Email:peter@nadurjana.com Facebook Nadurjana and Peter Portelli
Tuesday, 7 February, 2012
Shop owners fail to get concession to open on St Paul's feast day
The GRTU said this afternoon that shop owners' hopes of being able to open on February 10 (The feast of St Paul's Shipwreck) have been 'destroyed by bureaucracy'. "Following last year's controversy on the opening of shops on public holidays that fall close to special occasions which are deemed to be very important shopping days, where the GRTU strongly advocated for the outlets to be given the opportunity to open without the legal obligation to pay €700 euros per shop, there seemed to be an agreed commitment by Government that during 2012 the issue would have been managed over a whole year basis," the GRTU said. The GRTU said it had therefore presented its request, which is viewed as a simple formality as bureaucrats also have access to calendars.It had been informed, however, that in spite of last year's commitment, the government had still failed to decided in time to allow shops to open on February 10. It said this was an important shopping day in view of Valentines Day. "The GRTU therefore regretfully informs all shops who had planned to open on 10th February that they may have to incur the extra charge if they are not already exempt as Government has refused GRTU's request on behalf of all retailers who wished to open." Cardinal-elect arrives for ordination
Cardinal-elect Mgr Prospero Grech OSA arrived in Malta today, two days before he will be ordained bishop at St John's Co-Cathedral. He will be made Cardinal during a ceremony at the Vatican on February 18. Mgr Grech was welcomed by Archbishop Paul Cremona, Apostolic Nuncio Tommaso Caputo and Archbishop Emeritus Guzeppi Mercieca. Bus incident - Driver loses his job and ends up in courtLGBT Labour calls for modern law against hate crime
Monday, 6 February, 2012
Transport of corpses between Malta and Gozo
Whenever a resident of Gozo dies in Malta or a Maltese resident dies in Gozo, the family face a number of difficulties to have the corpse transported to the place of residence. One of the problems is the coffin has to be lined in tin. Is this necessary, when considering the short distance between the two islands? Another problem is Gozo Channel does not transport corpses. A private boat must be hired. I never understood why this should be. The hearse carrying the corpse should be allowed to cross over by Gozo Channel ferries. If a person dies abroad, the corpse is more easily transferred to Malta than between the two islands. The Health Minister ought to look into the matter and make things less difficult for the family of the deceased, who would be going through a stressful time already as it is. I want your vote only if you believe I really deserve it - Gonzi
Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi this morning reiterated his call to party councillors to judge him by his actions in the vote of party leadership later on this month. Speaking in Gozo this morning, Dr Gonzi said: "The PN is not bound to power but to the people's confidence. This is the major difference between the PN and the PL. "Judge me not by what I say but by what I do. Now is the moment of truth. I appreciate the privilege of having been given the responsibility to lead the party but because I am not bound to power I ask you to judge my leadership in secret. "Irrelevant of whether or not others contest me, I want your vote to be an honest one, and that is why it is being taken in secret. I only want your vote if you believe I really deserve it, Dr Gonzi said, insisting that he and his colleagues had been appointed to serve the people. Earlier, Dr Gonzi said that Labour leader Joseph Muscat was being influenced to take bad decisions by the extremists within his party. Dr Muscat had initially said he did not want to call for a guillotine motion, something which dated back to the years of extreme socialism. And although Dr Muscat now admitted that 1981 government was morally wrong, he still defended the people who militated within the party at the time, including Marie Louise Coleiro, Leo Brincat, Karmenu Vella and Alex Sciberras Trigona. As it had done with the EU referendum vote, the PL lost the vote on its no confidence motion in Parliament but Dr Muscat came out saying he won. Rector tells of distress over school
The rector of a Church-run secondary school in Pietà has spoken of his frustration after the planning authority turned down an application by St Augustine’s College to build an adjoining primary school. The construction of the school, which would have taken around 300 pupils, forms part of the education reform and a €20 million Church expansion project where five of its schools will incorporate both educational levels. Rector Alan Scerri said: “This decision will frustrate parents – especially those who have other children at the college.” Parents have already started submitting applications for the 1,792 vacancies in Church schools for the next scholastic year. However, as a result of the authority’s decision only 974 places for boys will be available instead of 1,124. St Augustine’s had already taken on 150 boys of primary school age last year who were being taught at the Archbishop’s Seminary in Tal-Virtu’ in Rabat until the new school was ready. They will be absorbed by the Church. Fr Scerri said the planning application for the primary school had encountered a number of delays which jeopardised the agreement with education authorities related to the 2012/2013 intake of students. Parents who wanted their children “to have their education in a school with a particular ethos feel frustrated, disappointed and stripped of a right that is theirs,” Fr Scerri added. Once a primary school, St Augustine’s College now functions as a secondary school with 450 students. The proposed primary school had been recommended for refusal from the outset by the case officer, who said the design and height were unacceptable and would give rise to overdevelopment. Asked whether the college would appeal the planning authority’s decision, Fr Scerri said the Augustinian Province was considering it. “The Augustinian Friars and the college’s educational community firmly believe in the benefits and the great sense of social justice that the proposed reform will yield once it is in place,” he said. News from the USA Romney rolls to easy win in Nevada caucuses REPUBLICAN presidential front-runner Mitt Romney has cruised to victory in the Nevada caucuse, notching a second straight triumph over a field of rivals suddenly struggling to keep pace. The caucuses drew little attention in the nominating campaign, but Nevada figures to be a fierce battleground in November between the winner of the Republican nomination and Democrat President Barack Obama. The state's unemployment rate was measured at 12.6 per cent in December, the worst in the US. Mr Romney, the former Massachusetts governor, held a double-digit lead over his nearest pursuer as the totals mounted in a state where fellow Mormons accounted for roughly a quarter of all caucus-goers. Former House of Representatives speaker Newt Gingrich and Texas Representative Ron Paul vied for a distant second. Former Pennsylvania senator Rick Santorum trailed the field. Returns from 13 of 17 counties showed Mr Romney with 43 per cent support, Mr Gingrich with 24 per cent, Mr Paul with 20 per cent and Mr Santorum with 13 per cent. Yet to report its results was Clark County, which includes Las Vegas and often accounts for half or more of the votes in a statewide election. Mr Romney's victory capped a week that began with his double-digit win in the Florida primary. That contest was as intense as Nevada's caucuses were sedate - so quiet that they produced little television advertising, no candidate debates and only a modest investment of time by the contenders. In 2008, Mr Romney was victorious in the Nevada caucuses thanks in part to overwhelming support from his fellow Mormons. Preliminary results of a poll of Nevada Republicans entering their caucuses showed that nearly half said the most important consideration in their decision was a candidate's ability to defeat Obama this fall, a finding in line with other states. Mr Romney campaigned yesterday in Colorado, but was planning to return to Nevada later in the day.
Sunday, 5 February, 2012
SUNDAY REQUEST PROGRAM Two hours of your favourite songs. Today on Radio Nadurjana. Enjoy. Ahbarijiet minn Nadur QUDDIESA FIĊ-ĊIMITERJU L-ĠDID Imwiet: La Valette celebrates his birthday
Grand Master Jean Parisot de la Valette's 517th birthday was celebrated in Valletta today. Valletta Living History organised a public commemoration of this day together with a number of entities in Valletta. The Societa Filarmonica La Valette set off from St Paul Street and headed to Great Siege Square where it will met up with re-enactors representing La Valette and his men. A big cake was prepared by the Tanti family who run Number 11 Café in the Embassy Complex and an open 'party' was held with attendees being given out to those present. Il-Prim Ministru jżur numru ta' għaqdiet komunitarji fil-Munxar
Akkumpanjat mis-Sinjura Kate Gonzi, mis-Segretarju Ġenerali tal-PN Paul Borg Olivier, mill-Assistent Segretarju Generali Jean Pierre Debono, mill-Ministri Giovanna Debono u Chris Said u mill-Assistent Parlamentari Frederick Azzopardi, il-Prim Ministru żar fost l-oħrajn lis-Sorijiet Tal-Karita', u anke lill-Kappillan Dun Michael Said. Żar ukoll numru ta' residenzi u ħwienet fil-lokalita'. Il-qofol tal-attivitajiet f'Għawdex jintlaħqu għada fil-11am bid-Djalogu f'Tiġrija Palazz, ir-Rabat u wara bl-Ikla tal-Ħbieb fil-lukanda Calypso, Marsalforn. Maġġoranza tal-PL fil-Gżira…
ANGRY Julia Gillard backers have challenged Kevin Rudd to "bring it on" when he returns to Australia tomorrow - and have predicted any leadership putsch will fail. The Foreign Affairs Minister is jetting out of Germany this morning, after a marathon international travel trip to spend just over 24 hours at the Munich Security Conference. As one of the Prime Minister's most loyal supporters yesterday confided they feared the momentum for a leadership spill was now "unstoppable", Ms Gillard spent the day holed up at The Lodge. Queensland MP Bernie Ripoll, a Gillard loyalist, issued a public challenge for the agitators to bring it on amid speculation that Wayne Swan, Ms Gillard and other frontbenchers might refuse to serve Mr Rudd if he's re-elected by caucus. "Let them call for a spill," Mr Ripoll said. "Let's see who commands the numbers in caucus. Let's just do it. "They won't - and I will tell you why. They don't have the numbers." The Gillard camp believes Mr Rudd's support could be as low as 20 in the 103-member caucus. Labor MPs will descend on Canberra today for a three-hour talkfest in the ALP caucus room followed by a barbecue at The Lodge where the Prime Minister will talk up the tax cuts and welfare increases that will flow to families from May to compensate for the carbon tax. Despite rampant speculation, both sides are playing down the prospect of a clash next week. But they concede the atmosphere is "volatile" and "febrile", and could lead to a clash before the March 24 Queensland election or soon after in a special meeting of ALP caucus. A gun-toting independent MP Bob Katter also used the Queensland launch of his firearms policy yesterday to bolster Mr Rudd's credentials, hinting he would "most certainly" be open to considering a deal with a future Rudd government. "Everybody knows that Kevin and I are friends and have been mates," he said. "I have great respect for him." Mr Katter's comments followed independent MP Rob Oakeshott's warning that dumping Ms Gillard would be a "breach of contract" with the independents who helped Labor form government and he would renegotiate his deal to support the Labor Government. The Foreign Affairs Minister's backers yesterday claimed Cabinet was now split over a Rudd resurrection with one minister predicting MPs regarded as loyal to the Prime Minister, including Anthony Albanese, Greg Combet, Mark Butler and Penny Wong, were "soft" and would go to Mr Rudd when push came to shove. Chris Bowen, Martin Ferguson and Robert McClelland are already being counted in the Rudd camp. A Rudd campaign insider said yesterday the ALP caucus had "the biggest dose of cabin fever since the Voyage of the Damned". But a senior Victorian Labor MP dismissed Mr Rudd as a wrecker who would never marshal the numbers. The MP, a firm Gillard supporter, estimated Mr Rudd's camp probably numbered no more than 20 members of caucus. He dismissed estimates yesterday that divided caucus 47 votes to Ms Gillard, 32 to Mr Rudd with 24 undecided as about "as accurate as an East German five-year economic forecast".
Saturday, 4 February, 2012
TONIGHT ON THE SUNDAY PROGRAM George Sammut will be featuring a new artist every month. Starting this month, George will feature his teenage favourite singer Paul Anka. Enjoy.
Gozo Channel’s largest vessel M.V. Malita back in service
The refurbishment works touched on various public areas, including th cafeteria, lounge, lobby and restrooms while the marine maintenance works included an major overhaul of the main propulsion system of the vessel including the electric drive motors and thrusters. The works saw a total capital investment of €750,000. The refurbishment of the 10-year-old vessel took place in the Palumbo Shipyards commencing on 5th January 2012 and completed according to the planned schedule of works on 4th February 2012. Commenting on the works on the M.V. Malita, Gozo Channel Company Limited, Acting Chairman, Vincent Mifsud said that “the maintenance and refurbishment works forms part of our commitment to ensure that the Company’s vessels are in ship shape condition at all times. This on-going investment will continue to enhance our drive to improve the level of service we offer to our customers.” Mr Mifsud added that “To compensate for the decrease in vehicle capacity during the docking of the M.V. Malita, the Company made new arrangements to the schedule to include three additional trips on weekdays. This helped to ensure a smooth and efficient service for the benefit of our commuters.” Mr Mifsud also announced that after the carnival period when the company will be expecting increased traffic, Gozo Channel will be docking the vessel M.V. Ta’ Pinu for both routine maintenance works and the installation of a hoistable deck on the vessel. This is part of Gozo Channel’s efforts and investment to increase the capacity on all its fleet thereby enhancing efficiency and the level of service to its customers. The MV Malita has a total overall length of 86 metres and is 18 metres wide. Its gross tonnage amounts 4,894 Kgs and has a passenger capacity of 900 persons and a car capacity of 150 when the hoistable car deck is operative. Maltese truck driver arrested in Catania
A Maltese truck driver and two Italians were today arrested by Italian police in Catania and charged with smuggling endangered exotic birds to Malta, ANSA news agency reported. Investigators confiscated 200 birds, which were given to a wildlife rescue centre for eventual release, and $1,320. It is believed the suspects hoped to sell the birds in Malta. Man charged with raping wife A 49-year-old man was this morning remanded in custody after he pleaded not guilty to raping his wife, seriously injuring her when he punched her in the face and threatening her. Sources said attack took place in the couple's matrimonial home in Qrendi after she refused to have sex with the man, who arrived home drunk. Acquitted of raping 14-year-old A 38-year-old man was today acquitted of raping a 14-year-old girl in January. Joseph Spiteri was also acquitted of offending public morals. In her judgment, Magistrate Jacqueline Padovani said the case hinged on the credibility of the alleged victim, whose testimony was riddled with holes and could not be considered trustworthy for several reasons. The girl and Mr Spiteri, then 29, met on the bus Mr Spiteri was driving on Christmas Eve in 2003. The girl was friendly and asked Mr Spiteri for his number before she left. She kept in contact with him and told him she was physically abused by her father and once asked him to drop her at a shelter in Gozo. While at Mount Carmel, the girl told the police that she and Mr Spiteri used to go for a drink at Marsascala and then have sex in his bus. Magistrate Padovani said that recounting the events that were supposed to have taken place did not evoke any type of emotion from the victim. Her account was incoherent and inconsistent with the information she had given the police, professionals and her parents. For while she told her father that she had been having sex against her will, she told the police and professionals that she had been a willing partner. The girl, who suffers from schizophrenia, had made several serious allegations about a number of people, including that her father had sexually abused her since she was four years old, that she was physically abused by both her parents, that her 75-year-old grandmother hit her with a belt and left her hungry and that her occupational therapist also abused her. The professionals who had been involved in her care were cautious and confirmed that the girl was a good liar. In spite of her illness, her psychiatrist certified her fit to attend court, plead and testify. Mark Vassallo and Chris Cardona appeared for Mr Spiteri. Organisations against calls for continuation of talks on feasts' agreement
The Ghaqda Nazzjonali Armar tal-Festi fit-Toroq has written to the ecclesiastical authorities requesting them to reply to its request for discussions to continue on pending matters in an agreement on feasts. An agreement has already been signed between the Curia and the Ghaqda Kazini tal-Banda, which agreement was not recognised by the GhNAFT and which, it said, was not bound to follow. News from Melbourne Super cam nabs drivers on phones and without seatbelts from 600m away
THE world's most advanced speed camera - so accurate it can catch you using a mobile phone or not wearing a seatbelt from 600m away - is being assessed for Victoria. Victoria Police yesterday told the Herald Sun it was "watching with interest" the beefed-up laser camera's introduction in Britain. The $18,500 Concept II laser speed camera is being used by police in Dorset as the latest tool in their zero-tolerance approach to driving offences. As well as checking speed, the device's camera resolution is reported to be sharp enough to pick out an unbuckled belt at a range of up to 600m. The camera is able to record both a still image and video evidence to DVD. Critics say the camera is just another way to boost revenue. But a spokeswoman said Victoria Police was monitoring the development of the super camera. "We have not tested or seen this technology in Victoria, but we watch the overseas testing with interest," she said. Local police and road authorities have been battling for years to discourage people from driving while talking on phones. Last month alone police detected 5734 mobile-phone driving offences and 3584 seatbelt breaches in their 52-day holiday road blitz. Road safety campaigners have called for the new technology to be tested in Victoria. Working Against Culpable Driving co-founder Penny Martin, whose son Josh was killed by a hoon, said the camera could help cut the road toll. "If there's already technology around the world doing this sort of thing there's no reason we shouldn't trial it," she said. "People might say it's all about raising money, but these things aren't in place to inconvenience drivers; they're there to stop people dying." TAC road safety manager Samantha Cockfield said it would also monitor the effect on road trauma after it was introduced by Dorset Police. "We know from evaluations of previous automated enforcement technologies how successful they can be in reducing the number and severity of injury crashes," she said. The two cameras being used in Dorset in the south of England are not yet recording video evidence, but have already caught some bizarre behaviour on stills. Project manager Brian Austin said one driver was caught playing a harmonica using both hands. "He thought he was driving quite successfully while playing the instrument," he said. What the Concept II laser speed camera can do * Detects speed, seatbelt and mobile phone offences
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Listen to the Sunday Program of 29 January 2012. Click here 
Guzeppi Said mix-Xaghra. Klikkja hawn 
Toni Attard il-Bukkac. Ghana Fatt bejn il Haj u il Mejjet. Klikkja hawn 
Fr. Robert Galea sings Reach Out. Click here 
Il-Knisja tghallimna: Programm imtella minn Mons. Salv Muscat ex-Arcipriet tan-Nadur. 
By Carmel Saliba- Victoria, Gozo.
Bħala parti mill-attivitajiet li l-Partit Nazzjonalista qed jorganizza fi tmiem din il-ġimgħa f'Għawdex, il-Prim Ministru u Kap tal-Partit Nazzjonalista Lawrence Gonzi żar numru ta' għaqdiet komunitarji fil-Munxar. 
Tliet prijoritajiet ewlenin
Foreign Minister Kevin Rudd with German Defence Minister Mr Thomas de Maiziere Picture: Weber Wolfgang Source: Herald Sun
Prime Minister Julia Gillard. Picture: Ray Strange Source: Herald Sun
