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_31_may_2022..mp3 |
| wetransfer_20220517-il-knisja-tghallimna-mp3_2022-05-17_0618.zip |
| t.j._march_25._2011_ir-rebbiegha_repeat_1._18_sept._2011.mp3 |
Freast season opening soon in Malta and Gozo
St. Paul's Shipwreck in Munxar Gozo.
- 29th - The Annunciation, Tarxien
- 29th - St. Paul's Shipwreck, Munxar Gozo
- 29th - Feast of St. Anthony, Birkirkara
St. Paul's Shipwreck in Munxar Gozo.
NEWS FROM MALTA
Two men fined €15,000 each for illegally launching fireworks from a field
Xewkija. Gozo.
Charges of having negligently caused serious injury to a man as a result of their actions were ruled time barred
18 May 2022,
by Matthew Agius
The men illegally launched fireworks from a scaffold in a Xewkija field in 2018
Two men have been fined €15,000 each for illegally launching fireworks from a scaffold in a Xewkija field. Charges of having negligently caused serious injury to a man as a result of their actions were ruled time barred.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, presiding the Court of Magistrates in Gozo imposed the fine in her decision in a case relating to an incident which happened on June 21 2018 in Xewkija, Gozo.
Edgar Ellul, Edmond Camilleri, Stephen Borg, Elton Cauchi, Anthony Caruana, Charles Caruana and Trevor Vella had been charged with letting off fireworks which were larger than one centimetre in diameter, and with having grievously injured another man.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/116850/two_men_fined_15000_each_for_illegally_launching_fireworks_from_a_field#.YoVw5KhBxPY
Jinżamm arrestat wara li nqabad jisraq minn żewġ pompi tal-petrol
Minn Fiorella Pace
8 ta' Mejju 2022
Claudio Mallia t’40 sena li joqgħod il-Belt inżamm arrestat wara li kien akkużat li seraq minn magni tal-flus ta’ żewġ pompi tal-petrol.
Il-prosekuzzjoni, immexxija mill-Ispettur Clayton Camilleri spjegat li l-akkużat seraq minn pompa tal-petrol fi Triq Valletta f’Ħal Luqa bejn id-9 u l-14 ta’ Frar u minn oħra bejn is-16 u s-17 ta’ Marzu fi Triq Ħal Luqa f’Ħal Qormi. Mallia ġie mixli wkoll li fiż-żewġ ċirkostanzi għamel sa €250 fi ħsarat.
Il-Qorti xliet lil Mallia wkoll li fis-16 ta’ Mejju nstabitlu d-droga kokaina u d-droga eroina. L-Ispettur spjega li l-imputat inqabad wara li l-Pulizija nnotat karozza suspettuża u waqqfitha. Mallia nqabad bi 15-il gramma f’60 pakkett kif ukoll b’€1,200 fi flus kontanti. Intqal, li dakinhar il-Pulizija arrestat persuna oħra li bħalissa qiegħda fuq police bail.
Dalgħodu, l-imputat ġie akkużat ukoll li bejn l-24 u l-25 ta’ April u bejn it-12 u t-13 ta’ Mejju pprova jisraq minn ħanut tar-ritratti fi Triq il-Kanun f’Ħal Qormi kif ukoll talli b’kollox għamel sa €500 fi ħsarat. Ġie mixli wkoll, li sar reċidiv b’diversi sentenzi mogħtija mill-Qorti.
Id-difiża qalet li l-akkużat ikkoopera ħafna mal-Pulizija. Qalet, li għandu “vizzju akut tal-eroina u l-kokaina” u li għandu bżonn l-għajnuna. B’hekk, qalet li l-imputat għandu bżonn il-libertà b’kundizzjoni biex ikun jista’ jfiq.
Il-Maġistrat Marsanne Farrugia, madankollu, qalet li l-imputat ma joffrix serħan tal-moħħ li mhux se jikkommetti reat ieħor. Għaldaqstant, ċaħdet it-talba, u ordnat superviżjoni u li jinħatar uffiċjal tal-probation.
Għall-akkużat deher l-Avukat Matthew Xuereb.
tvmnews.mt/news/jinzamm-arrestat-wara-li-nqabad-jisraq-minn-zewg-pompi-tal-petrol/
Chetcuti u Sammut jissemmew għall-Viċi Kap tal-PN
Minn Owen Teuma
18 ta' Mejju 2022
Ritratt: Miguela Xuereb, Facebook
Read in English.
Newsbook.com.mt jinsab infurrmat li d-deputati Janice Chetcuti u Mark Anthony Sammut huma interessati biex joħorġu għall-kariga ta’ Viċi Kap tal-PN.
Sorsi fil-Partit Nazzjonalista qalu lil Newsbook.com.mt li Chetcuti diġà bdiet tkellem persuni oħra fi ħdan il-Partit Nazzjonalista bl-intenzjoni tagħha li tikkontesta għal din l-elezzjoni.
Bħalissa l-PN għandu żewġ Viċi Kapijiet – Robert Arrigo u David Agius. L-istatut tal-Partit ġie rivedut, u se jkun hemm Viċi Kap wieħed. Arrigo diġà kkonferma li mhux se jikkontesta għall-ebda kariga fi ħdan il-partit, filwaqt li Agius ma wera l-ebda interess li jerġa jikkontesta għal din il-kariga.
Dan is-sit tal-aħbarijiet ċempel lil Chetcuti u Sammut dwar ir-reazzjoni tagħhom għal din l-aħbar.
Newsbook.com.mt staqsa direttament lil Sammut jekk hux se joħroġ għal din il-kariga. Huwa la ċaħad u lanqas ikkonferma dawn ir-rapporti u qal li m’għandu l-ebda kumment x’jagħti. Huwa saħaq li “l-focus tal-Partit hu li l-Kap tal-Partit ikollu mandat b’saħħtu biex iwettaq il-bidliet li hemm bżonn.”
Minn naħa tagħha d-deputata Janice Chetcuti qalet li hija “tibqa’ miftuħa għal kwalunkwe ħaġa imma bħalissa ma tista’ tikkonferma xejn.” Kompliet tgħid li n-nies qegħdin jgħidulha biex tikkontesta din il-kariga u se tkun dejjem hemm għall-Partit u għal bżonnijiet li jkun hemm bżonn. Meta Chetcuti reġgħet kienet mistoqsija dwar din il-kariga hija qalet li se tara fejn ikun hemm bżonnha fil-Partit u mbagħad tiddeċiedi wara.
Fl-Elezzjoni Ġenerali Chetcuti kienet iddeċidiet li ma tikkontestax għall-elezzjoni każwali fuq it-tielet distrett biex tagħti ċans lil kandidati oħra biex jiġu eletti għall-Parlament. Hija saħqet li dan sar sabiex bħala partit jiġi massimizzat l-użu tal-voti fit-tielet distrett u jiġu eletti tliet rappreżentanti.
Mark Anthony Sammut kien ġie elett fil-Parlament mir-raba’ u l-għaxar distrett billi kiseb 1,904 u 921 voti fl-ewwel għadd rispettivament. Fit-30 ta’ Marzu d-Deputat Nazzjonalista kien kiteb fuq Facebook li mhuwiex se jikkontesta għall-kariga ta’ Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista.
Jekk tiġi eletta, Chetcuti tkun l-ewwel Viċi Kap tal-PN li tkun mara.
Russell Crowe posts misty photo of Fort St Angelo: 'Where am I now?'
Australian actor Russell Crowe is back in Malta after visiting the island last November for the filming of upcoming movie, Prizefighter
17 May 2022, 1:59pm
by Luke Vella
Australian actor Russell Crowe appears to be in Malta after posting a photo of Fort St Angelo engulfed in the morning mist on Tuesday.
“Where am I now?” he cryptically wrote on Twitter, sharing a photo of the historical fortress inside the Grand Harbour. Many followers pointed out that he was in Malta.
He later posted a short video of the cannon firing at the Saluting Battery in the Upper Barrakka Garden in Valletta.
Crowe's connection with the island goes back to 1999 when he starred in Ridley Scott’s Roman-era epic, Gladiator, which was partly filmed in Malta. Fort Ricasoli had served as a set for ancient Rome.
Last November Crowe was in Malta for the filming of Prizefighter, a forthcoming movie about the 19th-century boxer Jem Belcher, starring Matt Hookings, Ray Winstone, Jodhi May and Steven Berkoff.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/arts/film/116828/russel_crowe_posts_misty_photo_of_fort_st_angelo_where_am_i_now#.YoQX6-hBxPY
Qatt ma waqqaft lil Jason Azzopardi milli jressaq każ kontra l-Electrogas – Grech
Minn Gavin Muscat
-
17 ta' Mejju 2022
Miguela Xuereb/Meħud minn xandira diretta fuq Net TV
Il-Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Bernard Grech qal li qatt ma waqqaf lill-eks Deputat Nazzjonalista Jason Azzopardii milli jkun involut fir-rikors kostituzzjonali li ressqet l-NGO Repubblika biex il-Qorti tiddikjara l-kuntratt tal-Electrogas bħala wieħed korrott.
F’kumment ma’ Lovin Malta, Azzopardi allega li Grech waqqfu milli jkun involut f’dan ir-rikors minkejja li kien dam xahrejn jfittex l-argumenti legali mal-avukat Edward Debono.
L-attivisti tal-NGO kienu talbu lill-Qorti tiddikjara li l-korruzzjoni fil-kuntratt tal-Electrogas qed tiswa ħlasijiet żejda lill-konsumaturi f’kull kont tal-elettriku li jirċievu.
Aqra aktar:
Repubblika b’rikors fuq kontijiet ogħla minħabba l-korruzzjoni tal-Electrogas
Azzopardi qal li wara li tlestiet ir-riċerka nforma lis-Segretarju Ġenerali tal-PN ta’ dak iż-żmien Francis Zammit Dimech biex jgħid lil Grech dwar il-każ. Avolja Zammit Dimech qallu li kien se jagħmel dan, dik il-ġurnata Azzopardi allegatament irċieva talba biex ma jiffirmax ir-rikors.
Meta ġie mistoqsi minn Azzopardi għalfejn ma kellux jagħmel dan, Zammit Dimech spjega li Grech qallu li kien hemm “kunflitt ta’ interess”.
Intant, barra mill-Parlament, Grech qal lit-Times of Malta li Azzopardi qatt ma għamel ilment miegħu li xi ħadd ipprova jwaqqfu milli jiffirma r-rikors.
Mistoqsi jekk il-PN huwiex se jkompli jinsisti fuq l-ikkanċellar tal-kuntratt tal-Electrogas, Grech qal li l-PN għandu l-obbligu li jħares l-interess tal-pubbliku bid-djalogu.
Dwar il-Kumitat tal-Kontijiet Pubbliċi (PAC), Grech qal li l-membri tal-Oppożizzjoni fuq dan il-Kumitat kienu fetħu inkjesta dwar il-kuntratt u ppreżentaw mozzjonijiet. Jekk il-membri fuq dan il-Kumitat humiex se jkomplu jiġru wara dan il-kuntratt, Grech irrisponda “stennew ftit ġranet”.
Iċ-Chairperson ta’ dan il-Kumitat huwa Darren Carabott, li nħatar minflok Beppe Fenech Adami, u l-membri tal-Oppożizzjoni huma David Agius u Graham Bencini. Għall-Partit Laburista, hemm Clayton Bartolo, Glenn Bedingfield, Andy Ellul u Alex Muscat.
newsbook.com.mt/qatt-ma-waqqaft-lil-jason-azzopardi-milli-jressaq-kaz-kontra-l-electrogas-grech/
Mil-lum tista’ tirkeb l-ajruplan lejn Malta bla maskra
Minn Andrea Rossitto
16 ta' Mejju 2022
Read in English
Mil-lum, kull min jivvjaġġa lejn Malta bl-ajruplan m’għadux obbligat li jilbes il-maskra.
L-obbligu tal-maskra għall-ivvjaġġar bl-ajruplan, fil-fatt, tneħħa mil-lum fil-biċċa l-kbira tal-pajjiżi Ewropej, fosthom f’Malta wara deċiżjoni taċ-Ċentru Ewropew għall-Prevenzjoni u l-Kontroll tal-Mard (l-ECDC) u l-Aġenzija tas-Sigurtà fl-Avjazzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea (l-EASA) l-Erbgħa li għadda.
L-Air Malta u l-Air France huma fost il-linji tal-ajru li mil-lum neħħew l-obbligu tal-maskra għall-persuni li mil-lum se jivvjaġġaw magħhom.
Min-naħa l-oħra, il-maskra trid tibqa’ tintlibes fuq l-ajruplani kollha li jivvjaġġaw lejn l-Italja, il-Ġermanja, il-Greċja u Spanja. Il-Ministru tas-Saħħa Taljan, Roberto Speranza fl-aħħar jiem ħabbar li l-maskra, tat-tip FFP2, għandha tibqa’ tintlibes fuq l-ajruplani li jidħlu l-Italja kif ukoll fuq kull mezz ta’ trasport pubbliku Taljan sal-15 ta’ Ġunju li ġej.
tvmnews.mt/news/mil-lum-tista-tirkeb-l-ajruplan-lejn-malta-bla-maskra/
MPs cross swords in first parliamentary question of the legislature
Minister's partner - a senior civil servant - went on political house visitsNationalPoliticsParliament
Claudette Buttigieg and Michael Falzon clashed in parliament on Monday.
A minister on Monday criticised a Nationalist MP for personally attacking a minister's partner through a parliamentary question - even though neither the minister nor his partner were mentioned.
The exchange took place in the very first question of this legislature, put by Nationalist MP Claudette Buttigieg.
She asked whether it was proper that a person (name enclosed under separate cover and not published) had gone on leave so that she could directly participate in a minister's electoral campaign, even through home visits. If this was the case, did the minister consider it proper that a person who occupied a sensitive position as director of services to vulnerable children and families should be taking part in partisan political events which could undermine clients' confidence of the services?
Replying, Family and Social Welfare Minister Michael Falzon said the person indicated in the parliamentary question had always gone about her duties diligently and as expected of her. While she was a minister's partner, it did not result that she had acted in a manner that compromised her duties, as the MP had implied.
He later added that in the very first parliamentary question, the PN was returning to personal attacks, this time involving the partner of a minister. He insisted that the person involved had always been correct in her work. He could not be expected to inquire what she did while on leave.
- 2:38Buttigieg retorted that she had never mentioned the minister and it was the minister who revealed in his reply that the subject of her question was the partner of a minister.
Falzon said it was very clear who the Nationalist MP had been referring to. It was true that there was someone who said that the people were Ġaħan, (idiots) but not so much.
Buttiġieġ pointed out that it was a Labour minister who had spoken of people being Ġaħan - a reference to Labour backbencher and former minister Edward Zammit Lewis.
Independently of who this person was, she was the head of a public service directorate. Should such senior public officials go on political house visits, let alone political activities in general? Did some sort of rules or code of ethics apply to such people?
The minister said every place of work had its rules. This person, while at work, had not done anything improper. Had there been anything improper, he would have no problem in investigating.
Nationalist MP Karol Aquilina said the code of ethics of the public service said in clause 21 that civil servants had to be politically impartial both in their duties as well as in their public life. So was the minister saying that this clause was not breached?
The minister said he had no further comment.
timesofmalta.com/articles/view/mps-cross-swords-in-first-parliamentary-question-of-the-legislature.955381
Woman, 64, dies after construction site fall
The woman was certified dead at the site of the accident, after falling a height of around one storey at a Marsa construction site
15 May 2022, 4:19pm
by Karl Azzopardi
File photo
A 64-year-old woman has died after falling a height of around one storey at a Marsa construction site.
The police said their assistance was requested at around 2:15pm on Sunday in Triq Azzopardi.
Preliminary investigations showed the woman, from Paola, had fallen down the construction site.
A medical team was called on the site of the accident, but the woman was certified dead on at the site.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella has launched an inquiry, while police investigations are ongoing.
Horse bolts and falls to its death on Vassalli road in Msida
According to reports the horse fell onto the Mikiel Anton Vassallo main road from a field above
16 May 2022,
by Laura Calleja
Accident occurred at around 7:30am (Photo: TVM)
A horse has fallen to its death in Msida, causing a massive traffic jam in the area.
Police said the accident happened at around 7:30am.
TVM reported that the horse fell onto the road from a field above, possibly located between Triq San Alwigi and Triq il-Kunċizzjoni.
Animal Welfare officials are expected to arrive at the scene shortly.
Hope in Rome? Grech in the league of papabili as Francis’s health raises speculation
Cardinal Mario Grech entering the ‘papabili’ stakes could be the tonic to Malta’s Eurovision disappointment
14 May 2022,
by Matthew Vella
Cardinal Mario Grech in a 2015 meeting with Pope Francis
First a cardinal, now a Pope? Bring it on! After a demoralising run at the Turin Eurovision this year, Malta’s zeal to punch above its weight might be assuaged by the prospect that one of its high-ranking prelates could have a shoo-in for Catholicism’s top job – the Pope.
That’s because 65 years young Mario Grech, the former bishop of Gozo who was made Cardinal, is being tipped as one of many ‘papabili’ among Vatican gossipers who have taken note of the increased frailty of Pope Francis.
Grech made the list in a Times (UK) report that polled Vaticanists from the Italian and international press, as succession is on their lips with Francis, 85, now consigned to a wheelchair and calling off foreign trips owing to ill health following nine years in office.
Malta’s Mario Grech is also interesting since he had a conservative reputation but became pro-Francis, although some conservatives may hope he would revert to form if elected PopeJohn L. Allen, CruxAnd indeed it will be once again a battle between a conservative faction who dislike Francis’s “mercy-before-dogma style” and ‘liberals’ who approve of his outreach to gay Catholics and divorcees.
As secretary general of the synod of bishops before he was made cardinal in 2020, Mario Grech was dubbed as a “conservative but also close to Pope Francis” who could attract votes from progressives and conservatives at the conclave.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116763/tears_in_turin_hope_in_rome_grech_in_the_league_of_papabili_as_francis_health_raises_speculation_#.YoApJOhBxPY
Jirritorna l-Karnival spontanju tan-Nadur
Minn Owen Teuma
14 ta' Mejju 2022
Wara nuqqas ta’ sentejn, se jirritorna l-Karnival Spontanju tan-Nadur bl-eċċezzjoni li din l-edizzjoni ser tkun waħda speċjali, peress li ser issir f’Mejju. Il-Karnival spontanju tan-Nadur hu rinomat għall-fertilità tal-immaġinazzjoni ta’ dawk kollha li jipparteċipaw fih.
Il-Karnival Spontanju tan-Nadur ser isir nhar il-Ġimgħa l-20, is-Sibt 21, u l-Ħadd 22 ta’ Mejju wara nżul ix-xemx.
Fi stqarrija tal-Ministeru għal Għawdex, il-Ministru għal Għawdex Clint Camilleri wera s-sodisfazzjon li din l-attività tant popolari ser terġa’ ssir. “Il-Karnival tan-Nadur hu wieħed tradizzjonali fejn b’ispontanjetà tiegħu jeħodna lura fiż-żmien u jurina kif fl-imgħoddi l-Karnival kien mezz kif wieħed jiddeverti u jwassal il-messaġġ tiegħu permezz tas-satira”, qal il-Ministru Camilleri.
Il-Ministru Camilleri qal li l-jiem tal-Karnival f’Għawdex dejjem ikunu mfittxija kemm min nies lokali, Maltin u turisti.
Il-Ministru Camilleri faħħar l-impenn tal-Kunsill Lokali tan-Nadur li jieħu ħsieb l-proċess kollu neċessarju biex din l-attività tal-massa tirnexxi, u aktar min hekk, issir bl-inqas inkonvenjent possibbli għar-residenti. Il-Ministru fakkar li kulħadd għandu jiddeverti b’mod responsabbli u b’rispett sħiħ lejn il-liġijiet.
Edwar Said, is-Sindku tan-Nadur, qal li n-Nadur hu sinonimu ma’ dan il-karnival li issa sar parti integrali mill-kalendarju kulturali mżewwaq li joffri Għawdex. Said wera s-sodisfazzjon tiegħu li l-karnival spontanju se jerġa’ isir fil-qalba tar-raħal, fejn ta’ kull sena kien jattira lejħ eluf kbar ta’ viżitaturi.
Ara iktar: newsbook.com.mt/jirritorna-l-karnival-spontanju-tan-nadur/
Comino's San Niklaw Bay out of bounds as company blocks access to parts of coastline
Beach-goers will not be able to access San Niklaw Bay in Comino this summer, while some footpaths to Santa Marija beach have been blocked off • Hili Ventures justifies decision 'in the interest of health and safety'
13 May 2022, 4:00pm
by Nicole Meilak
Private property: San Niklaw Bay will be inaccessible to the public this summer
Comino’s San Niklaw Bay has been blocked off from public access by Hili Ventures due to pending permits and “in the interest of health and safety”.
Photos passed on to MaltaToday show that metal barriers have been put up along parts of the Comino coast preventing access to parts of the coastline.
Blue and red signs are stuck to the barriers indicating that the area is private property. One barrier prevents access to Santa Marija beach from San Niklaw Bay.
The barriers were set up around the Comino hotel area, which was purchased by Hili Ventures to be redeveloped into a bungalow complex.
When contacted by MaltaToday, the company said the Comino hotel and bungalows are the property of HV Hospitality, a subsidiary of Hili Ventures.
“Pending permits, and in the interest of health and safety, the company has restricted public access to the development sites. There is no public access to San Niklaw Bay as this area is part of the private concession granted to HV Hospitality. Access to Santa Marija Bay is unrestricted,” a company spokesperson said.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116755/cominos_san_niklaw_bay_out_of_bounds_as_company_blocks_access_to_parts_of_coastline#.Yn7an-hBxPY
88-apartment Portelli block set for approval in Balzan
Development proposed by a business partner of Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli will result in parking shortfall of 16 cars
12 May 2022, 7:43am
by James Debono
A Planning Authority case officer is recommending the approval of an 88-unit complex, gym and 2,408sq.m of retail shops, proposed by Clifton Attard, a business partner of construction magnate Joseph Portelli.
The project will include nine shops at ground floor level, four floors of residences, and an overlying receded floor level. The final decision by the PA’s planning commission is scheduled for 20 May.
The only major condition imposed on the development is that the developers will still need “clearance” from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage for the relocation of the niche of St Roque. The heritage watchdog had called for the project to be downscaled, while also objecting to the relocation of Balzan’s St Roque niche from its present location at the corner between Triq Wied il-Balzan and Triq il-Kbira, and to the inscription ‘Park Lane’ above it.
Moreover, the case officer report confirms that the project will not even cater for the demand of parking spaces, which it will create. The project will require 153 parking spaces, 16 more parking spaces more then the 137 provided. The PA’s parking calculation is based on a standard formula, which envisages one parking space for every apartment, one parking space for every 50sq.m of retail and one parking space for every 10sq.m of gym space.
But the case officer argues that no parking shortfall will be created because an office project approved in 2015 which was never actually built back already resulted in a shortfall of 38 cars.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/environment/townscapes/116667/88apartment_portelli_block_set_for_approval_in_balzan#.Yn2K3ehBxPY
[WATCH] Zelenskyy tells Malta MPs 'the future of Europe will be decided on the battlefield'
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy tells neutral Malta to deny golden passports to Russians and stop Russian oil from using Malta-flagged ships
10 May 2022, 12:43pm
by Nicole Meilak
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a speech to Malta’s parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyrr Zelenskyy has asked Malta to stop golden passports for Russian nationals and stop Russian oil from using Malta-flagged vessels.
In a short address to the Maltese parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Zelenskyy went as far as correcting Speaker Anglu Farrugia for using the word 'conflict'. "This is a war not a conflict," the Ukrainian president started off as he underscored that the aggressor was Russia.
A war of words: Why Zelenskyy corrected Anġlu Farrugia
Zelenskyy reiterated his call for weapons and military equipment to be made available to his country as it defended itself from Russian aggression, drawing comparison with Malta's defence by British Spitfires during World War II.
Zelenskyy addresses the HouseHe delivered a speech to the Maltese parliament at 4pm on Tuesday through a video call, after which the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition also replied back with a short speech.
The Ukrainian President appeared with a green shirt, flanked by two Ukrainian flags.
Speaker Anglu Farrugia gave a brief message to Zelenskyy before the address. “Excellency, as you are surely aware, Malta’s neutrality as entrenched in our constitution does not allow us to contribute militarily. This doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis your country goes to.”
“As a nation, we remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance, on the ground and locally.”
He said that parliamentary diplomacy plays an important role in conflict resolution, providing dialogue while fostering solutions.
He encouraged the Ukrainian and Russian parliaments to engage in dialogue as a solution to the conflict.
Addressing the House, Zelenskyy spoke in his native language, while an interpreter gave an English translation. “We don’t have a conflict, we have a war,” he said of Farrugia’s message. “This is why words are not it these days, but torturing and killing isn’t happening between Russia and Ukraine but on our territory.”
He said that his government is doing all it can to bring peace to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy went on to recall Malta’s experiences in World War II. “You are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the events of the Malta battle in the second world war. It was one of the most decisive. The resilience of your people in some ways defined the future of the Mediterranean.”
Robert Abela and Bernard Grech deliver their reactionBeyond that, he said that Malta’s battles in the war even helped dictate the future of Europe.
Zelenskyy described the bombardments in Odessa. “When Europeans commemorate the victims of the second world war, and celebrating Europe Day, 25 missiles were fired by Russia in Odessa, all on civilian targets.”
He turned to Mariupol, where over 90% of all buildings have been destroyed. “They’ve created an artificial famine, blocking access to food and medicine.”
“The city of Mariupol and its defenders continue their resistance. We’re using all diplomatic instruments to rescue them. Russia hasn’t moved on any of the proposed options. We’ve asked partners to provide weapons to unblock Mariupol, but the amount we’d need have not been provided.”
Again, he recalled Malta’s brutal bombings in the 1904s. “Thank God Britain implemented the mission with the Spitfires.”
“We need planes and special artillery. Like then, the future of Europe will be decided on the battlefield.”
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116701/president_of_ukraine_volodymyr_zelenskyy_to_address_maltese_parliament_at_4pm11#.Ynrp_-hBxPY
Worker who died at Marsa incinerator identified as Joseph Ellul
A worker identified as Joseph Ellul from Marsaxlokk has died at the incinerator facility operated by Wasteserv in Marsa on Tuesday • Police investigating dynamic of the incident
10 May 2022,
by Luke Vella
Joseph Ellul, 38, from Marsaxlokk lost his life at the Marsa incinerator, his place of work. Police are still trying to establish the dynamic that led to his death.
A worker identified as 38-year-old Joseph Ellul lost his life at the Marsa incinerator facility on Tuesday.
Police have confirmed that the man from Marsaxlokk died on site and investigations are ongoing to establish the dynamics that led to his death.
The police said that it was called in at 9am at the incinerator because a man had suffered injuries while working there. "A medical team from Mater Dei Hospital was on site but unfortunately the 38-year-old Marsaxlokk resident was certified dead on site," the police said in a statement.
Magistrate Elaine Mercieca is leading an inquiry into the case.
The incinerator is operated by Wasteserv, the state waste processing agency, and is used to dispose of clinical and abattoir waste.
Meanwhile, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) is investigating the incident. "OHSA immediately started its investigations into the cause of this accident," the authority said.
The OHSA investigation is ongoing.
Gozo aqueduct to undergo extensive restoration
The restoration of the Gozo aqueduct will be complete in 2025
10 May 2022, 3:50pm
by Laura Calleja
The aqueduct was built by the British between 1839 and 1843
The Gozo aqueduct that runs from Kercem towards Victoria will undergo extensive restoration works, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri announced on Tuesday.
This project involves the structural consolidation and conservation of the aqueduct built by the British between 1839 and 1843.
Camilleri said that back in 2017, the Gozo Ministry had conducted minor restorations to fix damage that had accumulated over the years.
"This much-needed restoration will begin after all the necessary studies have been completed and the competent authorities have issued permits. Extensive restoration will ensure that this historical heritage, located to the west of the island, is preserved and eventually enjoyed,” the minister said.
Director for Cultural Heritage John Xuereb said that the project is divided into several phases, with the first phase already ready, which involved a geological investigation of the subsoil to understand the nature of the aqueduct foundations and determine the composition of the underlying geological strata.
In the second phase of the project, which will start in the coming weeks, there will be a temporary shoring with the main arch while the third and final phase of the project will focus on the structural consolidation of the foundations and the aqueduct conservation.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and is expected to cost €2 million.
108 pazjenti trasferiti Malta permezz tal-air ambulances ta’ Għawdex fl-2021
Minn Mario Micallef
10 ta' Mejju 2022
Fil-heliport tax-Xewkija hemm ibbażati żewġ helikopters attrezzati biex jaqdu l-bżonnijiet ta’ ambulanza għal każi fejn ikun meħtieġ li pazjent mill-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex jinġieb għal aktar kura f’Malta. Is-sena li għaddiet biss, is-servizz tal-Air Ambulance operat minn Steward Health Care Malta ntuża biex twasslu 108 pazjenti.
Krew ta’ TVMnews segwa pass pass simulazzjoni ta’ x’jiġri mill-mument li jiġi deċiż li pazjent mill-isptar f’Għawdex irid jiġi trasferit lejn Malta.
“Ġurnata ma tistax tippjanaha u nkunu preparati għal li jista’ jinqala.”
Carmelo Camilleri – Charge Nurse – Sptar Ġenerali ta’ GħawdexCarmelo Camilleri, li jmexxi l-infermiera fid-Dipartiment tal-Emerġenza tal-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex, spjega li kif it-tobba u l-anestetisti jiddeċiedu li pazjent irid jinġieb Malta jiġi nfurmat minnufih il-bdot tal-air ambulance ibbażat fil-heliport tax-Xewkija li jibda l-proċess biex tiġi operata titjira. F’Malta jsiru l-arranġamenti ta’ sigurtà biex tintuża l-helipad tal-Isptar San Luqa.
L-anestetista Godfrey Azzopardi qal li t-trasferiment ta’ pazjent b’helikopter għal Malta jsir f’dawk il-każi fejn il-kura meħtieġa ma tingħatax f’Għawdex.
“L-aktar attakki tal-qalb fejn dawn ikunu transfers li jkunu time critical, jiġifieri l-intervent irid isir sa ċertu ħin mindu l-pazjent jippreżenta l-emerġenza. Każijiet oħra meta jkun hemm xi ħadd li jkun weġġa’ bil-karozza jew waqa’ minn għoli u jkollhom bżonn xi interventi fir-ras. Każijiet oħra huma speċjalment fit-tfal u trabi fejn hawnhekk m’għandniex ITU għat-trabi u allura dawk it-trabi kollha li jkollhom bżonn kura intensiva jiġu riferuti għal Mater Dei.”
Godfrey Azzopardi – AnestetistaBil-pazjent tgħabba abbord dan l-air ambulance ta’ Steward Health Care Malta, il-pass li jmiss hu li jibda l-vjaġġ lejn il-helipad tal-Isptar San Luqa, vjaġġ li jieħu anqas minn 15-il minuta. Kruċjali f’dawn il-mumenti żewġ aspġetti: is-sigurtà tal-ekwipaġġ magħmul minn bdot u engineer u infermier u anestetista li jkunu preżenti waqt it-titjira biex jassistu lill-pazjent. Aspett ieħor kruċjali hu l-ħin fejn f’dawn il-mumenti kull minuta tgħodd biex jitwassal malajr kemm jista’ jkun biex jissokta bil-kura fl-Isptar Mater Dei.
Iċ-charge nurse, Carmelo Camilleri, qal li mat-triq jaraw li l-pazjent jibqa’ stabbli.
“Ħelikopter ħafif u b’saħħtu ħafna. Jien li nibża’ ħafna mill-għoli, m’hemm l-ebda problemi u għandek pilots kapaċi u nħossuna safe.”
Carmelo CamilleriBl-irwol ta’ anestetista hu li joffri appoġġ lill-organi tal-pazjent permezz ta’ mediċina jew tagħmir bħall-magni tan-nifs, Dr Azzopardi fisser għaliex f’dawn il-każi kull sekonda tgħodd.
“Meta pazjent ikollu attakk tal-qalb qed ikollu nuqqas ta’ demm, nuqqas ta’ ossiġnu fil-qalb għax ikollu arterja imblukkata. Ovjament il-ħsara se tkun akbar u aktar estensiva aktar kemm iddum ma’ tiġi riżolta din il-ħaġa. Jiġifieri għalhekk hu importanti li naslu kemm jista’ jkun malajr. L-istess bħal meta nitkellmu dwar xi emoroġija fir-ras minn xi inċident. Dik il-pressa kollha fir-ras tista’ tagħmel ħsara lill-moħħ u twassal għall-mewt tal-pazjent.”
Carmelo Camilleri
Aqra iktar: tvmnews.mt/news/108-pazjenti-trasferiti-malta-permezz-ta-air-ambulances-fghawdex-fl-2021/
Aaron Farrugia takes Ian Borg’s baton: ‘Four or five controversial road projects in the pipeline’
Xtra on TVM News Plus | Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia says he will not shy away from controversial decisions but will consult to ensure projects are the most sustainable
9 May 2022,
by Kurt Sansone
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Aaron Farrugia says more road projects are necessary to cater for growth in the coming years
A handful of large “controversial” road projects are in the pipeline, Aaron Farrugia said, promising more investment in infrastructure to meet the demands of economic growth.
The transport and infrastructure minister said the roads portfolio will continue to see the construction of underpasses and flyovers to “prepare the country for the 21st century”.
“We have four or five controversial projects that will be unveiled soon,” Farrugia said on TVM News Plus’ Xtra on Monday night.
He did not elaborate but at least two controversial projects in Msida and Qormi had been temporarily shelved before the election after objections from residents and environmental groups.
The Msida project would have seen a flyover connect the main square with Regional Road and the Qormi project included the construction of a flyover connecting the Mrieħel bypass with the industrial estate, taking up agricultural land in the area.
Farrugia was awarded the transport portfolio after the election, taking over from Ian Borg, who was appointed foreign minister.
Since 2017, the government has invested €100 million per year on road projects as part of a seven-year plan to pump €700 million into the road network. Farrugia has inherited that commitment, which still has a couple more years to run.
Major road junctions were constructed, including the Marsa junction, the Central Link and the Santa Lucia underpass. There are currently ongoing works in the two junctions outside the airport and the Mrieħel underpass connecting the Central Link to the bypass.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/xtra/116688/aaron_farrugia_takes_ian_borgs_baton_four_or_five_controversial_road_projects_in_the_pipeline#.YnmPq-hBxPY
“Il-futur tal-Unjoni Ewropea marbut mal-futur tal-Ukrajna” – Metsola
Minn Owen Teuma
9 ta' Mejju 2022
Read in English.
Il-futur tal-Ewropa huwa marbut mal-futur tal-Ukrajna saħqet il-President tal-Parlament Ewropew Roberta Metsola . Metsola tkellmet li t-theddida li qegħdin “niffaċċjaw hija reali”.
Dan intqal waqt il-Konferenza dwar il-Futur tal-Ewropa f’Jum l-Ewropa fi Strasburgu, meta l-Ko-presidenti tal-Bord Eżekuttiv tal-Konferenza ippreżentaw ir-rapport finali.
Metsola saħqet li kif irrispondejna għall-invażjoni u kif irridu nkomplu nwieġbu huwa t-test tagħna. Hija qalet li l-Ukreni jħarsu lejn l-Ewropa għall-appoġġ għax l-Ewropa għamlet żmien twil wara l-iron curtain.
Il-President tal-Parlament Ewropew qalet li l-Parlament Ewropew se jiġġieled għal Ewropa aktar b’saħħitha u dak kollu li jfisser l-Ewropa. “Dan ifisser libertà, demokrazija, l-istat tad-dritt, ġustizzja, solidarjetà u ugwaljanza ta’ opportunitajiet” komplit tgħid Metsola.
Hija saħqet li dan ifisser li l-Ewropa trid tisma’ aktar milli titkellem biss. Metsola tkelmet ukoll fuq l-enerġija u qalet li għadna niddependu fuq awtokratiċi bħal ma hu Putin.
“Irrid li l-Ewropa tmexxi. Għax jekk mhux aħna, se jkun hemm xi ħadd ieħor” saħqet il-President tal-President Ewropew.
Hi tkellmet ukoll dwar kif iċ-ċittadini Ewropej, speċjalment iż-żgħażagħ, jinsabu fil-qalba tal-viżjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew għall-futur tal-Ewropa f’dan il-mument tant deċiżiv tal-integrazzjoni Ewropea. “M’għandniex nibżgħu nisfruttaw is-setgħa tal-Ewropa biex tibdel ħajjet in-nies għall-aħjar,” ikkonkludiet Metsola
“Wara 77 sena reġa’ hawn gwerra“Guy Verhofstadt li huwa membru tal-Parlament Ewropew qal li ċ-ċittadini tal-UE jridu unjoni aktar integrata u unjoni li taġixxi b’mod aktar mgħaġġel. Huwa kompla jgħid li għal ċittadini li ndirizzaw il-konferenza mhix xi ħaġa normali li jindirizzaw il-konferenzi u ssagrifikaw il-ħin biex ipparteċipaw f’din il-konferenza.
Huwa tkellem ukoll kif wara 77 sena li spiċċat it-tieni gwerra dinjija, reġa’ hemm gwerra oħra fl-Ewropa. Verhofstadt saħaq li d-dinja t’għada se tkun differenti minn dik tal-passat fejn il-potenzi ġodda huma ċ-Ċina u l-Indja. Huwa tkellem fuq il-bżonn li l-Ewropa tkun aktar sovrana u jekk ma jsirx xi ħaġa l-Ewropa tkun irrelevanti.
Aqra iktar: newsbook.com.mt/live-ipprezentat-ir-rapport-finali-dwar-il-konferenza-tal-futur-tal-ewropa/
14-year-old injured in Gozo racing track accident
Nadur.
Police say the boy was driving a motorbike on the track when he fell off, resulting in serious injuries
8 May 2022, 5:44pm
by Staff Reporter
A 14-year-old boy was hospitalised on Sunday after falling off a motorbike at a racing tack in Gozo.
Police were notified of the incident at 4pm, and were called onto the site at Triq ir-Rabat, Nadur.
According to the police statement, the boy had been driving the motorcycle when he fell off and hurt. He was taken to Gozo General Hospital by ambulance for further treatment on his injuries.
He was later certified to be suffering from serious injuries.
Magistrate Bridgette Sultana will be leading an inquiry into the case, while police investigations remain ongoing.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/116665/14yearold_injured_in_gozo_racing_track_accident#.Yng-BehBxPY
Vella outlines Abela priorities in road to climate neutrality and equality
President of the Republic George Vella addresses opening of the 14th legislature
7 May 2022, 1:30pm
by Matthew Vella
President George Vella (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Malta’s President of the Republic officially inaugurated the country’s 14th legislature since 1964, as incumbent and new MPs took their seats today.
George Vella addressed the House, which also welcomed 12 additional female MPs co-opted under a gender quota system, with the Abela administration’s priorities for the forthcoming five years spelt out.
Among these priorities will be new amendments to Malta’s rules for in vitro fertilisation, Vella said, in a bid to offer more hope for prospective parents seeking assisted reproduction.
It now marks 10 years since Malta last banned embryo freezing under a previous Nationalist administration, with new rules expanding the service for all women irrespective of status or sexual orientation.
“Above all we want an equal society,” Vella told MPs. “Among these main priorities will be giving more families a greater chance to become parents. A number of amendments will be tabled to the laws governing IVF to offer greater hope to the most prospective parents. The amendments would be complemented by the investment needed to enable the process to take place.
“Equality at every level is one of the values that must distinguish us as a country,” Vella said, now turning to Malta’s parliamentary quotas for the under-represented. Gender.
“We are starting this legislature with a more equal parliament, with stronger female representation. We must take this principle into workplaces, particularly in decision-making boards, with a number of incentives.”
Read More: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116652/vella_outlines_abela_priorities_in_road_to_climate_neutrality_and_equality#.Ynb1yehBxPY
[LIVE] Malta’s 14th Parliament inaugurated today with President’s speech to MPs
MPs will attend an inaugural mass at the St John Cathedral in Valletta followed by a speech from the President of the Republic at their first sitting
Last updated on 7 May 2022,
by Matthew Vella
Malta’s fourteenth legislature was sworn in today after MPs attended an inaugural mass at the St John Cathedral in Valletta, celebrated by Archbishop Charles Scicluna.
MPs with their spouses and partners, accompanied by the President of the Republic George Vella, made their way to the House of Representatives along Republic Street, to attend the official opening of the Maltese parliament.
This legislature marks the first in which 12 MPs have been co-opted to the House under a new gender-corrective measure to increase MPs from the under-represented gender. The governing Labour side has a majority of nine MPs.
Malta’s new parliament: fresher, younger faces and a larger House...
The MPs assembled in the Chamber of the House of Representatives to hear the proclamation summoning the 14th parliament by the Clerk of the House, who then read the results of the General Election and the names of the MPs duly elected.
Speaker Anglu Farrugia took the oath of allegiance, with Deputy Speaker David Agius from the Opposition side elected. MPs co-opted to the House in line with Malta’s new quotas system were then introduced.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116647/maltas_14th_parliament_inaugurated_today_with_presidents_speech_to_mps#.Ynb2_uhBxPY
Żagħżugħ mejjet u oħrajn feruti wara ġlieda kbira f’Marsalforn
Minn
Owen Teuma
7 ta' Mejju 2022 11:33 PM
Ritratt: Google Maps
Newsbook.com.mt jinsab infurmat li żagħżugħ miet u tliet żgħażagħ oħra weġġgħu gravi wara ġlieda kbira f’Marsalforn.
Jidher li l-ġlieda seħħet f’appartament fi Triq il-Wied is-Sibt filgħaxija. Il-persuni nvoluti f’din il-ġlieda mhumiex ta’ nazzjonalità Maltija.
Iż-żagħżugħ li tilef ħajtu ttieħed l-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex minn sħabu stess. Tim mediku għamel dak kollu meħtieġ biex isalva liż-żagħżugħ iżda rriżulta li kien bla ħajja.
Jidher li fil-ġlieda li seħħet fl-appartament intużaw sikkina u oġġetti oħra. L-età tal-persuni li kienu nvoluti fil-ġlieda hija taħt it-30 sena.
ARA: il-proġett propost ta’ ajruport reġjonali f’Għawdex
Minn Norma Saliba
6 ta' Mejju 2022
Read in English
Imniedi proċess ta’ konsultazzjoni pubblika dwar il-proġett propost tal-ajruport reġjonali fix-Xewkija Għawdex. Fil-proposta tiegħu, il-Gvern qed jgħid li l-proġett għandu jsir fejn hemm il-heliport f’Ta’ Lambert u r-runway eżistenti għandha tkun estiża bi ftit iktar mid-doppju sa massimu ta’ 450 metru biex tintuża biss minn ajruplani żgħar. Il-periferija tar-runway qed tkun proposta li tkun rinforzata mill-ħaxix biex tirrispetta l-ambjent rurali tal-inħawi.
It-titjiriet bejn Malta u Għawdex huwa stmat li jkunu ta’ 15-il minuta bejn ix-Xewkija u l-Ajruport Internazzjonali ta’ Malta; u qed ikun propost li joperaw biss matul il-ġurnata. It-tlugħ u l-inżul tal-ajruplani huwa ppjanat li jsir minn rotta apposta biex ma jtirux minn fuq l-irħula li hemm fl-akwati tal-airfield.
Il-Ministru għal Għawdex Clint Camilleri qal li dan l-ajruport reġjonali mhu se jieħu ebda art addizzjonali għal dan il-proġett, li sostna se jsir f’żona li fil-passat intrema’ illegalment skart tal-kostruzzjoni. Spjega kif iż-żona kienet ġiet skedata mill-Awtorità tal-Ippjanar fil-pjani tal-iżvilupp biex tintuża bħala mitjar.
“Inkunu qed niżviluppaw ajruport reġjonali li jkun qed iservi ta’ faċilità ġdida għal Għawdex b’konnessjoni ma’ Malta bl-ajru. Tista’ tkun faċilità li tattira lejha diversi oqsma ġodda ta’ investiment bħall-iskejjel li jgħallmu l-bdoti u t-testing ta’ industrial drones. Nemmen li kif għamilna fil-fast ferry li l-Gvern investa fil-faċilitajiet u kien il-privat li ta s-servizz, nemmen li f’dan il-każ nistgħu nirreplikaw dan is-suċċess li għamilna fil-baħar biex iseħħ fl-ajru wkoll”.
Il-Ministru għal Għawdex Clint CamilleriIl-proċess ta’ konsultazzjoni pubblika qed jitmexxa mill-Awtorità Reġjonali għall-Iżvilupp t’Għawdex. Il-Kap Eżekuttiv ta’ din l-Awtorità Mario Borg qal li l-Awtorità se tkun qed tevalwa l-proposta għal dan il-proġett billi se tkun qed tara jekk l-airfield hux se tħalli valur miżjud għall-gżira Għawdxija, bl-inqas impatt ambjentali possibbli.
“Il-GRDA qed tniedi proċess ta’ konsultazzjoni f’qafas iżjed wiesa’ ta’ regional impact assessments. Se nkunu qed inpoġġu għall-konsultazzjoni pubblika l-istudji dettaljati fuq diversi oqsma li dan il-proġett ikun jista’ jimpatta. Il-konsultazzjoni se tkun miftuħa fuq tliet ġimgħat mis-6 sas-27 ta’ Mejju.”
Il-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-GRDA Mario BorgFil-jiem li ġejjin se jsiru bosta laqgħat t’informazzjoni u oħrajn ta’ konsultazzjoni biex il-pubbliku, fosthom għaqdiet mhux governattivi, Kunsilli Lokali u awtoritajiet oħrajn, ikunu jistgħu jagħtu l-kontribut tagħhom dwar dan il-proġett. Iktar tagħrif jista’ jinkiseb minn grda.mt.
Ara il film hawn: tvmnews.mt/news/ara-il-progett-prospost-ta-ajruport-regjonali-fghawdex/
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address Maltese parliament next week
Speaker Anġlu Farrugia said he will address parliament on Tuesday at 4pm
6 May 2022,
by Nicole Meilak
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to deliver a speech to the Maltese parliament on Tuesday at 4pm, according to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia.
Farrugia confirmed this during an interview on TVAM, saying that he will address the parliament subject to any problems on the Ukrainian side.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg had formally invited Zelenskyy to address the parliament during a phone call with Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba.
This had been one of his first moves as Malta's foreign minister.
Zelenskyy has addressed several national parliaments since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In March he had also addressed the European Parliament, where he called for the EU to allow it to become a full member state.
Malta sent medical supplies to Ukraine and closed its airspace to Russian airlines when the invasion broke out. Apart from aid, Malta joined other EU member states in imposing sanctions on key Russian individuals, banks and companies.
COVID travel restrictions have also been waived for Ukrainians seeking asylum in Malta
Metsola toasts Europe of differences, resolute in face of Russian aggression
‘Putin assumed European differences were weakness. He was wrong. These are our strengths’
6 May 2022,
by Matthew Vella
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola said Europe will be moving faster in building a security and defence Europe in the wake of Russian aggression and its invasion of the Ukraine.
She was addressing the European University Institue of Florence in a visit to Italy on Friday, where she said Russian president Vladimir Putin had underestimated Europe’s union of ‘differences’.
“Putin’s grave mistake was assuming our differences were a weakness; our defence of fundamental rights, a sign of feebleness. He was wrong. In democracies like ours, these are our strengths. They are the foundations of the next steps. They are our legitimacy and they are our compass,” she said.
Metsola said Europe would pledge a continuation of sanctions against Russia and aid for Ukraine, and disentangle its dependencies from the Kremlin with an end to imports of oil or gas from Russia.
“It has become increasingly clear that European leaders cannot fail to address rising prices and the increasing cost of living that are hitting hard. And for European businesses in a globalised economy shaken up by the consequence of war, the European Union must continue to encourage and support them as they diversify away from Russia,” she said.
But she also said European countries had to bear the cost of this transition, which required a commitent towards climate action, moving towards the digital economy, and to consume differently than today.
“Europe needs leadership, today. Not tomorrow. Leadership that saw us welcome more than 5 millions of people fleeing Ukraine. Leadership that is also on display here at EUI with people who have worked hard to integrate and facilitate Ukrainian professors, academics and students in this institution.”
She said Europe was now at a historic crossroads between the end of a pandemic and the Russian invasion, forcing it confront “easy cynicisma” and embrace a “determined sense of direction”.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/ewropej/116645/metsola_toasts_europe_of_differences_resolute_in_face_of_russian_aggression#.YnWgDehBxPY
Ramla beach masterplan to harmonise kiosks, include clinic and police station
The Gozo Ministry’s masterplan for Ramla Bay includes a 'reorganization' of existing kiosks with a uniform design for seating areas and a shading canopy
5 May 2022,
by James Debono
The masterplan, awaiting approval by the Planning Authority, envisages the construction of an emergency response clinic and office, a brand new public convenience, and a police station instead of an already existing room.
TWEET SHAREThe Gozo Ministry’s masterplan for Ramla Bay includes a “reorganization” of existing kiosks with a uniform design for seating areas and a shading canopy.
The masterplan, awaiting approval by the Planning Authority, envisages the construction of an emergency response clinic and office, a brand new public convenience, and a police station instead of an already existing room.
Other facilities include outdoor showers and a store.
An artistic impression of the proposed facilities suggests a more formalised appearance for the characteristic beach shacks, some of which grew over the years in an anarchic way.
Ramla BayThe reorganisation of the kiosk area allocates space for five different restaurants, which largely coincides with the footprint of the existing kiosks, a store and a waste bins area.
When announcing its intention to draft a masterplan in 2019, former Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana declared that the aim of the masterplan was that of addressing the current challenges facing the bay, namely the need for better traffic management and improvement of facilities required to retain the Blue Flag status for the beach. On that occasion the ministry also made it clear that the existing footprint of developments around the bay was not going to change as the aim of the master plan was not to increase development in this sensitive area.
Ramla Bay has been awarded blue flag status for the past four years.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/environment/townscapes/116606/clinic_and_police_station_in_ramla_beach_masterplan#.YnRN4NpBxPY
Around 10 cars damaged by rocks in act of vandalism in St Paul’s Bay
May 5, 2022
Aqra bil- Malti
Around 10 cars were damaged last night in an act of vandalism in the area of St Paul’s Bay.
Many of the cars had their windows smashed by large rocks which were thrown by unidentified persons.
On a post on Facebook, a resident said that this was the second act of vandalism on her car.
A Police report was filed and work has started to collect footage from CCTV cameras in the area.
The woman said that a large rock was found inside every damaged car.
The vandalism occurred in the area of the Qawra Primary school and the Bugibba seafront.
The Mayor of St Paul’s Bay Alfred Grima was among those who reacted to this news.
He said that the Council has asked the Qawra school to give its permission to install a camera in the field nearby where the vandalism took place.
A Police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation is underway. Among the cars which were vandalised other was a Mercedes, VW, Toyota, Suzuki and two Fords.
Pope Francis uses wheelchair in public for the first time due to knee pain
By Monique Agius
May 5, 2022
Pope Francis arrives on a wheelchair during the audience to the participants of the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General, in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. Credit: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.
Pope Francis has been pictured using a wheelchair – the first time he’s used one in public due to the recent knee pain he has been suffering.
The 85-year-old pontiff was wheeled on stage and helped into a seat during an audience with a group of nuns and religious superiors from around the world at the Vatican.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, Pope Francis said he was about to undergo a minor “intervention with infiltration” due to a strained ligament.
According to Il Messaggero, the nuns applauded the Pope at length when he was brought in Paul VI hall by his most trusted assisted.
The pontiff also told Corriere that he was “ready to travel to Moscow” after requesting a meeting with Russian president, Vladimir Putin, over the invasion of Ukraine.
Quoting Vatican sources, Reuters reported that the Pope was not expected to make any changes to his schedule over the next few weeks, however, the use of the wheelchair may become a familiar sight.
The Pope has had to cancel or cut short activities several times in the last month because of pain in his right knee.
167 new Covid-19 cases, as 5 people die
By Monique Agius
May 5, 2022
Photo: Miguela Xuereb
Malta has reported 167 new positive cases of Covid-19, with the number of known active cases dropping to 3,158 from yesterday’s 3,283, with 287 people deemed to have recovered.
Five new deaths were recorded, with the national death toll since the start of the pandemic at 708, according to the data published online by the Superintendence of Public Health.
As the public authorities have chosen to downscale the dissemination of pandemic-related information following the general election, with daily bulletins on Facebook a story of the past, the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital is not published.
Europol expert exhibits report on more than 20 items seized during police Maksar raids
Robert Agius and Jamie Vella are charged with supplying the bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017 • Adrian Agius is also charged with commissioning the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop in 2015
4 May 2022,
by Matthew Agius
The men face charges related to the murders of lawyer Carmel Chircop and journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
A Europol digital forensics expert has handed a court his report on over 20 devices, together with the devices themselves, all of which had been seized as part of the police investigation into Jamie Vella and George Degiorgio as well as the ta’ Maksar brothers Robert and Adrian Agius.
Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided as the compilation of evidence against the men continued this afternoon.
Robert Agius and Jamie Vella are charged with supplying the bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017. Adrian Agius is also charged with commissioning the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop in 2015.
Vella and George Degiorgio are charged with executing Chircop's assassination in a garage complex in Birkirkara. George Degiorgio is currently undergoing separate procedures, along with his brother Alfred, for his involvement in the Caruana Galizia murder.
At the start of the sitting, a police sergeant took the stand, informing the court that he had been assigned to gather data from devices found during searches in a residence in Bahrija, a Mercedes car, another residence in Mellieha and another vehicle, a Seat, last year.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/116616/europol_expert_exhibits_report_on_more_than_20_items_seized_during_police_maksar_raids#.YnL88NpBxPY
[WATCH] Grech: ‘Jason Azzopardi never raised pardon for donation allegations with me’
Bernard Grech denied he ever discussed Yorgen Fenech pardon or received donations from Fenech’s extended family
4 May 2022, 2:07pm
by Kurt Sansone
Bernard Grech
TWEET SHARE
Play VideoBernard Grech has flatly denied ever discussing a pardon for Yorgen Fenech with relatives of the murder suspect.
The Nationalist Party leader told journalists on Wednesday that he “never discussed any pardon for anyone, with anybody”.
Grech also said that former MP Jason Azzopardi had never raised these allegations and concerns with him before the March election.
Azzopardi has claimed that Grech was in a meeting with businessmen that included two relatives of Fenech when the issue of a presidential pardon was raised.
The meeting, purportedly also discussed financial donations to the party.
Azzopardi was not elected to parliament in the last election, claiming he was sidelined by the party administration. He has since resigned from the PN after Grech moved a motion in the administrative council asking that Azzopardi substantiates his claims.
Grech insisted today that under his leadership no members of the extended Fenech family had given the PN any donations.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116613/watch_grech_jason_azzopardi_never_raised_pardon_for_donation_allegations_with_me#.YnL9rdpBxPY
Bernard Grech jgħid li l-bieb jibqa’ dejjem miftuħ għal Jason Azzopardi
4 ta' Mejju 2022
Il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Bernard Grech qal li l-ex deputat Nazzjonalista Jason Azzopardi għad jista’ jkollu futur fil-Partit Nazzjonalista.
F’kummenti lill-ġurnalisti, Dr Grech qal li Azzopardi huwa parti mill-Partit Nazzjonalista u l-bieb għadu miftuħ għalih.
“Jista’ jkun li Jason Azzopardi għada pitgħada, jew fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin jgħid affarijiet li huma ta’ interess u allura qatt ma nista’ ninjora assolutament minn qabel dak li jkun se jingħad fil-futur”, qal il-Kap Nazzjonalista.
It-Tnejn li għadda, l-ex deputat Nazzjonalista rriżenja minn membru tal-Partit Nazzjonalista wara li ta x’jifhem li waqqaf donazzjoni lill-Partit Nazzjonalista minn xi ħadd li kien qiegħed ifittex li jingħata l-proklama għall-qarib tiegħu.
Hu mifhum li Azzopardi kien qed jagħmel referenza għal Yorgen Fenech, is-suspettat mandant bil-qtil ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Aqra iktar: tvmnews.mt/news/bernard-grech-jghid-li-l-bieb-jibqa-dejjem-miftuh-ghal-jason-azzopardi/
Labour Party media house €10 million in the red
Most of the debt amounts to unpaid VAT, stamp duty, and water and electricity bills
3 May 2022, 7:13pm
by Luke Vella
Most of the debt amounts to unpaid VAT, stamp duty, and water and electricity bills
The Labour Party's media house has debts amounting to around €10 million, sister newspaper Illum has reported.
One Productions Charmain Jason Micallef refuted the claims but did not deny that the debt ran into the millions. According to the paper, most of the debt was owed to the government, with Micallef stating that there was a repayment agreement with various entities.
Most of the debt amounts to unpaid VAT, stamp duty, and water and electricity bills. It was MaltaToday that had revealed that One Productions, owed ARMS a total of €1.25 million in pending dues, and that Media.Link, the PN’s media company, owed ARMS €3.5 million.
Illum had also revealed that PN owed €12 million in stamp duty, VAT and water and electricity bills. This means that between them the parties owe the government more than €20 million.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116598/labour_party_media_house_10_million_in_the_red#.YnGzgdpBxPY
George Hyzler secures post in European Court of Auditors with strong majority
The European Parliament voted strongly in favour of George Hyzler's nomination as the Maltese member in the European Court of Auditors
3 May 2022,
by Nicole Meilak
Malta's Commissioner for Standards George Hyzler has secured his position as a member of the European Court of Auditors after the European Parliament voted in his favour.
Hyzler secured the post with 551 MEPs voting in his favour. Only 33 MEPs voted against him, while 45 MEPs abstained from the vote.
Rapporteur MEP Angelika Winzig had put forward the proposal to the plenary to have Hyzler appointed as an auditor.
Hyzler will replace Leo Brincat, Malta’s appointment to the European Court of Auditors, when his five-year term ends in September. Hyzler was nominated by the Maltese government, earlier this year.
Hyzler currently occupies the post of Standards Commissioner, a new role that came into being in 2018. His ethics investigations over the past few years have led to the resignation of former minister Justyne Caruana and former parliamentary secretary Rosianne Cutajar.
He will have to step down from Standards Commissioner a year before his term ends.
Several MEPs have congratulated Hyzler for the vote, including PN MEP David Casa and Labour MEP Josianne Cutajar.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech similarly congratuled Hyzler, saying that his work "will definitely leave a positive impact in this European institution".
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/ewropej/116594/george_hyzler_secures_post_in_european_court_of_auditors_with_strong_majority#.YnG11tpBxPY
Dalli’s ‘revenge’ breached inmate’s rights
By Monique Agius
May 3, 2022
Tista' taqra bil- Malti.
The Court has found that an inmate’s rights had been breached when he was transferred to Division 6, also dubbed as “the punishment division” after he filed proceedings constitutional against the prison authorities and his gave an interview when the prison authorities denied him the rights to prison leave in order to get married.
Then prison director Alex Dalli was found to have sought revenge after they filed the proceedings and the inmate’s girlfriend had gone on Xarabank to share their story.
The man and his girlfriend had file a constitutional application against the prison authorities and asking the court to declare that their rights to respect for private and family life had been breached, that Yousef Essesi’s right to be protected from inhumane and degrading treatment had been breached, and to order the prison authorities to take the necessary measures for the pair to get married. They also sued for compensation.
Essesi was convicted in 2014. During his time in prison he had some 160 disciplinary reports before June 2018. He had been sent to division 6 for over 20 times, however, during Alex Dalli’s tenure, he was only sent two or three times.
In January 2018, he was sent to Division 15 after he argued with a group of foreigners. The prison authorities had cited his security as a reason for the transfer. In court it emerged that this division was used in case of emergency such as when the prisons were overcrowded and migrants were detained in this area. During the seven months he spent in Division 15 he was alone, except for the last month that another inmate joined him. Essesi had alleged that the Division was below street level, however, the claim was denied by the prison director.
Division 15 was eventually turned into a Covid ward when the pandemic hit the islands.
Essesi was granted leave to be able to marry his girlfriend.
Col. Alexander Dalli, who was appointed to head the prisons in June 2018, had put up a notice in the corridor which read: “If violence and crime are to be curbed, we are the only people who can do it. The inmate does not fear the police, the judge or the jury. Therefore it is our job to teach fear. Welcome to prison!”
The Prison Leave Advisory Board had recommended leave, and Essesi was granted permission to leave the facility and apply for marriage at the Public Registry. The banns were published between 16 July and 25 July 2018. The couple planned to get married on 13 July.
Essesi’s girlfriend was busy preparing for the marriage when Dalli was appointed and approved the prison leave. However, ten days before the marriage was due to take place he revoked the leave citing “not being familiar with Essesi’s file” as the reason for his change of heart.
The decision not to grant him leave had taken a toll on Essesi, who then locked himself inside the division and was only brought out after the authorities used pepper spray. He was transferred to Division 6.
In this division, inmates are only allowed for an hour and can call once every ten days. Dalli had claimed that this division is used for when someone is on the suicide watch list. The man protested the decision and caused damages to the division. He was then transferred to Division 5 – a high security division usually reserved for people convicted of serious crimes and serving life sentences – where he was kept for 60 days. Essesi admitted that the latest transfer was a punishment for having misbehaved. He was ordered to pay €927 in damages. However, despite his girlfriend wanting to pay them at once, she could not do so due to the €120 weekly limit. This led to a situation where Essesi could not call her or buy water.
Eventually the man was sent to Division 13 where he was meant to spend two weeks but ended up staying six months. During that time, he received only one report on his misbehaviour and the Dalli had praised him for his work. In Division 13, inmates are only allowed out of their cell until 4pm unlike other divisions where they are allowed out until 7pm. He asked to be allowed to call up his girlfriend, who at the time worked until 4.30pm.
Whilst he considered the move as another punishment, Essesi wrote a letter to Dalli in which he praised him for his work and for spending an hour with him.
In 2019, he was informed that he would be transferred to Division 3, and once again he asked for permission to get married. The Correctional Captain of the facility replied to the inmate saying that the director did not want to allow him.
After informing her about Dalli’s decision, his girlfriend filed a judicial protest in August 2019, which resulted in the inmate being transferred to Division 6 without the authorities providing him with a reason.
During his transfer to Division 6, Essesi came face to face with Dalli who told him to tell his lawyer that as long as he is prison director he will not allow him to get married and he won’t leave the division.
When cross-examined, Dalli was evasive and could recall whether he told these words to Essesi.
The inmate was thrown inside a cell which had no toilet or sink, no bed or mattress or bedsheets, and stark naked. He spent the night in these conditions, with Dalli arguing that the decision was based on a psychiatrist’s advice, despite the fact that CCF would usually provide such inmates with non-tearable clothes.
He returned to Division 3 after calling his lawyer.
Read more: newsbook.com.mt/en/dallis-revenge-breached-inmates-rights/
[BREAKING] Azzopardi resigns from PN in open war with Grech over ‘pardon donation’
Former Nationalist MP claims Bernard Grech was promised donation by relatives of Yorgen Fenech to support a presidential pardon bid
Last updated on 2 May 2022, 7:06pm
by Matthew Vella
Former Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi
The former Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi has resigned from the Nationalist Party and said PN leader Bernard Grech met relatives of Yorgen Fenech in a business lunch with donors that took place in December 2021.
Azzopardi, on the warpath against Grech after accusing the party of not supporting his re-election bid, posted a declaration on Facebook earlier this week suggesting Grech was approached to support a presidential pardon for Fenech, who is accused of masterminding the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Azzopardi is a lawyer for the Caruana Galizia family. Grech said Azzopardi would have to substantiate his allegations in the PN, but the former MP now decided not to stay on as a PN member.
‘Blue Hero’ to ‘expired politician’: Jason Azzopardi’s troubled relationship with PN leaders
Incensed as Grech’s suggestion last week that his political career had ‘expired’, Azzopardi hit back by claiming the PN leader was solicited by Fenech’s relatives to support the accused’s bid for a pardon, in return for a donation.
Azzopardi today said Grech met six businessmen during a December 2021 lunch, among them “two male businessmen, relatives of a person being tried criminally in connection with an assassination”.
MaltaToday is informed the businessmen were cousins of Yorgen Fenech, who are no longer part of the Tumas business group.
“This fact alone was confirmed yesterday afternoon during a PN administrative council meeting in which the PN leader himself was asked about it,” Azzopardi said.
Azzopardi alleged that at this December meeting, Grech was also given a monetary donation for the PN’s fundraising telethon – but he failed to specify who gave the donation.
“I am informed that before the start of this meal, the PN leader was taking to the side by these two relatives on the subject of a pardon for the accused. I am informed that the PN leader gave his assurance that if he had to be prime minister, he would be ready to recommend the award of a pardon in this case,” Azzopardi declared.
The former MP also claimed that another ‘appliances’ businessman present for the meeting “whose name starts with O” told Grech he would never vote for the PN as long as Azzopardi was an MP. He claimed Grech replied by saying: “Speak to me after the election,” implying that the PN would not put its efforts behind Azzopardi’s re-election in the 2022 election.
Azzopardi insisted he knew this information from three different sources with direct access to the dinner party guests and Fenech’s cousins.
Grech has previously said he would not rule out granting Fenech a pardon if other avenues towards getting to the bottom of the case are exhausted.
“I do not agree with this,” Azzopardi said today on Facebook, “and I expressed myself as much about this. To me this is unacceptable behaviour. All politicians must be careful about not appearing to be compromising with mafiosi. Criminals’ only audiences should be the courts, not the parties.”
“Even worse, it gives the impression that the parties’ need to collect money from those who can afford it the most also gives rich criminals preferential access. Only the PN leader knows whether his decision to publicly argue for a pardon for this individual was the result of donations, or whether the two events are unconnected.”
Azzopardi said he had internally criticized both Grech’s declaration on the pardon as well as well as the assurance to Fenech’s cousins. “They confirm the politician’s vulnerability to the insidiousness of criminals.”
Azzopardi said his public declaration had come about after Grech implied that he had been an “expired” politician.
“It’s clear that the PN did not want to leave any space to those who are uncompromising in creating distance between politicians and those who want to buy privileges to be above the law,” Azzopardi said.
“Grech has turned me into a political orphan… in this manner, I will not be subject to a spurious jury inside the PN. I have taken a decision I have never expected to take since becoming a PN member at 17 years of age.”
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116579/jason_azzopardi_resigns_from_nationalist_party_in_open_war_with_leader_bernard_grech#.YnBiKdpBxPY
Scaffolding jinqala’ bir-riħ u joħloq periklu fil-Balluta
Minn Owen Teuma
2 ta' Mejju 2022
Ftit tal-ħin ilu, kawża ta’ riħ qawwi fil-bajja tal-Balluta, scaffolding ma’ restaurant Barracuda inqala’ minn mal-ħajt bil-periklu li dan seta jiġġarraf u jaqa’ fuq il-bankina.
Il-pulizija marru fuq il-post biex jagħlqu u jevitaw kull periklu għan-nies u għall-karozzzi li jgħaddu minn Main street. San Ġiljan li bħalissa jinsab magħluq minħabba xogħlijiet li qiegħdin isiru fuq din il-binja antika.
Newsbook.com.mt iżomkom aġġornati bl-aħħar żviluppi.
newsbook.com.mt/filmat-periklu-mminenti-fil-balluta/
Sacks of COVID waste dumped in Lija valley
Clean-up NGO Żibel received a report on the waste over the weekend
2 May 2022, 4:44pm
by Nicole Meilak
Sacks of COVID waste, including swab tests, were found dumped along a valley between Lija and Iklin over the weekend.
Clean-up NGO Żibel was first alerted to the incident. The group received a report from one of its folllowers, after which they contacted the Malta Police Force and Ministry of Health.
Media reports indicate that Mater Dei Hospital also filed a police reported so that investigations can be conducted by the police force.
Read more: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116577/sacks_of_covid_waste_dumped_in_lija_valley#.YnBkjtpBxPY
PN summons Jason Azzopardi to substantiate donation claim
Former MP given 24 hours to appear in front of the PN's disciplinary body
By Jurgen Balzan
May 1, 2022
Photo: Miguela Xuereb
The Nationalist Party’s administrative council has summoned former MP Jason Azzopardi within the next 24 hours to substantiate the allegations he made on social media before the party’s disciplinary body.
Earlier on Sunday, PN leader Grech announced that the party’s administrative council would urgently meet on Sunday afternoon following suggestions made by the former MP that the he was an obstacle “for those who donated to secure a presidential pardon for their relative.”
Later this afternoon, the party issued a statement which said that the council approved a motion proposed by Grech to have Azzopardi appear in front of the PN’s ethics, discipline and social media commission.
The council made it clear that the disciplinary commission is the only body which can act, investigate, and decide on such allegations.
Grech calls urgent meeting to address Jason Azzopardi’s claims
The claim was made by Azzopardi in reaction to comments Grech made in the latest edition of Andrew Azzopardi on 103 in which the PN leader argued that the former MP needed to accept that every politician had an expiry date and that the public decided to vote him out.
On social media, seemingly addressing Grech, the former MP then said that “you’re comfortable creating an expiry date. Maybe it is because I was an obstacle for those who donated to secure a presidential pardon for their relative?”
Though Azzopardi mentioned no names, his comment appears to be a reference to the family of Yorgen Fenech, the former Tumas Group CEO who has been indicted over the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
newsbook.com.mt/en/pn-summons-jason-azzopardi-to-substantiate-donation-claim/
Bernard Grech gives Jason Azzopardi 24 hours to backup allegations
Jason Azzopardi alleges funds were received by PN in exchange for a presidential pardon
1 May 2022, 7:43pm
by Luke Vella
PN leader Bernard Grech (left) and Jason Azzopardi
The leader of the Nationalist Party Bernard Grech gave Jason Azzopardi 24 hours to substantiate claims made on social media that PN received donations in exchange for a presidential pardon.
In a statement on Sunday evening the Nationalist Party said that during a meeting of the Administrative Council of the party, Grech presented a motion that within 24 hours Jason Azzopardi must submit and substantiate the allegations before the Ethics, Discipline and Social Media Commission.
The motion was unanimously approved by the members of the council.
"The Administrative Council wants to make it clear that it is for such circumstances that this party has the Ethics, Discipline and Social Media commission, which has the authority to act, investigate and decide on the cases brought before it," PN said.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116541/bernard_grech_gives_jason_azzopardi_24_hours_to_backup_allegations#.Ym8UGdpBxPY
‘We are the people’s government’ – Robert Abela on May Day
By Jurgen Balzan
May 1, 2022
Labour leader Robert Abela promised more “prosperity” in the coming months as he addressed Labour supporters gathered in Valletta for this year’s May Day celebrations.
Bringing the Labour Party’s general conference to an end, Abela walked down the stairs of the Prime Minister’s Office in Castille to address a sizeable crowd of Labour supporters gathered in Valletta.
Over the weekend, Abela was reconfirmed as Labour leader after obtaining 96.7% of the kites cast by party delegates.
Promising a “return to normality,” Abela said “we are ready to implement the electoral pledges in the coming weeks and months. We will continue renewing ourselves and come up with new ideas together with you. Only this will ensure that we remain the future.”
Hailing Malta’s resilience and economic success during the Covid pandemic, Abela said “never has the unemployment level been so low” explaining that less than 1,000 are officially unemployed.
However, Abela said the opportunities will not end as he highlighted the €300 million investments in recent months.
The Labour leader added that the next challenge is to ensure that the education system is in tune with the investments in various specialised sectors such as the manufacturing, printing, aviation, backend technologies, and semiconductor industries.
These quality “careers” are opening new horizons for “our children,” Abela said.
But warning that the country cannot rest on its laurels, Abela said “we will be by your side at every challenge we will face.”
Labour leader Robert Abela secures 96.7% of general conference vote
On the inflationary impact of the war in Ukraine, Abela said “we will not ignore the realities and while solutions are not easy we are taking decisions to safeguard workers.”
This, he said, contrasts with previous PN administrations, which were a “source of suffering,| while Labour government’s are.”a source of support.”
“This is the difference between success and failure. We are the government of the people, we believe in the people, and work in its interests,” Abela said to applause.
Claiming that Malta’s economy is predict to continue growing, Abela said his administration will keep its word and ensure that households and businesses will not see an increase in energy tariffs.
He said government was using taxpayer money to subsidise energy tariffs which have increased tenfold in recent months, to allow businesses to “invest in the people.”
He added that this week the Labour administration approved subsidies “running into the millions” to ensure flour and animal feed price increases are not passed on to consumers.
Despite these challenges, Abela said inflation at Malta is half of the EU average and nowhere near the 2008 inflation under a PN government which was twice as much as the EU average back then.
“This is the greatest proof that our government safeguards workers,” Abela said.
Inflation hit a new peak of 4.5% last month, with rising food prices – a situation aggravated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – proving to be the main contributor to this rise. On the other hand, the inflation rate in 2008 stood at 4.26%.
We need to be brave when taking decisions, Abela tells PL delegates
In his first speech to Labour supporters since the colossal electoral victory in March, Abela said Labour’s 1,000 electoral pledges cannot be implemented unless Malta’s economy is thriving.
Calling for unity, Abela said “we need to be humble and open our doors to whoever wants to work for the benefit of the country.”
Addressing voters who abstained during this year’s general election, Abela said “the door is always open.”
“We need to overcome scepticism by being active,” he said, adding that “our heart is also open” for people who voted PN and who are dismayed with the Opposition.
Abela said the Labour “movement” is getting stronger and “every day I come in to work I have the same enthusiasm I had on my first day in office.”
“This is a movement for the people, by the people. A movement of unity… and that is why we keep on winning.”
newsbook.com.mt/en/live-robert-abela-holds-may-day-mass-rally/
Construction mogul and Ħamrun boss Portelli plays for Nadur to clinch Gozo trophy
Magnate and Hamrun Spartans president officially registered as footballer ‘99’ for Nadur Youngsters as they win Gozo first division league trophy
30 April 2022, 5:41pm
by Matthew Vella
Joseph Portelli (right) with son Tristen, the Nadur Youngsters president
Construction mogul Joseph Portelli stepped out his office desk, after having been formally registered into the Malta Football Association’s players system... to play for the former club he was a president of: Nadur Youngsters.
Portelli, now one of Maltese football’s ‘big men’, took his cash from his hometown Nadur to the Maltese premier league to back Hamrun’s 2021 championship bid.
But the Hamrun Spartans president was officially registered as a footballer so that he can play for Nadur Youngsters against Kercem Ajax today Saturday, at 4pm.
The reason, as Net TV’s Replay reported, is so that Portelli can play the last match for Nadur when it will be crowned first division champions and clinch the trophy.
He started off as substitute in the line-up, with number 99. And got to score the 80th minute penalty for Nadur to boot.
Portelli resigned as Nadur Youngsters president in October 2020 to take up the presidency of Hamrun Spartans, leaving his son Tristen as president of Nadur.
See more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/sports/football/116534/construction_mogul_portelli_plays_for_champions_nadur_to_clinch_gozo_trophy#.Ym26_tpBxPY
Umbraged Azzopardi hits back at Grech comment on political ‘expiry date’
‘Everyone’s political journey has an expiry date’ – Bernard Grech on Jason Azzopardi
Last updated on 30 April 2022, 2:58pm
by Luke Vella
A clear rift has emerged between Opposition leader Bernard Grech and the former MP Jason Azzopardi, who yesterday hit back with a barb on social media after Grech suggested Azzopardi’s political journey had reached its own expiry date.
Grech said he recognised all the work done by Jason Azzopardi, who as a lawyer to the Caruana Galizia family was an avowed anti-corruption crusader within the PN. But he said every politician had to accept that their political journey had an expiry date.
Azzopardi failed to get elected on his home constituency in the fourth district, as well as on the ninth district which he contested for the first time, where he was pipped by young candidates in the casual elections.
Edwin and Jason: End of the road for two PN archetypes
But speaking to Andrew Azzopardi on Radio 103 on Friday, Grech “categorically” denied that the party had worked against the campaign of former PN MP Jason Azzopardi, saying that it was up to the electorate to decide when one’s political journey came to an end.
“Everyone has to understand that one’s political journey has an expiry date. Mine will come too and when it does I will be accepting it and move on,” Grech said.
Azzopardi was combative in his reaction on Facebook: “It seems those who read the expiry dates of others often forget their own shelf-life,” he said in a clear reference to Grech.”
He then upped the ante with another statement, claiming he had stopped a donation to the party from somebody seeking a presidential pardon for a relative.
“It’s easy inventing an expiry date. Maybe that was because I was an obstacle to a donation from someone who wanted a presidential pardon for their relative, right?” he said. Azzopardi did not reply to calls from MaltaToday to explain the incident.
See more here:
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116532/jason_azzopardi_bernard_Grech_expiry_date#.Ym28QNpBxPY
Ħallu lill-Mulej ikun hu l-qaddej tagħkom – L-Arċisqof lill-5 djakni ġodda
Minn Owen Teuma
30 ta' April 2022 4:19 PM
L-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna qal lil ħames djakni ġodda biex iħallu lill-Mulej ikun hu l-qaddej tagħhom għax hu ma ġiex biex ikun moqdi imma biex jaqdi u jagħti ħajtu b’fidwa għall-kotra.
Dalgħodu fil-Kon-katidral ta’ San Ġwann saret il-quddiesa tal-ordinazzjoni djakonali ta’ tliet seminaristi u żewġ reliġjużi mill-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna.
Il-ħames djakni ġodda huma: ir-Rev. Gylan Camilleri mill‑Parroċċa ta’ Sant’Anna, Wied il‑Għajn; ir-Rev. Ian Diacono mill‑Parroċċa ta’ Stella Maris, Tas‑Sliema; ir-Rev. Clive Seychell mill‑Parroċċa ta’ San Ġużepp, il‑Kalkara; Fra Manwel Aquilina tal‑Beata Marija tal‑Inkarnazzjoni, tal‑Ordni Karmelitan Tereżjan; u Fra Ian Zammit, tal‑Ordni tal‑Predikaturi.
L-Arċisqof qal lid-djakni li l-Mulej qed jgħidilhom, “Tiddejqux tammettu li għandkom bżonni għax jien għalhekk ġejt: biex inkun qaddej”.
B’referenza għas-Salm Responsorjali li nqara llum, Salm 84, l-Arċisqof qal lid-djakni li d-dar tal-Mulej, jiġifieri l-komunità u l-poplu ta’ Alla, iridu jkunu għeżież ħafna għalihom. Dan filwaqt li jkunu “xhieda tat-tenerezza, tal-kompassjoni u tal-viċinanza tal-Mulej għal kull wieħed u waħda minna.”
Ara iktar hawn: newsbook.com.mt/hallu-lill-mulej-ikun-hu-l-qaddej-taghkom-l-arcisqof-lill-5-djakni-godda/
‘We’re here to better lives, not boast of majorities’ - Robert Abela
Robert Abela addresses party delegates for the first time since the election
29 April 2022,
by Nicole Meilak
Prime Minister Robert Abela told party delegates on Friday that the Labour Party must strengthen itself to better the lives of Maltese and Gozitans, not to boast of majorities during elections.
“We want a strong Labour Party - not so that we can boast of electoral majorities, but above all so that we can better the lives of all Gozitans and Maltese,” he said.
Abela gave his first post-election address to party delegates during the first day of the PL general conference. The conference will serve as a vote of confidence in the party’s leadership - namely Robert Abela as leader, Chris Fearne as deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, and Daniel Micallef as deputy leader for party affairs.
Abela said that Cabinet and the Labour Party’s parliamentary group have already started working to implement its 1,000 manifesto proposals from last month’s election.
But he also urged delegates to reflect and look back on whether the party could have disappointed past supporters in the lead-up to the election.
“This is a process that already started internally. We started doing this through long meetings in the past week where we were strongly and genuinely self-critical. This is a process that we will continue and extend on in the weeks and months to come.”
Earlier in the conference, Health Minister Chris Fearne said that the party must reflect on the fact that 15% of voters did not cast their ballot on election day.
“We need to get these 15% on our side. Even those who are against us, we need to work hard to bring them onboard,” he said.
Labour Party delegates will have until Sunday to confirm Abela, Fearne and Micallef in the leadership roles.
The conference will come to an end on Sunday morning, after which the party will hold a mass gathering to celebrate Workers’ Day.
At the end of his speech, Abela urged supporters to come to the Workers’ Day gathering, noting that it will be the first time under his leadership that the party will be able to celebrate the day en masse due to previous COVID-19 restrictions.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116529/were_here_to_better_lives_not_boast_of_majorities__robert_abela#.YmxmktpBxPY
Two men fined €15,000 each for illegally launching fireworks from a field
Xewkija. Gozo.
Charges of having negligently caused serious injury to a man as a result of their actions were ruled time barred
18 May 2022,
by Matthew Agius
The men illegally launched fireworks from a scaffold in a Xewkija field in 2018
Two men have been fined €15,000 each for illegally launching fireworks from a scaffold in a Xewkija field. Charges of having negligently caused serious injury to a man as a result of their actions were ruled time barred.
Magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, presiding the Court of Magistrates in Gozo imposed the fine in her decision in a case relating to an incident which happened on June 21 2018 in Xewkija, Gozo.
Edgar Ellul, Edmond Camilleri, Stephen Borg, Elton Cauchi, Anthony Caruana, Charles Caruana and Trevor Vella had been charged with letting off fireworks which were larger than one centimetre in diameter, and with having grievously injured another man.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/116850/two_men_fined_15000_each_for_illegally_launching_fireworks_from_a_field#.YoVw5KhBxPY
Jinżamm arrestat wara li nqabad jisraq minn żewġ pompi tal-petrol
Minn Fiorella Pace
8 ta' Mejju 2022
Claudio Mallia t’40 sena li joqgħod il-Belt inżamm arrestat wara li kien akkużat li seraq minn magni tal-flus ta’ żewġ pompi tal-petrol.
Il-prosekuzzjoni, immexxija mill-Ispettur Clayton Camilleri spjegat li l-akkużat seraq minn pompa tal-petrol fi Triq Valletta f’Ħal Luqa bejn id-9 u l-14 ta’ Frar u minn oħra bejn is-16 u s-17 ta’ Marzu fi Triq Ħal Luqa f’Ħal Qormi. Mallia ġie mixli wkoll li fiż-żewġ ċirkostanzi għamel sa €250 fi ħsarat.
Il-Qorti xliet lil Mallia wkoll li fis-16 ta’ Mejju nstabitlu d-droga kokaina u d-droga eroina. L-Ispettur spjega li l-imputat inqabad wara li l-Pulizija nnotat karozza suspettuża u waqqfitha. Mallia nqabad bi 15-il gramma f’60 pakkett kif ukoll b’€1,200 fi flus kontanti. Intqal, li dakinhar il-Pulizija arrestat persuna oħra li bħalissa qiegħda fuq police bail.
Dalgħodu, l-imputat ġie akkużat ukoll li bejn l-24 u l-25 ta’ April u bejn it-12 u t-13 ta’ Mejju pprova jisraq minn ħanut tar-ritratti fi Triq il-Kanun f’Ħal Qormi kif ukoll talli b’kollox għamel sa €500 fi ħsarat. Ġie mixli wkoll, li sar reċidiv b’diversi sentenzi mogħtija mill-Qorti.
Id-difiża qalet li l-akkużat ikkoopera ħafna mal-Pulizija. Qalet, li għandu “vizzju akut tal-eroina u l-kokaina” u li għandu bżonn l-għajnuna. B’hekk, qalet li l-imputat għandu bżonn il-libertà b’kundizzjoni biex ikun jista’ jfiq.
Il-Maġistrat Marsanne Farrugia, madankollu, qalet li l-imputat ma joffrix serħan tal-moħħ li mhux se jikkommetti reat ieħor. Għaldaqstant, ċaħdet it-talba, u ordnat superviżjoni u li jinħatar uffiċjal tal-probation.
Għall-akkużat deher l-Avukat Matthew Xuereb.
tvmnews.mt/news/jinzamm-arrestat-wara-li-nqabad-jisraq-minn-zewg-pompi-tal-petrol/
Chetcuti u Sammut jissemmew għall-Viċi Kap tal-PN
Minn Owen Teuma
18 ta' Mejju 2022
Ritratt: Miguela Xuereb, Facebook
Read in English.
Newsbook.com.mt jinsab infurrmat li d-deputati Janice Chetcuti u Mark Anthony Sammut huma interessati biex joħorġu għall-kariga ta’ Viċi Kap tal-PN.
Sorsi fil-Partit Nazzjonalista qalu lil Newsbook.com.mt li Chetcuti diġà bdiet tkellem persuni oħra fi ħdan il-Partit Nazzjonalista bl-intenzjoni tagħha li tikkontesta għal din l-elezzjoni.
Bħalissa l-PN għandu żewġ Viċi Kapijiet – Robert Arrigo u David Agius. L-istatut tal-Partit ġie rivedut, u se jkun hemm Viċi Kap wieħed. Arrigo diġà kkonferma li mhux se jikkontesta għall-ebda kariga fi ħdan il-partit, filwaqt li Agius ma wera l-ebda interess li jerġa jikkontesta għal din il-kariga.
Dan is-sit tal-aħbarijiet ċempel lil Chetcuti u Sammut dwar ir-reazzjoni tagħhom għal din l-aħbar.
Newsbook.com.mt staqsa direttament lil Sammut jekk hux se joħroġ għal din il-kariga. Huwa la ċaħad u lanqas ikkonferma dawn ir-rapporti u qal li m’għandu l-ebda kumment x’jagħti. Huwa saħaq li “l-focus tal-Partit hu li l-Kap tal-Partit ikollu mandat b’saħħtu biex iwettaq il-bidliet li hemm bżonn.”
Minn naħa tagħha d-deputata Janice Chetcuti qalet li hija “tibqa’ miftuħa għal kwalunkwe ħaġa imma bħalissa ma tista’ tikkonferma xejn.” Kompliet tgħid li n-nies qegħdin jgħidulha biex tikkontesta din il-kariga u se tkun dejjem hemm għall-Partit u għal bżonnijiet li jkun hemm bżonn. Meta Chetcuti reġgħet kienet mistoqsija dwar din il-kariga hija qalet li se tara fejn ikun hemm bżonnha fil-Partit u mbagħad tiddeċiedi wara.
Fl-Elezzjoni Ġenerali Chetcuti kienet iddeċidiet li ma tikkontestax għall-elezzjoni każwali fuq it-tielet distrett biex tagħti ċans lil kandidati oħra biex jiġu eletti għall-Parlament. Hija saħqet li dan sar sabiex bħala partit jiġi massimizzat l-użu tal-voti fit-tielet distrett u jiġu eletti tliet rappreżentanti.
Mark Anthony Sammut kien ġie elett fil-Parlament mir-raba’ u l-għaxar distrett billi kiseb 1,904 u 921 voti fl-ewwel għadd rispettivament. Fit-30 ta’ Marzu d-Deputat Nazzjonalista kien kiteb fuq Facebook li mhuwiex se jikkontesta għall-kariga ta’ Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista.
Jekk tiġi eletta, Chetcuti tkun l-ewwel Viċi Kap tal-PN li tkun mara.
Russell Crowe posts misty photo of Fort St Angelo: 'Where am I now?'
Australian actor Russell Crowe is back in Malta after visiting the island last November for the filming of upcoming movie, Prizefighter
17 May 2022, 1:59pm
by Luke Vella
Australian actor Russell Crowe appears to be in Malta after posting a photo of Fort St Angelo engulfed in the morning mist on Tuesday.
“Where am I now?” he cryptically wrote on Twitter, sharing a photo of the historical fortress inside the Grand Harbour. Many followers pointed out that he was in Malta.
He later posted a short video of the cannon firing at the Saluting Battery in the Upper Barrakka Garden in Valletta.
Crowe's connection with the island goes back to 1999 when he starred in Ridley Scott’s Roman-era epic, Gladiator, which was partly filmed in Malta. Fort Ricasoli had served as a set for ancient Rome.
Last November Crowe was in Malta for the filming of Prizefighter, a forthcoming movie about the 19th-century boxer Jem Belcher, starring Matt Hookings, Ray Winstone, Jodhi May and Steven Berkoff.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/arts/film/116828/russel_crowe_posts_misty_photo_of_fort_st_angelo_where_am_i_now#.YoQX6-hBxPY
Qatt ma waqqaft lil Jason Azzopardi milli jressaq każ kontra l-Electrogas – Grech
Minn Gavin Muscat
-
17 ta' Mejju 2022
Miguela Xuereb/Meħud minn xandira diretta fuq Net TV
Il-Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Bernard Grech qal li qatt ma waqqaf lill-eks Deputat Nazzjonalista Jason Azzopardii milli jkun involut fir-rikors kostituzzjonali li ressqet l-NGO Repubblika biex il-Qorti tiddikjara l-kuntratt tal-Electrogas bħala wieħed korrott.
F’kumment ma’ Lovin Malta, Azzopardi allega li Grech waqqfu milli jkun involut f’dan ir-rikors minkejja li kien dam xahrejn jfittex l-argumenti legali mal-avukat Edward Debono.
L-attivisti tal-NGO kienu talbu lill-Qorti tiddikjara li l-korruzzjoni fil-kuntratt tal-Electrogas qed tiswa ħlasijiet żejda lill-konsumaturi f’kull kont tal-elettriku li jirċievu.
Aqra aktar:
Repubblika b’rikors fuq kontijiet ogħla minħabba l-korruzzjoni tal-Electrogas
Azzopardi qal li wara li tlestiet ir-riċerka nforma lis-Segretarju Ġenerali tal-PN ta’ dak iż-żmien Francis Zammit Dimech biex jgħid lil Grech dwar il-każ. Avolja Zammit Dimech qallu li kien se jagħmel dan, dik il-ġurnata Azzopardi allegatament irċieva talba biex ma jiffirmax ir-rikors.
Meta ġie mistoqsi minn Azzopardi għalfejn ma kellux jagħmel dan, Zammit Dimech spjega li Grech qallu li kien hemm “kunflitt ta’ interess”.
Intant, barra mill-Parlament, Grech qal lit-Times of Malta li Azzopardi qatt ma għamel ilment miegħu li xi ħadd ipprova jwaqqfu milli jiffirma r-rikors.
Mistoqsi jekk il-PN huwiex se jkompli jinsisti fuq l-ikkanċellar tal-kuntratt tal-Electrogas, Grech qal li l-PN għandu l-obbligu li jħares l-interess tal-pubbliku bid-djalogu.
Dwar il-Kumitat tal-Kontijiet Pubbliċi (PAC), Grech qal li l-membri tal-Oppożizzjoni fuq dan il-Kumitat kienu fetħu inkjesta dwar il-kuntratt u ppreżentaw mozzjonijiet. Jekk il-membri fuq dan il-Kumitat humiex se jkomplu jiġru wara dan il-kuntratt, Grech irrisponda “stennew ftit ġranet”.
Iċ-Chairperson ta’ dan il-Kumitat huwa Darren Carabott, li nħatar minflok Beppe Fenech Adami, u l-membri tal-Oppożizzjoni huma David Agius u Graham Bencini. Għall-Partit Laburista, hemm Clayton Bartolo, Glenn Bedingfield, Andy Ellul u Alex Muscat.
newsbook.com.mt/qatt-ma-waqqaft-lil-jason-azzopardi-milli-jressaq-kaz-kontra-l-electrogas-grech/
Mil-lum tista’ tirkeb l-ajruplan lejn Malta bla maskra
Minn Andrea Rossitto
16 ta' Mejju 2022
Read in English
Mil-lum, kull min jivvjaġġa lejn Malta bl-ajruplan m’għadux obbligat li jilbes il-maskra.
L-obbligu tal-maskra għall-ivvjaġġar bl-ajruplan, fil-fatt, tneħħa mil-lum fil-biċċa l-kbira tal-pajjiżi Ewropej, fosthom f’Malta wara deċiżjoni taċ-Ċentru Ewropew għall-Prevenzjoni u l-Kontroll tal-Mard (l-ECDC) u l-Aġenzija tas-Sigurtà fl-Avjazzjoni tal-Unjoni Ewropea (l-EASA) l-Erbgħa li għadda.
L-Air Malta u l-Air France huma fost il-linji tal-ajru li mil-lum neħħew l-obbligu tal-maskra għall-persuni li mil-lum se jivvjaġġaw magħhom.
Min-naħa l-oħra, il-maskra trid tibqa’ tintlibes fuq l-ajruplani kollha li jivvjaġġaw lejn l-Italja, il-Ġermanja, il-Greċja u Spanja. Il-Ministru tas-Saħħa Taljan, Roberto Speranza fl-aħħar jiem ħabbar li l-maskra, tat-tip FFP2, għandha tibqa’ tintlibes fuq l-ajruplani li jidħlu l-Italja kif ukoll fuq kull mezz ta’ trasport pubbliku Taljan sal-15 ta’ Ġunju li ġej.
tvmnews.mt/news/mil-lum-tista-tirkeb-l-ajruplan-lejn-malta-bla-maskra/
MPs cross swords in first parliamentary question of the legislature
Minister's partner - a senior civil servant - went on political house visitsNationalPoliticsParliament
Claudette Buttigieg and Michael Falzon clashed in parliament on Monday.
A minister on Monday criticised a Nationalist MP for personally attacking a minister's partner through a parliamentary question - even though neither the minister nor his partner were mentioned.
The exchange took place in the very first question of this legislature, put by Nationalist MP Claudette Buttigieg.
She asked whether it was proper that a person (name enclosed under separate cover and not published) had gone on leave so that she could directly participate in a minister's electoral campaign, even through home visits. If this was the case, did the minister consider it proper that a person who occupied a sensitive position as director of services to vulnerable children and families should be taking part in partisan political events which could undermine clients' confidence of the services?
Replying, Family and Social Welfare Minister Michael Falzon said the person indicated in the parliamentary question had always gone about her duties diligently and as expected of her. While she was a minister's partner, it did not result that she had acted in a manner that compromised her duties, as the MP had implied.
He later added that in the very first parliamentary question, the PN was returning to personal attacks, this time involving the partner of a minister. He insisted that the person involved had always been correct in her work. He could not be expected to inquire what she did while on leave.
- 2:38Buttigieg retorted that she had never mentioned the minister and it was the minister who revealed in his reply that the subject of her question was the partner of a minister.
Falzon said it was very clear who the Nationalist MP had been referring to. It was true that there was someone who said that the people were Ġaħan, (idiots) but not so much.
Buttiġieġ pointed out that it was a Labour minister who had spoken of people being Ġaħan - a reference to Labour backbencher and former minister Edward Zammit Lewis.
Independently of who this person was, she was the head of a public service directorate. Should such senior public officials go on political house visits, let alone political activities in general? Did some sort of rules or code of ethics apply to such people?
The minister said every place of work had its rules. This person, while at work, had not done anything improper. Had there been anything improper, he would have no problem in investigating.
Nationalist MP Karol Aquilina said the code of ethics of the public service said in clause 21 that civil servants had to be politically impartial both in their duties as well as in their public life. So was the minister saying that this clause was not breached?
The minister said he had no further comment.
timesofmalta.com/articles/view/mps-cross-swords-in-first-parliamentary-question-of-the-legislature.955381
Woman, 64, dies after construction site fall
The woman was certified dead at the site of the accident, after falling a height of around one storey at a Marsa construction site
15 May 2022, 4:19pm
by Karl Azzopardi
File photo
A 64-year-old woman has died after falling a height of around one storey at a Marsa construction site.
The police said their assistance was requested at around 2:15pm on Sunday in Triq Azzopardi.
Preliminary investigations showed the woman, from Paola, had fallen down the construction site.
A medical team was called on the site of the accident, but the woman was certified dead on at the site.
Magistrate Gabriella Vella has launched an inquiry, while police investigations are ongoing.
Horse bolts and falls to its death on Vassalli road in Msida
According to reports the horse fell onto the Mikiel Anton Vassallo main road from a field above
16 May 2022,
by Laura Calleja
Accident occurred at around 7:30am (Photo: TVM)
A horse has fallen to its death in Msida, causing a massive traffic jam in the area.
Police said the accident happened at around 7:30am.
TVM reported that the horse fell onto the road from a field above, possibly located between Triq San Alwigi and Triq il-Kunċizzjoni.
Animal Welfare officials are expected to arrive at the scene shortly.
Hope in Rome? Grech in the league of papabili as Francis’s health raises speculation
Cardinal Mario Grech entering the ‘papabili’ stakes could be the tonic to Malta’s Eurovision disappointment
14 May 2022,
by Matthew Vella
Cardinal Mario Grech in a 2015 meeting with Pope Francis
First a cardinal, now a Pope? Bring it on! After a demoralising run at the Turin Eurovision this year, Malta’s zeal to punch above its weight might be assuaged by the prospect that one of its high-ranking prelates could have a shoo-in for Catholicism’s top job – the Pope.
That’s because 65 years young Mario Grech, the former bishop of Gozo who was made Cardinal, is being tipped as one of many ‘papabili’ among Vatican gossipers who have taken note of the increased frailty of Pope Francis.
Grech made the list in a Times (UK) report that polled Vaticanists from the Italian and international press, as succession is on their lips with Francis, 85, now consigned to a wheelchair and calling off foreign trips owing to ill health following nine years in office.
Malta’s Mario Grech is also interesting since he had a conservative reputation but became pro-Francis, although some conservatives may hope he would revert to form if elected PopeJohn L. Allen, CruxAnd indeed it will be once again a battle between a conservative faction who dislike Francis’s “mercy-before-dogma style” and ‘liberals’ who approve of his outreach to gay Catholics and divorcees.
As secretary general of the synod of bishops before he was made cardinal in 2020, Mario Grech was dubbed as a “conservative but also close to Pope Francis” who could attract votes from progressives and conservatives at the conclave.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116763/tears_in_turin_hope_in_rome_grech_in_the_league_of_papabili_as_francis_health_raises_speculation_#.YoApJOhBxPY
Jirritorna l-Karnival spontanju tan-Nadur
Minn Owen Teuma
14 ta' Mejju 2022
Wara nuqqas ta’ sentejn, se jirritorna l-Karnival Spontanju tan-Nadur bl-eċċezzjoni li din l-edizzjoni ser tkun waħda speċjali, peress li ser issir f’Mejju. Il-Karnival spontanju tan-Nadur hu rinomat għall-fertilità tal-immaġinazzjoni ta’ dawk kollha li jipparteċipaw fih.
Il-Karnival Spontanju tan-Nadur ser isir nhar il-Ġimgħa l-20, is-Sibt 21, u l-Ħadd 22 ta’ Mejju wara nżul ix-xemx.
Fi stqarrija tal-Ministeru għal Għawdex, il-Ministru għal Għawdex Clint Camilleri wera s-sodisfazzjon li din l-attività tant popolari ser terġa’ ssir. “Il-Karnival tan-Nadur hu wieħed tradizzjonali fejn b’ispontanjetà tiegħu jeħodna lura fiż-żmien u jurina kif fl-imgħoddi l-Karnival kien mezz kif wieħed jiddeverti u jwassal il-messaġġ tiegħu permezz tas-satira”, qal il-Ministru Camilleri.
Il-Ministru Camilleri qal li l-jiem tal-Karnival f’Għawdex dejjem ikunu mfittxija kemm min nies lokali, Maltin u turisti.
Il-Ministru Camilleri faħħar l-impenn tal-Kunsill Lokali tan-Nadur li jieħu ħsieb l-proċess kollu neċessarju biex din l-attività tal-massa tirnexxi, u aktar min hekk, issir bl-inqas inkonvenjent possibbli għar-residenti. Il-Ministru fakkar li kulħadd għandu jiddeverti b’mod responsabbli u b’rispett sħiħ lejn il-liġijiet.
Edwar Said, is-Sindku tan-Nadur, qal li n-Nadur hu sinonimu ma’ dan il-karnival li issa sar parti integrali mill-kalendarju kulturali mżewwaq li joffri Għawdex. Said wera s-sodisfazzjon tiegħu li l-karnival spontanju se jerġa’ isir fil-qalba tar-raħal, fejn ta’ kull sena kien jattira lejħ eluf kbar ta’ viżitaturi.
Ara iktar: newsbook.com.mt/jirritorna-l-karnival-spontanju-tan-nadur/
Comino's San Niklaw Bay out of bounds as company blocks access to parts of coastline
Beach-goers will not be able to access San Niklaw Bay in Comino this summer, while some footpaths to Santa Marija beach have been blocked off • Hili Ventures justifies decision 'in the interest of health and safety'
13 May 2022, 4:00pm
by Nicole Meilak
Private property: San Niklaw Bay will be inaccessible to the public this summer
Comino’s San Niklaw Bay has been blocked off from public access by Hili Ventures due to pending permits and “in the interest of health and safety”.
Photos passed on to MaltaToday show that metal barriers have been put up along parts of the Comino coast preventing access to parts of the coastline.
Blue and red signs are stuck to the barriers indicating that the area is private property. One barrier prevents access to Santa Marija beach from San Niklaw Bay.
The barriers were set up around the Comino hotel area, which was purchased by Hili Ventures to be redeveloped into a bungalow complex.
When contacted by MaltaToday, the company said the Comino hotel and bungalows are the property of HV Hospitality, a subsidiary of Hili Ventures.
“Pending permits, and in the interest of health and safety, the company has restricted public access to the development sites. There is no public access to San Niklaw Bay as this area is part of the private concession granted to HV Hospitality. Access to Santa Marija Bay is unrestricted,” a company spokesperson said.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116755/cominos_san_niklaw_bay_out_of_bounds_as_company_blocks_access_to_parts_of_coastline#.Yn7an-hBxPY
88-apartment Portelli block set for approval in Balzan
Development proposed by a business partner of Gozitan developer Joseph Portelli will result in parking shortfall of 16 cars
12 May 2022, 7:43am
by James Debono
A Planning Authority case officer is recommending the approval of an 88-unit complex, gym and 2,408sq.m of retail shops, proposed by Clifton Attard, a business partner of construction magnate Joseph Portelli.
The project will include nine shops at ground floor level, four floors of residences, and an overlying receded floor level. The final decision by the PA’s planning commission is scheduled for 20 May.
The only major condition imposed on the development is that the developers will still need “clearance” from the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage for the relocation of the niche of St Roque. The heritage watchdog had called for the project to be downscaled, while also objecting to the relocation of Balzan’s St Roque niche from its present location at the corner between Triq Wied il-Balzan and Triq il-Kbira, and to the inscription ‘Park Lane’ above it.
Moreover, the case officer report confirms that the project will not even cater for the demand of parking spaces, which it will create. The project will require 153 parking spaces, 16 more parking spaces more then the 137 provided. The PA’s parking calculation is based on a standard formula, which envisages one parking space for every apartment, one parking space for every 50sq.m of retail and one parking space for every 10sq.m of gym space.
But the case officer argues that no parking shortfall will be created because an office project approved in 2015 which was never actually built back already resulted in a shortfall of 38 cars.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/environment/townscapes/116667/88apartment_portelli_block_set_for_approval_in_balzan#.Yn2K3ehBxPY
[WATCH] Zelenskyy tells Malta MPs 'the future of Europe will be decided on the battlefield'
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy tells neutral Malta to deny golden passports to Russians and stop Russian oil from using Malta-flagged ships
10 May 2022, 12:43pm
by Nicole Meilak
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy delivers a speech to Malta’s parliament
Ukrainian President Volodymyrr Zelenskyy has asked Malta to stop golden passports for Russian nationals and stop Russian oil from using Malta-flagged vessels.
In a short address to the Maltese parliament on Tuesday afternoon, Zelenskyy went as far as correcting Speaker Anglu Farrugia for using the word 'conflict'. "This is a war not a conflict," the Ukrainian president started off as he underscored that the aggressor was Russia.
A war of words: Why Zelenskyy corrected Anġlu Farrugia
Zelenskyy reiterated his call for weapons and military equipment to be made available to his country as it defended itself from Russian aggression, drawing comparison with Malta's defence by British Spitfires during World War II.
Zelenskyy addresses the HouseHe delivered a speech to the Maltese parliament at 4pm on Tuesday through a video call, after which the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition also replied back with a short speech.
The Ukrainian President appeared with a green shirt, flanked by two Ukrainian flags.
Speaker Anglu Farrugia gave a brief message to Zelenskyy before the address. “Excellency, as you are surely aware, Malta’s neutrality as entrenched in our constitution does not allow us to contribute militarily. This doesn’t mean we turn a blind eye to the humanitarian crisis your country goes to.”
“As a nation, we remain committed to providing humanitarian assistance, on the ground and locally.”
He said that parliamentary diplomacy plays an important role in conflict resolution, providing dialogue while fostering solutions.
He encouraged the Ukrainian and Russian parliaments to engage in dialogue as a solution to the conflict.
Addressing the House, Zelenskyy spoke in his native language, while an interpreter gave an English translation. “We don’t have a conflict, we have a war,” he said of Farrugia’s message. “This is why words are not it these days, but torturing and killing isn’t happening between Russia and Ukraine but on our territory.”
He said that his government is doing all it can to bring peace to Ukraine.
Zelenskyy went on to recall Malta’s experiences in World War II. “You are commemorating the 80th anniversary of the events of the Malta battle in the second world war. It was one of the most decisive. The resilience of your people in some ways defined the future of the Mediterranean.”
Robert Abela and Bernard Grech deliver their reactionBeyond that, he said that Malta’s battles in the war even helped dictate the future of Europe.
Zelenskyy described the bombardments in Odessa. “When Europeans commemorate the victims of the second world war, and celebrating Europe Day, 25 missiles were fired by Russia in Odessa, all on civilian targets.”
He turned to Mariupol, where over 90% of all buildings have been destroyed. “They’ve created an artificial famine, blocking access to food and medicine.”
“The city of Mariupol and its defenders continue their resistance. We’re using all diplomatic instruments to rescue them. Russia hasn’t moved on any of the proposed options. We’ve asked partners to provide weapons to unblock Mariupol, but the amount we’d need have not been provided.”
Again, he recalled Malta’s brutal bombings in the 1904s. “Thank God Britain implemented the mission with the Spitfires.”
“We need planes and special artillery. Like then, the future of Europe will be decided on the battlefield.”
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116701/president_of_ukraine_volodymyr_zelenskyy_to_address_maltese_parliament_at_4pm11#.Ynrp_-hBxPY
Worker who died at Marsa incinerator identified as Joseph Ellul
A worker identified as Joseph Ellul from Marsaxlokk has died at the incinerator facility operated by Wasteserv in Marsa on Tuesday • Police investigating dynamic of the incident
10 May 2022,
by Luke Vella
Joseph Ellul, 38, from Marsaxlokk lost his life at the Marsa incinerator, his place of work. Police are still trying to establish the dynamic that led to his death.
A worker identified as 38-year-old Joseph Ellul lost his life at the Marsa incinerator facility on Tuesday.
Police have confirmed that the man from Marsaxlokk died on site and investigations are ongoing to establish the dynamics that led to his death.
The police said that it was called in at 9am at the incinerator because a man had suffered injuries while working there. "A medical team from Mater Dei Hospital was on site but unfortunately the 38-year-old Marsaxlokk resident was certified dead on site," the police said in a statement.
Magistrate Elaine Mercieca is leading an inquiry into the case.
The incinerator is operated by Wasteserv, the state waste processing agency, and is used to dispose of clinical and abattoir waste.
Meanwhile, the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) is investigating the incident. "OHSA immediately started its investigations into the cause of this accident," the authority said.
The OHSA investigation is ongoing.
Gozo aqueduct to undergo extensive restoration
The restoration of the Gozo aqueduct will be complete in 2025
10 May 2022, 3:50pm
by Laura Calleja
The aqueduct was built by the British between 1839 and 1843
The Gozo aqueduct that runs from Kercem towards Victoria will undergo extensive restoration works, Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri announced on Tuesday.
This project involves the structural consolidation and conservation of the aqueduct built by the British between 1839 and 1843.
Camilleri said that back in 2017, the Gozo Ministry had conducted minor restorations to fix damage that had accumulated over the years.
"This much-needed restoration will begin after all the necessary studies have been completed and the competent authorities have issued permits. Extensive restoration will ensure that this historical heritage, located to the west of the island, is preserved and eventually enjoyed,” the minister said.
Director for Cultural Heritage John Xuereb said that the project is divided into several phases, with the first phase already ready, which involved a geological investigation of the subsoil to understand the nature of the aqueduct foundations and determine the composition of the underlying geological strata.
In the second phase of the project, which will start in the coming weeks, there will be a temporary shoring with the main arch while the third and final phase of the project will focus on the structural consolidation of the foundations and the aqueduct conservation.
The project is scheduled for completion by the end of 2025 and is expected to cost €2 million.
108 pazjenti trasferiti Malta permezz tal-air ambulances ta’ Għawdex fl-2021
Minn Mario Micallef
10 ta' Mejju 2022
Fil-heliport tax-Xewkija hemm ibbażati żewġ helikopters attrezzati biex jaqdu l-bżonnijiet ta’ ambulanza għal każi fejn ikun meħtieġ li pazjent mill-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex jinġieb għal aktar kura f’Malta. Is-sena li għaddiet biss, is-servizz tal-Air Ambulance operat minn Steward Health Care Malta ntuża biex twasslu 108 pazjenti.
Krew ta’ TVMnews segwa pass pass simulazzjoni ta’ x’jiġri mill-mument li jiġi deċiż li pazjent mill-isptar f’Għawdex irid jiġi trasferit lejn Malta.
“Ġurnata ma tistax tippjanaha u nkunu preparati għal li jista’ jinqala.”
Carmelo Camilleri – Charge Nurse – Sptar Ġenerali ta’ GħawdexCarmelo Camilleri, li jmexxi l-infermiera fid-Dipartiment tal-Emerġenza tal-Isptar Ġenerali ta’ Għawdex, spjega li kif it-tobba u l-anestetisti jiddeċiedu li pazjent irid jinġieb Malta jiġi nfurmat minnufih il-bdot tal-air ambulance ibbażat fil-heliport tax-Xewkija li jibda l-proċess biex tiġi operata titjira. F’Malta jsiru l-arranġamenti ta’ sigurtà biex tintuża l-helipad tal-Isptar San Luqa.
L-anestetista Godfrey Azzopardi qal li t-trasferiment ta’ pazjent b’helikopter għal Malta jsir f’dawk il-każi fejn il-kura meħtieġa ma tingħatax f’Għawdex.
“L-aktar attakki tal-qalb fejn dawn ikunu transfers li jkunu time critical, jiġifieri l-intervent irid isir sa ċertu ħin mindu l-pazjent jippreżenta l-emerġenza. Każijiet oħra meta jkun hemm xi ħadd li jkun weġġa’ bil-karozza jew waqa’ minn għoli u jkollhom bżonn xi interventi fir-ras. Każijiet oħra huma speċjalment fit-tfal u trabi fejn hawnhekk m’għandniex ITU għat-trabi u allura dawk it-trabi kollha li jkollhom bżonn kura intensiva jiġu riferuti għal Mater Dei.”
Godfrey Azzopardi – AnestetistaBil-pazjent tgħabba abbord dan l-air ambulance ta’ Steward Health Care Malta, il-pass li jmiss hu li jibda l-vjaġġ lejn il-helipad tal-Isptar San Luqa, vjaġġ li jieħu anqas minn 15-il minuta. Kruċjali f’dawn il-mumenti żewġ aspġetti: is-sigurtà tal-ekwipaġġ magħmul minn bdot u engineer u infermier u anestetista li jkunu preżenti waqt it-titjira biex jassistu lill-pazjent. Aspett ieħor kruċjali hu l-ħin fejn f’dawn il-mumenti kull minuta tgħodd biex jitwassal malajr kemm jista’ jkun biex jissokta bil-kura fl-Isptar Mater Dei.
Iċ-charge nurse, Carmelo Camilleri, qal li mat-triq jaraw li l-pazjent jibqa’ stabbli.
“Ħelikopter ħafif u b’saħħtu ħafna. Jien li nibża’ ħafna mill-għoli, m’hemm l-ebda problemi u għandek pilots kapaċi u nħossuna safe.”
Carmelo CamilleriBl-irwol ta’ anestetista hu li joffri appoġġ lill-organi tal-pazjent permezz ta’ mediċina jew tagħmir bħall-magni tan-nifs, Dr Azzopardi fisser għaliex f’dawn il-każi kull sekonda tgħodd.
“Meta pazjent ikollu attakk tal-qalb qed ikollu nuqqas ta’ demm, nuqqas ta’ ossiġnu fil-qalb għax ikollu arterja imblukkata. Ovjament il-ħsara se tkun akbar u aktar estensiva aktar kemm iddum ma’ tiġi riżolta din il-ħaġa. Jiġifieri għalhekk hu importanti li naslu kemm jista’ jkun malajr. L-istess bħal meta nitkellmu dwar xi emoroġija fir-ras minn xi inċident. Dik il-pressa kollha fir-ras tista’ tagħmel ħsara lill-moħħ u twassal għall-mewt tal-pazjent.”
Carmelo Camilleri
Aqra iktar: tvmnews.mt/news/108-pazjenti-trasferiti-malta-permezz-ta-air-ambulances-fghawdex-fl-2021/
Aaron Farrugia takes Ian Borg’s baton: ‘Four or five controversial road projects in the pipeline’
Xtra on TVM News Plus | Transport Minister Aaron Farrugia says he will not shy away from controversial decisions but will consult to ensure projects are the most sustainable
9 May 2022,
by Kurt Sansone
Transport and Infrastructure Minister Aaron Farrugia says more road projects are necessary to cater for growth in the coming years
A handful of large “controversial” road projects are in the pipeline, Aaron Farrugia said, promising more investment in infrastructure to meet the demands of economic growth.
The transport and infrastructure minister said the roads portfolio will continue to see the construction of underpasses and flyovers to “prepare the country for the 21st century”.
“We have four or five controversial projects that will be unveiled soon,” Farrugia said on TVM News Plus’ Xtra on Monday night.
He did not elaborate but at least two controversial projects in Msida and Qormi had been temporarily shelved before the election after objections from residents and environmental groups.
The Msida project would have seen a flyover connect the main square with Regional Road and the Qormi project included the construction of a flyover connecting the Mrieħel bypass with the industrial estate, taking up agricultural land in the area.
Farrugia was awarded the transport portfolio after the election, taking over from Ian Borg, who was appointed foreign minister.
Since 2017, the government has invested €100 million per year on road projects as part of a seven-year plan to pump €700 million into the road network. Farrugia has inherited that commitment, which still has a couple more years to run.
Major road junctions were constructed, including the Marsa junction, the Central Link and the Santa Lucia underpass. There are currently ongoing works in the two junctions outside the airport and the Mrieħel underpass connecting the Central Link to the bypass.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/xtra/116688/aaron_farrugia_takes_ian_borgs_baton_four_or_five_controversial_road_projects_in_the_pipeline#.YnmPq-hBxPY
“Il-futur tal-Unjoni Ewropea marbut mal-futur tal-Ukrajna” – Metsola
Minn Owen Teuma
9 ta' Mejju 2022
Read in English.
Il-futur tal-Ewropa huwa marbut mal-futur tal-Ukrajna saħqet il-President tal-Parlament Ewropew Roberta Metsola . Metsola tkellmet li t-theddida li qegħdin “niffaċċjaw hija reali”.
Dan intqal waqt il-Konferenza dwar il-Futur tal-Ewropa f’Jum l-Ewropa fi Strasburgu, meta l-Ko-presidenti tal-Bord Eżekuttiv tal-Konferenza ippreżentaw ir-rapport finali.
Metsola saħqet li kif irrispondejna għall-invażjoni u kif irridu nkomplu nwieġbu huwa t-test tagħna. Hija qalet li l-Ukreni jħarsu lejn l-Ewropa għall-appoġġ għax l-Ewropa għamlet żmien twil wara l-iron curtain.
Il-President tal-Parlament Ewropew qalet li l-Parlament Ewropew se jiġġieled għal Ewropa aktar b’saħħitha u dak kollu li jfisser l-Ewropa. “Dan ifisser libertà, demokrazija, l-istat tad-dritt, ġustizzja, solidarjetà u ugwaljanza ta’ opportunitajiet” komplit tgħid Metsola.
Hija saħqet li dan ifisser li l-Ewropa trid tisma’ aktar milli titkellem biss. Metsola tkelmet ukoll fuq l-enerġija u qalet li għadna niddependu fuq awtokratiċi bħal ma hu Putin.
“Irrid li l-Ewropa tmexxi. Għax jekk mhux aħna, se jkun hemm xi ħadd ieħor” saħqet il-President tal-President Ewropew.
Hi tkellmet ukoll dwar kif iċ-ċittadini Ewropej, speċjalment iż-żgħażagħ, jinsabu fil-qalba tal-viżjoni tal-Parlament Ewropew għall-futur tal-Ewropa f’dan il-mument tant deċiżiv tal-integrazzjoni Ewropea. “M’għandniex nibżgħu nisfruttaw is-setgħa tal-Ewropa biex tibdel ħajjet in-nies għall-aħjar,” ikkonkludiet Metsola
“Wara 77 sena reġa’ hawn gwerra“Guy Verhofstadt li huwa membru tal-Parlament Ewropew qal li ċ-ċittadini tal-UE jridu unjoni aktar integrata u unjoni li taġixxi b’mod aktar mgħaġġel. Huwa kompla jgħid li għal ċittadini li ndirizzaw il-konferenza mhix xi ħaġa normali li jindirizzaw il-konferenzi u ssagrifikaw il-ħin biex ipparteċipaw f’din il-konferenza.
Huwa tkellem ukoll kif wara 77 sena li spiċċat it-tieni gwerra dinjija, reġa’ hemm gwerra oħra fl-Ewropa. Verhofstadt saħaq li d-dinja t’għada se tkun differenti minn dik tal-passat fejn il-potenzi ġodda huma ċ-Ċina u l-Indja. Huwa tkellem fuq il-bżonn li l-Ewropa tkun aktar sovrana u jekk ma jsirx xi ħaġa l-Ewropa tkun irrelevanti.
Aqra iktar: newsbook.com.mt/live-ipprezentat-ir-rapport-finali-dwar-il-konferenza-tal-futur-tal-ewropa/
14-year-old injured in Gozo racing track accident
Nadur.
Police say the boy was driving a motorbike on the track when he fell off, resulting in serious injuries
8 May 2022, 5:44pm
by Staff Reporter
A 14-year-old boy was hospitalised on Sunday after falling off a motorbike at a racing tack in Gozo.
Police were notified of the incident at 4pm, and were called onto the site at Triq ir-Rabat, Nadur.
According to the police statement, the boy had been driving the motorcycle when he fell off and hurt. He was taken to Gozo General Hospital by ambulance for further treatment on his injuries.
He was later certified to be suffering from serious injuries.
Magistrate Bridgette Sultana will be leading an inquiry into the case, while police investigations remain ongoing.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/116665/14yearold_injured_in_gozo_racing_track_accident#.Yng-BehBxPY
Vella outlines Abela priorities in road to climate neutrality and equality
President of the Republic George Vella addresses opening of the 14th legislature
7 May 2022, 1:30pm
by Matthew Vella
President George Vella (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Malta’s President of the Republic officially inaugurated the country’s 14th legislature since 1964, as incumbent and new MPs took their seats today.
George Vella addressed the House, which also welcomed 12 additional female MPs co-opted under a gender quota system, with the Abela administration’s priorities for the forthcoming five years spelt out.
Among these priorities will be new amendments to Malta’s rules for in vitro fertilisation, Vella said, in a bid to offer more hope for prospective parents seeking assisted reproduction.
It now marks 10 years since Malta last banned embryo freezing under a previous Nationalist administration, with new rules expanding the service for all women irrespective of status or sexual orientation.
“Above all we want an equal society,” Vella told MPs. “Among these main priorities will be giving more families a greater chance to become parents. A number of amendments will be tabled to the laws governing IVF to offer greater hope to the most prospective parents. The amendments would be complemented by the investment needed to enable the process to take place.
“Equality at every level is one of the values that must distinguish us as a country,” Vella said, now turning to Malta’s parliamentary quotas for the under-represented. Gender.
“We are starting this legislature with a more equal parliament, with stronger female representation. We must take this principle into workplaces, particularly in decision-making boards, with a number of incentives.”
Read More: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116652/vella_outlines_abela_priorities_in_road_to_climate_neutrality_and_equality#.Ynb1yehBxPY
[LIVE] Malta’s 14th Parliament inaugurated today with President’s speech to MPs
MPs will attend an inaugural mass at the St John Cathedral in Valletta followed by a speech from the President of the Republic at their first sitting
Last updated on 7 May 2022,
by Matthew Vella
Malta’s fourteenth legislature was sworn in today after MPs attended an inaugural mass at the St John Cathedral in Valletta, celebrated by Archbishop Charles Scicluna.
MPs with their spouses and partners, accompanied by the President of the Republic George Vella, made their way to the House of Representatives along Republic Street, to attend the official opening of the Maltese parliament.
This legislature marks the first in which 12 MPs have been co-opted to the House under a new gender-corrective measure to increase MPs from the under-represented gender. The governing Labour side has a majority of nine MPs.
Malta’s new parliament: fresher, younger faces and a larger House...
The MPs assembled in the Chamber of the House of Representatives to hear the proclamation summoning the 14th parliament by the Clerk of the House, who then read the results of the General Election and the names of the MPs duly elected.
Speaker Anglu Farrugia took the oath of allegiance, with Deputy Speaker David Agius from the Opposition side elected. MPs co-opted to the House in line with Malta’s new quotas system were then introduced.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116647/maltas_14th_parliament_inaugurated_today_with_presidents_speech_to_mps#.Ynb2_uhBxPY
Żagħżugħ mejjet u oħrajn feruti wara ġlieda kbira f’Marsalforn
Minn
Owen Teuma
7 ta' Mejju 2022 11:33 PM
Ritratt: Google Maps
Newsbook.com.mt jinsab infurmat li żagħżugħ miet u tliet żgħażagħ oħra weġġgħu gravi wara ġlieda kbira f’Marsalforn.
Jidher li l-ġlieda seħħet f’appartament fi Triq il-Wied is-Sibt filgħaxija. Il-persuni nvoluti f’din il-ġlieda mhumiex ta’ nazzjonalità Maltija.
Iż-żagħżugħ li tilef ħajtu ttieħed l-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex minn sħabu stess. Tim mediku għamel dak kollu meħtieġ biex isalva liż-żagħżugħ iżda rriżulta li kien bla ħajja.
Jidher li fil-ġlieda li seħħet fl-appartament intużaw sikkina u oġġetti oħra. L-età tal-persuni li kienu nvoluti fil-ġlieda hija taħt it-30 sena.
ARA: il-proġett propost ta’ ajruport reġjonali f’Għawdex
Minn Norma Saliba
6 ta' Mejju 2022
Read in English
Imniedi proċess ta’ konsultazzjoni pubblika dwar il-proġett propost tal-ajruport reġjonali fix-Xewkija Għawdex. Fil-proposta tiegħu, il-Gvern qed jgħid li l-proġett għandu jsir fejn hemm il-heliport f’Ta’ Lambert u r-runway eżistenti għandha tkun estiża bi ftit iktar mid-doppju sa massimu ta’ 450 metru biex tintuża biss minn ajruplani żgħar. Il-periferija tar-runway qed tkun proposta li tkun rinforzata mill-ħaxix biex tirrispetta l-ambjent rurali tal-inħawi.
It-titjiriet bejn Malta u Għawdex huwa stmat li jkunu ta’ 15-il minuta bejn ix-Xewkija u l-Ajruport Internazzjonali ta’ Malta; u qed ikun propost li joperaw biss matul il-ġurnata. It-tlugħ u l-inżul tal-ajruplani huwa ppjanat li jsir minn rotta apposta biex ma jtirux minn fuq l-irħula li hemm fl-akwati tal-airfield.
Il-Ministru għal Għawdex Clint Camilleri qal li dan l-ajruport reġjonali mhu se jieħu ebda art addizzjonali għal dan il-proġett, li sostna se jsir f’żona li fil-passat intrema’ illegalment skart tal-kostruzzjoni. Spjega kif iż-żona kienet ġiet skedata mill-Awtorità tal-Ippjanar fil-pjani tal-iżvilupp biex tintuża bħala mitjar.
“Inkunu qed niżviluppaw ajruport reġjonali li jkun qed iservi ta’ faċilità ġdida għal Għawdex b’konnessjoni ma’ Malta bl-ajru. Tista’ tkun faċilità li tattira lejha diversi oqsma ġodda ta’ investiment bħall-iskejjel li jgħallmu l-bdoti u t-testing ta’ industrial drones. Nemmen li kif għamilna fil-fast ferry li l-Gvern investa fil-faċilitajiet u kien il-privat li ta s-servizz, nemmen li f’dan il-każ nistgħu nirreplikaw dan is-suċċess li għamilna fil-baħar biex iseħħ fl-ajru wkoll”.
Il-Ministru għal Għawdex Clint CamilleriIl-proċess ta’ konsultazzjoni pubblika qed jitmexxa mill-Awtorità Reġjonali għall-Iżvilupp t’Għawdex. Il-Kap Eżekuttiv ta’ din l-Awtorità Mario Borg qal li l-Awtorità se tkun qed tevalwa l-proposta għal dan il-proġett billi se tkun qed tara jekk l-airfield hux se tħalli valur miżjud għall-gżira Għawdxija, bl-inqas impatt ambjentali possibbli.
“Il-GRDA qed tniedi proċess ta’ konsultazzjoni f’qafas iżjed wiesa’ ta’ regional impact assessments. Se nkunu qed inpoġġu għall-konsultazzjoni pubblika l-istudji dettaljati fuq diversi oqsma li dan il-proġett ikun jista’ jimpatta. Il-konsultazzjoni se tkun miftuħa fuq tliet ġimgħat mis-6 sas-27 ta’ Mejju.”
Il-Kap Eżekuttiv tal-GRDA Mario BorgFil-jiem li ġejjin se jsiru bosta laqgħat t’informazzjoni u oħrajn ta’ konsultazzjoni biex il-pubbliku, fosthom għaqdiet mhux governattivi, Kunsilli Lokali u awtoritajiet oħrajn, ikunu jistgħu jagħtu l-kontribut tagħhom dwar dan il-proġett. Iktar tagħrif jista’ jinkiseb minn grda.mt.
Ara il film hawn: tvmnews.mt/news/ara-il-progett-prospost-ta-ajruport-regjonali-fghawdex/
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy to address Maltese parliament next week
Speaker Anġlu Farrugia said he will address parliament on Tuesday at 4pm
6 May 2022,
by Nicole Meilak
Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy is scheduled to deliver a speech to the Maltese parliament on Tuesday at 4pm, according to Speaker Anġlu Farrugia.
Farrugia confirmed this during an interview on TVAM, saying that he will address the parliament subject to any problems on the Ukrainian side.
Foreign Affairs Minister Ian Borg had formally invited Zelenskyy to address the parliament during a phone call with Ukraine's foreign minister Dmytro Kuleba.
This had been one of his first moves as Malta's foreign minister.
Zelenskyy has addressed several national parliaments since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In March he had also addressed the European Parliament, where he called for the EU to allow it to become a full member state.
Malta sent medical supplies to Ukraine and closed its airspace to Russian airlines when the invasion broke out. Apart from aid, Malta joined other EU member states in imposing sanctions on key Russian individuals, banks and companies.
COVID travel restrictions have also been waived for Ukrainians seeking asylum in Malta
Metsola toasts Europe of differences, resolute in face of Russian aggression
‘Putin assumed European differences were weakness. He was wrong. These are our strengths’
6 May 2022,
by Matthew Vella
European Parliament president Roberta Metsola said Europe will be moving faster in building a security and defence Europe in the wake of Russian aggression and its invasion of the Ukraine.
She was addressing the European University Institue of Florence in a visit to Italy on Friday, where she said Russian president Vladimir Putin had underestimated Europe’s union of ‘differences’.
“Putin’s grave mistake was assuming our differences were a weakness; our defence of fundamental rights, a sign of feebleness. He was wrong. In democracies like ours, these are our strengths. They are the foundations of the next steps. They are our legitimacy and they are our compass,” she said.
Metsola said Europe would pledge a continuation of sanctions against Russia and aid for Ukraine, and disentangle its dependencies from the Kremlin with an end to imports of oil or gas from Russia.
“It has become increasingly clear that European leaders cannot fail to address rising prices and the increasing cost of living that are hitting hard. And for European businesses in a globalised economy shaken up by the consequence of war, the European Union must continue to encourage and support them as they diversify away from Russia,” she said.
But she also said European countries had to bear the cost of this transition, which required a commitent towards climate action, moving towards the digital economy, and to consume differently than today.
“Europe needs leadership, today. Not tomorrow. Leadership that saw us welcome more than 5 millions of people fleeing Ukraine. Leadership that is also on display here at EUI with people who have worked hard to integrate and facilitate Ukrainian professors, academics and students in this institution.”
She said Europe was now at a historic crossroads between the end of a pandemic and the Russian invasion, forcing it confront “easy cynicisma” and embrace a “determined sense of direction”.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/ewropej/116645/metsola_toasts_europe_of_differences_resolute_in_face_of_russian_aggression#.YnWgDehBxPY
Ramla beach masterplan to harmonise kiosks, include clinic and police station
The Gozo Ministry’s masterplan for Ramla Bay includes a 'reorganization' of existing kiosks with a uniform design for seating areas and a shading canopy
5 May 2022,
by James Debono
The masterplan, awaiting approval by the Planning Authority, envisages the construction of an emergency response clinic and office, a brand new public convenience, and a police station instead of an already existing room.
TWEET SHAREThe Gozo Ministry’s masterplan for Ramla Bay includes a “reorganization” of existing kiosks with a uniform design for seating areas and a shading canopy.
The masterplan, awaiting approval by the Planning Authority, envisages the construction of an emergency response clinic and office, a brand new public convenience, and a police station instead of an already existing room.
Other facilities include outdoor showers and a store.
An artistic impression of the proposed facilities suggests a more formalised appearance for the characteristic beach shacks, some of which grew over the years in an anarchic way.
Ramla BayThe reorganisation of the kiosk area allocates space for five different restaurants, which largely coincides with the footprint of the existing kiosks, a store and a waste bins area.
When announcing its intention to draft a masterplan in 2019, former Gozo Minister Justyne Caruana declared that the aim of the masterplan was that of addressing the current challenges facing the bay, namely the need for better traffic management and improvement of facilities required to retain the Blue Flag status for the beach. On that occasion the ministry also made it clear that the existing footprint of developments around the bay was not going to change as the aim of the master plan was not to increase development in this sensitive area.
Ramla Bay has been awarded blue flag status for the past four years.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/environment/townscapes/116606/clinic_and_police_station_in_ramla_beach_masterplan#.YnRN4NpBxPY
Around 10 cars damaged by rocks in act of vandalism in St Paul’s Bay
May 5, 2022
Aqra bil- Malti
Around 10 cars were damaged last night in an act of vandalism in the area of St Paul’s Bay.
Many of the cars had their windows smashed by large rocks which were thrown by unidentified persons.
On a post on Facebook, a resident said that this was the second act of vandalism on her car.
A Police report was filed and work has started to collect footage from CCTV cameras in the area.
The woman said that a large rock was found inside every damaged car.
The vandalism occurred in the area of the Qawra Primary school and the Bugibba seafront.
The Mayor of St Paul’s Bay Alfred Grima was among those who reacted to this news.
He said that the Council has asked the Qawra school to give its permission to install a camera in the field nearby where the vandalism took place.
A Police spokesperson confirmed that an investigation is underway. Among the cars which were vandalised other was a Mercedes, VW, Toyota, Suzuki and two Fords.
Pope Francis uses wheelchair in public for the first time due to knee pain
By Monique Agius
May 5, 2022
Pope Francis arrives on a wheelchair during the audience to the participants of the plenary assembly of the International Union of Superiors General, in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican. Credit: IMAGO / Independent Photo Agency Int.
Pope Francis has been pictured using a wheelchair – the first time he’s used one in public due to the recent knee pain he has been suffering.
The 85-year-old pontiff was wheeled on stage and helped into a seat during an audience with a group of nuns and religious superiors from around the world at the Vatican.
In an interview with Corriere della Sera on Tuesday, Pope Francis said he was about to undergo a minor “intervention with infiltration” due to a strained ligament.
According to Il Messaggero, the nuns applauded the Pope at length when he was brought in Paul VI hall by his most trusted assisted.
The pontiff also told Corriere that he was “ready to travel to Moscow” after requesting a meeting with Russian president, Vladimir Putin, over the invasion of Ukraine.
Quoting Vatican sources, Reuters reported that the Pope was not expected to make any changes to his schedule over the next few weeks, however, the use of the wheelchair may become a familiar sight.
The Pope has had to cancel or cut short activities several times in the last month because of pain in his right knee.
167 new Covid-19 cases, as 5 people die
By Monique Agius
May 5, 2022
Photo: Miguela Xuereb
Malta has reported 167 new positive cases of Covid-19, with the number of known active cases dropping to 3,158 from yesterday’s 3,283, with 287 people deemed to have recovered.
Five new deaths were recorded, with the national death toll since the start of the pandemic at 708, according to the data published online by the Superintendence of Public Health.
As the public authorities have chosen to downscale the dissemination of pandemic-related information following the general election, with daily bulletins on Facebook a story of the past, the number of Covid-19 patients in hospital is not published.
Europol expert exhibits report on more than 20 items seized during police Maksar raids
Robert Agius and Jamie Vella are charged with supplying the bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017 • Adrian Agius is also charged with commissioning the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop in 2015
4 May 2022,
by Matthew Agius
The men face charges related to the murders of lawyer Carmel Chircop and journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
A Europol digital forensics expert has handed a court his report on over 20 devices, together with the devices themselves, all of which had been seized as part of the police investigation into Jamie Vella and George Degiorgio as well as the ta’ Maksar brothers Robert and Adrian Agius.
Magistrate Caroline Farrugia Frendo presided as the compilation of evidence against the men continued this afternoon.
Robert Agius and Jamie Vella are charged with supplying the bomb that killed Daphne Caruana Galizia in October 2017. Adrian Agius is also charged with commissioning the murder of lawyer Carmel Chircop in 2015.
Vella and George Degiorgio are charged with executing Chircop's assassination in a garage complex in Birkirkara. George Degiorgio is currently undergoing separate procedures, along with his brother Alfred, for his involvement in the Caruana Galizia murder.
At the start of the sitting, a police sergeant took the stand, informing the court that he had been assigned to gather data from devices found during searches in a residence in Bahrija, a Mercedes car, another residence in Mellieha and another vehicle, a Seat, last year.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/court_and_police/116616/europol_expert_exhibits_report_on_more_than_20_items_seized_during_police_maksar_raids#.YnL88NpBxPY
[WATCH] Grech: ‘Jason Azzopardi never raised pardon for donation allegations with me’
Bernard Grech denied he ever discussed Yorgen Fenech pardon or received donations from Fenech’s extended family
4 May 2022, 2:07pm
by Kurt Sansone
Bernard Grech
TWEET SHARE
Play VideoBernard Grech has flatly denied ever discussing a pardon for Yorgen Fenech with relatives of the murder suspect.
The Nationalist Party leader told journalists on Wednesday that he “never discussed any pardon for anyone, with anybody”.
Grech also said that former MP Jason Azzopardi had never raised these allegations and concerns with him before the March election.
Azzopardi has claimed that Grech was in a meeting with businessmen that included two relatives of Fenech when the issue of a presidential pardon was raised.
The meeting, purportedly also discussed financial donations to the party.
Azzopardi was not elected to parliament in the last election, claiming he was sidelined by the party administration. He has since resigned from the PN after Grech moved a motion in the administrative council asking that Azzopardi substantiates his claims.
Grech insisted today that under his leadership no members of the extended Fenech family had given the PN any donations.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116613/watch_grech_jason_azzopardi_never_raised_pardon_for_donation_allegations_with_me#.YnL9rdpBxPY
Bernard Grech jgħid li l-bieb jibqa’ dejjem miftuħ għal Jason Azzopardi
4 ta' Mejju 2022
Il-Kap tal-Oppożizzjoni u tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Bernard Grech qal li l-ex deputat Nazzjonalista Jason Azzopardi għad jista’ jkollu futur fil-Partit Nazzjonalista.
F’kummenti lill-ġurnalisti, Dr Grech qal li Azzopardi huwa parti mill-Partit Nazzjonalista u l-bieb għadu miftuħ għalih.
“Jista’ jkun li Jason Azzopardi għada pitgħada, jew fil-ġimgħat li ġejjin jgħid affarijiet li huma ta’ interess u allura qatt ma nista’ ninjora assolutament minn qabel dak li jkun se jingħad fil-futur”, qal il-Kap Nazzjonalista.
It-Tnejn li għadda, l-ex deputat Nazzjonalista rriżenja minn membru tal-Partit Nazzjonalista wara li ta x’jifhem li waqqaf donazzjoni lill-Partit Nazzjonalista minn xi ħadd li kien qiegħed ifittex li jingħata l-proklama għall-qarib tiegħu.
Hu mifhum li Azzopardi kien qed jagħmel referenza għal Yorgen Fenech, is-suspettat mandant bil-qtil ta’ Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Aqra iktar: tvmnews.mt/news/bernard-grech-jghid-li-l-bieb-jibqa-dejjem-miftuh-ghal-jason-azzopardi/
Labour Party media house €10 million in the red
Most of the debt amounts to unpaid VAT, stamp duty, and water and electricity bills
3 May 2022, 7:13pm
by Luke Vella
Most of the debt amounts to unpaid VAT, stamp duty, and water and electricity bills
The Labour Party's media house has debts amounting to around €10 million, sister newspaper Illum has reported.
One Productions Charmain Jason Micallef refuted the claims but did not deny that the debt ran into the millions. According to the paper, most of the debt was owed to the government, with Micallef stating that there was a repayment agreement with various entities.
Most of the debt amounts to unpaid VAT, stamp duty, and water and electricity bills. It was MaltaToday that had revealed that One Productions, owed ARMS a total of €1.25 million in pending dues, and that Media.Link, the PN’s media company, owed ARMS €3.5 million.
Illum had also revealed that PN owed €12 million in stamp duty, VAT and water and electricity bills. This means that between them the parties owe the government more than €20 million.
Read more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116598/labour_party_media_house_10_million_in_the_red#.YnGzgdpBxPY
George Hyzler secures post in European Court of Auditors with strong majority
The European Parliament voted strongly in favour of George Hyzler's nomination as the Maltese member in the European Court of Auditors
3 May 2022,
by Nicole Meilak
Malta's Commissioner for Standards George Hyzler has secured his position as a member of the European Court of Auditors after the European Parliament voted in his favour.
Hyzler secured the post with 551 MEPs voting in his favour. Only 33 MEPs voted against him, while 45 MEPs abstained from the vote.
Rapporteur MEP Angelika Winzig had put forward the proposal to the plenary to have Hyzler appointed as an auditor.
Hyzler will replace Leo Brincat, Malta’s appointment to the European Court of Auditors, when his five-year term ends in September. Hyzler was nominated by the Maltese government, earlier this year.
Hyzler currently occupies the post of Standards Commissioner, a new role that came into being in 2018. His ethics investigations over the past few years have led to the resignation of former minister Justyne Caruana and former parliamentary secretary Rosianne Cutajar.
He will have to step down from Standards Commissioner a year before his term ends.
Several MEPs have congratulated Hyzler for the vote, including PN MEP David Casa and Labour MEP Josianne Cutajar.
Opposition leader Bernard Grech similarly congratuled Hyzler, saying that his work "will definitely leave a positive impact in this European institution".
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/ewropej/116594/george_hyzler_secures_post_in_european_court_of_auditors_with_strong_majority#.YnG11tpBxPY
Dalli’s ‘revenge’ breached inmate’s rights
By Monique Agius
May 3, 2022
Tista' taqra bil- Malti.
The Court has found that an inmate’s rights had been breached when he was transferred to Division 6, also dubbed as “the punishment division” after he filed proceedings constitutional against the prison authorities and his gave an interview when the prison authorities denied him the rights to prison leave in order to get married.
Then prison director Alex Dalli was found to have sought revenge after they filed the proceedings and the inmate’s girlfriend had gone on Xarabank to share their story.
The man and his girlfriend had file a constitutional application against the prison authorities and asking the court to declare that their rights to respect for private and family life had been breached, that Yousef Essesi’s right to be protected from inhumane and degrading treatment had been breached, and to order the prison authorities to take the necessary measures for the pair to get married. They also sued for compensation.
Essesi was convicted in 2014. During his time in prison he had some 160 disciplinary reports before June 2018. He had been sent to division 6 for over 20 times, however, during Alex Dalli’s tenure, he was only sent two or three times.
In January 2018, he was sent to Division 15 after he argued with a group of foreigners. The prison authorities had cited his security as a reason for the transfer. In court it emerged that this division was used in case of emergency such as when the prisons were overcrowded and migrants were detained in this area. During the seven months he spent in Division 15 he was alone, except for the last month that another inmate joined him. Essesi had alleged that the Division was below street level, however, the claim was denied by the prison director.
Division 15 was eventually turned into a Covid ward when the pandemic hit the islands.
Essesi was granted leave to be able to marry his girlfriend.
Col. Alexander Dalli, who was appointed to head the prisons in June 2018, had put up a notice in the corridor which read: “If violence and crime are to be curbed, we are the only people who can do it. The inmate does not fear the police, the judge or the jury. Therefore it is our job to teach fear. Welcome to prison!”
The Prison Leave Advisory Board had recommended leave, and Essesi was granted permission to leave the facility and apply for marriage at the Public Registry. The banns were published between 16 July and 25 July 2018. The couple planned to get married on 13 July.
Essesi’s girlfriend was busy preparing for the marriage when Dalli was appointed and approved the prison leave. However, ten days before the marriage was due to take place he revoked the leave citing “not being familiar with Essesi’s file” as the reason for his change of heart.
The decision not to grant him leave had taken a toll on Essesi, who then locked himself inside the division and was only brought out after the authorities used pepper spray. He was transferred to Division 6.
In this division, inmates are only allowed for an hour and can call once every ten days. Dalli had claimed that this division is used for when someone is on the suicide watch list. The man protested the decision and caused damages to the division. He was then transferred to Division 5 – a high security division usually reserved for people convicted of serious crimes and serving life sentences – where he was kept for 60 days. Essesi admitted that the latest transfer was a punishment for having misbehaved. He was ordered to pay €927 in damages. However, despite his girlfriend wanting to pay them at once, she could not do so due to the €120 weekly limit. This led to a situation where Essesi could not call her or buy water.
Eventually the man was sent to Division 13 where he was meant to spend two weeks but ended up staying six months. During that time, he received only one report on his misbehaviour and the Dalli had praised him for his work. In Division 13, inmates are only allowed out of their cell until 4pm unlike other divisions where they are allowed out until 7pm. He asked to be allowed to call up his girlfriend, who at the time worked until 4.30pm.
Whilst he considered the move as another punishment, Essesi wrote a letter to Dalli in which he praised him for his work and for spending an hour with him.
In 2019, he was informed that he would be transferred to Division 3, and once again he asked for permission to get married. The Correctional Captain of the facility replied to the inmate saying that the director did not want to allow him.
After informing her about Dalli’s decision, his girlfriend filed a judicial protest in August 2019, which resulted in the inmate being transferred to Division 6 without the authorities providing him with a reason.
During his transfer to Division 6, Essesi came face to face with Dalli who told him to tell his lawyer that as long as he is prison director he will not allow him to get married and he won’t leave the division.
When cross-examined, Dalli was evasive and could recall whether he told these words to Essesi.
The inmate was thrown inside a cell which had no toilet or sink, no bed or mattress or bedsheets, and stark naked. He spent the night in these conditions, with Dalli arguing that the decision was based on a psychiatrist’s advice, despite the fact that CCF would usually provide such inmates with non-tearable clothes.
He returned to Division 3 after calling his lawyer.
Read more: newsbook.com.mt/en/dallis-revenge-breached-inmates-rights/
[BREAKING] Azzopardi resigns from PN in open war with Grech over ‘pardon donation’
Former Nationalist MP claims Bernard Grech was promised donation by relatives of Yorgen Fenech to support a presidential pardon bid
Last updated on 2 May 2022, 7:06pm
by Matthew Vella
Former Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi
The former Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi has resigned from the Nationalist Party and said PN leader Bernard Grech met relatives of Yorgen Fenech in a business lunch with donors that took place in December 2021.
Azzopardi, on the warpath against Grech after accusing the party of not supporting his re-election bid, posted a declaration on Facebook earlier this week suggesting Grech was approached to support a presidential pardon for Fenech, who is accused of masterminding the assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.
Azzopardi is a lawyer for the Caruana Galizia family. Grech said Azzopardi would have to substantiate his allegations in the PN, but the former MP now decided not to stay on as a PN member.
‘Blue Hero’ to ‘expired politician’: Jason Azzopardi’s troubled relationship with PN leaders
Incensed as Grech’s suggestion last week that his political career had ‘expired’, Azzopardi hit back by claiming the PN leader was solicited by Fenech’s relatives to support the accused’s bid for a pardon, in return for a donation.
Azzopardi today said Grech met six businessmen during a December 2021 lunch, among them “two male businessmen, relatives of a person being tried criminally in connection with an assassination”.
MaltaToday is informed the businessmen were cousins of Yorgen Fenech, who are no longer part of the Tumas business group.
“This fact alone was confirmed yesterday afternoon during a PN administrative council meeting in which the PN leader himself was asked about it,” Azzopardi said.
Azzopardi alleged that at this December meeting, Grech was also given a monetary donation for the PN’s fundraising telethon – but he failed to specify who gave the donation.
“I am informed that before the start of this meal, the PN leader was taking to the side by these two relatives on the subject of a pardon for the accused. I am informed that the PN leader gave his assurance that if he had to be prime minister, he would be ready to recommend the award of a pardon in this case,” Azzopardi declared.
The former MP also claimed that another ‘appliances’ businessman present for the meeting “whose name starts with O” told Grech he would never vote for the PN as long as Azzopardi was an MP. He claimed Grech replied by saying: “Speak to me after the election,” implying that the PN would not put its efforts behind Azzopardi’s re-election in the 2022 election.
Azzopardi insisted he knew this information from three different sources with direct access to the dinner party guests and Fenech’s cousins.
Grech has previously said he would not rule out granting Fenech a pardon if other avenues towards getting to the bottom of the case are exhausted.
“I do not agree with this,” Azzopardi said today on Facebook, “and I expressed myself as much about this. To me this is unacceptable behaviour. All politicians must be careful about not appearing to be compromising with mafiosi. Criminals’ only audiences should be the courts, not the parties.”
“Even worse, it gives the impression that the parties’ need to collect money from those who can afford it the most also gives rich criminals preferential access. Only the PN leader knows whether his decision to publicly argue for a pardon for this individual was the result of donations, or whether the two events are unconnected.”
Azzopardi said he had internally criticized both Grech’s declaration on the pardon as well as well as the assurance to Fenech’s cousins. “They confirm the politician’s vulnerability to the insidiousness of criminals.”
Azzopardi said his public declaration had come about after Grech implied that he had been an “expired” politician.
“It’s clear that the PN did not want to leave any space to those who are uncompromising in creating distance between politicians and those who want to buy privileges to be above the law,” Azzopardi said.
“Grech has turned me into a political orphan… in this manner, I will not be subject to a spurious jury inside the PN. I have taken a decision I have never expected to take since becoming a PN member at 17 years of age.”
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116579/jason_azzopardi_resigns_from_nationalist_party_in_open_war_with_leader_bernard_grech#.YnBiKdpBxPY
Scaffolding jinqala’ bir-riħ u joħloq periklu fil-Balluta
Minn Owen Teuma
2 ta' Mejju 2022
Ftit tal-ħin ilu, kawża ta’ riħ qawwi fil-bajja tal-Balluta, scaffolding ma’ restaurant Barracuda inqala’ minn mal-ħajt bil-periklu li dan seta jiġġarraf u jaqa’ fuq il-bankina.
Il-pulizija marru fuq il-post biex jagħlqu u jevitaw kull periklu għan-nies u għall-karozzzi li jgħaddu minn Main street. San Ġiljan li bħalissa jinsab magħluq minħabba xogħlijiet li qiegħdin isiru fuq din il-binja antika.
Newsbook.com.mt iżomkom aġġornati bl-aħħar żviluppi.
newsbook.com.mt/filmat-periklu-mminenti-fil-balluta/
Sacks of COVID waste dumped in Lija valley
Clean-up NGO Żibel received a report on the waste over the weekend
2 May 2022, 4:44pm
by Nicole Meilak
Sacks of COVID waste, including swab tests, were found dumped along a valley between Lija and Iklin over the weekend.
Clean-up NGO Żibel was first alerted to the incident. The group received a report from one of its folllowers, after which they contacted the Malta Police Force and Ministry of Health.
Media reports indicate that Mater Dei Hospital also filed a police reported so that investigations can be conducted by the police force.
Read more: https://www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116577/sacks_of_covid_waste_dumped_in_lija_valley#.YnBkjtpBxPY
PN summons Jason Azzopardi to substantiate donation claim
Former MP given 24 hours to appear in front of the PN's disciplinary body
By Jurgen Balzan
May 1, 2022
Photo: Miguela Xuereb
The Nationalist Party’s administrative council has summoned former MP Jason Azzopardi within the next 24 hours to substantiate the allegations he made on social media before the party’s disciplinary body.
Earlier on Sunday, PN leader Grech announced that the party’s administrative council would urgently meet on Sunday afternoon following suggestions made by the former MP that the he was an obstacle “for those who donated to secure a presidential pardon for their relative.”
Later this afternoon, the party issued a statement which said that the council approved a motion proposed by Grech to have Azzopardi appear in front of the PN’s ethics, discipline and social media commission.
The council made it clear that the disciplinary commission is the only body which can act, investigate, and decide on such allegations.
Grech calls urgent meeting to address Jason Azzopardi’s claims
The claim was made by Azzopardi in reaction to comments Grech made in the latest edition of Andrew Azzopardi on 103 in which the PN leader argued that the former MP needed to accept that every politician had an expiry date and that the public decided to vote him out.
On social media, seemingly addressing Grech, the former MP then said that “you’re comfortable creating an expiry date. Maybe it is because I was an obstacle for those who donated to secure a presidential pardon for their relative?”
Though Azzopardi mentioned no names, his comment appears to be a reference to the family of Yorgen Fenech, the former Tumas Group CEO who has been indicted over the assassination of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
newsbook.com.mt/en/pn-summons-jason-azzopardi-to-substantiate-donation-claim/
Bernard Grech gives Jason Azzopardi 24 hours to backup allegations
Jason Azzopardi alleges funds were received by PN in exchange for a presidential pardon
1 May 2022, 7:43pm
by Luke Vella
PN leader Bernard Grech (left) and Jason Azzopardi
The leader of the Nationalist Party Bernard Grech gave Jason Azzopardi 24 hours to substantiate claims made on social media that PN received donations in exchange for a presidential pardon.
In a statement on Sunday evening the Nationalist Party said that during a meeting of the Administrative Council of the party, Grech presented a motion that within 24 hours Jason Azzopardi must submit and substantiate the allegations before the Ethics, Discipline and Social Media Commission.
The motion was unanimously approved by the members of the council.
"The Administrative Council wants to make it clear that it is for such circumstances that this party has the Ethics, Discipline and Social Media commission, which has the authority to act, investigate and decide on the cases brought before it," PN said.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116541/bernard_grech_gives_jason_azzopardi_24_hours_to_backup_allegations#.Ym8UGdpBxPY
‘We are the people’s government’ – Robert Abela on May Day
By Jurgen Balzan
May 1, 2022
Labour leader Robert Abela promised more “prosperity” in the coming months as he addressed Labour supporters gathered in Valletta for this year’s May Day celebrations.
Bringing the Labour Party’s general conference to an end, Abela walked down the stairs of the Prime Minister’s Office in Castille to address a sizeable crowd of Labour supporters gathered in Valletta.
Over the weekend, Abela was reconfirmed as Labour leader after obtaining 96.7% of the kites cast by party delegates.
Promising a “return to normality,” Abela said “we are ready to implement the electoral pledges in the coming weeks and months. We will continue renewing ourselves and come up with new ideas together with you. Only this will ensure that we remain the future.”
Hailing Malta’s resilience and economic success during the Covid pandemic, Abela said “never has the unemployment level been so low” explaining that less than 1,000 are officially unemployed.
However, Abela said the opportunities will not end as he highlighted the €300 million investments in recent months.
The Labour leader added that the next challenge is to ensure that the education system is in tune with the investments in various specialised sectors such as the manufacturing, printing, aviation, backend technologies, and semiconductor industries.
These quality “careers” are opening new horizons for “our children,” Abela said.
But warning that the country cannot rest on its laurels, Abela said “we will be by your side at every challenge we will face.”
Labour leader Robert Abela secures 96.7% of general conference vote
On the inflationary impact of the war in Ukraine, Abela said “we will not ignore the realities and while solutions are not easy we are taking decisions to safeguard workers.”
This, he said, contrasts with previous PN administrations, which were a “source of suffering,| while Labour government’s are.”a source of support.”
“This is the difference between success and failure. We are the government of the people, we believe in the people, and work in its interests,” Abela said to applause.
Claiming that Malta’s economy is predict to continue growing, Abela said his administration will keep its word and ensure that households and businesses will not see an increase in energy tariffs.
He said government was using taxpayer money to subsidise energy tariffs which have increased tenfold in recent months, to allow businesses to “invest in the people.”
He added that this week the Labour administration approved subsidies “running into the millions” to ensure flour and animal feed price increases are not passed on to consumers.
Despite these challenges, Abela said inflation at Malta is half of the EU average and nowhere near the 2008 inflation under a PN government which was twice as much as the EU average back then.
“This is the greatest proof that our government safeguards workers,” Abela said.
Inflation hit a new peak of 4.5% last month, with rising food prices – a situation aggravated by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine – proving to be the main contributor to this rise. On the other hand, the inflation rate in 2008 stood at 4.26%.
We need to be brave when taking decisions, Abela tells PL delegates
In his first speech to Labour supporters since the colossal electoral victory in March, Abela said Labour’s 1,000 electoral pledges cannot be implemented unless Malta’s economy is thriving.
Calling for unity, Abela said “we need to be humble and open our doors to whoever wants to work for the benefit of the country.”
Addressing voters who abstained during this year’s general election, Abela said “the door is always open.”
“We need to overcome scepticism by being active,” he said, adding that “our heart is also open” for people who voted PN and who are dismayed with the Opposition.
Abela said the Labour “movement” is getting stronger and “every day I come in to work I have the same enthusiasm I had on my first day in office.”
“This is a movement for the people, by the people. A movement of unity… and that is why we keep on winning.”
newsbook.com.mt/en/live-robert-abela-holds-may-day-mass-rally/
Construction mogul and Ħamrun boss Portelli plays for Nadur to clinch Gozo trophy
Magnate and Hamrun Spartans president officially registered as footballer ‘99’ for Nadur Youngsters as they win Gozo first division league trophy
30 April 2022, 5:41pm
by Matthew Vella
Joseph Portelli (right) with son Tristen, the Nadur Youngsters president
Construction mogul Joseph Portelli stepped out his office desk, after having been formally registered into the Malta Football Association’s players system... to play for the former club he was a president of: Nadur Youngsters.
Portelli, now one of Maltese football’s ‘big men’, took his cash from his hometown Nadur to the Maltese premier league to back Hamrun’s 2021 championship bid.
But the Hamrun Spartans president was officially registered as a footballer so that he can play for Nadur Youngsters against Kercem Ajax today Saturday, at 4pm.
The reason, as Net TV’s Replay reported, is so that Portelli can play the last match for Nadur when it will be crowned first division champions and clinch the trophy.
He started off as substitute in the line-up, with number 99. And got to score the 80th minute penalty for Nadur to boot.
Portelli resigned as Nadur Youngsters president in October 2020 to take up the presidency of Hamrun Spartans, leaving his son Tristen as president of Nadur.
See more: www.maltatoday.com.mt/sports/football/116534/construction_mogul_portelli_plays_for_champions_nadur_to_clinch_gozo_trophy#.Ym26_tpBxPY
Umbraged Azzopardi hits back at Grech comment on political ‘expiry date’
‘Everyone’s political journey has an expiry date’ – Bernard Grech on Jason Azzopardi
Last updated on 30 April 2022, 2:58pm
by Luke Vella
A clear rift has emerged between Opposition leader Bernard Grech and the former MP Jason Azzopardi, who yesterday hit back with a barb on social media after Grech suggested Azzopardi’s political journey had reached its own expiry date.
Grech said he recognised all the work done by Jason Azzopardi, who as a lawyer to the Caruana Galizia family was an avowed anti-corruption crusader within the PN. But he said every politician had to accept that their political journey had an expiry date.
Azzopardi failed to get elected on his home constituency in the fourth district, as well as on the ninth district which he contested for the first time, where he was pipped by young candidates in the casual elections.
Edwin and Jason: End of the road for two PN archetypes
But speaking to Andrew Azzopardi on Radio 103 on Friday, Grech “categorically” denied that the party had worked against the campaign of former PN MP Jason Azzopardi, saying that it was up to the electorate to decide when one’s political journey came to an end.
“Everyone has to understand that one’s political journey has an expiry date. Mine will come too and when it does I will be accepting it and move on,” Grech said.
Azzopardi was combative in his reaction on Facebook: “It seems those who read the expiry dates of others often forget their own shelf-life,” he said in a clear reference to Grech.”
He then upped the ante with another statement, claiming he had stopped a donation to the party from somebody seeking a presidential pardon for a relative.
“It’s easy inventing an expiry date. Maybe that was because I was an obstacle to a donation from someone who wanted a presidential pardon for their relative, right?” he said. Azzopardi did not reply to calls from MaltaToday to explain the incident.
See more here:
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116532/jason_azzopardi_bernard_Grech_expiry_date#.Ym28QNpBxPY
Ħallu lill-Mulej ikun hu l-qaddej tagħkom – L-Arċisqof lill-5 djakni ġodda
Minn Owen Teuma
30 ta' April 2022 4:19 PM
L-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna qal lil ħames djakni ġodda biex iħallu lill-Mulej ikun hu l-qaddej tagħhom għax hu ma ġiex biex ikun moqdi imma biex jaqdi u jagħti ħajtu b’fidwa għall-kotra.
Dalgħodu fil-Kon-katidral ta’ San Ġwann saret il-quddiesa tal-ordinazzjoni djakonali ta’ tliet seminaristi u żewġ reliġjużi mill-Arċisqof Charles Scicluna.
Il-ħames djakni ġodda huma: ir-Rev. Gylan Camilleri mill‑Parroċċa ta’ Sant’Anna, Wied il‑Għajn; ir-Rev. Ian Diacono mill‑Parroċċa ta’ Stella Maris, Tas‑Sliema; ir-Rev. Clive Seychell mill‑Parroċċa ta’ San Ġużepp, il‑Kalkara; Fra Manwel Aquilina tal‑Beata Marija tal‑Inkarnazzjoni, tal‑Ordni Karmelitan Tereżjan; u Fra Ian Zammit, tal‑Ordni tal‑Predikaturi.
L-Arċisqof qal lid-djakni li l-Mulej qed jgħidilhom, “Tiddejqux tammettu li għandkom bżonni għax jien għalhekk ġejt: biex inkun qaddej”.
B’referenza għas-Salm Responsorjali li nqara llum, Salm 84, l-Arċisqof qal lid-djakni li d-dar tal-Mulej, jiġifieri l-komunità u l-poplu ta’ Alla, iridu jkunu għeżież ħafna għalihom. Dan filwaqt li jkunu “xhieda tat-tenerezza, tal-kompassjoni u tal-viċinanza tal-Mulej għal kull wieħed u waħda minna.”
Ara iktar hawn: newsbook.com.mt/hallu-lill-mulej-ikun-hu-l-qaddej-taghkom-l-arcisqof-lill-5-djakni-godda/
‘We’re here to better lives, not boast of majorities’ - Robert Abela
Robert Abela addresses party delegates for the first time since the election
29 April 2022,
by Nicole Meilak
Prime Minister Robert Abela told party delegates on Friday that the Labour Party must strengthen itself to better the lives of Maltese and Gozitans, not to boast of majorities during elections.
“We want a strong Labour Party - not so that we can boast of electoral majorities, but above all so that we can better the lives of all Gozitans and Maltese,” he said.
Abela gave his first post-election address to party delegates during the first day of the PL general conference. The conference will serve as a vote of confidence in the party’s leadership - namely Robert Abela as leader, Chris Fearne as deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, and Daniel Micallef as deputy leader for party affairs.
Abela said that Cabinet and the Labour Party’s parliamentary group have already started working to implement its 1,000 manifesto proposals from last month’s election.
But he also urged delegates to reflect and look back on whether the party could have disappointed past supporters in the lead-up to the election.
“This is a process that already started internally. We started doing this through long meetings in the past week where we were strongly and genuinely self-critical. This is a process that we will continue and extend on in the weeks and months to come.”
Earlier in the conference, Health Minister Chris Fearne said that the party must reflect on the fact that 15% of voters did not cast their ballot on election day.
“We need to get these 15% on our side. Even those who are against us, we need to work hard to bring them onboard,” he said.
Labour Party delegates will have until Sunday to confirm Abela, Fearne and Micallef in the leadership roles.
The conference will come to an end on Sunday morning, after which the party will hold a mass gathering to celebrate Workers’ Day.
At the end of his speech, Abela urged supporters to come to the Workers’ Day gathering, noting that it will be the first time under his leadership that the party will be able to celebrate the day en masse due to previous COVID-19 restrictions.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/116529/were_here_to_better_lives_not_boast_of_majorities__robert_abela#.YmxmktpBxPY
It-Tieni Jum Tad-Tridu
Minn Mario Muscat
Quddiesa mmexxija mil-Kappillan ta Kercem Dun Brian Meylak
Ara il video hawn: https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423540685283950/
Jippriedka .l- Arcipriet tax-Xaghra Mons Carmelo Refalo: https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423538118617540/
Click on photos below to enlarge
Minn Mario Muscat
Quddiesa mmexxija mil-Kappillan ta Kercem Dun Brian Meylak
Ara il video hawn: https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423540685283950/
Jippriedka .l- Arcipriet tax-Xaghra Mons Carmelo Refalo: https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423538118617540/
Click on photos below to enlarge
l-ewwel jum tat -tridu
Quddiesa ta l-ewwel jum tat -tridu immexxija mis-Sacerdot novell Dun Mario Mercieca li fiha jiccelebra l-ewwel Quddiesa tieghu fil komunita taghna .Jippriedka .l- Arcipriet tax-Xaghra Mons Carmelo Refalo
Ritratti minn Mario Muscathttps://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423540685283950/
Priedka mill Arcipriet Carmelo Refalo tax-Xaghra.
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423538118617540/
Click on photos below to enlarge
Quddiesa ta l-ewwel jum tat -tridu immexxija mis-Sacerdot novell Dun Mario Mercieca li fiha jiccelebra l-ewwel Quddiesa tieghu fil komunita taghna .Jippriedka .l- Arcipriet tax-Xaghra Mons Carmelo Refalo
Ritratti minn Mario Muscathttps://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423540685283950/
Priedka mill Arcipriet Carmelo Refalo tax-Xaghra.
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96/videos/423538118617540/
Click on photos below to enlarge
Tibda in Novena tal-Festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ramla Valley Extra Virgin Olice Oil
By George Carl Camilleri
Waking up to great news😊 Proud to announce that our Evoo once again has been awarded a Silver medal 🥈 into the First Class Awards @ EVO IOOC international olive oil contest in Italy. A big honour to our brand and to our island. Would like to thank all especially our family members which are of continuous support to us 🥰🙏💪🌿🇲🇹 #ramlavalleyevoo #ramlavalley #nadur #lovegozo #evoolover #loveevoo #evoolovers #islandlife #oliveoillovers #simplelife #oliveoil #olive #olivegarden #gozoisland #visitgozo #insta_visitgozo #feelingproud #evoiooc www.ramlavalley.com
https://www.facebook.com/ramlavalley/posts/2606509042996839
By George Carl Camilleri
Waking up to great news😊 Proud to announce that our Evoo once again has been awarded a Silver medal 🥈 into the First Class Awards @ EVO IOOC international olive oil contest in Italy. A big honour to our brand and to our island. Would like to thank all especially our family members which are of continuous support to us 🥰🙏💪🌿🇲🇹 #ramlavalleyevoo #ramlavalley #nadur #lovegozo #evoolover #loveevoo #evoolovers #islandlife #oliveoillovers #simplelife #oliveoil #olive #olivegarden #gozoisland #visitgozo #insta_visitgozo #feelingproud #evoiooc www.ramlavalley.com
https://www.facebook.com/ramlavalley/posts/2606509042996839
Mt. Etna from beautiful Dahlet Qorrot Bay
By Alessio Sultana
By Alessio Sultana
The statue ready in the basilica
By Mario Muscat
By Mario Muscat
The Basilica of Nadur Yesterday
Photo by Mario Muscat
Photo by Mario Muscat
Jitnizzlu l-linef ghal festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Jibda jintrama l-Altar tal- kor ghal festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Il-villagg Tal-Hali fin-Nadur jizzejjen ghal festa
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Nadur in pictures
Dahlet Qorrot Bay
Photo by Mario Muscat
Dahlet Qorrot Bay
Photo by Mario Muscat
L' artal tas-Sagrament fin-Nadur
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Ritratt minn Mario Muscat
Qala windmill and Nadur skyline under a misty sunset
By Alessio Sultana
By Alessio Sultana
Fountain at Xandriku Street
Photo by Mario Muscat
Photo by Mario Muscat
Il vara ta' San Pietru u San Pawl mahduma minn Galard f' Marseille
Il vara ta San Pietru u San Pawl tan Nadur Ghawdex ingibet min Franza fil 1882. F dan ir ritat narawa kif kienet meta waslet l Ispirtu Santu zdied xi snin wara .
Dan ir ritrat grazzi lil Darren Vella
Il vara ta San Pietru u San Pawl tan Nadur Ghawdex ingibet min Franza fil 1882. F dan ir ritat narawa kif kienet meta waslet l Ispirtu Santu zdied xi snin wara .
Dan ir ritrat grazzi lil Darren Vella
IL-KONSAGRAZZJONI TAL-KNISJA
Il-lum, 12 ta’ Mejju jaħbat il-153 sena mill-konsagrazzjoni tal-knisja.
Il-Konsagrazzjoni ssir billi l-artal jindilek biż-żejt u jitwaħħlu dawk is-slaleb ta’ madwar il-knisja. Il-Konsagrazzjoni tfisser li dik l-art u l-binja tal-knisja ġew mogħtijin lil Alla.
Bħalissa lanqas nistgħu nersqu wisq lejn il-knisja. Nistennew il-jum li nerġgħu niltaqgħu hemm. Sadanittant il-knisja kkonsagrata hija kull wieħed u waħda minna li qed nippruvaw inkunu Knisja fid-dar tagħna.
Il-lum, 12 ta’ Mejju jaħbat il-153 sena mill-konsagrazzjoni tal-knisja.
Il-Konsagrazzjoni ssir billi l-artal jindilek biż-żejt u jitwaħħlu dawk is-slaleb ta’ madwar il-knisja. Il-Konsagrazzjoni tfisser li dik l-art u l-binja tal-knisja ġew mogħtijin lil Alla.
Bħalissa lanqas nistgħu nersqu wisq lejn il-knisja. Nistennew il-jum li nerġgħu niltaqgħu hemm. Sadanittant il-knisja kkonsagrata hija kull wieħed u waħda minna li qed nippruvaw inkunu Knisja fid-dar tagħna.
MOMORJI SBIEH TAL-HADD 25 GUNJU, 1967
Il-Parrocca tan-Nadur giet mgħollija ghad Dinjita ta' Bazilika
Ritratt kortesija ta' Mario Muscat - Nadur
Il-Parrocca tan-Nadur giet mgħollija ghad Dinjita ta' Bazilika
Ritratt kortesija ta' Mario Muscat - Nadur
MEMORIES OF THE PAST IN NADUR
Courtesy of Mario Muscat - Nadur
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Courtesy of Mario Muscat - Nadur
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
Interesting picture of Nadur from the air
Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/nadurghawdex/
Mill lum c-centru tan-Nadur jerga jiehu ftit hajja meta mistennija jifthu certu hwienet. Dan wara li ghall-ahhar kwazi xahrejn kienu qed jifthu biss l-bank, spizeriji u hwienet tal-ikel, stationery u ironmongeries.
Nappellaw lil kulhadd biex xorta wahda jimxi mad-direttivi kollha tal-awtoritajiet tas-sahha u nirrispettaw lil xulxin.
Courtesy of https://www.facebook.com/nadurghawdex/
Mill lum c-centru tan-Nadur jerga jiehu ftit hajja meta mistennija jifthu certu hwienet. Dan wara li ghall-ahhar kwazi xahrejn kienu qed jifthu biss l-bank, spizeriji u hwienet tal-ikel, stationery u ironmongeries.
Nappellaw lil kulhadd biex xorta wahda jimxi mad-direttivi kollha tal-awtoritajiet tas-sahha u nirrispettaw lil xulxin.
The stripes flag to commemorate the Parish birthday in Nadur
Beautiful San Blas
By Mario Muscat
By Mario Muscat
Canon Anton Meilaq passes away. Very much humble priest.
RIP.
http://www.nadurjana.com/in-memoriam.html
Għadu kemm ħalliena l-Kan. Anton Meilak, mill-Parroċċa ta' San Pietru u San Pawl, in-Nadur, fl-età ta' 89 sena, li dan l-aħħar kien residenti fid-Dar tal-Kleru, Malta.
Il-funeral tiegħu ser isir għada: l-Isqof Mario Grech ser jippresiedi waqt id-difna privata fiċ-Ċimiterju tan-Nadur.
Agħtih, o Mulej, il-mistrieħ ta' dejjem.
RIP.
http://www.nadurjana.com/in-memoriam.html
Għadu kemm ħalliena l-Kan. Anton Meilak, mill-Parroċċa ta' San Pietru u San Pawl, in-Nadur, fl-età ta' 89 sena, li dan l-aħħar kien residenti fid-Dar tal-Kleru, Malta.
Il-funeral tiegħu ser isir għada: l-Isqof Mario Grech ser jippresiedi waqt id-difna privata fiċ-Ċimiterju tan-Nadur.
Agħtih, o Mulej, il-mistrieħ ta' dejjem.
NADUR IN PICTURES
By Mario Muscat
Click on the pictures below to enlarge.
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96
By Mario Muscat
Click on the pictures below to enlarge.
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96
F' dan il-mument in-Nadurin huma mitluba jzommu fit-talb taghhom lill-Kan Dun Anton Meilaq
Dun Anton serva fil-parrocca tan-Nadur ghal snin twal u bhalissa jinsab fid-Dar tal-Kleru f' Birkirkara.
Ghandu bzonn it-talb taghna.
Dun Anton serva fil-parrocca tan-Nadur ghal snin twal u bhalissa jinsab fid-Dar tal-Kleru f' Birkirkara.
Ghandu bzonn it-talb taghna.
NADUR IN PICTURES
By Mario Muscat
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
By Mario Muscat
https://www.facebook.com/nadur.ghawdex.96
Click on pictures below to enlarge.
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.
Old farm house in Upper Ramla
Photo by Mario Muscat
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
