AND DAMIAN, pray for us.
SS. GERVASE AND PROTASE, pray for us.
ALL YE HOLY MARTYRS, pray for us.
ST. SYLVESTER, pray for us.
ST. GREGORY, pray for us.
ST. AMBROSE, pray for us.
ST. AUGUSTINE, pray for us.
ST. JEROME, pray for us.
ST. MARTIN, pray for us.
ST. NICHOLAS, pray for us.
ST. ANTHONY, pray for us.
ST. BENEDICT, pray for us.
ST. BERNARD, pray for us.
ST. DOMINIC, pray for us.
ST. FRANCIS, pray for us.
ST. MARY MAGDALEN, pray for us.
ST. AGATHA, pray for us.
ST. LUCY, pray for us.
ST. AGNES, pray for us.
ST. CECILIA, pray for us.
ST. CATHERINE, pray for us.
ST. ANASTASIA, pray for us.
Pope in dramatic visit to empty Rome to pray for end of virus
March 15, 2020
A Vatican picture showed the pope and a small security detail walking on an empty Via del Corso, which is usually packed with shoppers and people taking strolls on Sunday.
Pope Francis ventured into a deserted Rome on Sunday to pray at two shrines for the end of the coronavirus pandemic, as the Vatican said his Easter services will be held without the public for the first time.
Francis left the Vatican unannounced to pray at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and then walked along one of Rome’s main streets to visit St. Marcello church to pray before a crucifix that was used in a procession when the plague hit Rome in 1522.
A Vatican statement said he prayed for an end to the pandemic and also for the sick, their families and health providers and workers keeping pharmacies and food stories open amid a national lockdown.
A Vatican picture showed the pope and a small security detail walking on an empty Via del Corso, which is usually packed with shoppers and people taking strolls on Sunday.
The Vatican said earlier that his Holy Weeks and Easter services next month will be held without public participation, a step believed to be unprecedented in modern times.
It was not clear how the massive events will be scaled down but sources said officials were studying ways to hold them in indoor locations, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, with small representative groups attending.
The Holy Week services, which begin on Palm Sunday, lead up to Easter, the most important day of the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar for the world’s 1.3 billion members.
Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, usually takes place in St. Peter’s Square, which traditionally is decorated with olive trees while those in the crowd hold up palm branches.
Another main Holy Week event, the Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday, takes place around Rome’s ancient Colosseum.
The main event is the Easter Sunday Mass and the pope’s twice yearly “Urbi et Orbi” blessing and message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Square.
The Netherlands usually fly in tens of thousands of flowers to decorate the papal altar and the entire square, but the Dutch ambassador to the Vatican, Caroline Weijers, said last week that there would be no flowers this year.
Italy has been hit harder that any other European nation. The country’s death toll rose to 1,809 on Sunday and the total number of cases rose to 24,747.
The pope, the Vatican – a tiny city-state surrounded by Rome – and the church in predominantly Catholic Italy have all been forced to modify centuries of tradition because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In Italy, as elsewhere, Masses have been cancelled to avoid people gathering. Bishops have urged the faithful to participate via television and the internet.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
March 15, 2020
A Vatican picture showed the pope and a small security detail walking on an empty Via del Corso, which is usually packed with shoppers and people taking strolls on Sunday.
Pope Francis ventured into a deserted Rome on Sunday to pray at two shrines for the end of the coronavirus pandemic, as the Vatican said his Easter services will be held without the public for the first time.
Francis left the Vatican unannounced to pray at the Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore and then walked along one of Rome’s main streets to visit St. Marcello church to pray before a crucifix that was used in a procession when the plague hit Rome in 1522.
A Vatican statement said he prayed for an end to the pandemic and also for the sick, their families and health providers and workers keeping pharmacies and food stories open amid a national lockdown.
A Vatican picture showed the pope and a small security detail walking on an empty Via del Corso, which is usually packed with shoppers and people taking strolls on Sunday.
The Vatican said earlier that his Holy Weeks and Easter services next month will be held without public participation, a step believed to be unprecedented in modern times.
It was not clear how the massive events will be scaled down but sources said officials were studying ways to hold them in indoor locations, including St. Peter’s Basilica and the Sistine Chapel, with small representative groups attending.
The Holy Week services, which begin on Palm Sunday, lead up to Easter, the most important day of the Roman Catholic liturgical calendar for the world’s 1.3 billion members.
Palm Sunday, which commemorates Jesus’ entry to Jerusalem, usually takes place in St. Peter’s Square, which traditionally is decorated with olive trees while those in the crowd hold up palm branches.
Another main Holy Week event, the Way of the Cross procession on Good Friday, takes place around Rome’s ancient Colosseum.
The main event is the Easter Sunday Mass and the pope’s twice yearly “Urbi et Orbi” blessing and message from the central balcony of St. Peter’s Square.
The Netherlands usually fly in tens of thousands of flowers to decorate the papal altar and the entire square, but the Dutch ambassador to the Vatican, Caroline Weijers, said last week that there would be no flowers this year.
Italy has been hit harder that any other European nation. The country’s death toll rose to 1,809 on Sunday and the total number of cases rose to 24,747.
The pope, the Vatican – a tiny city-state surrounded by Rome – and the church in predominantly Catholic Italy have all been forced to modify centuries of tradition because of the coronavirus outbreak.
In Italy, as elsewhere, Masses have been cancelled to avoid people gathering. Bishops have urged the faithful to participate via television and the internet.
Click on the pictures to enlarge.
Coronavirus: Foreign man with fever defies orders and climbs aboard Gozo Channel
The thermal screening at the Gozo Channel found that a man attempting to get on board the ferry was fighting a fever
14 March 2020, 5:46pm
by David Hudson
The man was asked not to climb aboard the vessel but defied the order
A man screened at the Gozo terminal on Saturday was asked not to climb aboard the Gozo Channel after he was found with a high fever.
The foreign national disobeyed the order and climbed aboard the ferry regardless, a Home Affairs Ministry statement said.
"This led to the man in question being forced off the Gozo Channel Ferry as police assistance was called for."
A special unit was then called to fumigate and disinfect the vessel and the passenger terminal. Cars that had already made their way onboard were also disinfected.
While a fever is not necessarily a sure sign of Covid-19, it is one of the symptoms alongside a cough and shortness of breath that may be exhibited as a result of the virus. All individuals exhibiting such symptoms are asked to call the 111 helpline and not leave their homes.
"The person in question was transported to hospital," the statement read.
The government said that it would not be tolerating anyone who defies the law and the health guidelines at this stage.
The Ministry also confirmed that two individuals were fined €1,000 for being found in breach of the mandatory quarantine. Anyone coming to Malta is now subject to a fine if in breach of a 14-day mandatory quarantine after arriving on the island.
To enforce this rule, police are carrying out spot-checks. The ministry said that 90 inspections have been carried out so far on people who are under mandatory quarantine.
Those whose stay in Malta would not exceed 14 days are allowed to return to their respective country when they are due to return if they do not exhibit symptoms of Covid-19.
The thermal screening at the Gozo Channel found that a man attempting to get on board the ferry was fighting a fever
14 March 2020, 5:46pm
by David Hudson
The man was asked not to climb aboard the vessel but defied the order
A man screened at the Gozo terminal on Saturday was asked not to climb aboard the Gozo Channel after he was found with a high fever.
The foreign national disobeyed the order and climbed aboard the ferry regardless, a Home Affairs Ministry statement said.
"This led to the man in question being forced off the Gozo Channel Ferry as police assistance was called for."
A special unit was then called to fumigate and disinfect the vessel and the passenger terminal. Cars that had already made their way onboard were also disinfected.
While a fever is not necessarily a sure sign of Covid-19, it is one of the symptoms alongside a cough and shortness of breath that may be exhibited as a result of the virus. All individuals exhibiting such symptoms are asked to call the 111 helpline and not leave their homes.
"The person in question was transported to hospital," the statement read.
The government said that it would not be tolerating anyone who defies the law and the health guidelines at this stage.
The Ministry also confirmed that two individuals were fined €1,000 for being found in breach of the mandatory quarantine. Anyone coming to Malta is now subject to a fine if in breach of a 14-day mandatory quarantine after arriving on the island.
To enforce this rule, police are carrying out spot-checks. The ministry said that 90 inspections have been carried out so far on people who are under mandatory quarantine.
Those whose stay in Malta would not exceed 14 days are allowed to return to their respective country when they are due to return if they do not exhibit symptoms of Covid-19.
Reġjun ghal gzira Ghawdxija
Minn Hon. Anton Refalo
Il-bieraħ tkellimt fil-Parlament dwar il-kunċett ta' reġjonalita' għal gżira Għawdxija. Fejn Għawdex jingħata aktar awtonomija sabiex ikun aċċertat li l-Għawdxin ma jkunux aktar ta' żvantaġġ mill-Maltin u nsibu soluzzjonijiet prattiċi fejn nsarfu l-potenzjal tal-gżira tagħna.
Din hija l-viżjoni tiegħi, dak li dejjem ħdimt u emmint fiħ f'dawn is-snin li ilni nservi lill-Għawdxin fil-Parlament ta' pajjiżna.
Ara il film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/anton.refalo/videos/2928368080535681/
Minn Hon. Anton Refalo
Il-bieraħ tkellimt fil-Parlament dwar il-kunċett ta' reġjonalita' għal gżira Għawdxija. Fejn Għawdex jingħata aktar awtonomija sabiex ikun aċċertat li l-Għawdxin ma jkunux aktar ta' żvantaġġ mill-Maltin u nsibu soluzzjonijiet prattiċi fejn nsarfu l-potenzjal tal-gżira tagħna.
Din hija l-viżjoni tiegħi, dak li dejjem ħdimt u emmint fiħ f'dawn is-snin li ilni nservi lill-Għawdxin fil-Parlament ta' pajjiżna.
Ara il film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/anton.refalo/videos/2928368080535681/
Non-essential travel between Malta and Gozo should be avoided - CamilleriFriday, 13 March 2020,
Non-essential travel between Malta and Gozo should be avoided and all passengers will be screened at the Mgarr and Cirkewwa terminals, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said on Friday.
Camilleri said all Coronavirus tests carried out in Gozo so far have been negative.
The minister said Gozo Channel ships are being disinfected every night. From Saturday morning, all passengers passing through the Cirkewwa and Mgarr terminals will be screened. Anyone showing any symptoms will be stopped from boarding.
This could lead to delays, he said, warning people to go to the terminals earlier than usual. Tourist boats will not be allowed to pick up or disembark people in Gozo. People can only cross via the Gozo Channel ferries.
People should only travel between Malta and Gozo for work, medical care or supply chain service purposes.
If there is a Covid-19 case in Gozo, the patient will be securely taken to Malta on board a chartered ferry, Camilleri said.
The authorities, together with the Gozo hospital, are ensuring that there are enough beds for the eventuality that the situation escalates, and Coronavirus patients have to be treated in Gozo.
Noting that up to 3,000 Gozitans work in Malta, the Minister urged employers to consider teleworking. Public sector employees allowed to work from home, he added.
Camilleri said it is not excluded that more drastic measures will be introduced in the coming days.
Non-essential travel between Malta and Gozo should be avoided and all passengers will be screened at the Mgarr and Cirkewwa terminals, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri said on Friday.
Camilleri said all Coronavirus tests carried out in Gozo so far have been negative.
The minister said Gozo Channel ships are being disinfected every night. From Saturday morning, all passengers passing through the Cirkewwa and Mgarr terminals will be screened. Anyone showing any symptoms will be stopped from boarding.
This could lead to delays, he said, warning people to go to the terminals earlier than usual. Tourist boats will not be allowed to pick up or disembark people in Gozo. People can only cross via the Gozo Channel ferries.
People should only travel between Malta and Gozo for work, medical care or supply chain service purposes.
If there is a Covid-19 case in Gozo, the patient will be securely taken to Malta on board a chartered ferry, Camilleri said.
The authorities, together with the Gozo hospital, are ensuring that there are enough beds for the eventuality that the situation escalates, and Coronavirus patients have to be treated in Gozo.
Noting that up to 3,000 Gozitans work in Malta, the Minister urged employers to consider teleworking. Public sector employees allowed to work from home, he added.
Camilleri said it is not excluded that more drastic measures will be introduced in the coming days.
Coronavirus: Open markets, bereġ, courts to close
Non-food open markets, government local clinics, day care centres, local tribunals to close
13 March 2020, 8:17pm
by Massimo Costa
All open market except those selling food are to be shut
All open markets, except those selling food, are to shut down, the Local Government ministry has said.
A legal notice will be published to suspend non-food open markets, while those which sell food will need to maintain a 20-metre distance between each stall.
Government clinics (bereġ) are, with immediate effect, also shut down, the ministry said.
Day care centres are to remain closed.
Non-essential government services will stop being offered as far as possible. Services should be offered through online means if possible.
Local tribunal sitting are also deferred until further notice.
The measures are amongst several others, including the closure of schools and the law courts, which the government has taken to limit Covid-19 spread.
Non-food open markets, government local clinics, day care centres, local tribunals to close
13 March 2020, 8:17pm
by Massimo Costa
All open market except those selling food are to be shut
All open markets, except those selling food, are to shut down, the Local Government ministry has said.
A legal notice will be published to suspend non-food open markets, while those which sell food will need to maintain a 20-metre distance between each stall.
Government clinics (bereġ) are, with immediate effect, also shut down, the ministry said.
Day care centres are to remain closed.
Non-essential government services will stop being offered as far as possible. Services should be offered through online means if possible.
Local tribunal sitting are also deferred until further notice.
The measures are amongst several others, including the closure of schools and the law courts, which the government has taken to limit Covid-19 spread.
San Koronatu fin-Nadur
Tissebbah in-nicca ta San Koronatu Martri li tinsab gewwa l-Bazilka tan-Nadur minn Mark Falzon.
Tissebbah in-nicca ta San Koronatu Martri li tinsab gewwa l-Bazilka tan-Nadur minn Mark Falzon.
Coronavirus: All masses and and religious functions cancelled, Curia says
All daily and Sunday masses, as well as religious functions, have been cancelled in the interest of those most vulnerable, the Curia says as it responds to recommendations by the health authorities on dealing with the coronavirus
12 March 2020, 3:11pm
by Laura Calleja
Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna
All daily and Sunday masses, as well religious functions across Malta and Gozo, have been cancelled, the Curia announced on Thursday after consultation with the health authorities.
In light of this, the Curia said that Christians are exempted from the obligation of attending Sunday mass.
It said the precautionary measures come into force with immediate effect and have been taken for the common good, especially to protect those most vulnerable.
The Curia said that in the case of funerals, the priest will conduct the rite of blessing at the cemetery, as this is outdoors, in the presence of close relatives. Then the priest offers a private mass for the deceased.
Churches will be open at the usual times for moments of private prayer. The measures will remain in place until further notice.
The Curia said that the public was invited to join prayer, which would be broadcasted on TVM2, Knisja.mt and Newsbook.com.mt.
On 13 March at noon, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna will lead mass at the Curia chapel in Floriana.
From Monday to Friday mass will be televised at 9:30am and the rosary will be broadcast at 5:30pm, from the Chapel of the Curia, Floriana.
On Saturday and Sunday, TVM2 will broadcast the celebration of the mass from the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary in Gozo.
All daily and Sunday masses, as well as religious functions, have been cancelled in the interest of those most vulnerable, the Curia says as it responds to recommendations by the health authorities on dealing with the coronavirus
12 March 2020, 3:11pm
by Laura Calleja
Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna
All daily and Sunday masses, as well religious functions across Malta and Gozo, have been cancelled, the Curia announced on Thursday after consultation with the health authorities.
In light of this, the Curia said that Christians are exempted from the obligation of attending Sunday mass.
It said the precautionary measures come into force with immediate effect and have been taken for the common good, especially to protect those most vulnerable.
The Curia said that in the case of funerals, the priest will conduct the rite of blessing at the cemetery, as this is outdoors, in the presence of close relatives. Then the priest offers a private mass for the deceased.
Churches will be open at the usual times for moments of private prayer. The measures will remain in place until further notice.
The Curia said that the public was invited to join prayer, which would be broadcasted on TVM2, Knisja.mt and Newsbook.com.mt.
On 13 March at noon, Archbishop Charles J. Scicluna will lead mass at the Curia chapel in Floriana.
From Monday to Friday mass will be televised at 9:30am and the rosary will be broadcast at 5:30pm, from the Chapel of the Curia, Floriana.
On Saturday and Sunday, TVM2 will broadcast the celebration of the mass from the Ta' Pinu Sanctuary in Gozo.
Coronavirus: Government publishes legal notices enforcing mandatory quarantine, travel ban and school closure
The government has published the legal notices enforcing the mandatory quarantine and empowering the police to issue fines of €1,000 to people who breach it
12 March 2020,
by Kurt Sansone
Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci has ordered restrictions in a bid to guard against and control the coronavirus
Legal notices introducing mandatory quarantine to “guard against” and “control” the coronavirus were published on Thursday evening.
The order issued by the Public Health Superintendent empowers the police to verify whether a person is obeying the quarantine and if not, issue a fine of €1,000.
The fine will apply for each and every occasion that the quarantine period is breached.
Another legal notice imposes mandatory quarantine for 14 days “immediately upon arrival” on people arriving from Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Iran and South Korea.
The quarantine order will also apply to persons living in the same residence as the person who travelled from these countries.
Additionally, the Public Health Superintendent has issued a travel ban to and from these countries but may make exceptions for “certain persons deemed to be essential”.
The government has said that travel bans will not apply for commercial trade, especially food and medicines.
Another legal notice enforces the closure of all schools and educational institutions, including English Language Schools, for the next week.
Legal provisions have been introduced to lift the burden of time deadlines imposed on notaries when registering contracts, promise of sale agreements and other public documents.
The government has published the legal notices enforcing the mandatory quarantine and empowering the police to issue fines of €1,000 to people who breach it
12 March 2020,
by Kurt Sansone
Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci has ordered restrictions in a bid to guard against and control the coronavirus
Legal notices introducing mandatory quarantine to “guard against” and “control” the coronavirus were published on Thursday evening.
The order issued by the Public Health Superintendent empowers the police to verify whether a person is obeying the quarantine and if not, issue a fine of €1,000.
The fine will apply for each and every occasion that the quarantine period is breached.
Another legal notice imposes mandatory quarantine for 14 days “immediately upon arrival” on people arriving from Italy, Switzerland, France, Germany, Spain, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan, Iran and South Korea.
The quarantine order will also apply to persons living in the same residence as the person who travelled from these countries.
Additionally, the Public Health Superintendent has issued a travel ban to and from these countries but may make exceptions for “certain persons deemed to be essential”.
The government has said that travel bans will not apply for commercial trade, especially food and medicines.
Another legal notice enforces the closure of all schools and educational institutions, including English Language Schools, for the next week.
Legal provisions have been introduced to lift the burden of time deadlines imposed on notaries when registering contracts, promise of sale agreements and other public documents.
Petitions by Sannat, Kercem, Ghajnsielem, Kercem and Qala Councils to support the Nadurin effected by the Land Registration
LAND REGISTRATION - PETITION
Photo: Paul Buttigieg Mayor of Qala speaking in Nadur.
🇬🇧The Għajnsielem Local Council in solidarity with the families in Nadur and also Qala affected by the recent development of the registration of title in their area is joining with the Nadur Local Council and is urging our residents to sign a petition to assist these families and their worrying situation. The petition can be signed at at our Council's office in Għajnsielem till Saturday 14th March 2020 till 11.00am Please bring your Identity Card with you.
As a form of support towards the residents of Nadur, the local council of Sannat will be helping by collecting signatures for a petition against the registration of lands.
Those residents who wish to sign this petition are kindly asked to do so at the Sannat Local Council this Saturday 14th March. They are kindly requested to bring their I.D. Card with them.
Thank you for your help.
🇬🇧 Ix-Xewkija Local Council is showing support to the Nadur Local Council, and those families affected by the recent land registration developments. Residents can also sign the petition which the Nadur Local Council is presenting.
Those who wish to sign this petition may do so and sign the petition at our Council's offices till Saturday 14th March 2020 till 11.00am Please bring your Identity Card with you
LAND REGISTRATION - PETITION
Photo: Paul Buttigieg Mayor of Qala speaking in Nadur.
🇬🇧The Għajnsielem Local Council in solidarity with the families in Nadur and also Qala affected by the recent development of the registration of title in their area is joining with the Nadur Local Council and is urging our residents to sign a petition to assist these families and their worrying situation. The petition can be signed at at our Council's office in Għajnsielem till Saturday 14th March 2020 till 11.00am Please bring your Identity Card with you.
As a form of support towards the residents of Nadur, the local council of Sannat will be helping by collecting signatures for a petition against the registration of lands.
Those residents who wish to sign this petition are kindly asked to do so at the Sannat Local Council this Saturday 14th March. They are kindly requested to bring their I.D. Card with them.
Thank you for your help.
🇬🇧 Ix-Xewkija Local Council is showing support to the Nadur Local Council, and those families affected by the recent land registration developments. Residents can also sign the petition which the Nadur Local Council is presenting.
Those who wish to sign this petition may do so and sign the petition at our Council's offices till Saturday 14th March 2020 till 11.00am Please bring your Identity Card with you
David Thake wins Parliament seat after deadlock with Graziella Galea; Ivan Bartolo elected as well
By Albert Galea
Tuesday, 10 March 2020,
David Thake and Ivan Bartolo have won seats in Parliament on the twelfth and ninth district respectively after a casual election was held on Tuesday.
They replace former PN leader Simon Busuttil and Marthese Portelli respectively after they both resigned last month.
Thake's win came after some tension, after he obtained an identical amount of votes -1,877 - to Graziella Galea, just 73 votes shorts of the quota needed to be elected. However, it was Thake who eventually won the seat on the basis of having obtained more votes on the first count than Galea after Simon Busuttil's votes were redistributed.
Bartolo's win was more straightforward - he exceeded the quota needed for election after the sixth count, having obtained 2,206 votes. Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat was closest to Bartolo, ending the sixth count with 1,486 votes - still some 500 votes short of the required quota.
With the first count of the candidates tallied up, Thake held a 331 vote lead over Galea. But, after the elimination of Edward Torpiano (55) and Simone Aquilina (170), it was Sam Abela's turn to be eliminated - and it was here that matters heated up, as Galea caught up with Thake and they both ended on 1,877 votes.
A recount took place, producing the same result, and contestations about dubious votes were turned down by the commission, meaning that the number of votes remained the same for both candidates.
The recount was on the last count of votes.
There was then some argument on who should take the seat. Graziella Galea had obtained 284 first count votes as against Thake's 126 in 2017, but it is today's count that is taken into consideration in the circumstances, and Thake obtained more second preferences than Galea.
Galea was therefore eliminated, and Thake was elected with 3,646 votes.
Ivan Bartolo is currently leading the way in the race for the parliamentary seat vacated by Marthese Portelli.
Five candidates contested the casual election to replace Simon Busuttil, while another seven are aiming to take Marthese Portelli’s place. Both Nationalist MPs resigned last month, with Busuttil taking up a post with the European People's Party.
The candidates contesting on the 12th district (Busuttil) are: Sam Abela, Simone Aquilina, Graziella Galea, David Thake, and Edward Torpiano.
The quota for election on that district is of 1,950 votes, but neither managed to reach that quota.
Seven nominations meanwhile were received for the casual election on the ninth district (Portelli): Alan Abela Wadge, Graziella Attard Previ, Ivan Bartolo, Roselyn Borg Knight, Albert Buttigieg, Noel Muscat, and Charles Selvaggi.
The first count has revealed a bit of a closer picture than in the 12th district, but Ivan Bartolo holds a 253 vote lead over Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat. Bartolo has 1,069 votes to Muscat's 816 votes - but with the quota set at 1,927 votes, the way in which the votes are inherited from one candidate to the other will play a key role in the final outcome of the casual election on this district.
Only 171 votes separated the remaining five candidates: St. Julian's mayor Albert Buttigieg has 488 votes, Roselyn Borg Knight has 403, Graziella Attard Previ has 384, Alan Abela Wadge has 341, and Charles Selvaggi has 307.
Having the lowest votes, Selvaggi was first to be eliminated - and the manner in which his vote have been distributed have added a further degree of closeness to the results, with Bartolo's lead over Muscat now being slashed to 166 votes. Abela Wadge also successfully overtook Attard Previ by 2 votes - meaning that the latter will be the next to be eliminated.
The third count saw Bartolo marginally increase his lead over Muscat to 191 votes - however at 1,179 votes he is still some way short of the quota to be elected. Abela Wadge meanwhile inherited over 100 votes to take his tally to 544, overtaking and eliminating Roselyn Borg Knight. Buttigieg currently has 550 votes - still some way off from Muscat.
Buttigieg was next to be eliminated, leaving Abela Wadge remaining on 857 votes, Muscat on 1,328 and Bartolo on 1,534. The redistribution of Abela Wadge's votes however ensured that Bartolo would comfortably pass the required quota, and hence be elected as an MP on the ninth district.
With the first count complete, candidates will now begin to be eliminated, with their votes being transferred to other candidates according to the numerical preference which the voter indicated. The process continued until one candidate reached the required quota, or until there are no more candidates to be eliminated.
You can follow the results live through our interactive graphs below, which will be updated as the counts progress.
By Albert Galea
Tuesday, 10 March 2020,
David Thake and Ivan Bartolo have won seats in Parliament on the twelfth and ninth district respectively after a casual election was held on Tuesday.
They replace former PN leader Simon Busuttil and Marthese Portelli respectively after they both resigned last month.
Thake's win came after some tension, after he obtained an identical amount of votes -1,877 - to Graziella Galea, just 73 votes shorts of the quota needed to be elected. However, it was Thake who eventually won the seat on the basis of having obtained more votes on the first count than Galea after Simon Busuttil's votes were redistributed.
Bartolo's win was more straightforward - he exceeded the quota needed for election after the sixth count, having obtained 2,206 votes. Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat was closest to Bartolo, ending the sixth count with 1,486 votes - still some 500 votes short of the required quota.
With the first count of the candidates tallied up, Thake held a 331 vote lead over Galea. But, after the elimination of Edward Torpiano (55) and Simone Aquilina (170), it was Sam Abela's turn to be eliminated - and it was here that matters heated up, as Galea caught up with Thake and they both ended on 1,877 votes.
A recount took place, producing the same result, and contestations about dubious votes were turned down by the commission, meaning that the number of votes remained the same for both candidates.
The recount was on the last count of votes.
There was then some argument on who should take the seat. Graziella Galea had obtained 284 first count votes as against Thake's 126 in 2017, but it is today's count that is taken into consideration in the circumstances, and Thake obtained more second preferences than Galea.
Galea was therefore eliminated, and Thake was elected with 3,646 votes.
Ivan Bartolo is currently leading the way in the race for the parliamentary seat vacated by Marthese Portelli.
Five candidates contested the casual election to replace Simon Busuttil, while another seven are aiming to take Marthese Portelli’s place. Both Nationalist MPs resigned last month, with Busuttil taking up a post with the European People's Party.
The candidates contesting on the 12th district (Busuttil) are: Sam Abela, Simone Aquilina, Graziella Galea, David Thake, and Edward Torpiano.
The quota for election on that district is of 1,950 votes, but neither managed to reach that quota.
Seven nominations meanwhile were received for the casual election on the ninth district (Portelli): Alan Abela Wadge, Graziella Attard Previ, Ivan Bartolo, Roselyn Borg Knight, Albert Buttigieg, Noel Muscat, and Charles Selvaggi.
The first count has revealed a bit of a closer picture than in the 12th district, but Ivan Bartolo holds a 253 vote lead over Swieqi mayor Noel Muscat. Bartolo has 1,069 votes to Muscat's 816 votes - but with the quota set at 1,927 votes, the way in which the votes are inherited from one candidate to the other will play a key role in the final outcome of the casual election on this district.
Only 171 votes separated the remaining five candidates: St. Julian's mayor Albert Buttigieg has 488 votes, Roselyn Borg Knight has 403, Graziella Attard Previ has 384, Alan Abela Wadge has 341, and Charles Selvaggi has 307.
Having the lowest votes, Selvaggi was first to be eliminated - and the manner in which his vote have been distributed have added a further degree of closeness to the results, with Bartolo's lead over Muscat now being slashed to 166 votes. Abela Wadge also successfully overtook Attard Previ by 2 votes - meaning that the latter will be the next to be eliminated.
The third count saw Bartolo marginally increase his lead over Muscat to 191 votes - however at 1,179 votes he is still some way short of the quota to be elected. Abela Wadge meanwhile inherited over 100 votes to take his tally to 544, overtaking and eliminating Roselyn Borg Knight. Buttigieg currently has 550 votes - still some way off from Muscat.
Buttigieg was next to be eliminated, leaving Abela Wadge remaining on 857 votes, Muscat on 1,328 and Bartolo on 1,534. The redistribution of Abela Wadge's votes however ensured that Bartolo would comfortably pass the required quota, and hence be elected as an MP on the ninth district.
With the first count complete, candidates will now begin to be eliminated, with their votes being transferred to other candidates according to the numerical preference which the voter indicated. The process continued until one candidate reached the required quota, or until there are no more candidates to be eliminated.
You can follow the results live through our interactive graphs below, which will be updated as the counts progress.
Will people in Nadur lose their homes?
By Victor Paul Borg
An aerial picture of Nadur with the two registered areas marked. Photo: Daniel CiliaVictor Paul Borg explains the background and potential solutions to a situation that is keeping homeowners in Gozo awake at night
You could cut the suspense with a knife in a heavily attended public meeting at the premises of the Nadur local council on Saturday.
More than a hundred people crammed the hall, spilling into the corridor outside and down the stairs towards the front door of the premises.
The meeting was convened in response to the registration of two large tracts of land – amounting to around four football pitches – that has given the jitters to house- and land-owners, worrying that they could be dispossessed of their properties.
About three dozen houses sit on the two chunks of land that were registered at the Land Registry by the Benefiċċju Ta’ Sant Antonio Delli Navarra, an old foundation set up in 1675 by noblewoman Cosmana Navarra. The noblewoman placed vast lands in the east of Gozo under the foundation set up for religious purposes.
“I have never experienced such panic by people as in the last two weeks,” the architect Edward Scerri told the public meeting.
How did all this come about?
Last July, minister Ian Borg, then responsible for the Lands Registry, published a legal notice in which scattered patches of the Maltese islands were declared land registration areas.
Among those areas were some tracts of land in Nadur.
Last July’s law obliges owners of properties in the designated areas to register their property at the point of first transaction (when the land is sold or transferred), or to do so voluntarily. The Benefiċċju Ta’ Sant Antonio Delli Navarra applied to register two tracts of land last January 21 and February 12 under voluntary registration.
The chance of anyone being evicted from their home verges on fantasy
Sources have told this newspaper that the foundation’s registration was discovered accidentally by one of the property owners nearly two weeks ago.
Will people lose their homes?
The question that is worrying home owners most is whether they could be dispossessed of their property. Law-yers who have seen contracts of some of the people affected told this newspaper that the chances of this happening are remote.
The lawyers spoke of contracts that give their possessors freehold, which in theory gives them an unassailable hold on their property.
Of course, the question then becomes whether the foundation can produce documentary evidence that sows doubt on the research of notaries who drafted the deeds of the current property owners in the first place.
This would in theory question the validity of the freehold contracts.
In practice, this would not be easy. Legal experts told Times of Malta that, although there are no blanket unequivocal answers, the overwhelming majority of property owners appear to be safe. They said the chance of anyone being evicted from their home verges on fantasy.
However, owners of dwellings might encounter difficulties in the event of attempting to sell their property.
Potential buyers would expectedly be wary of buying property whose ownership is under contestation.
What about the undeveloped portions?
Around half of the registered land consists of abandoned fields.
Analysts say there might be individuals who could potentially lose undeveloped land they might have a hold on, particularly since they might have neglected to keep their paperwork in order due to the fact that agricultural land has traditionally been deemed of low value.
They might also be tempted by foundation offers to buy their land.
Crucially, the abandoned agricultural land in the areas registered all falls within the development zone.
This means that, in theory, judging by the kind of five-storey blocks of flats being approved in Gozo, dozens of flats can potentially be developed on the portions of the land that is currently abandoned agricultural land.
As a comparison, on land at Ta’ Għar Boffa, in Qala, whose provenance goes back to the same people behind the foundation, more than 150 apartments are designated or in the process of being built on an area of around 10,000 square metres in a residential project being developed by J Portelli Projects.
The undeveloped terrain in Nadur tracts is slightly larger.
What’s next in the saga?
The next step for the property owners individually is to get their lawyers to file a so-called ‘caution’ at the Land Registry.
Beyond that, legal experts say that it would be fitting in the circumstances for the government to pass legislation that would curb these types of contestations.
In the current febrile atmosphere following the tragedy of the collapsed home in Ħamrun last week, passage of legislation is imaginable; protection of citizens’ property from the rampant development interests has become a talking point.
Politicians, including the prime minister, have been falling over themselves to support property owners on the ground in Nadur.
Ironically, the politicians’ eagerness to support residents has even indirectly contributed to a sense of panic that in turn serves as positive feedback increasing the chances of this issue being settled through legislation.
Another possibility is that the government would revoke the Nadur registrations if any irregularities in the process are found.
By Victor Paul Borg
An aerial picture of Nadur with the two registered areas marked. Photo: Daniel CiliaVictor Paul Borg explains the background and potential solutions to a situation that is keeping homeowners in Gozo awake at night
You could cut the suspense with a knife in a heavily attended public meeting at the premises of the Nadur local council on Saturday.
More than a hundred people crammed the hall, spilling into the corridor outside and down the stairs towards the front door of the premises.
The meeting was convened in response to the registration of two large tracts of land – amounting to around four football pitches – that has given the jitters to house- and land-owners, worrying that they could be dispossessed of their properties.
About three dozen houses sit on the two chunks of land that were registered at the Land Registry by the Benefiċċju Ta’ Sant Antonio Delli Navarra, an old foundation set up in 1675 by noblewoman Cosmana Navarra. The noblewoman placed vast lands in the east of Gozo under the foundation set up for religious purposes.
“I have never experienced such panic by people as in the last two weeks,” the architect Edward Scerri told the public meeting.
How did all this come about?
Last July, minister Ian Borg, then responsible for the Lands Registry, published a legal notice in which scattered patches of the Maltese islands were declared land registration areas.
Among those areas were some tracts of land in Nadur.
Last July’s law obliges owners of properties in the designated areas to register their property at the point of first transaction (when the land is sold or transferred), or to do so voluntarily. The Benefiċċju Ta’ Sant Antonio Delli Navarra applied to register two tracts of land last January 21 and February 12 under voluntary registration.
The chance of anyone being evicted from their home verges on fantasy
Sources have told this newspaper that the foundation’s registration was discovered accidentally by one of the property owners nearly two weeks ago.
Will people lose their homes?
The question that is worrying home owners most is whether they could be dispossessed of their property. Law-yers who have seen contracts of some of the people affected told this newspaper that the chances of this happening are remote.
The lawyers spoke of contracts that give their possessors freehold, which in theory gives them an unassailable hold on their property.
Of course, the question then becomes whether the foundation can produce documentary evidence that sows doubt on the research of notaries who drafted the deeds of the current property owners in the first place.
This would in theory question the validity of the freehold contracts.
In practice, this would not be easy. Legal experts told Times of Malta that, although there are no blanket unequivocal answers, the overwhelming majority of property owners appear to be safe. They said the chance of anyone being evicted from their home verges on fantasy.
However, owners of dwellings might encounter difficulties in the event of attempting to sell their property.
Potential buyers would expectedly be wary of buying property whose ownership is under contestation.
What about the undeveloped portions?
Around half of the registered land consists of abandoned fields.
Analysts say there might be individuals who could potentially lose undeveloped land they might have a hold on, particularly since they might have neglected to keep their paperwork in order due to the fact that agricultural land has traditionally been deemed of low value.
They might also be tempted by foundation offers to buy their land.
Crucially, the abandoned agricultural land in the areas registered all falls within the development zone.
This means that, in theory, judging by the kind of five-storey blocks of flats being approved in Gozo, dozens of flats can potentially be developed on the portions of the land that is currently abandoned agricultural land.
As a comparison, on land at Ta’ Għar Boffa, in Qala, whose provenance goes back to the same people behind the foundation, more than 150 apartments are designated or in the process of being built on an area of around 10,000 square metres in a residential project being developed by J Portelli Projects.
The undeveloped terrain in Nadur tracts is slightly larger.
What’s next in the saga?
The next step for the property owners individually is to get their lawyers to file a so-called ‘caution’ at the Land Registry.
Beyond that, legal experts say that it would be fitting in the circumstances for the government to pass legislation that would curb these types of contestations.
In the current febrile atmosphere following the tragedy of the collapsed home in Ħamrun last week, passage of legislation is imaginable; protection of citizens’ property from the rampant development interests has become a talking point.
Politicians, including the prime minister, have been falling over themselves to support property owners on the ground in Nadur.
Ironically, the politicians’ eagerness to support residents has even indirectly contributed to a sense of panic that in turn serves as positive feedback increasing the chances of this issue being settled through legislation.
Another possibility is that the government would revoke the Nadur registrations if any irregularities in the process are found.
NADUR PARISH OFFICES AND YOUTH CENTRE
By Edward Scerri
March 8 Nadur Parish Centre before and after
Well done Edward Scerri. Very appealing Maltese architecture.
The completed Nadur Parish Offices and Youth Centre.
By Edward Scerri
March 8 Nadur Parish Centre before and after
Well done Edward Scerri. Very appealing Maltese architecture.
The completed Nadur Parish Offices and Youth Centre.
Nadur Local Council cancelling activities in closed spaces
9 March, 2020
The Nadur Local Council is postponing and cancelling activities in closed spaces, especially those related to Senior Citizens. These include the postponement of the Day Centre, outings and library events. We believe that preventions is crucial at this stage and encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions. We also urge you all to follow any instructions provided by the Government of health authorities.
9 March, 2020
The Nadur Local Council is postponing and cancelling activities in closed spaces, especially those related to Senior Citizens. These include the postponement of the Day Centre, outings and library events. We believe that preventions is crucial at this stage and encourage everyone to take the necessary precautions. We also urge you all to follow any instructions provided by the Government of health authorities.
Coronavirus: Fourth case in Malta confirmed
No reason for alarm, government insists
A nurse at Mater Dei with protective gear. Photo: Jonathan Borg
A fourth patient was diagnosed with coronavirus in Malta late on Monday.
The government said the latest case involves a foreign national who was on holiday in north Italy in recent days. The patient, who resides in Malta, is in good condition, the government said, though no further details were provided.
"The government appeals for calm and responsibility because there is no reason for alarm or panic."
The health authorities are expected to give a press briefing on Tuesday morning.
More than 550 tests have been carried out for the virus in Malta, all of which have resulted negative.
No reason for alarm, government insists
A nurse at Mater Dei with protective gear. Photo: Jonathan Borg
A fourth patient was diagnosed with coronavirus in Malta late on Monday.
The government said the latest case involves a foreign national who was on holiday in north Italy in recent days. The patient, who resides in Malta, is in good condition, the government said, though no further details were provided.
"The government appeals for calm and responsibility because there is no reason for alarm or panic."
The health authorities are expected to give a press briefing on Tuesday morning.
More than 550 tests have been carried out for the virus in Malta, all of which have resulted negative.
Laqgha Pubblika illum fin-Nadur.
Fit-3:00pm gewwa s-Sala Parrokjali, ser jattendi l-Onorevoli Alex Muscat.
9 ta' Marzu, 2020.
Junior Minister for Citizenship and Communities at Government of Malta
Fit-3:00pm gewwa s-Sala Parrokjali, ser jattendi l-Onorevoli Alex Muscat.
9 ta' Marzu, 2020.
Junior Minister for Citizenship and Communities at Government of Malta
JOSEPH PORTELLI TA' J. PORTELLI PROJECTS U PRESIDENT TA' NADUR YOUNGSTERS - JIDDIKJARA LI MA GHANDU X' JAQSAM XEJN MAL-ART LI GIET REGISTRATA FIN-NADUR.
7 Marzu, 2020
Waqt l-laqgha pubblika li nzammet dalghodu fis-sala tal-Kunsill Lokali saru hafna interventi fosthom dak ta' Joseph Portelli - President ta' Nadur Youngsters.
Joseph Portelli qal li hass li kellu jitkellem biex jassigura lil kulhadd li minkejja diversi diceriji huwa ma ghandu x' jaqsam xejn mal-kumpanija jew persuni li rregistraw medded ta' art fin-Nadur.
Portelli qal li huwa jhobb in-Nadur u li dejjem hadem u ghen biex in-Nadur jimxi l' quddiem u li hekk ser jibqa' jaghmel.
7 Marzu, 2020
Waqt l-laqgha pubblika li nzammet dalghodu fis-sala tal-Kunsill Lokali saru hafna interventi fosthom dak ta' Joseph Portelli - President ta' Nadur Youngsters.
Joseph Portelli qal li hass li kellu jitkellem biex jassigura lil kulhadd li minkejja diversi diceriji huwa ma ghandu x' jaqsam xejn mal-kumpanija jew persuni li rregistraw medded ta' art fin-Nadur.
Portelli qal li huwa jhobb in-Nadur u li dejjem hadem u ghen biex in-Nadur jimxi l' quddiem u li hekk ser jibqa' jaghmel.
HAS PEOPLE LOST THEIR MIND
Why they cleaned the shelves at the supermarket.
NO MORE TOILET PAPER
This caronavirus effected many people in their brain.
People are also fitting at the supermarket over a package of toilet paper.
This is Woolworths Supermarket in Watergarden today.
Peter Paul Portelli
Webmaster
Why they cleaned the shelves at the supermarket.
NO MORE TOILET PAPER
This caronavirus effected many people in their brain.
People are also fitting at the supermarket over a package of toilet paper.
This is Woolworths Supermarket in Watergarden today.
Peter Paul Portelli
Webmaster
Coronavirus: Doctors insist flights from northern Italy must stopUnion says 'ready to take whatever action is necessary'
8 March, 2020
Doctors on Sunday reiterated their call to the government to stop flights from northern Italy.
In a statement, they pointed out that the Italian government had now declared the Lombardy region and 14 provinces in northern Italy as a quarantine zone, where people were forbidden to travel unless they received special permission to do so.
This, the Medical Association of Malta said, was done because the situation in Italy was grievous with the epidemic spreading like wildfire, with hundreds of deaths and intensive care admissions. Italy was moving to the situation already seen in China where the only remedy was a complete lockdown.
It was clear that the Italian authorities, just like China, failed to stop the epidemic with their soft approach and have now changed to lockdown approach, doctors said
They said that the World Health Organisation’s failure to recommend travel bans resulted in a global pandemic.
Singapore and Hong Kong introduced travel bans from mainland China and quickly controlled the epidemic.
Malta on Saturday registered its first three cases of the virus - a 12-year-old girl and her parents who had been in Italy.
The three cases in Malta, they said, were the result of a family who travelled to northern Italy despite the advice not to do so. While this family was lucky to get mild illness, not everybody would be so. They created a grave risk for the half a million inhabitants of the Maltese islands.
Yet, incredibly, daily flights to Malta from the lockdown areas in Italy continued unabathed, with two more flights due on Sunday.
The medical advice of all the consultants in the department of medicine at Mater Dei a week ago was for a ban. All trade unions and social partners with the exception of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association also insisted the flights must stop.
MAM said it again appealed to the government to stop all flights from northern Italy with immediate effect, and to order a mandatory quarantine for flights from other cities in Italy.
“The soft approach is a proven failure, let us protect our country and not have to go into lockdown after thousands get sick,” they said.
Failing this it was ready to take whatever measures were necessary to protect its members and the public.
The call was later on Sunday supported by the Chamber of Pharmacists.
8 March, 2020
Doctors on Sunday reiterated their call to the government to stop flights from northern Italy.
In a statement, they pointed out that the Italian government had now declared the Lombardy region and 14 provinces in northern Italy as a quarantine zone, where people were forbidden to travel unless they received special permission to do so.
This, the Medical Association of Malta said, was done because the situation in Italy was grievous with the epidemic spreading like wildfire, with hundreds of deaths and intensive care admissions. Italy was moving to the situation already seen in China where the only remedy was a complete lockdown.
It was clear that the Italian authorities, just like China, failed to stop the epidemic with their soft approach and have now changed to lockdown approach, doctors said
They said that the World Health Organisation’s failure to recommend travel bans resulted in a global pandemic.
Singapore and Hong Kong introduced travel bans from mainland China and quickly controlled the epidemic.
Malta on Saturday registered its first three cases of the virus - a 12-year-old girl and her parents who had been in Italy.
The three cases in Malta, they said, were the result of a family who travelled to northern Italy despite the advice not to do so. While this family was lucky to get mild illness, not everybody would be so. They created a grave risk for the half a million inhabitants of the Maltese islands.
Yet, incredibly, daily flights to Malta from the lockdown areas in Italy continued unabathed, with two more flights due on Sunday.
The medical advice of all the consultants in the department of medicine at Mater Dei a week ago was for a ban. All trade unions and social partners with the exception of the Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association also insisted the flights must stop.
MAM said it again appealed to the government to stop all flights from northern Italy with immediate effect, and to order a mandatory quarantine for flights from other cities in Italy.
“The soft approach is a proven failure, let us protect our country and not have to go into lockdown after thousands get sick,” they said.
Failing this it was ready to take whatever measures were necessary to protect its members and the public.
The call was later on Sunday supported by the Chamber of Pharmacists.
REGISTRAZZJONI TA' MEDDED TA' ART FIN-NADUR - HADT SEHEM F' LAQGHA PUBBLIKA LI SARET DALGHODU
7 ta' Marzu, 2020
Dalghodu l-Kunsill Lokali tan-Nadur organizza laqgha pubblika ghar-residenti dwar ir-registrazzjoni ta' medded ta' art fic-centru tan-Nadur. Kienet laqgha b' attendenza u partecipazzjoni kbira hafna.
Hassejt li bhala deputat elett minn Ghawdex u bhala resident tan-Nadur ghandi nattendi u niehu sehem.
Kelli okkazzjoni naghmel intervent fejn -
* appellajt lir-residenti biex kull azzjoni jehduha flimkien u jibqghu maqghudin;
* spjegajt l-mistoqsijiet li ghamilt fil-Parlament u li malli jkolli risposta ghalihom nippubblikahom;
* staqsejt kif in-Nadur ma kienx jaqa' f' registration area u f' daqqa wahda dahal kollu kif ukoll jekk kienx hemm min imbotta biex isir dan;
* staqsejt kif dawn l-applikazzjonijiet dubjuzi setghu jigu accettati fi zmien hekk qasir bla ebda kjarifika jew mistoqsijiet;
* appellajt biex l-ewwel glieda tkun li dawn ir-registrazzjonijiet jigu rtirati minhabba diversi ragunijiet.
Grazzi lill-Kunsill Lokali li qed jiehu l-passi kollha li jista'. Grazzi lir-residenti li qed jinghaqdu.
7 ta' Marzu, 2020
Dalghodu l-Kunsill Lokali tan-Nadur organizza laqgha pubblika ghar-residenti dwar ir-registrazzjoni ta' medded ta' art fic-centru tan-Nadur. Kienet laqgha b' attendenza u partecipazzjoni kbira hafna.
Hassejt li bhala deputat elett minn Ghawdex u bhala resident tan-Nadur ghandi nattendi u niehu sehem.
Kelli okkazzjoni naghmel intervent fejn -
* appellajt lir-residenti biex kull azzjoni jehduha flimkien u jibqghu maqghudin;
* spjegajt l-mistoqsijiet li ghamilt fil-Parlament u li malli jkolli risposta ghalihom nippubblikahom;
* staqsejt kif in-Nadur ma kienx jaqa' f' registration area u f' daqqa wahda dahal kollu kif ukoll jekk kienx hemm min imbotta biex isir dan;
* staqsejt kif dawn l-applikazzjonijiet dubjuzi setghu jigu accettati fi zmien hekk qasir bla ebda kjarifika jew mistoqsijiet;
* appellajt biex l-ewwel glieda tkun li dawn ir-registrazzjonijiet jigu rtirati minhabba diversi ragunijiet.
Grazzi lill-Kunsill Lokali li qed jiehu l-passi kollha li jista'. Grazzi lir-residenti li qed jinghaqdu.
Lent in Nadur
Updated: Parents of girl who contracted Coronavirus also test positive
Saturday, 7 March 2020,
The parents of the girl who was the first to contract the Coronavirus have also tested positive, the Health Ministry said.
The health authorities are confirming that the parents of the child who tested positive earlier this morning have also resulted positive for COVID-19.
The parents had already been isolated at Mater Dei Hospital with the child earlier today.
The 12-year-old, together with her parents and other sister, were in Trentino on a holiday and returned via Rome.
The family is of Italian origin but resides in Malta.
All the family self-quarantined after their return. The two children did not go to school and the adults did not go to work, Health Minister Chris Fearne said this morning.
They are now in an isolated section of Mater Dei Hospital.
This situation is contained within the family which followed advice by the Health Authorities and, since returning from Italy, remained in self-quarantine, the government said this evening.
"We would like to reassure the public that these cases are being kept in isolation."
To date, 181 tests have been carried out on people who were travelling in affected areas and developed symptoms. Only the 3 above family members tested positive for COVID-19.
In addition, 157 tests have also been carried as part of the surveillance programme and tested negative for COVID-19.
We would like to remind the public that there is no need for alarm and to take the necessary preventive measures of washing hands regularly, covering nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing and sneezing and staying home if sick.
For further information, you may call the COVID-19 helpline on 111.
Saturday, 7 March 2020,
The parents of the girl who was the first to contract the Coronavirus have also tested positive, the Health Ministry said.
The health authorities are confirming that the parents of the child who tested positive earlier this morning have also resulted positive for COVID-19.
The parents had already been isolated at Mater Dei Hospital with the child earlier today.
The 12-year-old, together with her parents and other sister, were in Trentino on a holiday and returned via Rome.
The family is of Italian origin but resides in Malta.
All the family self-quarantined after their return. The two children did not go to school and the adults did not go to work, Health Minister Chris Fearne said this morning.
They are now in an isolated section of Mater Dei Hospital.
This situation is contained within the family which followed advice by the Health Authorities and, since returning from Italy, remained in self-quarantine, the government said this evening.
"We would like to reassure the public that these cases are being kept in isolation."
To date, 181 tests have been carried out on people who were travelling in affected areas and developed symptoms. Only the 3 above family members tested positive for COVID-19.
In addition, 157 tests have also been carried as part of the surveillance programme and tested negative for COVID-19.
We would like to remind the public that there is no need for alarm and to take the necessary preventive measures of washing hands regularly, covering nose and mouth with a tissue or flexed elbow when coughing and sneezing and staying home if sick.
For further information, you may call the COVID-19 helpline on 111.
GOZO IN 1953
The way we were.
Watch the video: https://www.facebook.com/270950559615515/videos/627502741362893/
MaltaToday
February 24 , 2020People at Nadur Carnival told us the annual celebration is synonymous with freedom and unadulterated joy,
Watch the film here: https://www.facebook.com/maltatoday/videos/215567296294524/
February 24 , 2020People at Nadur Carnival told us the annual celebration is synonymous with freedom and unadulterated joy,
Watch the film here: https://www.facebook.com/maltatoday/videos/215567296294524/
Ivan Bartolo submits nomination for casual election to replace Marthese Portelli
Friday, 6 March 2020,
Businessman Ivan Bartolo has submitted his nomination for the casual election to replace Marthese Portelli, who resigned from Parliament last week.
Bartolo was last year at the forefront of a group of PN councillors who tried to force a vote of no confidence against party leader Adrian Delia.
He was among a number of candidates who submitted their nomination for the casual election on the ninth electoral district. The other candidates who submitted their nomination on Friday were PN International Secretary Roselyn Borg Knight, St Julian’s Mayor Albert Buttigieg and Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat.
Charles Selvaggi and Graziella Attard Previ are also contesting the casual election.
On the other hand, the Electoral Commission has received three new nominations for the casual election on the 12th district, which will elect a new MP to replace Simon Busuttil. The former PN leader resigned last month to take up a new role as Secretary General of the European People’s Party (EPP).
The candidates who submitted their nomination on Friday are Graziella Galea, Simone Aquilina and Simone Torpiano.
Other candidates running for the 12th district casual election are former radio host David Thake, Sam Abela.
The casual elections will be held on Tuesday 10 March.
Friday, 6 March 2020,
Businessman Ivan Bartolo has submitted his nomination for the casual election to replace Marthese Portelli, who resigned from Parliament last week.
Bartolo was last year at the forefront of a group of PN councillors who tried to force a vote of no confidence against party leader Adrian Delia.
He was among a number of candidates who submitted their nomination for the casual election on the ninth electoral district. The other candidates who submitted their nomination on Friday were PN International Secretary Roselyn Borg Knight, St Julian’s Mayor Albert Buttigieg and Swieqi Mayor Noel Muscat.
Charles Selvaggi and Graziella Attard Previ are also contesting the casual election.
On the other hand, the Electoral Commission has received three new nominations for the casual election on the 12th district, which will elect a new MP to replace Simon Busuttil. The former PN leader resigned last month to take up a new role as Secretary General of the European People’s Party (EPP).
The candidates who submitted their nomination on Friday are Graziella Galea, Simone Aquilina and Simone Torpiano.
Other candidates running for the 12th district casual election are former radio host David Thake, Sam Abela.
The casual elections will be held on Tuesday 10 March.
After Coronavirus 'alarm', cruise ship MSC Opera will not dock in Malta
Friday, 6 March 2020,
The Government of Malta and MSC Cruises have reached a mutual agreement that, exclusively on the occasion of today, the cruise liner MSC Opera will not enter Malta's port, a government statement said.
It was previously reported in sections of the media that earlier this week that the ship underwent voluntary quarantine when a former passenger from Austria was diagnosed with the Coronavirus. There are no reported cases on board the vessel.
The government in a statement said that "this decision has been taken following public alarm raised by misleading information given by a local media outlet (not The Malta Independent) through a story riddled with partial truths and erroneous details. It is pertinent to note that according to information received by the government and medical reviews and clearances granted by other foreign ports the ship has visited, there is no case of Coronavirus on board the MSC Opera which was planned to enter Malta."
"Despite the established facts, the Maltese Government and MSC Cruises have decided to approve the re-routing of cruise liner MSC Opera so as to avoid further concern among the Maltese public. The Government of Malta appeals for responsibility and maturity in statements made in relation to the outbreak of Coronavirus."
News reports previously read that the president of the Medical Association of Malta Martin Balzan had threatened industrial action should the authorities have allowed the ship to dock.
In a statement earlier in the day, the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine said that Public Health authorities had repeatedly stated that close contacts of any person confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 are to be put under mandatory quarantine. Furthermore, all symptomatic contacts are to be tested.
"Should the MSC Opera dock in Malta, it would have to be put under mandatory quarantine until the elapse of 14 days from the 28th February," the association had said.
"Maltese authorities would have to test any passenger or crew member who becomes symptomatic in the meantime. It thus seems logical not to allow the ship to dock in Malta. Reports that the Superintendent of Public Health’s decision to this effect has been overruled are worrying. MAPHM fully supports the Superintendent of Public Health’s decision to stop this cruise liner from docking."
The public health authorities need to be given full discretion in deciding what is best for the safety and public health of persons in Malta, the association said.
Friday, 6 March 2020,
The Government of Malta and MSC Cruises have reached a mutual agreement that, exclusively on the occasion of today, the cruise liner MSC Opera will not enter Malta's port, a government statement said.
It was previously reported in sections of the media that earlier this week that the ship underwent voluntary quarantine when a former passenger from Austria was diagnosed with the Coronavirus. There are no reported cases on board the vessel.
The government in a statement said that "this decision has been taken following public alarm raised by misleading information given by a local media outlet (not The Malta Independent) through a story riddled with partial truths and erroneous details. It is pertinent to note that according to information received by the government and medical reviews and clearances granted by other foreign ports the ship has visited, there is no case of Coronavirus on board the MSC Opera which was planned to enter Malta."
"Despite the established facts, the Maltese Government and MSC Cruises have decided to approve the re-routing of cruise liner MSC Opera so as to avoid further concern among the Maltese public. The Government of Malta appeals for responsibility and maturity in statements made in relation to the outbreak of Coronavirus."
News reports previously read that the president of the Medical Association of Malta Martin Balzan had threatened industrial action should the authorities have allowed the ship to dock.
In a statement earlier in the day, the Malta Association of Public Health Medicine said that Public Health authorities had repeatedly stated that close contacts of any person confirmed to be infected with COVID-19 are to be put under mandatory quarantine. Furthermore, all symptomatic contacts are to be tested.
"Should the MSC Opera dock in Malta, it would have to be put under mandatory quarantine until the elapse of 14 days from the 28th February," the association had said.
"Maltese authorities would have to test any passenger or crew member who becomes symptomatic in the meantime. It thus seems logical not to allow the ship to dock in Malta. Reports that the Superintendent of Public Health’s decision to this effect has been overruled are worrying. MAPHM fully supports the Superintendent of Public Health’s decision to stop this cruise liner from docking."
The public health authorities need to be given full discretion in deciding what is best for the safety and public health of persons in Malta, the association said.
Abela meets Nadur residents affected by Stagno Navarra land registrations
Prime Minister tells residents to take legal action and contest land reigistrations
6 March 2020, 9:34am
by Matthew Vella
Robert Abela meeting Nadur residents affected by the land registrations of the Stagno Navarra family
Prime Minister Robert Abela on Thursday made an unexpected visit to residents in a Nadur, where a business group that includes the Stagno Navarra family, former magistrate Dennis Montebello, and the lawyer Carmelo Galea, is registering vast swathes of land they claim is part of an ancient fief.
Abela met residents of Nadur together with Gozo minister Clint Camilleri, although it is unclear what course of action the prime minister can possibly take: one resident who spoke to MaltaToday said Abela suggested they coordinate a legal action to contest the registrations.
Nadur mayor Edward Said expressed gratitude for what he called “immediate action”. “We are expecting developments,” he said on Facebook. “People here want to put their minds at rest.”
The Stagno Navarra family has taken control of what is called a giuspatronato – a familial privilege granted by a Catholic bishop – to the noble family of Cosmanna Navarra, centuries ago.
MaltaToday has reported extensively on the effects of the ownership of these lands, on residents in Qala.
Crucially, the Stagno Navarra regained control of the giuspatronato, which administered vast swathes of lands in Gozo, after paying off the Maltese archdiocese to relinquish control from the clergyman who controlled it.
Parliamemtary secretary for lands Alex Muscat has confirmed that the Stagno Navarras and their business associates have registered over 27,500 square metres of land in Gozo in the name of the Benefice of Sant’ Antonio delli Navarra, as the giuspatronato is called. Patrick Valentino, the lawyer, is its official representative.
Muscat said he is requesting clarifications on the registration process, and will verify what has been done so far.
Prime Minister tells residents to take legal action and contest land reigistrations
6 March 2020, 9:34am
by Matthew Vella
Robert Abela meeting Nadur residents affected by the land registrations of the Stagno Navarra family
Prime Minister Robert Abela on Thursday made an unexpected visit to residents in a Nadur, where a business group that includes the Stagno Navarra family, former magistrate Dennis Montebello, and the lawyer Carmelo Galea, is registering vast swathes of land they claim is part of an ancient fief.
Abela met residents of Nadur together with Gozo minister Clint Camilleri, although it is unclear what course of action the prime minister can possibly take: one resident who spoke to MaltaToday said Abela suggested they coordinate a legal action to contest the registrations.
Nadur mayor Edward Said expressed gratitude for what he called “immediate action”. “We are expecting developments,” he said on Facebook. “People here want to put their minds at rest.”
The Stagno Navarra family has taken control of what is called a giuspatronato – a familial privilege granted by a Catholic bishop – to the noble family of Cosmanna Navarra, centuries ago.
MaltaToday has reported extensively on the effects of the ownership of these lands, on residents in Qala.
Crucially, the Stagno Navarra regained control of the giuspatronato, which administered vast swathes of lands in Gozo, after paying off the Maltese archdiocese to relinquish control from the clergyman who controlled it.
Parliamemtary secretary for lands Alex Muscat has confirmed that the Stagno Navarras and their business associates have registered over 27,500 square metres of land in Gozo in the name of the Benefice of Sant’ Antonio delli Navarra, as the giuspatronato is called. Patrick Valentino, the lawyer, is its official representative.
Muscat said he is requesting clarifications on the registration process, and will verify what has been done so far.
Nadur lands registered on strength of legal title, lawyer for Sant'Antonio delli Navarra estate says
Large swathes of land that include residential units in Nadur were recently registered on new owners, causing panic in the Gozitan village
5 March 2020,
by Kurt Sansone
Nadur residents are shocked after their properties were registered by the heirs of the Sant'Antonio delli Navarra estate
Heirs of the late Richard Stagno Navarra say that the recent registration of Nadur lands to their name was possible because of “good and legal” title.
The statement was signed and disseminated by Gozitan lawyer Carmelo Galea on behalf of the lay benefice of the Sant’Antonio delli Navarra estate.
“The benefice registered these lands because he has good and legal title over the property, otherwise the registration would have been denied,” Galea said.
The lawyer said whoever had legal title substantiated by notarial deeds can take the necessary steps to have that property registered.
“Without prejudice, the benefice is always ready to meet with whoever claims title to verify the respective rights and claims before legal procedures can commence,” Galea said.
READ ALSO: Nadur residents shocked as new owners register their homes
Families in Nadur were shocked when they were informed over the past few weeks that their property no longer belonged to them and was now registered by the Sant’Antonio delli Navarra estate. The registration has affected large swathes of Nadur, including family homes and fields.
MaltaToday reported the matter on Wednesday. However, Galea insisted the media was not the “ideal forum” to air the claims of those who believe they have a legal title.
“Unfortunately, the media is sometimes used to try and create pressure to acquire rights that do not exist at law,” Galea insisted.
Large swathes of land that include residential units in Nadur were recently registered on new owners, causing panic in the Gozitan village
5 March 2020,
by Kurt Sansone
Nadur residents are shocked after their properties were registered by the heirs of the Sant'Antonio delli Navarra estate
Heirs of the late Richard Stagno Navarra say that the recent registration of Nadur lands to their name was possible because of “good and legal” title.
The statement was signed and disseminated by Gozitan lawyer Carmelo Galea on behalf of the lay benefice of the Sant’Antonio delli Navarra estate.
“The benefice registered these lands because he has good and legal title over the property, otherwise the registration would have been denied,” Galea said.
The lawyer said whoever had legal title substantiated by notarial deeds can take the necessary steps to have that property registered.
“Without prejudice, the benefice is always ready to meet with whoever claims title to verify the respective rights and claims before legal procedures can commence,” Galea said.
READ ALSO: Nadur residents shocked as new owners register their homes
Families in Nadur were shocked when they were informed over the past few weeks that their property no longer belonged to them and was now registered by the Sant’Antonio delli Navarra estate. The registration has affected large swathes of Nadur, including family homes and fields.
MaltaToday reported the matter on Wednesday. However, Galea insisted the media was not the “ideal forum” to air the claims of those who believe they have a legal title.
“Unfortunately, the media is sometimes used to try and create pressure to acquire rights that do not exist at law,” Galea insisted.
PANIKU FIN-NADUR: Residenti jgħidulhom li djarhom mhux tagħhom
L-Erbgħa, 4 ta' Marzu 2020
NET Newsroom
Numru ta’ residenti min-Nadur, partikolarment minn Triq i-Knisja u oħrajn fiċ-ċentru tar-raħal Għawdxi, jinsabu nkwetati u perplessi wara li xi nies qalulhom li darhom allegatament mhux proprjetà tagħhom.
Dawn il-persuni, saħqu li huma l-avukati tal-werrieta ta’ Richard Stagno Navarra, u insistew maċ-ċittadini li darhom hija wirt il-klijenti tagħhom – skont dokument li jmur lura s-17-il seklu.
Filwaqt li qed jiġi rrapportat li xi bdiewa ċedew għat-talbiet tar-rappreżentanti ta’ dawn in-nies, li s’issa mhux magħrufa, oħrajn allegatament qed jiġu ordnati sabiex jew iħallsu tal-proprjetà tagħhom jew jitqalftu ‘l barra.
Is-Sindku tan-Nadur, Edward Said, saħaq ma’ Net News li dawn il-persuni li qed jiġu mitluba sabiex joħorġu ‘l barra minn djarhom huma ċittadini normali, nies tal-familja li kienu jgħixu ħajja normali qabel ma’ ngħataw din l-aħbar li ħasdet lil bosta.
Agħar minn hekk, ħareġ fid-deher li allegatament il-proprjetajiet, parti sostanzjali mill-lokalità tan-Nadur, ġew irreġistrata f’qasir żmien fuq isem ħaddieħor mal-Awtorità tal-Artijiet.
Edward Said iddeskriva s-sitwazzjoni bħala waħda kaotika u staqsa jekk dan il-pass mal-Awtorità konċernata kienx wieħed abbużiv jew le. Huwa staqsa wkoll x’ser isir miċ-ċittadini li spiċċaw f’dan l-inkwiet mingħajr mistenni?
Illum waranofsinhar mistenni jitlaqqa’ l-Kunsill Lokali fejn ser tiġi diskussa din is-sitwazzjoni li qed tħasseb lil bosta.
L-Erbgħa, 4 ta' Marzu 2020
NET Newsroom
Numru ta’ residenti min-Nadur, partikolarment minn Triq i-Knisja u oħrajn fiċ-ċentru tar-raħal Għawdxi, jinsabu nkwetati u perplessi wara li xi nies qalulhom li darhom allegatament mhux proprjetà tagħhom.
Dawn il-persuni, saħqu li huma l-avukati tal-werrieta ta’ Richard Stagno Navarra, u insistew maċ-ċittadini li darhom hija wirt il-klijenti tagħhom – skont dokument li jmur lura s-17-il seklu.
Filwaqt li qed jiġi rrapportat li xi bdiewa ċedew għat-talbiet tar-rappreżentanti ta’ dawn in-nies, li s’issa mhux magħrufa, oħrajn allegatament qed jiġu ordnati sabiex jew iħallsu tal-proprjetà tagħhom jew jitqalftu ‘l barra.
Is-Sindku tan-Nadur, Edward Said, saħaq ma’ Net News li dawn il-persuni li qed jiġu mitluba sabiex joħorġu ‘l barra minn djarhom huma ċittadini normali, nies tal-familja li kienu jgħixu ħajja normali qabel ma’ ngħataw din l-aħbar li ħasdet lil bosta.
Agħar minn hekk, ħareġ fid-deher li allegatament il-proprjetajiet, parti sostanzjali mill-lokalità tan-Nadur, ġew irreġistrata f’qasir żmien fuq isem ħaddieħor mal-Awtorità tal-Artijiet.
Edward Said iddeskriva s-sitwazzjoni bħala waħda kaotika u staqsa jekk dan il-pass mal-Awtorità konċernata kienx wieħed abbużiv jew le. Huwa staqsa wkoll x’ser isir miċ-ċittadini li spiċċaw f’dan l-inkwiet mingħajr mistenni?
Illum waranofsinhar mistenni jitlaqqa’ l-Kunsill Lokali fejn ser tiġi diskussa din is-sitwazzjoni li qed tħasseb lil bosta.
[WATCH] Robert Abela sets up committee to review building rules and practices
Prime Minister skirts question as to whether minister Ian Borg should resign following fatal construction incident • No moratorium on excavation work
4 March 2020, 5:06pm
by Karl Azzopardi
Watch the film here: https://www.facebook.com/MaltaGov/videos/2866959723347198/
Robert Abela addressing a press conference at Castille
Robert Abela has set up a committee to review the rules governing the building industry and its practices in the wake of Monday’s fatal tragedy.
The Prime Minister, however, shied away from ordering a moratorium on demolition and excavation work pending the review.
Abela said he will be asking the relevant authorities to carry out more inspections and ensure that construction work is carried out according to correct practice.
The committee will be chaired by retired judge Lawrence Quintano and includes geo-technical engineer Adrian Mifsud, architect Mario Cassar and lawyer Mark Simiana.
The committee is expected to take stock of the situation and propose changes to the regulatory set up.
Abela did not give a timeline for the committee to conclude its work but insisted he would be asking them to do so urgently.
The Prime Minister skirted a question as to whether Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg, who last year piloted rule changes following a series of building collapses, should resign for promising peace of mind.
Abela was addressing a press conference at Castille.
On Monday, Miriam Pace, 54, was killed after her house collapsed.
Abela said it was clear that the cause of the collapse was linked to adjacent construction work in a site where excavation was taking place.
He said that the magisterial inquiry and the police investigation into the incident were progressing well and he expected anybody responsible for what happened to be brought to justice.
Prime Minister skirts question as to whether minister Ian Borg should resign following fatal construction incident • No moratorium on excavation work
4 March 2020, 5:06pm
by Karl Azzopardi
Watch the film here: https://www.facebook.com/MaltaGov/videos/2866959723347198/
Robert Abela addressing a press conference at Castille
Robert Abela has set up a committee to review the rules governing the building industry and its practices in the wake of Monday’s fatal tragedy.
The Prime Minister, however, shied away from ordering a moratorium on demolition and excavation work pending the review.
Abela said he will be asking the relevant authorities to carry out more inspections and ensure that construction work is carried out according to correct practice.
The committee will be chaired by retired judge Lawrence Quintano and includes geo-technical engineer Adrian Mifsud, architect Mario Cassar and lawyer Mark Simiana.
The committee is expected to take stock of the situation and propose changes to the regulatory set up.
Abela did not give a timeline for the committee to conclude its work but insisted he would be asking them to do so urgently.
The Prime Minister skirted a question as to whether Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg, who last year piloted rule changes following a series of building collapses, should resign for promising peace of mind.
Abela was addressing a press conference at Castille.
On Monday, Miriam Pace, 54, was killed after her house collapsed.
Abela said it was clear that the cause of the collapse was linked to adjacent construction work in a site where excavation was taking place.
He said that the magisterial inquiry and the police investigation into the incident were progressing well and he expected anybody responsible for what happened to be brought to justice.
MAFIA BISS
Nadur residents shocked as new owners register their homes
Dozens of Nadur residents have said they were approached by lawyers claiming their houses do not belong to them
4 March 2020, 10:19am
by James Debono
The Nadur Basilica
Dozens of Nadur residents living in the Gozitan village’s street of Triq il-Knisja and other central parts have been approached by lawyers claiming their houses do not belong to them.
The lawyers, believed to be acting for the heirs of the late Richard Stagno Navarra, have told the residents their homes and properties are being claimed on the basis of documents dating back to the 1600s, a time when most of these properties did not even exist.
MaltaToday is informed that some farmers have already ceded their land while other property owners have been told to pay up or leave.
The lands in question have also been mysteriously registered with the Lands Authority; some residents have protested the manner in which the registration was carried out unbeknownst to them.
According to different sources, the claims are being made by heirs of the late Richard Stagno Navarra and are being pushed by a number of top Gozitan lawyers.
BACK STORY Church ‘released’ Gozo land tipped for cruise port for just €200,000
Nadur mayor Edward Said expressed his preoccupation on the situation, confirming that he has been approached by a large number of anguished residents following the “registration with the Lands Authority of large parts of Nadur.”
“Just imagine the shock they feel when they are told that their own home is owned by someone else… Many of these people have nothing else and lack the resources to counteract these claims,” Said told MaltaToday.
Said described the situation as “chaotic” with residents being shocked that their land has been registered by other people.
In a Facebook post, Said described the registrations “as a threat to the livelihood of the residents by persons who do not even know where Nadur is, let alone which land in Nadur is theirs.”
Said promised his full assistance to residents even of the matter does not fall under the jurisdiction of local councils.
The matter will, in fact, be discussed in today’s council meeting.
He also promised to raise the matter with the authorities including parliamentarians from both sides of the house to ensure that the homes and property of Nadur residents is not impacted by these claims.
Nadur residents shocked as new owners register their homes
Dozens of Nadur residents have said they were approached by lawyers claiming their houses do not belong to them
4 March 2020, 10:19am
by James Debono
The Nadur Basilica
Dozens of Nadur residents living in the Gozitan village’s street of Triq il-Knisja and other central parts have been approached by lawyers claiming their houses do not belong to them.
The lawyers, believed to be acting for the heirs of the late Richard Stagno Navarra, have told the residents their homes and properties are being claimed on the basis of documents dating back to the 1600s, a time when most of these properties did not even exist.
MaltaToday is informed that some farmers have already ceded their land while other property owners have been told to pay up or leave.
The lands in question have also been mysteriously registered with the Lands Authority; some residents have protested the manner in which the registration was carried out unbeknownst to them.
According to different sources, the claims are being made by heirs of the late Richard Stagno Navarra and are being pushed by a number of top Gozitan lawyers.
BACK STORY Church ‘released’ Gozo land tipped for cruise port for just €200,000
Nadur mayor Edward Said expressed his preoccupation on the situation, confirming that he has been approached by a large number of anguished residents following the “registration with the Lands Authority of large parts of Nadur.”
“Just imagine the shock they feel when they are told that their own home is owned by someone else… Many of these people have nothing else and lack the resources to counteract these claims,” Said told MaltaToday.
Said described the situation as “chaotic” with residents being shocked that their land has been registered by other people.
In a Facebook post, Said described the registrations “as a threat to the livelihood of the residents by persons who do not even know where Nadur is, let alone which land in Nadur is theirs.”
Said promised his full assistance to residents even of the matter does not fall under the jurisdiction of local councils.
The matter will, in fact, be discussed in today’s council meeting.
He also promised to raise the matter with the authorities including parliamentarians from both sides of the house to ensure that the homes and property of Nadur residents is not impacted by these claims.
ZVILUPPI DWAR REGISTRAZZJONI TAL-ART FIN-NADUR:
Dawn huma l-partijiet minn Nadur li fl-ahhar jiem gew irregistrati mill-Beneficju ta' Sant' Antonio delli Navarra bhala taghhom. Il-mistoqsija hija jekk dan sarx b’mod abbuziv jew le, u spicca holoq inkwiet enormi fost ir-residenti tan-Nadur.
Bhala Sindku ser npoggi din il-materja fuq l-agenda tal-laqgha ta' ghada tal-Kunsill Lokali u nassigurakom li ser niehdu l-passi kollha li nistghu niehdu bhala Kunsill biex nissalvagwardjaw il-propjeta' tan-Nadurin.
SE NKUN HEMM GHALIKOM! Edward Said - Sindku.
Dawn huma l-partijiet minn Nadur li fl-ahhar jiem gew irregistrati mill-Beneficju ta' Sant' Antonio delli Navarra bhala taghhom. Il-mistoqsija hija jekk dan sarx b’mod abbuziv jew le, u spicca holoq inkwiet enormi fost ir-residenti tan-Nadur.
Bhala Sindku ser npoggi din il-materja fuq l-agenda tal-laqgha ta' ghada tal-Kunsill Lokali u nassigurakom li ser niehdu l-passi kollha li nistghu niehdu bhala Kunsill biex nissalvagwardjaw il-propjeta' tan-Nadurin.
SE NKUN HEMM GHALIKOM! Edward Said - Sindku.
Malta out of control
Another Gozo windmill to be overshadowed by flatsTa’ Fortun is one of two windmills scheduled as Grade One buildings
By Gordon Watson
The windmill in Victoria which will soon be overshadowed by a taller block of apartments. Photo: Daniel CiliaA five-storey block of flats to be constructed in Gozo will overshadow a neighbouring Grade 1 protected windmill, in the second recent case of this kind on the island.
The apartment complex next to the Ta’ Fortun windmill in Victoria is to be called The Carob – after the iconic tree which was uprooted as part of the excavation process.
Two weeks ago, Times of Malta reported the criticism unleashed by another five-storey block that overshadows the Ta’ Marżiena windmill, also in Victoria and scheduled as Grade One.
The latest development was highlighted by Gozitan conservationist Daniel Cilia, who criticised the Planning Authority for giving the go-ahead to applicant Anthony Ellis and architect Emanuel Vella.
It is understood the windmill is about 15 metres high and the development beside it will be 17.5 metres high.
Cilia described the Planning Authority as a “sham”. He said: “Another Gozitan Grade One windmill will soon disappear behind a five-storey apartment block which will practically cover it altogether!”
Ta’ Fortun is one of two windmills scheduled as Grade One buildings in 2012, granting them the highest level of protection available.
This protection applies both to the listed building and its immediate surroundings, preventing alterations.
The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage had initially asked for photomontages after raising concerns about the planned building’s proximity to the windmill and location in an Urban Conservation Area.
However, the PA’s case officer said this task was not carried out because the vantage point from which the montages would be taken was on land that could be developed.
Along with the development itself, Cilia also criticised the removal of the old carob tree, which is classified as a protected species in certain areas like open spaces and green enclaves.
However, the Environment and Resources Authority said the tree in question is not protected because it is in a development zone.
Both the architect, Emanuel Vella, and the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage were contacted for comment.
The planned block of flats.
Another Gozo windmill to be overshadowed by flatsTa’ Fortun is one of two windmills scheduled as Grade One buildings
By Gordon Watson
The windmill in Victoria which will soon be overshadowed by a taller block of apartments. Photo: Daniel CiliaA five-storey block of flats to be constructed in Gozo will overshadow a neighbouring Grade 1 protected windmill, in the second recent case of this kind on the island.
The apartment complex next to the Ta’ Fortun windmill in Victoria is to be called The Carob – after the iconic tree which was uprooted as part of the excavation process.
Two weeks ago, Times of Malta reported the criticism unleashed by another five-storey block that overshadows the Ta’ Marżiena windmill, also in Victoria and scheduled as Grade One.
The latest development was highlighted by Gozitan conservationist Daniel Cilia, who criticised the Planning Authority for giving the go-ahead to applicant Anthony Ellis and architect Emanuel Vella.
It is understood the windmill is about 15 metres high and the development beside it will be 17.5 metres high.
Cilia described the Planning Authority as a “sham”. He said: “Another Gozitan Grade One windmill will soon disappear behind a five-storey apartment block which will practically cover it altogether!”
Ta’ Fortun is one of two windmills scheduled as Grade One buildings in 2012, granting them the highest level of protection available.
This protection applies both to the listed building and its immediate surroundings, preventing alterations.
The Superintendence for Cultural Heritage had initially asked for photomontages after raising concerns about the planned building’s proximity to the windmill and location in an Urban Conservation Area.
However, the PA’s case officer said this task was not carried out because the vantage point from which the montages would be taken was on land that could be developed.
Along with the development itself, Cilia also criticised the removal of the old carob tree, which is classified as a protected species in certain areas like open spaces and green enclaves.
However, the Environment and Resources Authority said the tree in question is not protected because it is in a development zone.
Both the architect, Emanuel Vella, and the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage were contacted for comment.
The planned block of flats.
Hamrun tragedy: PM urges police to take all the necessary steps against those responsible
Tuesday, 3 March 2020,
Prime Minister Robert Abela appealed to the police to take immediate action over those who are responsible for the building which collapsed in Ħamrun, regardless of who they might be.
Yesterday, a building located in Joseph Abela Scolari Street, which is adjacent to a construction site, collapsed, taking the life of 54-year-old Miriam Pace who was at home when it all happened.
Four individuals are currently being investigated in this regard; the site technical officer and two workers, who all were held under arrest soon after the accident, the police said in a statement.
Abela told the media that due to such investigations, he has to be careful what he says so as not to affect the on-going investigations.
However, he emphasised that he will be making sure that the police carries out their job to the utmost efficiency without impunity and take those responsible to court.
Asked if there will be an open inquiry to investigate the value of the measure that had been implemented last year by the Infrastructure Ministry, Abela said that he aims to look into these measures and make the required changes so as to ensure they offer a solid foundation.
Told that this accident is a result of the laissez-faire attitude present in the highest ranks of government which has now trickled down the scale, Abela said appealed to not politicise the situation as this is a serious predicament.
“My priority is that a situation as tragic as this will not happen again.”
Tuesday, 3 March 2020,
Prime Minister Robert Abela appealed to the police to take immediate action over those who are responsible for the building which collapsed in Ħamrun, regardless of who they might be.
Yesterday, a building located in Joseph Abela Scolari Street, which is adjacent to a construction site, collapsed, taking the life of 54-year-old Miriam Pace who was at home when it all happened.
Four individuals are currently being investigated in this regard; the site technical officer and two workers, who all were held under arrest soon after the accident, the police said in a statement.
Abela told the media that due to such investigations, he has to be careful what he says so as not to affect the on-going investigations.
However, he emphasised that he will be making sure that the police carries out their job to the utmost efficiency without impunity and take those responsible to court.
Asked if there will be an open inquiry to investigate the value of the measure that had been implemented last year by the Infrastructure Ministry, Abela said that he aims to look into these measures and make the required changes so as to ensure they offer a solid foundation.
Told that this accident is a result of the laissez-faire attitude present in the highest ranks of government which has now trickled down the scale, Abela said appealed to not politicise the situation as this is a serious predicament.
“My priority is that a situation as tragic as this will not happen again.”
NADUR YOUNGSTERS FC. VS XEWKIJA TIGERS FC 5 - 0
Jason Azzopardi MP
M’hemmx kliem. Illejla ragel tilef ‘l martu, tfal ‘l ommhom, l-qraba tilfu ‘l ghaziza taghhom.
Dwejjaq. Xokk. Rabja. Rabja kbira hafna.
Mewt li iva qatt ma missha sehhet. Setghet tkun evitata.
Sehhet ghax min ghamel il-Ligi fl-2019 naqqas, flok zied, l-obbligi fuq min ihaffer u min jibni.
Grat ghax meta ftahnilhom ghajnejhom, dahqu bina. Injorawna. Ghax ma riedux jurtaw ‘l dawk li ksew ‘l Malta bil-konkos. Li ma jmorrux ma jdahhlux il-flus tat-tixhim fil-but.
Issa naghmlu l-kontijiet
M’hemmx kliem. Illejla ragel tilef ‘l martu, tfal ‘l ommhom, l-qraba tilfu ‘l ghaziza taghhom.
Dwejjaq. Xokk. Rabja. Rabja kbira hafna.
Mewt li iva qatt ma missha sehhet. Setghet tkun evitata.
Sehhet ghax min ghamel il-Ligi fl-2019 naqqas, flok zied, l-obbligi fuq min ihaffer u min jibni.
Grat ghax meta ftahnilhom ghajnejhom, dahqu bina. Injorawna. Ghax ma riedux jurtaw ‘l dawk li ksew ‘l Malta bil-konkos. Li ma jmorrux ma jdahhlux il-flus tat-tixhim fil-but.
Issa naghmlu l-kontijiet
Building collapse: Architect who certified excavation works as safe is project business partner
The architect who certified the Santa Venera excavation works as having a low risk for third party collapse turns out to be a shareholder in the company behind the project
2 March 2020,
by Kurt Sansone
Rescuers slowly remove rubble from the collapsed house to try and find the woman that was buried under the debris. The house was adjacent to a construction site where excavation works and construction were approved last January.
The architect who certified the Santa Venera construction site at the centre of a collapsed building as safe, is a shareholder in the company behind the development.
Architect Roderick Camilleri turns out to be a minority shareholder in MCZMC Developers Ltd run by Malcolm Mallia, a council member of the Malta Developers Association.
The construction site which abuts on two roads in Santa Venera is adjacent to the house and showroom that collapsed on Monday afternoon burying a woman underneath the rubble.
Camilleri drew up the method statement for the excavation works and would have had to evaluate the risks involved under new rules approved last year, following a series of building collapses.
But Camilleri is not simply the project architect but according to the Malta Business Registry a shareholder in the company behind the development, raising questions over a potential conflict of interest.
Camilleri is one of seven shareholders, with a 10% stake to his name. He is not a director and his shareholding is probably one way of getting paid for his services.
The other shareholders are Malcolm Mallia, Matthias Mallia, Elton-Joseph Caruana, Amanda Muscat, Christopher Zarb and Simon Zarb. All of these are company directors.
Excavation works on the construction site started last month after the development permit was granted in January this year.
In the section on risks involved of the method statement for excavation works, Camilleri wrote: “The adjacent properties are low lying structures, and as a result there are no major loads imposed on the rock surface for the time being. Consequently, the chance of any unplanned collapse of the third party structures is a minimum.”
The development covers a site measuring 1,326sq.m that consisted of a series of dilapidated stores at ground level behind a large garden.
The six-storey development consists of four shops and overlying apartments and includes two basement garages for 59 cars.
The Building Regulation Office issued a clearance for the development on 31 January following the presentation of a method statement by the developer.
Photos of the disaster area show that it was the side wall of the building abutting onto the excavated site that collapsed, pulling down the internal ceiling and roof.
Stricter rules governing demolition and excavation were introduced last year after three major incidents that involved building collapses next to excavation sites.
However, civil society groups like Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar denounced the rules as cosmetic and doing nothing to curb the industry’s rush to build.
The architect who certified the Santa Venera excavation works as having a low risk for third party collapse turns out to be a shareholder in the company behind the project
2 March 2020,
by Kurt Sansone
Rescuers slowly remove rubble from the collapsed house to try and find the woman that was buried under the debris. The house was adjacent to a construction site where excavation works and construction were approved last January.
The architect who certified the Santa Venera construction site at the centre of a collapsed building as safe, is a shareholder in the company behind the development.
Architect Roderick Camilleri turns out to be a minority shareholder in MCZMC Developers Ltd run by Malcolm Mallia, a council member of the Malta Developers Association.
The construction site which abuts on two roads in Santa Venera is adjacent to the house and showroom that collapsed on Monday afternoon burying a woman underneath the rubble.
Camilleri drew up the method statement for the excavation works and would have had to evaluate the risks involved under new rules approved last year, following a series of building collapses.
But Camilleri is not simply the project architect but according to the Malta Business Registry a shareholder in the company behind the development, raising questions over a potential conflict of interest.
Camilleri is one of seven shareholders, with a 10% stake to his name. He is not a director and his shareholding is probably one way of getting paid for his services.
The other shareholders are Malcolm Mallia, Matthias Mallia, Elton-Joseph Caruana, Amanda Muscat, Christopher Zarb and Simon Zarb. All of these are company directors.
Excavation works on the construction site started last month after the development permit was granted in January this year.
In the section on risks involved of the method statement for excavation works, Camilleri wrote: “The adjacent properties are low lying structures, and as a result there are no major loads imposed on the rock surface for the time being. Consequently, the chance of any unplanned collapse of the third party structures is a minimum.”
The development covers a site measuring 1,326sq.m that consisted of a series of dilapidated stores at ground level behind a large garden.
The six-storey development consists of four shops and overlying apartments and includes two basement garages for 59 cars.
The Building Regulation Office issued a clearance for the development on 31 January following the presentation of a method statement by the developer.
Photos of the disaster area show that it was the side wall of the building abutting onto the excavated site that collapsed, pulling down the internal ceiling and roof.
Stricter rules governing demolition and excavation were introduced last year after three major incidents that involved building collapses next to excavation sites.
However, civil society groups like Graffitti and Flimkien għal Ambjent Aħjar denounced the rules as cosmetic and doing nothing to curb the industry’s rush to build.
Woman killed in Sta Venera house collapse is Miriam PaceMother of two, Miriam Pace, was buried under the debris when her Santa Venera house collapsed
Miriam and Carmel Pace lived in the house that collapsed along with one of their adult children
Miriam Pace is the woman who got trapped under the debris of her own house after it collapsed on Monday.
The 54-year-old's lifeless body was located by rescuers just after 10pm in a lengthy operation that saw them painstakingly remove debris and reach the woman.
The collapse happened just before 2:30pm.
READ ALSO: Rescuers search for woman trapped in Santa Venera building collapse
Miriam lived in the house with her husband Carmel Pace, who had to be stopped by the police from trying to enter the building to search for his wife.
The couple had two adult children, one of who still lived with them.
The house is located above a car showroom on Joseph Abela Scolaro Street, in the border between Hamrun and Santa Venera.
The house is situated next to a construction site where excavations started last month.
Carmel Pace and relatives of the couple were assisted on site by the police victim support unit and medical personnel from Mater Dei Hospital.
Miriam and Carmel Pace lived in the house that collapsed along with one of their adult children
Miriam Pace is the woman who got trapped under the debris of her own house after it collapsed on Monday.
The 54-year-old's lifeless body was located by rescuers just after 10pm in a lengthy operation that saw them painstakingly remove debris and reach the woman.
The collapse happened just before 2:30pm.
READ ALSO: Rescuers search for woman trapped in Santa Venera building collapse
Miriam lived in the house with her husband Carmel Pace, who had to be stopped by the police from trying to enter the building to search for his wife.
The couple had two adult children, one of who still lived with them.
The house is located above a car showroom on Joseph Abela Scolaro Street, in the border between Hamrun and Santa Venera.
The house is situated next to a construction site where excavations started last month.
Carmel Pace and relatives of the couple were assisted on site by the police victim support unit and medical personnel from Mater Dei Hospital.
Election to replace Busuttil, Portelli in Parliament to be held on 10 March
Monday, 2 March 2020,
The election to replace Simon Busuttil and Marthese Portelli in Parliament will take place on 10 March, the Electoral Commission said today.
Busuttil resigned to take up a post in the European People’s Party while Portelli resigned last week.
The commission said that it will receiving nominations from unelected candidates who contested the 12th district, vacated by Busuttil, and the ninth district, vacated by Portelli, between Tuesday and Saturday.
The counting of the votes will take place on 10 March, starting at 9am.
Monday, 2 March 2020,
The election to replace Simon Busuttil and Marthese Portelli in Parliament will take place on 10 March, the Electoral Commission said today.
Busuttil resigned to take up a post in the European People’s Party while Portelli resigned last week.
The commission said that it will receiving nominations from unelected candidates who contested the 12th district, vacated by Busuttil, and the ninth district, vacated by Portelli, between Tuesday and Saturday.
The counting of the votes will take place on 10 March, starting at 9am.
GHANA AT THE MALTESE CULTURAL CENTRE ALBION MELBOURNE
27 February, 2020.
By Peter Paul Portelli - President
Yesterday, singer song writer and guitarist Floyd Thursby came to the Maltese Cultural and Heritage Centre in Albion and he joined in playing the guitar with the Maltese Folk Singers.
This was a big suprise for us all at the Centre, as two complete strangers Paul Gillitt and Robert Williams walked in, bought a drink and started admiring the place.
Robert told me that Paul Gillitt known as Floyd Thursby in the music industry plays the guitar and sings, so I ask him to join our team and he did.
Our patrons enjoyed seeing Paul playing the guitar. They enjoyed our hospitality and want to come back next week.
We are looking forward to see them again next Thursday.
27 February, 2020.
By Peter Paul Portelli - President
Yesterday, singer song writer and guitarist Floyd Thursby came to the Maltese Cultural and Heritage Centre in Albion and he joined in playing the guitar with the Maltese Folk Singers.
This was a big suprise for us all at the Centre, as two complete strangers Paul Gillitt and Robert Williams walked in, bought a drink and started admiring the place.
Robert told me that Paul Gillitt known as Floyd Thursby in the music industry plays the guitar and sings, so I ask him to join our team and he did.
Our patrons enjoyed seeing Paul playing the guitar. They enjoyed our hospitality and want to come back next week.
We are looking forward to see them again next Thursday.
Andrew Muscat President tal-armar Triq Dicembru 13 jahdem fuq it-trofej godda li se jizzanznu ghal -festa ta l-Imnarja ta din is-sena.
Minn Mario Muscat
Gozo Football Association
Match Day 14 - Nadur Youngsters vs Xewkija Tigers
Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 3 PM – 5 PM UTC+01
Gozo Stadium Ix-Xewkija
Match Day 14 - Nadur Youngsters vs Xewkija Tigers
Sunday, March 1, 2020 at 3 PM – 5 PM UTC+01
Gozo Stadium Ix-Xewkija
Coronavirus: 22 tests for virus in Malta come back negative
Country is in a 'crucial' containment phase
By Claire Caruana and Sarah Carabott
Courtesy of the Times of Malta.
Mater Dei CEO Celia Falzon and Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina.
A total of 22 people have been tested for the coronavirus in Malta and all have tested negative for the virus.
Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci and Mater Dei CEO Celia Falzon urged calm in the latest updated on COVID-19.
While it has continued to spread in Italy and the rest of Europe, they said nobody has tested positive for the virus in Malta.
They said 22 people exhibiting symptoms that prompted the health authorities to test them for it.
They said the country was prepared for the virus if a case is reported, Ms Falzon said the country was in a "crucial" containment phase.
She insisted that while the health authorities were trained and ready to handle COVID-19 cases, there main priority at present was containment and that was why quarantines were so important.
RELATED STORIES
The hospital CEO dismissed the nurses’ union’s concerns that the country was not prepared for a potential outbreak. On training for nurses, Ms Falzon said first respondents from the emergency room as well as staff at the ITU and the Infectious Diseases Unit had already received training and more nurses will be trained in the coming days.
On whether the authorities would be imposing travel restrictions, Dr Gauci said this was not yet the case, insisting that Malta was following all the guidelines by the international health bodies.
How is Malta preparing for coronavirus?They also confirmed that a 12-bed unit off Mater Dei has been set up but would not say where this was located, citing “confidentiality”.
A further eight beds at Mater Dei have have been set up for people who require individual isolation.
The public is now being urged to only follow the official advice coming from the health authorities, with Dr Gauci saying too many people had panicked because they were misinformed.
A health ministry spokeswoman told Times of Malta that the mild cases unit is not a makeshift centre but a 12-beded medical facility that is already in operation and is separate to Mater Dei.
The Infectious Disease Unit at Mater Dei Hospital can now cater for eight “infected cases” in separate isolation.
Flights from northern Italy not being stoppedAsked whether a decision has been taken to stop incoming flights from Bergamo, Italy’s coronavirus hotspot, the health spokeswoman said that the health authorities are advising against nonessential travel to affected areas and to self-quarantine on return from these areas.
According to data from the Malta International Airport, there are 24 inbound flights every week from northern Italy up until the end of March.
Six are from Bergamo, three from Bologna, seven from Milan, four from Treviso, two from Turin and another two from Trieste. The MIA spokeswoman could not provide the average number of inbound passengers for such flights.
If a patient tested positive, the health authorities were obliged to make the case known
There has been no impact on the number of inbound passengers yet, she said.
The spread of the virus in Italy has seen other countries take drastic measures: passengers on an Alitalia plane which landed in Mauritius on Monday opted to return straight home after being told they would have to go into quarantine.
A hotel in Tenerife has meanwhile been locked down after a visiting Italian doctor tested positive for coronavirus.
RELATED STORIES
Unanswered questionsThe education and transport ministries have been asked whether they have a contingency plan in place in case of a coronavirus outbreak for schools and public transport respectively. The Gozo Ministry was asked whether it had a plan for the Gozo ferry but none of the ministries have sent a reply yet.
The education ministry was also asked whether hand sanitisers will be distributed across schools after Times of Malta received reports that some schools do not even carry soap in bathrooms for safety reasons.
Coop Services have already expressed concern that they have not received any guidelines when it comes to school transport. Schools have stopped holding indoor events, but vans too are confined spaces too, a spokesman has remarked.
Questions have also been raised about self-quarantine, which is still being encouraged by the authorities. Concern has been raised by parents of children who returned from affected areas as they will be missing out on two weeks of lessons. Could lectures be streamed online for such students, one parent asked.
Fake news and misinformationReferring to groups on social media that have been rife with fake news and misinformation, Dr Gauci acknowledged that most of the calls the authorities were receiving were a result of people being fed the wrong information.
If in doubt, she said, one should only rely on information that is supplied to the public through the official channels.
In the case of a patient testing positive, the health authorities were obliged to make the case known, she said, quashing rumours there had been positive cases that went unreported.
COMMENTS:
Marisa Vella • 7 hours ago: Il post tal kwarantina ghandu jinbena jew Kemmuna jew Ghawdex ghax in nies hemm ftit johorgu. Min jinsab posittiv ghandu jittihed millewwel jew fuq Kemmuna jew Ghawdex biex ma tkomplix tinfirex il marda.
Mark Farrugia Marisa Vella • 6 hours ago: Please do consider admitting yourself in for quarantine as either you're showing fever symptoms or even worse, stupidity is there for all to see.
Mario Ross Marisa Vella • 6 hours ago: mghandekx idea kif issir kwarantina!Kirsten Xerri Marisa Vella • 3 hours ago: Kif jghidu l injorant aghtih ir ragun, biex imbaghat nispiccaw narawk ticcelebra fil karnival tan nadur jew tigi l hawn fxi weekend break. Nassigurak li ahna l ghawdxin nies aktar milli int ghad tista tkun.
Alfred Curmi Marisa Vella • 5 hours ago: Int bis-serjeta???!!!..Mela qed tohlom bis-Swine Fever? U fuq Kemmuna fejn se traqqadhom? U s-servizzi medici jinzlu mis-sema? Int bis-serjet.
David Grech Marisa Vella • 5 hours ago: Marisa Vella, Health Ministry is looking for people of your caliber to help with this outbreak. You are a pure genius. How did we never think of this... Send them to Gozo, no one lives there any more except for the Maltese that came to the Nadur carnival. Thank you for your immense input. A true Maltese Hero.
Country is in a 'crucial' containment phase
By Claire Caruana and Sarah Carabott
Courtesy of the Times of Malta.
Mater Dei CEO Celia Falzon and Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina.
A total of 22 people have been tested for the coronavirus in Malta and all have tested negative for the virus.
Superintendent of Public Health Charmaine Gauci and Mater Dei CEO Celia Falzon urged calm in the latest updated on COVID-19.
While it has continued to spread in Italy and the rest of Europe, they said nobody has tested positive for the virus in Malta.
They said 22 people exhibiting symptoms that prompted the health authorities to test them for it.
They said the country was prepared for the virus if a case is reported, Ms Falzon said the country was in a "crucial" containment phase.
She insisted that while the health authorities were trained and ready to handle COVID-19 cases, there main priority at present was containment and that was why quarantines were so important.
RELATED STORIES
- Coronavirus: Panic buying doubled supermarket sales
- Coronavirus: fake news and misinformation spreads online
The hospital CEO dismissed the nurses’ union’s concerns that the country was not prepared for a potential outbreak. On training for nurses, Ms Falzon said first respondents from the emergency room as well as staff at the ITU and the Infectious Diseases Unit had already received training and more nurses will be trained in the coming days.
On whether the authorities would be imposing travel restrictions, Dr Gauci said this was not yet the case, insisting that Malta was following all the guidelines by the international health bodies.
How is Malta preparing for coronavirus?They also confirmed that a 12-bed unit off Mater Dei has been set up but would not say where this was located, citing “confidentiality”.
A further eight beds at Mater Dei have have been set up for people who require individual isolation.
The public is now being urged to only follow the official advice coming from the health authorities, with Dr Gauci saying too many people had panicked because they were misinformed.
A health ministry spokeswoman told Times of Malta that the mild cases unit is not a makeshift centre but a 12-beded medical facility that is already in operation and is separate to Mater Dei.
The Infectious Disease Unit at Mater Dei Hospital can now cater for eight “infected cases” in separate isolation.
Flights from northern Italy not being stoppedAsked whether a decision has been taken to stop incoming flights from Bergamo, Italy’s coronavirus hotspot, the health spokeswoman said that the health authorities are advising against nonessential travel to affected areas and to self-quarantine on return from these areas.
According to data from the Malta International Airport, there are 24 inbound flights every week from northern Italy up until the end of March.
Six are from Bergamo, three from Bologna, seven from Milan, four from Treviso, two from Turin and another two from Trieste. The MIA spokeswoman could not provide the average number of inbound passengers for such flights.
If a patient tested positive, the health authorities were obliged to make the case known
There has been no impact on the number of inbound passengers yet, she said.
The spread of the virus in Italy has seen other countries take drastic measures: passengers on an Alitalia plane which landed in Mauritius on Monday opted to return straight home after being told they would have to go into quarantine.
A hotel in Tenerife has meanwhile been locked down after a visiting Italian doctor tested positive for coronavirus.
RELATED STORIES
Unanswered questionsThe education and transport ministries have been asked whether they have a contingency plan in place in case of a coronavirus outbreak for schools and public transport respectively. The Gozo Ministry was asked whether it had a plan for the Gozo ferry but none of the ministries have sent a reply yet.
The education ministry was also asked whether hand sanitisers will be distributed across schools after Times of Malta received reports that some schools do not even carry soap in bathrooms for safety reasons.
Coop Services have already expressed concern that they have not received any guidelines when it comes to school transport. Schools have stopped holding indoor events, but vans too are confined spaces too, a spokesman has remarked.
Questions have also been raised about self-quarantine, which is still being encouraged by the authorities. Concern has been raised by parents of children who returned from affected areas as they will be missing out on two weeks of lessons. Could lectures be streamed online for such students, one parent asked.
Fake news and misinformationReferring to groups on social media that have been rife with fake news and misinformation, Dr Gauci acknowledged that most of the calls the authorities were receiving were a result of people being fed the wrong information.
If in doubt, she said, one should only rely on information that is supplied to the public through the official channels.
In the case of a patient testing positive, the health authorities were obliged to make the case known, she said, quashing rumours there had been positive cases that went unreported.
COMMENTS:
Marisa Vella • 7 hours ago: Il post tal kwarantina ghandu jinbena jew Kemmuna jew Ghawdex ghax in nies hemm ftit johorgu. Min jinsab posittiv ghandu jittihed millewwel jew fuq Kemmuna jew Ghawdex biex ma tkomplix tinfirex il marda.
Mark Farrugia Marisa Vella • 6 hours ago: Please do consider admitting yourself in for quarantine as either you're showing fever symptoms or even worse, stupidity is there for all to see.
Mario Ross Marisa Vella • 6 hours ago: mghandekx idea kif issir kwarantina!Kirsten Xerri Marisa Vella • 3 hours ago: Kif jghidu l injorant aghtih ir ragun, biex imbaghat nispiccaw narawk ticcelebra fil karnival tan nadur jew tigi l hawn fxi weekend break. Nassigurak li ahna l ghawdxin nies aktar milli int ghad tista tkun.
Alfred Curmi Marisa Vella • 5 hours ago: Int bis-serjeta???!!!..Mela qed tohlom bis-Swine Fever? U fuq Kemmuna fejn se traqqadhom? U s-servizzi medici jinzlu mis-sema? Int bis-serjet.
David Grech Marisa Vella • 5 hours ago: Marisa Vella, Health Ministry is looking for people of your caliber to help with this outbreak. You are a pure genius. How did we never think of this... Send them to Gozo, no one lives there any more except for the Maltese that came to the Nadur carnival. Thank you for your immense input. A true Maltese Hero.
Jibda ir-Randan fin-Nadur
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Grand Chapter of Melbourne.
Today, the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul organized its Annual BBQ to raise money for charity.
As always, it was a very successful event and all the patrons were very happy.
Thank you to all the volunteers who came to help yesterday and today.
God bless you all.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master and the Supreme Council.
Grand Chapter of Melbourne.
Today, the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul organized its Annual BBQ to raise money for charity.
As always, it was a very successful event and all the patrons were very happy.
Thank you to all the volunteers who came to help yesterday and today.
God bless you all.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli - Grand Master and the Supreme Council.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Our mission is to helping the poor in Peru.
Medic by day, priest by night: a Gozitan missionary in the Amazon
By John Paul Cordina.
Photo from left: Chevalier Joe Louis Meilak, Fr. Raymond Portelli and Chevalier Carmel Saliba presenting a donation to the mission in Peru.
What’s it like to be a doctor and a priest in one of the most remote cities on earth?
Fr Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan priest who has called Peru his home for the past 26 years, recounted his experiences on 103 Malta’s Heart, on the programme Newsbook Hour presented by Fr Joe Borg.
Fr Portelli is based in Iquitos, a city of around 400,000 people located in the Amazon basin. The city is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road: it is only accessible by river or air.
Fr. Portelli is the parish priest of the St Martín de Porres parish, with a population of 18,000 people. Around a fifth of his parishioners are comfortably middle-class, but the vast majority are poor, with around a tenth living in extreme poverty. Households do have running water and electricity, but many live in simple wooden shacks on dirt roads.
Due to the city’s isolation, job creation efforts are limited and unemployment is a significant problem. Many people try to eke out a living through fishing, agriculture or by selling trinkets on the streets of the city.
Caring for the body and soul
As the only priest in the parish – though a number of laypeople do help out – Fr Portelli seeks to look after his community’s pastoral needs. But he also identified another need: for healthcare.
“I have always been interested in medicine, even before I joined the seminary,” he explains. Consequently, he obtained a dispensation from Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi to study medicine at Iquitos’ university part-time, and graduated as a medical doctor after nine years.
He often sees patients at the parish, but notes that his parishioners clearly distinguish between his two roles.
“They call me doctor by day, and father by night,” he notes.
Helping out in the jungle
Though he is based in the city, Fr Portelli regularly ventures outside the parish to provide religious and medical services to isolated communities along the Momón River, a small tributary of the Amazon. Travelling by speedboat to reach a series of tiny villages, with the most distant one 12 hours away, the priest encounters a completely different reality.
These communities are virtually inaccessible most of the year, as a drop in water levels reduces the river to a muddy path, and are thus mostly self-reliant. People live in small huts with no doors – theft not being a concern in such an isolated place – in communities with no shops or facilities.
Stocking up on medicines for the journey, Fr Portelli takes care of common ailments such as diabetes and malaria. If more serious health issues are identified, he offers to take patients to the city, but they often refuse, as they are unwilling to leave their families behind.
Once all patients are treated, Fr Portelli holds a catechism session and celebrates mass, often illuminated by candlelight or kerosene lamps – electricity is unheard of so deep in the jungle. Though most are baptised Catholics, even non-Catholics attend mass out of respect.
Living conditions may be harsh, but Fr Portelli also notes that there is a strong sense of community in these villages, with people helping each other out. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone helps out whenever a new house is built.
But every so often, village inhabitants try their luck in the city, effectively severing their ties with the community they grew up in. And as a result, they often feel lost among the city’s 400,000 inhabitants, struggling to fit in.
Our mission is to helping the poor in Peru.
Medic by day, priest by night: a Gozitan missionary in the Amazon
By John Paul Cordina.
Photo from left: Chevalier Joe Louis Meilak, Fr. Raymond Portelli and Chevalier Carmel Saliba presenting a donation to the mission in Peru.
What’s it like to be a doctor and a priest in one of the most remote cities on earth?
Fr Raymond Portelli, a Gozitan priest who has called Peru his home for the past 26 years, recounted his experiences on 103 Malta’s Heart, on the programme Newsbook Hour presented by Fr Joe Borg.
Fr Portelli is based in Iquitos, a city of around 400,000 people located in the Amazon basin. The city is the world’s largest city that cannot be reached by road: it is only accessible by river or air.
Fr. Portelli is the parish priest of the St Martín de Porres parish, with a population of 18,000 people. Around a fifth of his parishioners are comfortably middle-class, but the vast majority are poor, with around a tenth living in extreme poverty. Households do have running water and electricity, but many live in simple wooden shacks on dirt roads.
Due to the city’s isolation, job creation efforts are limited and unemployment is a significant problem. Many people try to eke out a living through fishing, agriculture or by selling trinkets on the streets of the city.
Caring for the body and soul
As the only priest in the parish – though a number of laypeople do help out – Fr Portelli seeks to look after his community’s pastoral needs. But he also identified another need: for healthcare.
“I have always been interested in medicine, even before I joined the seminary,” he explains. Consequently, he obtained a dispensation from Gozo Bishop Nikol Cauchi to study medicine at Iquitos’ university part-time, and graduated as a medical doctor after nine years.
He often sees patients at the parish, but notes that his parishioners clearly distinguish between his two roles.
“They call me doctor by day, and father by night,” he notes.
Helping out in the jungle
Though he is based in the city, Fr Portelli regularly ventures outside the parish to provide religious and medical services to isolated communities along the Momón River, a small tributary of the Amazon. Travelling by speedboat to reach a series of tiny villages, with the most distant one 12 hours away, the priest encounters a completely different reality.
These communities are virtually inaccessible most of the year, as a drop in water levels reduces the river to a muddy path, and are thus mostly self-reliant. People live in small huts with no doors – theft not being a concern in such an isolated place – in communities with no shops or facilities.
Stocking up on medicines for the journey, Fr Portelli takes care of common ailments such as diabetes and malaria. If more serious health issues are identified, he offers to take patients to the city, but they often refuse, as they are unwilling to leave their families behind.
Once all patients are treated, Fr Portelli holds a catechism session and celebrates mass, often illuminated by candlelight or kerosene lamps – electricity is unheard of so deep in the jungle. Though most are baptised Catholics, even non-Catholics attend mass out of respect.
Living conditions may be harsh, but Fr Portelli also notes that there is a strong sense of community in these villages, with people helping each other out. Everyone knows everyone else, and everyone helps out whenever a new house is built.
But every so often, village inhabitants try their luck in the city, effectively severing their ties with the community they grew up in. And as a result, they often feel lost among the city’s 400,000 inhabitants, struggling to fit in.
Nadur carnival: ‘Invictus’ and ‘Castille’ make appearances on Saturday eve
Sunday, 23 February 2020,
Photos by Anaca Photography
Thousands of Maltese revellers celebrated carnival in Nadur, the local council said.
"Following the excellent start for the spontaneous Carnival in Nadur on Friday, this Carnival undoubtedly reaches its crux on Saturday night, where the Nadur centre is literally full up. People of all ages, from each corner of the Maltese islands, foreigners, families, youths and kids, wear their own costumes, some of them very original and others very particular."
"In a few words, Nadur turns into a huge feast of celebration, fun and colours. An event that once again was successful without major issues when considering the thousands of participants. The Nadur Carnival is full of spontaneous floats that related to satirical themes and contemporary issues, including flyovers, road constructions, issues at Castille, the interconnector and many others."
"All this was complemented with hundreds of groups gathering up and wearing complementing costumes. Without any doubt the Nadur Carnival sees and welcomes the largest mass of people that one can imagine for Carnival, making it the most anticipated on the islands.
Sunday, 23 February 2020,
Photos by Anaca Photography
Thousands of Maltese revellers celebrated carnival in Nadur, the local council said.
"Following the excellent start for the spontaneous Carnival in Nadur on Friday, this Carnival undoubtedly reaches its crux on Saturday night, where the Nadur centre is literally full up. People of all ages, from each corner of the Maltese islands, foreigners, families, youths and kids, wear their own costumes, some of them very original and others very particular."
"In a few words, Nadur turns into a huge feast of celebration, fun and colours. An event that once again was successful without major issues when considering the thousands of participants. The Nadur Carnival is full of spontaneous floats that related to satirical themes and contemporary issues, including flyovers, road constructions, issues at Castille, the interconnector and many others."
"All this was complemented with hundreds of groups gathering up and wearing complementing costumes. Without any doubt the Nadur Carnival sees and welcomes the largest mass of people that one can imagine for Carnival, making it the most anticipated on the islands.
Updated: Two cars overturn in Gozo in separate collisions
Saturday, 22 February 2020,
A car ended up on its roof following a collision with a pickup truck near Rabat, in Gozo, on Saturday evening.
A 22-year-old youngster lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another car, but no one was hurt.
The accident took place on Triq Papa Granni Pawlu II, near the aqueduct.
The spot is a notorious accident blackspot, since the two-lane road narrows down at the arch, with traffic coming from the direction of Rabat having to give way to vehicles coming from the direction of Gharb.
The accident took place in the direction of Ghasri, at around 10pm. The police were called on location to assist.
The 22-year-old, from Qormi, had a passenger in the car, who had already managed to exit the vehicle when the police arrived at the scene. Neither the driver nor the passenger sustained any grievous injuries. The other driver, a German national residing in Rabat, was not hurt either.
The vehicle was towed away, whilst the Civil Protection Department cleared the road.
This was the second accident in Gozo on Saturday night, with another car overturning in Xaghra, at around 7pm.
In this accident, the vehicle was involved in a crash with another two cars.
Carnival weekend sees an influx of Maltese people travelling to Gozo in anticipation of the events taking place, especially the infamous Nadur spontaneous carnival.
Saturday, 22 February 2020,
A car ended up on its roof following a collision with a pickup truck near Rabat, in Gozo, on Saturday evening.
A 22-year-old youngster lost control of the vehicle and crashed into another car, but no one was hurt.
The accident took place on Triq Papa Granni Pawlu II, near the aqueduct.
The spot is a notorious accident blackspot, since the two-lane road narrows down at the arch, with traffic coming from the direction of Rabat having to give way to vehicles coming from the direction of Gharb.
The accident took place in the direction of Ghasri, at around 10pm. The police were called on location to assist.
The 22-year-old, from Qormi, had a passenger in the car, who had already managed to exit the vehicle when the police arrived at the scene. Neither the driver nor the passenger sustained any grievous injuries. The other driver, a German national residing in Rabat, was not hurt either.
The vehicle was towed away, whilst the Civil Protection Department cleared the road.
This was the second accident in Gozo on Saturday night, with another car overturning in Xaghra, at around 7pm.
In this accident, the vehicle was involved in a crash with another two cars.
Carnival weekend sees an influx of Maltese people travelling to Gozo in anticipation of the events taking place, especially the infamous Nadur spontaneous carnival.
What the papers said on the Nadur Carnival
Coronavirus ‘haunts’ Gozo’s spontaneously grotesque carnival in Nadur
Watch for the Joseph Muscat carnival float!Read article here: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/arts/cultural_diary/100527/coronavirus_haunts_gozos_spontaneously_grotesque_carnival_in_nadur#.XlGSO2gzZPY
Delia u Muscat fil-Karnival tan-Nadur
Minn Josianne Vella
-
22 ta' Frar 2020
Aqra l-artiklu hawn: https://newsbook.com.mt/delia-u-muscat-fil-karnival-tan-nadur/
Coronavirus ‘haunts’ Gozo’s spontaneously grotesque carnival in Nadur
Watch for the Joseph Muscat carnival float!Read article here: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/arts/cultural_diary/100527/coronavirus_haunts_gozos_spontaneously_grotesque_carnival_in_nadur#.XlGSO2gzZPY
Delia u Muscat fil-Karnival tan-Nadur
Minn Josianne Vella
-
22 ta' Frar 2020
Aqra l-artiklu hawn: https://newsbook.com.mt/delia-u-muscat-fil-karnival-tan-nadur/
KARNIVAL SPONTANJU TAN-NADUR 2020
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat.
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat.
L-AĦĦAR DISKORS FIL-PARLAMENT MINN SIMON BUSUTTIL
Messaġġ wieħed: Id-demokrazija tagħna tinsab f'koma. Anzi, fuq life-support. Ejja nżommu ħajja l-fjamma ta' tama li xegħlna li għad nerġgħu ngħixu f'DEMOKRAZIJA TA' VERU, kif jixirqilna.
https://www.facebook.com/BusuttilSimon/videos/123556515748713/
Messaġġ wieħed: Id-demokrazija tagħna tinsab f'koma. Anzi, fuq life-support. Ejja nżommu ħajja l-fjamma ta' tama li xegħlna li għad nerġgħu ngħixu f'DEMOKRAZIJA TA' VERU, kif jixirqilna.
https://www.facebook.com/BusuttilSimon/videos/123556515748713/
Degiorgios reached out to Chris Cardona with a bail request, Melvin Theuma tells court
The middleman mentions "four others" involved in the plot to murder Daphne Caruana Galizia but is unable to identify the individuals in court and plays down his own assertion
20 February 2020, 3:31pm
by David Hudson
Middleman Melvin Theuma (pictured) told the court that Mario Degiorgio and his brothers, accused of executing Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder, had reached out to Chris Cardona (inset) for a bail request, which the former minister ignored
George and Alfred Degiorgio had reached out to former economy minister Chris Cardona with a bail request but Cardona had ignored the message, middleman Melvin Theuma said in court on Thursday.
Testifying during the compilation of evidence against murder suspect Yorgen Fenech, Theuma said that Mario Degiorgio, brother to the two accused of executing Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, had told him that Cardona had ignored his brothers’ request for bail.
“If anyone could help them, Cardona knew all of the judges. Mario had told me that Cardona had ignored them over the bail though. They had sent him a message to him over the bail but he ignored them,” Theuma said during his testimony.
The court continued to hear Theuma’s secret recordings of conversations he had had with Fenech—whilst most of the audio was muffled and incomprehensible, the names of former chief of staff Keith Schembri and former tourism minister Chris Cardona could be clearly heard amongst blasphemy.
“Cardona is more familiar [with the courts] than ix-Xih (former prime minister Joseph Muscat). The other one wasn’t in court,” Theuma said, replying to chief investigator Keith Arnaud’s questions about why Cardona might have been the Degiorgios’ preferred contact.
When Theuma was pressed on this issue by parte civile lawyer Jason Azzopardi, Theuma was evasive.
“Can you explain to me how people in prison accused of murder decided to speak to a minister to help them with bail?” Azzopardi asked.
Theuma said that Cardona had been mentioned in news reports and was familiar with the law courts. “I never asked,” Theuma finally said.
The middleman also made reference to “four others” that might have been involved in the murder besides himself and Fenech.
When asked about who these four might be, Theuma said he couldn’t reply and that it was an arbitrary number that he had come up with.
“I just assumed that there were others,” he said.
The court suspended Theuma’s testimony and made a note that the next recordings to be heard in the next sitting would mention other names that are subject to an investigation.
The court has ordered the testimony of Schembri alongside Johann Cremona and Kenneth Camilleri, who formed part of Muscat’s former security detail.
READ ALSO | Yorgen Fenech compilation: Court orders Keith Schembri to testify in next sitting
The middleman mentions "four others" involved in the plot to murder Daphne Caruana Galizia but is unable to identify the individuals in court and plays down his own assertion
20 February 2020, 3:31pm
by David Hudson
Middleman Melvin Theuma (pictured) told the court that Mario Degiorgio and his brothers, accused of executing Daphne Caruana Galizia's murder, had reached out to Chris Cardona (inset) for a bail request, which the former minister ignored
George and Alfred Degiorgio had reached out to former economy minister Chris Cardona with a bail request but Cardona had ignored the message, middleman Melvin Theuma said in court on Thursday.
Testifying during the compilation of evidence against murder suspect Yorgen Fenech, Theuma said that Mario Degiorgio, brother to the two accused of executing Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder, had told him that Cardona had ignored his brothers’ request for bail.
“If anyone could help them, Cardona knew all of the judges. Mario had told me that Cardona had ignored them over the bail though. They had sent him a message to him over the bail but he ignored them,” Theuma said during his testimony.
The court continued to hear Theuma’s secret recordings of conversations he had had with Fenech—whilst most of the audio was muffled and incomprehensible, the names of former chief of staff Keith Schembri and former tourism minister Chris Cardona could be clearly heard amongst blasphemy.
“Cardona is more familiar [with the courts] than ix-Xih (former prime minister Joseph Muscat). The other one wasn’t in court,” Theuma said, replying to chief investigator Keith Arnaud’s questions about why Cardona might have been the Degiorgios’ preferred contact.
When Theuma was pressed on this issue by parte civile lawyer Jason Azzopardi, Theuma was evasive.
“Can you explain to me how people in prison accused of murder decided to speak to a minister to help them with bail?” Azzopardi asked.
Theuma said that Cardona had been mentioned in news reports and was familiar with the law courts. “I never asked,” Theuma finally said.
The middleman also made reference to “four others” that might have been involved in the murder besides himself and Fenech.
When asked about who these four might be, Theuma said he couldn’t reply and that it was an arbitrary number that he had come up with.
“I just assumed that there were others,” he said.
The court suspended Theuma’s testimony and made a note that the next recordings to be heard in the next sitting would mention other names that are subject to an investigation.
The court has ordered the testimony of Schembri alongside Johann Cremona and Kenneth Camilleri, who formed part of Muscat’s former security detail.
READ ALSO | Yorgen Fenech compilation: Court orders Keith Schembri to testify in next sitting
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg 'interested' in using Malta as testing groundMEP Roberta Metsola invites Facebook CEO to Malta
By Claudia Calleja
FacebookTwitterEmailFacebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is “interested” in visiting Malta to use the country’s unique social media landscape as a testing ground for new products to strengthen digital regulation, Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola said.
Dr Metsola told Times of Malta that she invited Mr Zuckerberg to visit Malta and Gozo to see the islands’ potential for himself. “For his part, Facebook's CEO was very interested and said discussions will continue,” she said.
During their discussion she raised the prospect of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp using Malta and Gozo and the specific realities of the country – with more than 80 per cent of the population on social media, most people getting their news from the platform and an independent media landscape with strong societal roots and clear lines of ownership - as a testing ground for new products and services that could be rolled out in the future.
We need to see how to ensure... ethical standards are adhered to and the information people find online is reliable and transparent.
Dr Metsola, who is the EPP spokesperson on these issues and the head of the PN delegation to the European Parliament, spoke to Mr Zuckerberg over a two-hour dinner in Brussels on Monday evening. Some 10 people representing European politicians leading the debate on digital regulation, privacy, hate speech and fighting disinformation and 'fake news' attended the dinner.
Speaking on The Morning Vibe, a radio morning show on Vibe FM, on Wednesday morning Dr Metsola said she was sitting right across the table from Mr Zuckerberg during the dinner. They spoke about the need for legislators and tech companies to play their part in keeping people and businesses safe online, stopping hate and extremism while protecting privacy, safeguarding freedom of speech while fighting disinformation, and ensuring the media is able to bring people the truth.
"We need to make sure that our legal frameworks are adaptable in this digital age to make sure we champion innovation and keep people and their data safe at the same time. Social media has changed the way our world works, and how we respond to real-time challenges, but the debate cannot be limited to social media, we need to see how to ensure the potential of things like artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, e-sports and more are grasped while ensuring ethical standards are adhered to and the information people find online is reliable and transparent," she said.
By Claudia Calleja
FacebookTwitterEmailFacebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is “interested” in visiting Malta to use the country’s unique social media landscape as a testing ground for new products to strengthen digital regulation, Maltese MEP Roberta Metsola said.
Dr Metsola told Times of Malta that she invited Mr Zuckerberg to visit Malta and Gozo to see the islands’ potential for himself. “For his part, Facebook's CEO was very interested and said discussions will continue,” she said.
During their discussion she raised the prospect of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp using Malta and Gozo and the specific realities of the country – with more than 80 per cent of the population on social media, most people getting their news from the platform and an independent media landscape with strong societal roots and clear lines of ownership - as a testing ground for new products and services that could be rolled out in the future.
We need to see how to ensure... ethical standards are adhered to and the information people find online is reliable and transparent.
Dr Metsola, who is the EPP spokesperson on these issues and the head of the PN delegation to the European Parliament, spoke to Mr Zuckerberg over a two-hour dinner in Brussels on Monday evening. Some 10 people representing European politicians leading the debate on digital regulation, privacy, hate speech and fighting disinformation and 'fake news' attended the dinner.
Speaking on The Morning Vibe, a radio morning show on Vibe FM, on Wednesday morning Dr Metsola said she was sitting right across the table from Mr Zuckerberg during the dinner. They spoke about the need for legislators and tech companies to play their part in keeping people and businesses safe online, stopping hate and extremism while protecting privacy, safeguarding freedom of speech while fighting disinformation, and ensuring the media is able to bring people the truth.
"We need to make sure that our legal frameworks are adaptable in this digital age to make sure we champion innovation and keep people and their data safe at the same time. Social media has changed the way our world works, and how we respond to real-time challenges, but the debate cannot be limited to social media, we need to see how to ensure the potential of things like artificial intelligence, augmented and virtual reality, e-sports and more are grasped while ensuring ethical standards are adhered to and the information people find online is reliable and transparent," she said.
FLAG OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
The flag of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul created by the Grand Master Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and put in details by Ross Sabatini.
The flag is now registered as a Trade Mark in the Australian Federal Government IP Australia.
Our aim is that one day the flag will fly in St. Peter Paul Square in Nadur during the feast of Mnarja.
The flag of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul created by the Grand Master Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and put in details by Ross Sabatini.
The flag is now registered as a Trade Mark in the Australian Federal Government IP Australia.
Our aim is that one day the flag will fly in St. Peter Paul Square in Nadur during the feast of Mnarja.
Carnival in Nadur start today
Photo by Mario Muscat
Photo by Mario Muscat
'Phone in Mellieħa, motorbike in Sliema': how police caught overtime cheatsSergeant was racket's suspected coordinator, with a fixer named 'Deo' also named
By Ivan Martin, Matthew Xuereb
Overtime abuse was rampant within the police traffic section, investigators believe.
The sergeant, a veteran of the unit, was among seven people who resigned this week as part of a probe into officers claiming pay for jobs they never carried out.
His role as the alleged main coordinator of the widespread abuse emerged along with other fresh details about the investigation first revealed by Times of Malta on Tuesday.
The sergeant’s official duties involved handling bookings and logistics for motorcycle officers, but investigators have been told that he was the main coordinator of the widespread abuse.
Police said that 41 members of the approximately 50-strong traffic unit have been arrested this week over the allegations made by a whistle blower. As well as the seven resignations - which included Walter Spiteri, the superintendent who led the section - some 35 officers have been suspended.
No-one has yet been charged and some 31 people have been released on police bail.
The probe is being coordinated the Economic Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, and the Internal Affairs Unit.
How investigators caught overtime cheatsFurther detail has also emerged over how investigators were able to probe officers weren’t doing the extra work that they were claiming compensation for.
This included comparing information from tracking devices on the motorcycles with triangulation data, which is information on the exact location and time a mobile phone is used.
RELATED STORIES
“We found that in some cases the motorcycle was in Sliema, say, but the officer’s mobile phone was in Mellieħa – how do you explain that?” a source said.
The investigation has also uncovered a practice of officers taking bookings, via an intermediary known as “Deo”.
This person has been identified and is being investigated, but Times of Malta has been told that he would take bookings for traffic officers to conduct extra off-the-books work that should have only been done if assigned to them by their commanding officer.
They would then split the cash payment with “Deo”.
A source familiar with the practice said he had paid two traffic officers around €200 in cash for four hours work, after he was put in touch with “Deo” through a friend.
A police source said senior officers were aware of the issue and that it was being dealt with internally.
They also downplayed the issue, saying it boiled down to “a matter of supply and demand”.
“If you need an officer and one isn’t available no matter how many times you call the depot, then I suppose getting through to one directly is a good alternative for some. Unfortunately, while some officers saw this as a way to make some extra cash, it is not acceptable and action must now be taken,” a senior source said.
Allegations of rampant overtime abuse were first made in December when now Energy Minster Michael Farrugia, was the home affairs minister at the time.
He said police overtime was reviewed annually during his tenure and that no major irregularities were ever flagged.
Internal investigations into the abuse started as soon as the claims were flagged, he said.
Asked who he felt should take responsibility for the alleged racket, Dr Farrugia said whichever officers were involved should face repercussions. On his part, he said he had done his duty by forwarding the whistle blower’s complaint to the police for an investigation.
By Ivan Martin, Matthew Xuereb
Overtime abuse was rampant within the police traffic section, investigators believe.
- Officers claim traffic sergeant led racket
- Fixer named 'Deo' would book under-the-table work
- Overtime cheats caught using mobile phone location data
The sergeant, a veteran of the unit, was among seven people who resigned this week as part of a probe into officers claiming pay for jobs they never carried out.
His role as the alleged main coordinator of the widespread abuse emerged along with other fresh details about the investigation first revealed by Times of Malta on Tuesday.
The sergeant’s official duties involved handling bookings and logistics for motorcycle officers, but investigators have been told that he was the main coordinator of the widespread abuse.
Police said that 41 members of the approximately 50-strong traffic unit have been arrested this week over the allegations made by a whistle blower. As well as the seven resignations - which included Walter Spiteri, the superintendent who led the section - some 35 officers have been suspended.
No-one has yet been charged and some 31 people have been released on police bail.
The probe is being coordinated the Economic Crimes Unit, Criminal Investigations Department, and the Internal Affairs Unit.
How investigators caught overtime cheatsFurther detail has also emerged over how investigators were able to probe officers weren’t doing the extra work that they were claiming compensation for.
This included comparing information from tracking devices on the motorcycles with triangulation data, which is information on the exact location and time a mobile phone is used.
RELATED STORIES
“We found that in some cases the motorcycle was in Sliema, say, but the officer’s mobile phone was in Mellieħa – how do you explain that?” a source said.
The investigation has also uncovered a practice of officers taking bookings, via an intermediary known as “Deo”.
This person has been identified and is being investigated, but Times of Malta has been told that he would take bookings for traffic officers to conduct extra off-the-books work that should have only been done if assigned to them by their commanding officer.
They would then split the cash payment with “Deo”.
A source familiar with the practice said he had paid two traffic officers around €200 in cash for four hours work, after he was put in touch with “Deo” through a friend.
A police source said senior officers were aware of the issue and that it was being dealt with internally.
They also downplayed the issue, saying it boiled down to “a matter of supply and demand”.
“If you need an officer and one isn’t available no matter how many times you call the depot, then I suppose getting through to one directly is a good alternative for some. Unfortunately, while some officers saw this as a way to make some extra cash, it is not acceptable and action must now be taken,” a senior source said.
Allegations of rampant overtime abuse were first made in December when now Energy Minster Michael Farrugia, was the home affairs minister at the time.
He said police overtime was reviewed annually during his tenure and that no major irregularities were ever flagged.
Internal investigations into the abuse started as soon as the claims were flagged, he said.
Asked who he felt should take responsibility for the alleged racket, Dr Farrugia said whichever officers were involved should face repercussions. On his part, he said he had done his duty by forwarding the whistle blower’s complaint to the police for an investigation.
Businessman Ivan Bartolo touted for top PN post
Thursday, 13 February 2020,
Former PN candidate and businessman Ivan Bartolo (not the MP) is being touted as a possible candidate for a top post after the Louis Galea reforms conclude, internal party sources told The Malta Independent.
Bartolo is no friend of Delia and had been at the forefront of a group of people calling for Adrian Delia’s resignation last July, when the party was facing a similar crisis.
He had even urged General Council members to vote against Delia in a confidence vote.
Delia has faced a resurgence of calls to resign after a survey found that he had an abysmal trust rating, despite the political turmoil that hit the country last December.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a meeting of the PN’s Executive committee came to a close. Francis Zammit Dimech was appointed as an interim Secretary General for the party, after Clyde Puli resigned from the post.
Among the proposed reforms being piloted by Louis Galea, is one to potentially change the post of Secretary General, and even consider changing it into the role of a CEO, this newsroom is informed.
Indeed, PN Leader Adrian Delia, had said that in the reform, anything can happen from the abolition of the post of Secretary General to one that is different, to ideas whether it should be an MP to occupy it or not.
Sources said that Bartolo is being pushed to contest the possible CEO or equivalent post that could be established.
Given that key members of Delia’s team have stepped aside – Robert Arrigo from the post of Deputy Leader (although he will be staying on until the end of March), Clyde Puli as Secretary General and Kristy Debono as the President of the PN’s General Council - it could very well be that the embattled Delia will see himself surrounded by his adversaries.
Francis Zammit Dimech, in taking over the post of Secretary General in the interim, will need to keep the party together until the reform concludes.
Internal party sources said that the banks are uneasy with the recent spate of resignations and the PN’s outlook, and given the party’s financial situation, this could be worrisome.
The sources explained that Delia told members of the executive during the meeting to keep the financial situation in mind before rushing to change officials. Delia told the members that Robert Arrigo should stay in his post of Treasurer for as long as possible, and the executive members kept Arrigo as acting Treasurer, the sources added.
Thursday, 13 February 2020,
Former PN candidate and businessman Ivan Bartolo (not the MP) is being touted as a possible candidate for a top post after the Louis Galea reforms conclude, internal party sources told The Malta Independent.
Bartolo is no friend of Delia and had been at the forefront of a group of people calling for Adrian Delia’s resignation last July, when the party was facing a similar crisis.
He had even urged General Council members to vote against Delia in a confidence vote.
Delia has faced a resurgence of calls to resign after a survey found that he had an abysmal trust rating, despite the political turmoil that hit the country last December.
In the early hours of Wednesday morning, a meeting of the PN’s Executive committee came to a close. Francis Zammit Dimech was appointed as an interim Secretary General for the party, after Clyde Puli resigned from the post.
Among the proposed reforms being piloted by Louis Galea, is one to potentially change the post of Secretary General, and even consider changing it into the role of a CEO, this newsroom is informed.
Indeed, PN Leader Adrian Delia, had said that in the reform, anything can happen from the abolition of the post of Secretary General to one that is different, to ideas whether it should be an MP to occupy it or not.
Sources said that Bartolo is being pushed to contest the possible CEO or equivalent post that could be established.
Given that key members of Delia’s team have stepped aside – Robert Arrigo from the post of Deputy Leader (although he will be staying on until the end of March), Clyde Puli as Secretary General and Kristy Debono as the President of the PN’s General Council - it could very well be that the embattled Delia will see himself surrounded by his adversaries.
Francis Zammit Dimech, in taking over the post of Secretary General in the interim, will need to keep the party together until the reform concludes.
Internal party sources said that the banks are uneasy with the recent spate of resignations and the PN’s outlook, and given the party’s financial situation, this could be worrisome.
The sources explained that Delia told members of the executive during the meeting to keep the financial situation in mind before rushing to change officials. Delia told the members that Robert Arrigo should stay in his post of Treasurer for as long as possible, and the executive members kept Arrigo as acting Treasurer, the sources added.
Nadurama Poezija ta' Peter Paul Vella
Ghana fic-Centru Kulturali Malti gewwa Melbourne, l' Awstralja
Minn Peter Paul Portelli
President
Ara ftit film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/peter.paul.portelli.1/videos/3249314411749877/
Gustav Tonna PROSET L-GHANNEJJA IL-KITARISTI U LODJENZA TA KULL NHAR HAMIS IMORRU ALBION JIEHDU PJACIR U NISA JITGHALMU IL BIZZILLA .GRAZZI IL BARMAN U NNISA TA TEA BAR U L-KOK +++
Giacinta Grech Nice to keep the Maltese folk singing going on so far from Malta. Was nice to have met a few of you some weeks ago. Best Wishes to ALL, especially Peter Paul Portelli.
Minn Peter Paul Portelli
President
Ara ftit film hawn: https://www.facebook.com/peter.paul.portelli.1/videos/3249314411749877/
Gustav Tonna PROSET L-GHANNEJJA IL-KITARISTI U LODJENZA TA KULL NHAR HAMIS IMORRU ALBION JIEHDU PJACIR U NISA JITGHALMU IL BIZZILLA .GRAZZI IL BARMAN U NNISA TA TEA BAR U L-KOK +++
Giacinta Grech Nice to keep the Maltese folk singing going on so far from Malta. Was nice to have met a few of you some weeks ago. Best Wishes to ALL, especially Peter Paul Portelli.
In-Nadur fil-Letteratura Nazzjonali Maltija
Minn Daniel Meilak
Kelinu Vella Haber (1913-2014) Imwieled fin-Nadur fl-1 ta’ Ottubru tal-1913, Kelinu, kif ħafna kienu jsibuh, kien wieħed mill-aktar Nadurin li taw sehem attiv fit-tiswir u t-tisħiħ tal-ilsien Malti matul is-seklu għoxrin. Kien edukat fisSeminarju t’Għawdex u wara filKulleġġ tal-Ġiżwiti f’Birkirkara. Għamel xi żmien novizz mas-Soċjetà Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl u kien hemm li ltaqa’ mal-poeta Karmenu Vassallo. Fost il-ħafna inizzjattivi siewja tiegħu favur il-Malti, huwa waqqaf ‘ix-Xirka għat-Tixrid tal-Ilsien Malti’, u miegħu kien hemm Anton Buttigieg, Ġużè Bonnici, Ġużè Chetcuti u Ġorġ Pisani, li nislu wkoll huwa min-Nadur. L-ewwel laqgħa saret fil-15 ta’ Jannar 1939.
Fl-1940 Vella Haber waqqaf din ix-Xirka wkoll ġewwa n-Nadur u din ħadmet bis-sħiħ favur aktar edukazzjoni u tixrid tal-lingwa Maltija kif ukoll biex jinxtered il-litteriżmu. Dan għen lil ħafna żgħażagħ kif ukoll lill-isforzi favur l-emanċipazzjoni tal-mara. Ħeġġeġ ħafna żgħażagħ jibdew jiktbu u mbagħad il-kitba tagħhom kienet tinqara fuq irrediffusion. Fost iż-żgħażagħ li kienu msieħba u ffurmata fl-għaqda li waqqaf Kelinu nsibu persunaġġi bħal Guido De Marco, Charles Camilleri u Frans Ebejer. Kien ukoll membru għal xi żmien fl-Assemblea Nazzjonali tal-Gvern. Miet nhar it-28 ta’ Jannar 2014, fl-età ta’ 100 sena.1 Bħala rikonoxximent tal-ħimda tiegħu kien ingħata Ġieħ irRepubblika fl-1997 mill-President tar-Repubblika l-Eċċ. T. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
Fost il-ħafna kitbiet tiegħu, in-Nadur kellu post prominenti. Forsi l-aktar li jispikkaw huma l-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ u l-poemett bl-istess isem: ‘Nadurjana’. Il-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ li huwa kiteb bħala rakkont f’650 vers joħroġ fil-beraħ il-karattru tan-Nadur u n-Nadurin, dejjem marbuta mal-baħar u mal-agrikultura. Dan kollu fl-isfond tal-istorja li tibda miż-żmien tal-qedem u li twaħħad fiha l-kult lejn San Pietru u San Pawl ma’ dak pagan. Dan irrakkont jimxi mbagħad maż-żmien tal-ħbit tal-furbani, tattwelid tal-parroċċa, taż-żmien li fih saru l-qniepen fl-1815, iċ-ċelebrazzjoni tal-Imnarja fil-Buskett, li inċidentalment qed tagħlaq tliet mitt sena (kien fl-1720, skont ma jikteb Giovanni Agius de Soldanis li l-Imnarja bdiet tiġi ċċelebrata b’dan il-mod fil-Buskett), għall-bini tal-knisja, it-tkabbir tagħha u l-leġġendi marbuta mar-raħal. Hawn se nagħti silta ċkejkna ħafna li anke toħroġ fil-beraħ il-kuntest li fiha nkitbet. Billi din il-folkdrama nkitbet għall-okkażjoni tal-festi triċentinarji mit-twaqqif tal-parroċċa fl-1688, u billi dak iż-żmien qamet il-kwistjoni pjuttost taħraq bejn in-Nadur u l-Qala dwar min minnhom kellu leġittimament jiċċelebra t-300 sena tiegħu, Vella Haber kiteb hekk:
‘In-Nadur kien sar parroċċa maqdes bnew in-Nadurin għax kien ġie Cocco Palmeri amar fis lil Bernardin knisja ibni mar amarlu f’dik il-wesgħa ta’ Nadur qim ġie’ fiha ’l Pietru u Pawlu sadattant aħraq il-bħur ġewwa l-Qala l-Kunċizzjoni fost il-poplu żomm l-unjoni.2
Fih ukoll dawn il-versi patrijottiċi:
Jiddomina n-Nadur tagħna
minn kull fejn tħares lejh
kif mill-port ta’ Malta toħroġ
dlonk jisraqlek dwal għajnejk!
Iktar ma qribu tersaq
iktar ’il fuq jogħla
u kien minħabba f’hekk li nħatar
biex għall-Għawdxin ikun gardjola!
Il-widien u l-miġriet tiegħek
il-għerien u l-bajjiet
ismijiet ta’ nisel juru
minn tal-eqdem żminijiet
kif il-ġonna u l-kampanja
it-triqat l-inħawi sbieħ
ismijiet tal-qedem għandhom
jixhdu nisel xiħ bis-sħiħ!
Għaċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tas-sena tal-Fidi u tal-1900 sena mill-martirju ta’ San Pietru u San Pawl kienu saru festi kbar fin-Nadur, li l-Knisja Kolleġġjata tiegħu kienet għadha 2 Duminku Camilleri, 125 Sena Kkonsagrata. 125 Sena Bażilika, Vigilat 4, (Nadur 1992), 86-98.
hemm ġiet mgħollija għad-dinjità ta’ Bażilika Minuri. Waqt Akkademja mużiko-letterarja nhar il-Ħamis 27 ta’ Ġunju 1968 kienet inqrat il-peożija ta’ Vella Haber li ġġib l-istess isem ‘Nadurjana’. Dan huwa wkoll xogħol patrijottiku fuq l-istess temi ta’ dak imsemmi aktar ’il fuq:
Wiret in-Nadur fuqani l-isbaħ u l-ogħla fost kull panorama li jiflaħ joffri l-arċipelagu tagħna ... ...
In-Nadur kiseb foħrija kiseb ġmiel u dija kiseb ruħ Nadurija mill-erwieħ tal-Għawdxin l-oħra.
3 Fost diversi poeżiji oħrajn li huwa kiteb dwar in-Nadur insibu għadd fil-ktieb ta’ Karm Caruana In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali. ‘Il-Bajja ta’ San Blas’ li hija ddedikata lil Girgor Buttigieg ‘Naduri li għex u miet ta’ qaddis,’ u fiha jiddeskrivi l-bajja bħala ‘s-sebħ u l-kobor tan-Nadur,’ blistess stil romantiku ta’ poeti oħrajn ta’ qablu: ‘San Blas nitgħaxxaq bik: / Seħer il-ħajja nsibu kollu fik!’4
Imbagħad insibu wkoll diversi poeżiji oħrajn b’laqta patrijottika. Vella Haber kiteb ‘Il-Kanuni tan-Nadur’ bħala ‘tifkira tal-Professur Lazzru Pisani li Pitter ilMaqdes tan-Nadur.’ Fiha l-kanuni li xi darba kienu jisparaw fuq ‘il-misħut Nofs Qamar’ sabiex jiddefendu lir-reliġjon Nisranija, issa jinsabu sektin. Kanuni oħrajn ‘qniepen saru,’ b’referenza għall-manuvra li kien għamel il-kappillan Dun Anton Scasciato (1772-1834) fl-18151816 meta rnexxielu jakkwista kanuni bil-permess tal Gvernatur Sir Thomas Maitland (1760-1824) sabiex jagħmilhom qniepen ġodda.5 F’ ‘Żernieq il-Maqdes tanNadur’ iddedikata bħala ‘Bukkett qronfol lill-Professur F.S. Sciortino’, il-poeta jibda mill-leġġenda tal-bini talKnisja meta Girgor għabba l-ħmara bil-ġebel u fejn din waqfet, allura nbniet din il-binja u jinfexx f’ħafna tifħir:
Maqdes gwapp ħafna n-Nadur inbena
Nixxiegħa sar tal-ogħla sebħ u faħar;
Ġieħ dan il-maqdes jiktor, le jinfena.
6 Fuq laqta reliġjuża, fil-poeżija ‘Luminaria Magna’, ‘B’tifkira u żżih il-ħajr lill-Artista Piju Cellini’, Vella Haber jeżalta lil San Pietru u San Pawl fil-ġrajjiet ta’ Attila s-Salvaġġ. Kienu huma li ‘ħarġu għalih bil-qilla, / ħanqu lill-għadu bir-rabtiet tal-lġiem.’ Hekk ukoll ‘aħna nirbħu żgur ... il-Kruċjata Mqaddsa ...’ Dan kollu bit-tarka tal-Imnarja, voldieri tażżewġt idwal li huma San Pietru u San Pawl.7
Anke fix-xogħol tiegħu ‘Quddiem San Koronatu Martri. Fit-Tempju Monumentali tan-Nadur,’ Kelinu jinseġ għanja ta’ tifħir lil dan il-bniedem li sa minn żmien ilu n-Nadurin qisuh bħala Kon-Patrun tagħhom flimkien ma’ San Pietru u San Pawl:
Koronatu! Insejħulek
aħna wliedek Nadurin:
iddew ilqa’ l-ħajr sħiħ tagħna;
żommna miegħek magħqudin.
L-osservazzjoni li jagħmel meta jikteb li ‘mhux ta’ b’xejn b’ismek imgħammda / ħafna wlied minn tan-Nadur!’ kienet tapplika b’mod tajjeb għall-1953 meta dehret din il-poeżija ppubblikata, iżda llum iż-żminijiet inbidlu u huma ftit jekk xejn, dawk it-tfal Nadurin li jiġu msemmija għal San Koronatu. Jolqtok ukoll kif Vella Haber jitratta mal-fatt li ma nafu xejn dwar dan il-korp, iżda hu joħroġ b’dan: ‘Aktar m’Int mostur u moħbi, / aktar fostna sirt magħruf ...’ U tassew għaliex f’dawn iż-żminijiet li fih kien qed jikteb San Koronatu kien għad għandu ħafna popolarità fin-Nadur, xi ħaġa li bħal dik tal-ismijiet, illum ixxejnet ukoll.
3 Duminku Camilleri, 200 Sena mit-Twelid ta’ l-E.T. Mons. M. Buttigieg. 100 Sena Arċipretali, Vigilat 5, (Nadur 1993), 94-95. 4 Karm Caruana, In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali, (Nadur 1953), 23.
5 Ibid., 120 6 Ibid., 125 7 Ibid., 133.
Kelinu Vella Haber jingħata ġieħ mill-Akkademja tal-Malti f'għeluq il-mitt sena tiegħu - 2013
Storja, Kultura u Attwalità36
Minn Daniel Meilak
Kelinu Vella Haber (1913-2014) Imwieled fin-Nadur fl-1 ta’ Ottubru tal-1913, Kelinu, kif ħafna kienu jsibuh, kien wieħed mill-aktar Nadurin li taw sehem attiv fit-tiswir u t-tisħiħ tal-ilsien Malti matul is-seklu għoxrin. Kien edukat fisSeminarju t’Għawdex u wara filKulleġġ tal-Ġiżwiti f’Birkirkara. Għamel xi żmien novizz mas-Soċjetà Missjunarja ta’ San Pawl u kien hemm li ltaqa’ mal-poeta Karmenu Vassallo. Fost il-ħafna inizzjattivi siewja tiegħu favur il-Malti, huwa waqqaf ‘ix-Xirka għat-Tixrid tal-Ilsien Malti’, u miegħu kien hemm Anton Buttigieg, Ġużè Bonnici, Ġużè Chetcuti u Ġorġ Pisani, li nislu wkoll huwa min-Nadur. L-ewwel laqgħa saret fil-15 ta’ Jannar 1939.
Fl-1940 Vella Haber waqqaf din ix-Xirka wkoll ġewwa n-Nadur u din ħadmet bis-sħiħ favur aktar edukazzjoni u tixrid tal-lingwa Maltija kif ukoll biex jinxtered il-litteriżmu. Dan għen lil ħafna żgħażagħ kif ukoll lill-isforzi favur l-emanċipazzjoni tal-mara. Ħeġġeġ ħafna żgħażagħ jibdew jiktbu u mbagħad il-kitba tagħhom kienet tinqara fuq irrediffusion. Fost iż-żgħażagħ li kienu msieħba u ffurmata fl-għaqda li waqqaf Kelinu nsibu persunaġġi bħal Guido De Marco, Charles Camilleri u Frans Ebejer. Kien ukoll membru għal xi żmien fl-Assemblea Nazzjonali tal-Gvern. Miet nhar it-28 ta’ Jannar 2014, fl-età ta’ 100 sena.1 Bħala rikonoxximent tal-ħimda tiegħu kien ingħata Ġieħ irRepubblika fl-1997 mill-President tar-Repubblika l-Eċċ. T. Dr Ugo Mifsud Bonnici.
Fost il-ħafna kitbiet tiegħu, in-Nadur kellu post prominenti. Forsi l-aktar li jispikkaw huma l-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ u l-poemett bl-istess isem: ‘Nadurjana’. Il-folkdrama ‘Nadurjana’ li huwa kiteb bħala rakkont f’650 vers joħroġ fil-beraħ il-karattru tan-Nadur u n-Nadurin, dejjem marbuta mal-baħar u mal-agrikultura. Dan kollu fl-isfond tal-istorja li tibda miż-żmien tal-qedem u li twaħħad fiha l-kult lejn San Pietru u San Pawl ma’ dak pagan. Dan irrakkont jimxi mbagħad maż-żmien tal-ħbit tal-furbani, tattwelid tal-parroċċa, taż-żmien li fih saru l-qniepen fl-1815, iċ-ċelebrazzjoni tal-Imnarja fil-Buskett, li inċidentalment qed tagħlaq tliet mitt sena (kien fl-1720, skont ma jikteb Giovanni Agius de Soldanis li l-Imnarja bdiet tiġi ċċelebrata b’dan il-mod fil-Buskett), għall-bini tal-knisja, it-tkabbir tagħha u l-leġġendi marbuta mar-raħal. Hawn se nagħti silta ċkejkna ħafna li anke toħroġ fil-beraħ il-kuntest li fiha nkitbet. Billi din il-folkdrama nkitbet għall-okkażjoni tal-festi triċentinarji mit-twaqqif tal-parroċċa fl-1688, u billi dak iż-żmien qamet il-kwistjoni pjuttost taħraq bejn in-Nadur u l-Qala dwar min minnhom kellu leġittimament jiċċelebra t-300 sena tiegħu, Vella Haber kiteb hekk:
‘In-Nadur kien sar parroċċa maqdes bnew in-Nadurin għax kien ġie Cocco Palmeri amar fis lil Bernardin knisja ibni mar amarlu f’dik il-wesgħa ta’ Nadur qim ġie’ fiha ’l Pietru u Pawlu sadattant aħraq il-bħur ġewwa l-Qala l-Kunċizzjoni fost il-poplu żomm l-unjoni.2
Fih ukoll dawn il-versi patrijottiċi:
Jiddomina n-Nadur tagħna
minn kull fejn tħares lejh
kif mill-port ta’ Malta toħroġ
dlonk jisraqlek dwal għajnejk!
Iktar ma qribu tersaq
iktar ’il fuq jogħla
u kien minħabba f’hekk li nħatar
biex għall-Għawdxin ikun gardjola!
Il-widien u l-miġriet tiegħek
il-għerien u l-bajjiet
ismijiet ta’ nisel juru
minn tal-eqdem żminijiet
kif il-ġonna u l-kampanja
it-triqat l-inħawi sbieħ
ismijiet tal-qedem għandhom
jixhdu nisel xiħ bis-sħiħ!
Għaċ-ċelebrazzjonijiet tas-sena tal-Fidi u tal-1900 sena mill-martirju ta’ San Pietru u San Pawl kienu saru festi kbar fin-Nadur, li l-Knisja Kolleġġjata tiegħu kienet għadha 2 Duminku Camilleri, 125 Sena Kkonsagrata. 125 Sena Bażilika, Vigilat 4, (Nadur 1992), 86-98.
hemm ġiet mgħollija għad-dinjità ta’ Bażilika Minuri. Waqt Akkademja mużiko-letterarja nhar il-Ħamis 27 ta’ Ġunju 1968 kienet inqrat il-peożija ta’ Vella Haber li ġġib l-istess isem ‘Nadurjana’. Dan huwa wkoll xogħol patrijottiku fuq l-istess temi ta’ dak imsemmi aktar ’il fuq:
Wiret in-Nadur fuqani l-isbaħ u l-ogħla fost kull panorama li jiflaħ joffri l-arċipelagu tagħna ... ...
In-Nadur kiseb foħrija kiseb ġmiel u dija kiseb ruħ Nadurija mill-erwieħ tal-Għawdxin l-oħra.
3 Fost diversi poeżiji oħrajn li huwa kiteb dwar in-Nadur insibu għadd fil-ktieb ta’ Karm Caruana In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali. ‘Il-Bajja ta’ San Blas’ li hija ddedikata lil Girgor Buttigieg ‘Naduri li għex u miet ta’ qaddis,’ u fiha jiddeskrivi l-bajja bħala ‘s-sebħ u l-kobor tan-Nadur,’ blistess stil romantiku ta’ poeti oħrajn ta’ qablu: ‘San Blas nitgħaxxaq bik: / Seħer il-ħajja nsibu kollu fik!’4
Imbagħad insibu wkoll diversi poeżiji oħrajn b’laqta patrijottika. Vella Haber kiteb ‘Il-Kanuni tan-Nadur’ bħala ‘tifkira tal-Professur Lazzru Pisani li Pitter ilMaqdes tan-Nadur.’ Fiha l-kanuni li xi darba kienu jisparaw fuq ‘il-misħut Nofs Qamar’ sabiex jiddefendu lir-reliġjon Nisranija, issa jinsabu sektin. Kanuni oħrajn ‘qniepen saru,’ b’referenza għall-manuvra li kien għamel il-kappillan Dun Anton Scasciato (1772-1834) fl-18151816 meta rnexxielu jakkwista kanuni bil-permess tal Gvernatur Sir Thomas Maitland (1760-1824) sabiex jagħmilhom qniepen ġodda.5 F’ ‘Żernieq il-Maqdes tanNadur’ iddedikata bħala ‘Bukkett qronfol lill-Professur F.S. Sciortino’, il-poeta jibda mill-leġġenda tal-bini talKnisja meta Girgor għabba l-ħmara bil-ġebel u fejn din waqfet, allura nbniet din il-binja u jinfexx f’ħafna tifħir:
Maqdes gwapp ħafna n-Nadur inbena
Nixxiegħa sar tal-ogħla sebħ u faħar;
Ġieħ dan il-maqdes jiktor, le jinfena.
6 Fuq laqta reliġjuża, fil-poeżija ‘Luminaria Magna’, ‘B’tifkira u żżih il-ħajr lill-Artista Piju Cellini’, Vella Haber jeżalta lil San Pietru u San Pawl fil-ġrajjiet ta’ Attila s-Salvaġġ. Kienu huma li ‘ħarġu għalih bil-qilla, / ħanqu lill-għadu bir-rabtiet tal-lġiem.’ Hekk ukoll ‘aħna nirbħu żgur ... il-Kruċjata Mqaddsa ...’ Dan kollu bit-tarka tal-Imnarja, voldieri tażżewġt idwal li huma San Pietru u San Pawl.7
Anke fix-xogħol tiegħu ‘Quddiem San Koronatu Martri. Fit-Tempju Monumentali tan-Nadur,’ Kelinu jinseġ għanja ta’ tifħir lil dan il-bniedem li sa minn żmien ilu n-Nadurin qisuh bħala Kon-Patrun tagħhom flimkien ma’ San Pietru u San Pawl:
Koronatu! Insejħulek
aħna wliedek Nadurin:
iddew ilqa’ l-ħajr sħiħ tagħna;
żommna miegħek magħqudin.
L-osservazzjoni li jagħmel meta jikteb li ‘mhux ta’ b’xejn b’ismek imgħammda / ħafna wlied minn tan-Nadur!’ kienet tapplika b’mod tajjeb għall-1953 meta dehret din il-poeżija ppubblikata, iżda llum iż-żminijiet inbidlu u huma ftit jekk xejn, dawk it-tfal Nadurin li jiġu msemmija għal San Koronatu. Jolqtok ukoll kif Vella Haber jitratta mal-fatt li ma nafu xejn dwar dan il-korp, iżda hu joħroġ b’dan: ‘Aktar m’Int mostur u moħbi, / aktar fostna sirt magħruf ...’ U tassew għaliex f’dawn iż-żminijiet li fih kien qed jikteb San Koronatu kien għad għandu ħafna popolarità fin-Nadur, xi ħaġa li bħal dik tal-ismijiet, illum ixxejnet ukoll.
3 Duminku Camilleri, 200 Sena mit-Twelid ta’ l-E.T. Mons. M. Buttigieg. 100 Sena Arċipretali, Vigilat 5, (Nadur 1993), 94-95. 4 Karm Caruana, In-Nadur u t-Tempju Tiegħu Monumentali, (Nadur 1953), 23.
5 Ibid., 120 6 Ibid., 125 7 Ibid., 133.
Kelinu Vella Haber jingħata ġieħ mill-Akkademja tal-Malti f'għeluq il-mitt sena tiegħu - 2013
Storja, Kultura u Attwalità36
'In-Nadur'
Poezija ta' Patri Mattew Sultana
Jekk f’sidri nħoss nifs qawwi,
Jekk bqajt sal-lum bil-ferħ qalbi trid tfur,
Ngħid li mill-arja, mid-dehriet ta’ seħer
U l-ħlewwa tan-Nadur.
Fejn il-ħolqien jitbissem
Kont nilmaħ qalb dawk l-oqsma, żara’ u ħdura;
Widien, għoljiet, siġar tal-frott fejn tħares;
Kemm xtaqtni ma ġejtx lura!
X’jiem hienja! X’jiem ta’ seħer,
F’raħal sabiħ, f’ġenna tal-art qattajt!
Sirt naf in-nies, tħabbibt, ħabbejt, ħabbewni;
Nies bħalhom, ftit, jekk rajt! Sal-lum bqajt nistħajjilni
Inħoss il-fewġa tonfoħ f’dawk l-ibruħ,
Tmelles fuq wiċċi u fuq uċuh ir-raba’
U nħossha ‘ttini r-ruħ.
U għalkemm minkejja fija
Tlaqt f’qasir żmien u ’l min sirt naf ħallejt,
Ġmiel in-natura mżiegħed f’dawk l-inħawi
U r-raħal qatt ma nsejt.
Għax dawn in-nies dħulija ...
Maqdes San Pietru Pawl, ġmiel kull fejn tmur,
Ħallewni noħlom b’dawk il-jiem mgħoddija
F’dil-‘Ġenna ta’ Nadur’.
Poezija ta' Patri Mattew Sultana
Jekk f’sidri nħoss nifs qawwi,
Jekk bqajt sal-lum bil-ferħ qalbi trid tfur,
Ngħid li mill-arja, mid-dehriet ta’ seħer
U l-ħlewwa tan-Nadur.
Fejn il-ħolqien jitbissem
Kont nilmaħ qalb dawk l-oqsma, żara’ u ħdura;
Widien, għoljiet, siġar tal-frott fejn tħares;
Kemm xtaqtni ma ġejtx lura!
X’jiem hienja! X’jiem ta’ seħer,
F’raħal sabiħ, f’ġenna tal-art qattajt!
Sirt naf in-nies, tħabbibt, ħabbejt, ħabbewni;
Nies bħalhom, ftit, jekk rajt! Sal-lum bqajt nistħajjilni
Inħoss il-fewġa tonfoħ f’dawk l-ibruħ,
Tmelles fuq wiċċi u fuq uċuh ir-raba’
U nħossha ‘ttini r-ruħ.
U għalkemm minkejja fija
Tlaqt f’qasir żmien u ’l min sirt naf ħallejt,
Ġmiel in-natura mżiegħed f’dawk l-inħawi
U r-raħal qatt ma nsejt.
Għax dawn in-nies dħulija ...
Maqdes San Pietru Pawl, ġmiel kull fejn tmur,
Ħallewni noħlom b’dawk il-jiem mgħoddija
F’dil-‘Ġenna ta’ Nadur’.
Sopu Tower by Alessio Sultana
Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi receives Gieh in-Nadur
23 November, 2019
Members of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul of the Grand Chapter of Malta, during the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi Deputy Chancellor.
Photo from left: Chevalier Adonai Camilleri Cauchi, Dame Marlene Muscat, Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, Chevalier Chancellor Joseph Louis Meilak, Brother Matthias Mercieca and Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi.
23 November, 2019
Members of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul of the Grand Chapter of Malta, during the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi Deputy Chancellor.
Photo from left: Chevalier Adonai Camilleri Cauchi, Dame Marlene Muscat, Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, Chevalier Chancellor Joseph Louis Meilak, Brother Matthias Mercieca and Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi.
Message from the Grand Master H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Photo: The Secretary Chevalier Carmel Saliba is reading the message from the Grand Master for the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Deputy Chancellor Michael Camilleri Cauchi.
The Grand Master His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul is very honoured to have Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi one of its own.
He has been a very dedicated and honourable member of our Confraternity. He is always ready to give advice to help our Confraternity to achieve more.
We are very happy to say that on Tuesday this week, we donated $10,000 to the Royal Women’s Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit. The money was raised from a Fund Raising Lunch we had last month and some donations from individuals and sponsors.
This year we donated others sums of money to the Australian Farmers who were suffering from drought-ravaged part of the State of Victoria and to our missions in Peru.
Our Confraternity is still small but it’s making a big impact to help those in need.
We like to Congratulate Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, on receiving the honour Gieh in-Nadur 2019.
God bless you.
H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Photo: The Secretary Chevalier Carmel Saliba is reading the message from the Grand Master for the presentation of Gieh in Nadur to Chevalier Deputy Chancellor Michael Camilleri Cauchi.
The Grand Master His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli and the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul is very honoured to have Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi one of its own.
He has been a very dedicated and honourable member of our Confraternity. He is always ready to give advice to help our Confraternity to achieve more.
We are very happy to say that on Tuesday this week, we donated $10,000 to the Royal Women’s Hospital - Newborn Intensive Care Unit. The money was raised from a Fund Raising Lunch we had last month and some donations from individuals and sponsors.
This year we donated others sums of money to the Australian Farmers who were suffering from drought-ravaged part of the State of Victoria and to our missions in Peru.
Our Confraternity is still small but it’s making a big impact to help those in need.
We like to Congratulate Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi, on receiving the honour Gieh in-Nadur 2019.
God bless you.
H.E. Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Gozo Channel ship damaged after crashing into pier - MinisterMonday, 25 November 2019,
Gozo Channel is operating with only two ships after one of the ferries was damaged today due to the strong winds and rough seas, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana told Parliament.
It had already been announced that the MV Nikolaus, which was leased by the company to operate as a fourth vessel, was to undergo repair work that will last till mid-December.
The company was operating with three vessels until this morning when one of the remaining three ships was damaged and needs repair work.
Gozo Channel is operating with only two ships after one of the ferries was damaged today due to the strong winds and rough seas, Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana told Parliament.
It had already been announced that the MV Nikolaus, which was leased by the company to operate as a fourth vessel, was to undergo repair work that will last till mid-December.
The company was operating with three vessels until this morning when one of the remaining three ships was damaged and needs repair work.
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.
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
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.
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.
