Now playing the Sunday Program
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
Sunday 10 May 2026
Sunday request program presented by Peter Paul Portelli, Pauline Zahra and George Sammut.
Sunday 10 May 2026
Omelija tal-Hadd minn Mons. Salv Muscat
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Feast in Malta this week
- 17th – St. Anthony, Birkirkara
- 18th – The Annunciation of Mary Gudja
- 21st – Saint Rita Birkirkara (St Helen Church)
- 22nd – Saint Rita, Valletta (St Augustine Church)
Ara: Ir-residenti evakwati fin-Naxxar jitħallew jidħlu lura f’darhom
Aġġornat 10:19 PMPerit imqabbad mill-BCA jgħid li m’hemm l-ebda periklu għar-residen
Minn Neil Camilleri
-
15 ta' Mejju 2026
Residenti ta’ żewġ blokok fin-Naxxar li ġew evakwati lbieraħ filgħaxija tħallew jidħlu lura fi djarhom wara li periti indipendenti mqabbad mill-Awtorità tal-Bini u l-Kostruzzjoni sabu li me kien hemm l-ebda riskju għar-residenzi tagħhom.
Ir-residenti ġew evakwati lbieraħ wara li ċedew pedamenti ta’ parti mill-kumpless residenzjali li għadha taħt kostruzzjoni. Din il-parti tinsab madwar mitt metru ‘l bogħod mir-residenzi tagħhom.
Ritratt: Neil CamilleriNumru ta’ residenti qalu ma’ Newsbook Malta li kienu rrabjati hekk ma ngħatawx ċans jieħdu affarijiet essenzjali jew joħorġu l-karozzi tagħhom mill-garaxxijiet. Qalu li l-BCA offrietilhom akkomodazzjoni f’lukanda, iżda kien hemm min għażel li joqgħod ma’ xi qraba.
Ir-residenti qalu wkoll li ilhom snin jirrappurtaw problemi b’rabta mal-proġett ta’ kostruzzjoni. Apparti minn hekk, bankina qrib is-sit, u li tinsab eżatt maż-żewġ blokok evakwati, niżlet b’madwar żewġ pulzieri. Madanakollu ma nstabet l-ebda ħsara fil-blokok infushom.
Ritratt: Laura GaleaWara li saret spezzjoni minn perit indipendenti mqabbad mill-BCA ir-residenti ġew infurmati li setgħu jidħlu lura fi djarhom. Madanakollu r-residenti talbu li ssir dikjarazzjoni f’dan is-sens bil-miktub, u li kull xahrejn issir spezzjoni tas-sit kollu, inkluż il-parti fejn seħħ il-kollass. Huma ġew imwegħda li se jirċievi d-dikjarazzjoni b’imejl sal-lejla.
Kelliem għall-Ministeru tal-Ġustizzja u r-Riforma tas-Settur tal-Kostruzzjoni ċċara li r-residenti ngħataw ftit tal-ħin biex jieħdu xi affarijiet għalkemm l-evakwazzjoni kellha ssir b’ċertu ħeffa għal raġunijiet ta’ sigurtà.
Stqarrija tal-BCA
Aktar kmieni llum twettqet spezzjoni dettaljata fuq is-sit inkwistjoni. L-uffiċjali tal-BCA, flimkien mar-rappreżentanti tal-OHSA, periti tal-awtoritajiet konċernati, perit indipendenti kif ukoll il-periti tal-iżviluppatur, aċċedew għas-sit fejn saru diversi investigazzjonijiet tekniċi fuq il-binja.
Wara l-kostatazzjonijiet ipprovduti minn Dr Adrian Mifsud, Geotechnical Engineer ingaġġat bħala espert indipendenti mill-Awtorità, il-BCA kkonfermat li l-binjiet li jinsabu barra mis-sit tal-kostruzzjoni huma siguri. Saret spezzjoni wkoll fis-sit fejn qed isir ix-xogħol ta’ kostruzzjoni flimkien mal-Professur Alex Torpiano, espert ingaġġat mill-iżviluppatur. Għaldaqstant, il-familji li kienu ġew evakwati bħala miżura ta’ prekawzjoni jistgħu jirritornaw lura fid-djar tagħhom.
Madankollu, l-Awtorità, f’konsultazzjoni mal-esperti, tqis li għadu prematur biex l-appartamenti u strutturi li jinsabu fis-sit inkwistjoni u li kien qed jintużaw jergghu jiġi okkupat f’dan l-istadju.
Il-Ħamis filgħaxija ġew evakwati total ta’ 13-il familja bħala miżura ta’ prekawzjoni. Il-BCA, flimkien ma’ awtoritajiet oħra, tibqa’ impenjata li tħares id-drittijiet u s-sigurtà tal-partijiet kollha, u qed tadotta approċċ proattiv. L-evakwazzjoni li saret nhar il-Ħamis kienet miżura ta’ prekawzjoni proattiva sabiex tiġi żgurata s-sigurtà ta’ terzi persuni sakemm issir valutazzjoni komprensiva tas-sit u tal-binjiet fil-viċinanzi.
Fuq is-sit inkwistjoni fin-Naxxar il-BCA wettqet total ta’ 110 spezzjoni, ħarġet 71 struzzjoni bil-miktub rigward xogħlijiet ta’ kostruzzjoni, u ħarġet ukoll 7 multi u kontravenzjonijiet. Dan abbażi ta’ rapporti li waslu għandu dwar is-sit u kif ukoll abbażi ta’ spezzjonijiet, investigazzjonijiet mwettqa mill-istess Awtorità.
Is-sit għadu taħt investigazzjoni, filwaqt li l-awtoritajiet qed iżommu kuntatt kontinwu mal-familji konċernati u mal-partijiet kollha involuti.
newsbook.com.mt/ir-residenti-evakwati-fin-naxxar-jithallew-jidhlu-lura-fdarhom/
Aġġornat 10:19 PMPerit imqabbad mill-BCA jgħid li m’hemm l-ebda periklu għar-residen
Minn Neil Camilleri
-
15 ta' Mejju 2026
Residenti ta’ żewġ blokok fin-Naxxar li ġew evakwati lbieraħ filgħaxija tħallew jidħlu lura fi djarhom wara li periti indipendenti mqabbad mill-Awtorità tal-Bini u l-Kostruzzjoni sabu li me kien hemm l-ebda riskju għar-residenzi tagħhom.
Ir-residenti ġew evakwati lbieraħ wara li ċedew pedamenti ta’ parti mill-kumpless residenzjali li għadha taħt kostruzzjoni. Din il-parti tinsab madwar mitt metru ‘l bogħod mir-residenzi tagħhom.
Ritratt: Neil CamilleriNumru ta’ residenti qalu ma’ Newsbook Malta li kienu rrabjati hekk ma ngħatawx ċans jieħdu affarijiet essenzjali jew joħorġu l-karozzi tagħhom mill-garaxxijiet. Qalu li l-BCA offrietilhom akkomodazzjoni f’lukanda, iżda kien hemm min għażel li joqgħod ma’ xi qraba.
Ir-residenti qalu wkoll li ilhom snin jirrappurtaw problemi b’rabta mal-proġett ta’ kostruzzjoni. Apparti minn hekk, bankina qrib is-sit, u li tinsab eżatt maż-żewġ blokok evakwati, niżlet b’madwar żewġ pulzieri. Madanakollu ma nstabet l-ebda ħsara fil-blokok infushom.
Ritratt: Laura GaleaWara li saret spezzjoni minn perit indipendenti mqabbad mill-BCA ir-residenti ġew infurmati li setgħu jidħlu lura fi djarhom. Madanakollu r-residenti talbu li ssir dikjarazzjoni f’dan is-sens bil-miktub, u li kull xahrejn issir spezzjoni tas-sit kollu, inkluż il-parti fejn seħħ il-kollass. Huma ġew imwegħda li se jirċievi d-dikjarazzjoni b’imejl sal-lejla.
Kelliem għall-Ministeru tal-Ġustizzja u r-Riforma tas-Settur tal-Kostruzzjoni ċċara li r-residenti ngħataw ftit tal-ħin biex jieħdu xi affarijiet għalkemm l-evakwazzjoni kellha ssir b’ċertu ħeffa għal raġunijiet ta’ sigurtà.
Stqarrija tal-BCA
Aktar kmieni llum twettqet spezzjoni dettaljata fuq is-sit inkwistjoni. L-uffiċjali tal-BCA, flimkien mar-rappreżentanti tal-OHSA, periti tal-awtoritajiet konċernati, perit indipendenti kif ukoll il-periti tal-iżviluppatur, aċċedew għas-sit fejn saru diversi investigazzjonijiet tekniċi fuq il-binja.
Wara l-kostatazzjonijiet ipprovduti minn Dr Adrian Mifsud, Geotechnical Engineer ingaġġat bħala espert indipendenti mill-Awtorità, il-BCA kkonfermat li l-binjiet li jinsabu barra mis-sit tal-kostruzzjoni huma siguri. Saret spezzjoni wkoll fis-sit fejn qed isir ix-xogħol ta’ kostruzzjoni flimkien mal-Professur Alex Torpiano, espert ingaġġat mill-iżviluppatur. Għaldaqstant, il-familji li kienu ġew evakwati bħala miżura ta’ prekawzjoni jistgħu jirritornaw lura fid-djar tagħhom.
Madankollu, l-Awtorità, f’konsultazzjoni mal-esperti, tqis li għadu prematur biex l-appartamenti u strutturi li jinsabu fis-sit inkwistjoni u li kien qed jintużaw jergghu jiġi okkupat f’dan l-istadju.
Il-Ħamis filgħaxija ġew evakwati total ta’ 13-il familja bħala miżura ta’ prekawzjoni. Il-BCA, flimkien ma’ awtoritajiet oħra, tibqa’ impenjata li tħares id-drittijiet u s-sigurtà tal-partijiet kollha, u qed tadotta approċċ proattiv. L-evakwazzjoni li saret nhar il-Ħamis kienet miżura ta’ prekawzjoni proattiva sabiex tiġi żgurata s-sigurtà ta’ terzi persuni sakemm issir valutazzjoni komprensiva tas-sit u tal-binjiet fil-viċinanzi.
Fuq is-sit inkwistjoni fin-Naxxar il-BCA wettqet total ta’ 110 spezzjoni, ħarġet 71 struzzjoni bil-miktub rigward xogħlijiet ta’ kostruzzjoni, u ħarġet ukoll 7 multi u kontravenzjonijiet. Dan abbażi ta’ rapporti li waslu għandu dwar is-sit u kif ukoll abbażi ta’ spezzjonijiet, investigazzjonijiet mwettqa mill-istess Awtorità.
Is-sit għadu taħt investigazzjoni, filwaqt li l-awtoritajiet qed iżommu kuntatt kontinwu mal-familji konċernati u mal-partijiet kollha involuti.
newsbook.com.mt/ir-residenti-evakwati-fin-naxxar-jithallew-jidhlu-lura-fdarhom/
Don’t let party loyalty ‘blind you,’ PN candidate Borg Manche urges Labourites in first speech
Former Labour mayor Conrad Borg Manche addresses first party event as Nationalist candidate
13 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Nationalist Party candidate and former Labour mayor in Gzira Conrad Borg Manche (Photo: PN)
Former Labour mayor Conrad Borg Manche used his first address as a Nationalist Party candidate to appeal directly to Labour supporters, urging them to “open your eyes” and not let party loyalty blind them “from what is happening.”
Speaking during a PN event in Qormi, Borg Manche said switching political allegiance was not easy, but insisted the country could no longer remain divided “while those in power do as they please with the country.”
“I know what it feels like to be betrayed,” he told supporters, drawing loud applause. “I know what it feels like to see a party taken over by a group of people only interested in filling their pockets, and personal power.”
Borg Manche, who served as Labour mayor of Gżira for nine years, said he did not join the PN over “political colours”, arguing that colours “do little to solve people’s problems.” Instead, he said his move was driven by principles and disillusionment with Labour.
He accused the government of prioritising businessmen over residents, citing the controversy surrounding the Ġżira garden project as proof that the current administration “is only interested in how it can help businessmen. The people come after.”
“The government is only interested in helping those who have money to influence people,” he said, adding that the episode convinced him “the Labour machine is not working for the people.”
Borg Manche also criticised Labour for failing to enact promised family law reforms, saying years had passed with “a lot of nice words on paper but no action.” He argued Malta’s low fertility rate was linked to the struggles faced by young couples and separated parents.
“The law should be rewarding good parents, irrelevant who they are,” he said. “We have children begging to see their parents. It is not right to have a system which creates winners and losers. Children are the ones losing out.”
He said his conscience no longer allowed him to support Labour, accusing the party of corruption and arrogance.
Borg Manche praised PN leader Alex Borg, saying he believed the leader was “genuine” and that the PN now offered “a serious alternative to government.”
During the speech, Borg Manche also paid tribute to the family of Mirabelle Falzon, whose death after a rockfall in Marsaskala will soon mark two years without justice being delivered.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141767/dont_let_party_loyalty_blind_you_pn_candidate_borg_manche_urges_labourites_in_first_speech_
Former Labour mayor Conrad Borg Manche addresses first party event as Nationalist candidate
13 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Nationalist Party candidate and former Labour mayor in Gzira Conrad Borg Manche (Photo: PN)
Former Labour mayor Conrad Borg Manche used his first address as a Nationalist Party candidate to appeal directly to Labour supporters, urging them to “open your eyes” and not let party loyalty blind them “from what is happening.”
Speaking during a PN event in Qormi, Borg Manche said switching political allegiance was not easy, but insisted the country could no longer remain divided “while those in power do as they please with the country.”
“I know what it feels like to be betrayed,” he told supporters, drawing loud applause. “I know what it feels like to see a party taken over by a group of people only interested in filling their pockets, and personal power.”
Borg Manche, who served as Labour mayor of Gżira for nine years, said he did not join the PN over “political colours”, arguing that colours “do little to solve people’s problems.” Instead, he said his move was driven by principles and disillusionment with Labour.
He accused the government of prioritising businessmen over residents, citing the controversy surrounding the Ġżira garden project as proof that the current administration “is only interested in how it can help businessmen. The people come after.”
“The government is only interested in helping those who have money to influence people,” he said, adding that the episode convinced him “the Labour machine is not working for the people.”
Borg Manche also criticised Labour for failing to enact promised family law reforms, saying years had passed with “a lot of nice words on paper but no action.” He argued Malta’s low fertility rate was linked to the struggles faced by young couples and separated parents.
“The law should be rewarding good parents, irrelevant who they are,” he said. “We have children begging to see their parents. It is not right to have a system which creates winners and losers. Children are the ones losing out.”
He said his conscience no longer allowed him to support Labour, accusing the party of corruption and arrogance.
Borg Manche praised PN leader Alex Borg, saying he believed the leader was “genuine” and that the PN now offered “a serious alternative to government.”
During the speech, Borg Manche also paid tribute to the family of Mirabelle Falzon, whose death after a rockfall in Marsaskala will soon mark two years without justice being delivered.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141767/dont_let_party_loyalty_blind_you_pn_candidate_borg_manche_urges_labourites_in_first_speech_
WATCH | Adrian Delia told off by St Luke's Hospital security while trying to film video
Security guards tried to stop Delia and cameraman from filming the video before one security guard told him off for 'leaving Mater Dei to be used by pigeons'
13 May 2026,
by Matthew Farrugia
Watch the film here: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3924741694325971
PN MP Adrian Delia was stopped by security while trying to film a video in St Luke’s Hospital.
Delia posted a video with the caption “Visiting the €900,000,000 investment. While we wait for the promise of a €1.5 billion investment.”
Security guards tried to stop Delia and cameraman from filming the video and told him that he was prohibited from filming inside the hospital without permission.
One security guard can be seen doing his best to speak over Delia.
Addressing the cameraman, the security guard says, “Permission is needed for filming here, like other hospitals.”
“Show me where the hospital is?” Delia asked, as the cameraman shows broken windows and the dilapidated building.
The security guard then accused Delia and (presumably) the PN, of leaving Mater Dei Hospital "to be used by pigeons.”
Back when he was PN leader, Delia led the charge to annul government's fraudulent hospitals concession. Under that agreement, Vitals was handed St Luke’s Hospital, Karin Grech Hospital and the Gozo General Hospital.
In 2018, he had filed the case against the Prime Minister, Vitals Global Healthcare, the Attorney General, the CEO of Malta Industrial Parks Limited and the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Lands Authority in a bid to force the cancellation of the 99-year emphyteutical concession agreement.
GWU condemns Delia
Meanwhile, the General Workers' Union (GWU) condemned Delia's "arrogant and disrespectful behaviour" towards the security guard.
"The GWU stresses that it does not accept irresponsible or intimidating behaviour towards workers, regardless of who is responsible or from which side of the political spectrum it originates."
The union said that public figures are expected to lead by example, and expressed solidarity with the employee.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141761/watch__adrian_delia_told_off_by_st_lukes_hospital_security_while_trying_to_film_video
Security guards tried to stop Delia and cameraman from filming the video before one security guard told him off for 'leaving Mater Dei to be used by pigeons'
13 May 2026,
by Matthew Farrugia
Watch the film here: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=3924741694325971
PN MP Adrian Delia was stopped by security while trying to film a video in St Luke’s Hospital.
Delia posted a video with the caption “Visiting the €900,000,000 investment. While we wait for the promise of a €1.5 billion investment.”
Security guards tried to stop Delia and cameraman from filming the video and told him that he was prohibited from filming inside the hospital without permission.
One security guard can be seen doing his best to speak over Delia.
Addressing the cameraman, the security guard says, “Permission is needed for filming here, like other hospitals.”
“Show me where the hospital is?” Delia asked, as the cameraman shows broken windows and the dilapidated building.
The security guard then accused Delia and (presumably) the PN, of leaving Mater Dei Hospital "to be used by pigeons.”
Back when he was PN leader, Delia led the charge to annul government's fraudulent hospitals concession. Under that agreement, Vitals was handed St Luke’s Hospital, Karin Grech Hospital and the Gozo General Hospital.
In 2018, he had filed the case against the Prime Minister, Vitals Global Healthcare, the Attorney General, the CEO of Malta Industrial Parks Limited and the chairman of the Board of Governors of the Lands Authority in a bid to force the cancellation of the 99-year emphyteutical concession agreement.
GWU condemns Delia
Meanwhile, the General Workers' Union (GWU) condemned Delia's "arrogant and disrespectful behaviour" towards the security guard.
"The GWU stresses that it does not accept irresponsible or intimidating behaviour towards workers, regardless of who is responsible or from which side of the political spectrum it originates."
The union said that public figures are expected to lead by example, and expressed solidarity with the employee.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141761/watch__adrian_delia_told_off_by_st_lukes_hospital_security_while_trying_to_film_video
Labour pledges safeguards on public land included in 2006 rationalisation exercise
Prime Minister Robert Abela says a Labour government would prevent public land included in the 2006 rationalisation exercise from being developed
13 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Prime Minister Robert Abela (Photo: PL)
Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday said a future Labour government would prevent public land included in the 2006 rationalisation exercise from being developed.
He argued Malta was still “paying the consequences” of the expansion of development zones approved under a Nationalist administration.
“Today a Labour government is leaving behind a legacy of lands we returned to the people, such as Manoel Island and Fort Tigné,” Abela said during an address at the White Rocks area. “In 2006, a previous administration included land the size of Siġġiewi within the development zone, and to this day we are still paying the consequences. Many environmental debates revolve around applications on those sites. Therefore, a Labour government commits itself to ensuring that public land in these zones is not developed for speculative purposes.”
The pledge formed part of a wider package of environmental and infrastructure proposals unveiled by the Labour Party on Wednesday.
The announcement came hours after the government formally sealed an agreement returning Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to the public.
Abela said a government led by him would introduce changes to the local plan to ensure no development can take place on Manoel Island, paving the way for the site to be transformed into a national park focused on preserving natural landscapes, beaches and historical heritage.
Abela said national parks planned for Manoel Island, White Rocks and Fort Campbell would become priorities during the next legislature.
Among the measures announced, the Labour Party pledged to introduce legal amendments to safeguard parks and gardens created in recent years from future development, particularly former development sites that have since been turned into open spaces.
The party also committed itself to continuing afforestation projects after planting around 60,000 trees in the last legislature. Plans include a new afforestation project at San Niklaw in Siġġiewi on a site measuring more than 100,000 sq.m previously occupied by two quarries. The area would be converted into woodland with mature trees, walking trails and recreational facilities.
Further valley restoration projects are planned at Wied Blandun, Wied il-Qlejgħa and Wied il-Għasel.
On waste management and energy, Abela announced work would begin on a new €75 million plant designed to convert organic waste into renewable energy and compost. The government also reiterated its commitment to the waste-to-energy plant, which is expected to process 192,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually and serve as a major source of energy generation.
Abela said additional investment would be directed towards reverse osmosis facilities and artificial intelligence systems aimed at reducing dependence on groundwater extraction. A new reverse osmosis plant is planned for Ħal Far to strengthen potable water production in southern Malta.
Abela also announced a pilot project to process brine produced during desalination into magnesium for commercial use, rather than discharging it back into the sea.
The party reiterated its target of generating 25% of Malta’s energy from renewable sources by 2030, alongside large-scale projects such as offshore wind farms.
Among the renewable energy initiatives announced was an expansion of schemes for apartment residents without roof access to purchase photovoltaic equipment installed on Water Services Corporation facilities. Around 500 families are expected to benefit.
The Labour Party also pledged to introduce an “energy-sharing” concept allowing households unable to invest directly in renewable energy systems to benefit from surplus energy generated by other participating consumers.
Abela said the government would also explore legal amendments to compensate homeowners whose rooftop solar installations are negatively impacted by nearby developments.
The prime minister also announced plans to significantly extend several public parks, including Wied Inċita, Bengħajsa Park and Salina Park. A new 40,000sq.m green area in Fgura would connect with the San Klement Park in Ħaż-Żabbar.
Other projects include the completion of the final phase of the Ta’ Qali national park, the transformation of the former recycling plant site in Marsaskala into a 23,800sq.m open space, and the creation of the St Patrick’s Park in Pembroke.
Open spaces are also planned around the Delle Grazie fortifications in Xgħajra, while regeneration works are ongoing to link the Floriana and Pietà gardens into a wider green network.
Additional works are underway at the Pinetum Gardens, with permits issued for regeneration projects at the Milorda Gardens.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141751/labour_pledges_safeguards_on_public_land_included_in_2006_rationalisation_exercise
Prime Minister Robert Abela says a Labour government would prevent public land included in the 2006 rationalisation exercise from being developed
13 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Prime Minister Robert Abela (Photo: PL)
Prime Minister Robert Abela on Wednesday said a future Labour government would prevent public land included in the 2006 rationalisation exercise from being developed.
He argued Malta was still “paying the consequences” of the expansion of development zones approved under a Nationalist administration.
“Today a Labour government is leaving behind a legacy of lands we returned to the people, such as Manoel Island and Fort Tigné,” Abela said during an address at the White Rocks area. “In 2006, a previous administration included land the size of Siġġiewi within the development zone, and to this day we are still paying the consequences. Many environmental debates revolve around applications on those sites. Therefore, a Labour government commits itself to ensuring that public land in these zones is not developed for speculative purposes.”
The pledge formed part of a wider package of environmental and infrastructure proposals unveiled by the Labour Party on Wednesday.
The announcement came hours after the government formally sealed an agreement returning Manoel Island and Fort Tigné to the public.
Abela said a government led by him would introduce changes to the local plan to ensure no development can take place on Manoel Island, paving the way for the site to be transformed into a national park focused on preserving natural landscapes, beaches and historical heritage.
Abela said national parks planned for Manoel Island, White Rocks and Fort Campbell would become priorities during the next legislature.
Among the measures announced, the Labour Party pledged to introduce legal amendments to safeguard parks and gardens created in recent years from future development, particularly former development sites that have since been turned into open spaces.
The party also committed itself to continuing afforestation projects after planting around 60,000 trees in the last legislature. Plans include a new afforestation project at San Niklaw in Siġġiewi on a site measuring more than 100,000 sq.m previously occupied by two quarries. The area would be converted into woodland with mature trees, walking trails and recreational facilities.
Further valley restoration projects are planned at Wied Blandun, Wied il-Qlejgħa and Wied il-Għasel.
On waste management and energy, Abela announced work would begin on a new €75 million plant designed to convert organic waste into renewable energy and compost. The government also reiterated its commitment to the waste-to-energy plant, which is expected to process 192,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste annually and serve as a major source of energy generation.
Abela said additional investment would be directed towards reverse osmosis facilities and artificial intelligence systems aimed at reducing dependence on groundwater extraction. A new reverse osmosis plant is planned for Ħal Far to strengthen potable water production in southern Malta.
Abela also announced a pilot project to process brine produced during desalination into magnesium for commercial use, rather than discharging it back into the sea.
The party reiterated its target of generating 25% of Malta’s energy from renewable sources by 2030, alongside large-scale projects such as offshore wind farms.
Among the renewable energy initiatives announced was an expansion of schemes for apartment residents without roof access to purchase photovoltaic equipment installed on Water Services Corporation facilities. Around 500 families are expected to benefit.
The Labour Party also pledged to introduce an “energy-sharing” concept allowing households unable to invest directly in renewable energy systems to benefit from surplus energy generated by other participating consumers.
Abela said the government would also explore legal amendments to compensate homeowners whose rooftop solar installations are negatively impacted by nearby developments.
The prime minister also announced plans to significantly extend several public parks, including Wied Inċita, Bengħajsa Park and Salina Park. A new 40,000sq.m green area in Fgura would connect with the San Klement Park in Ħaż-Żabbar.
Other projects include the completion of the final phase of the Ta’ Qali national park, the transformation of the former recycling plant site in Marsaskala into a 23,800sq.m open space, and the creation of the St Patrick’s Park in Pembroke.
Open spaces are also planned around the Delle Grazie fortifications in Xgħajra, while regeneration works are ongoing to link the Floriana and Pietà gardens into a wider green network.
Additional works are underway at the Pinetum Gardens, with permits issued for regeneration projects at the Milorda Gardens.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141751/labour_pledges_safeguards_on_public_land_included_in_2006_rationalisation_exercise
Sewwieq ta’ mutur iweġġa’ gravi f’ħabta ma’ vettura f’Għawdex
12 ta' Mejju 2026
Read in English
Sewwieq ta’ mutur weġġa’ gravi f’ħabta ma’ vettura fir-Rabat, Għawdex.
L-inċident seħħ dalgħodu, għall-ħabta tad-9am, fi Triq Fortunato Mizzi.
Is-sewwieq tal-mutur huwa raġel ta’ 66 sena mix-Xagħra li kien qed isuq Honda.
Fil-ħabta kienet involuta Kia Sportage misjuqa minn raġel ta’ 55 sena mill-Qala.
Is-sewwieq tal-mutur ittieħed l-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex fejn instab li weġġa’ gravi.
L-investigazzjonijiet tal-Pulizija għadhom għaddejjin.
tvmnews.mt/news/sewwieq-ta-mutur-iwegga-gravi-fhabta-ma-vettura-fghawdex/
12 ta' Mejju 2026
Read in English
Sewwieq ta’ mutur weġġa’ gravi f’ħabta ma’ vettura fir-Rabat, Għawdex.
L-inċident seħħ dalgħodu, għall-ħabta tad-9am, fi Triq Fortunato Mizzi.
Is-sewwieq tal-mutur huwa raġel ta’ 66 sena mix-Xagħra li kien qed isuq Honda.
Fil-ħabta kienet involuta Kia Sportage misjuqa minn raġel ta’ 55 sena mill-Qala.
Is-sewwieq tal-mutur ittieħed l-Isptar Ġenerali t’Għawdex fejn instab li weġġa’ gravi.
L-investigazzjonijiet tal-Pulizija għadhom għaddejjin.
tvmnews.mt/news/sewwieq-ta-mutur-iwegga-gravi-fhabta-ma-vettura-fghawdex/
Former PL mayor to contest general election on PN ticket
Conrad Borg Manche resigned from the PL in 2023 and became Gżira's independent mayor
11 May 2026,
by Matthew Farrugia
Former Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manché
Former PL mayor Conrad Borg Manche will contest the general election on the PN ticket.
MaltaToday is informed that Borg Manche has changed parties after he was an outspoken mayor for the PL before turning away from the party.
Sources say that he will contest the 5 and 10 districts. The 10 District includes his hometown of Gżira.
Manche resigned from the PL in 2023 after citing its departure from socialist principles. He then continued serving the Gżira Local Council as an independent mayor.
Earlier that same year, he clashed with former PL President Ramona Attard, who was the Lands Authority's lawyer at the time. He had branded her as "anti-socialist" as she represented the authority in a move to relocate a fuel station into Gżira Gardens.
Soon after his decision, he spoke to MaltaToday about what inspired his decision, citing a litany of reasons, including government’s stubbornness and subsequent U-turn on the Jean Paul Sofia public inquiry.
He rose to prominence early in his political career, as he joined activists in 2016 when they broke through the Manoel Island fence to demand public access to the island.
In 2024 he contested the MEP elections in what appeared to be a rightward shift, as he stated that if elected, he would join the European Conservatives’ group in the European Parliament.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141685/former_pl_mayor_to_contest_general_election_on_pn_ticket
Conrad Borg Manche resigned from the PL in 2023 and became Gżira's independent mayor
11 May 2026,
by Matthew Farrugia
Former Gżira mayor Conrad Borg Manché
Former PL mayor Conrad Borg Manche will contest the general election on the PN ticket.
MaltaToday is informed that Borg Manche has changed parties after he was an outspoken mayor for the PL before turning away from the party.
Sources say that he will contest the 5 and 10 districts. The 10 District includes his hometown of Gżira.
Manche resigned from the PL in 2023 after citing its departure from socialist principles. He then continued serving the Gżira Local Council as an independent mayor.
Earlier that same year, he clashed with former PL President Ramona Attard, who was the Lands Authority's lawyer at the time. He had branded her as "anti-socialist" as she represented the authority in a move to relocate a fuel station into Gżira Gardens.
Soon after his decision, he spoke to MaltaToday about what inspired his decision, citing a litany of reasons, including government’s stubbornness and subsequent U-turn on the Jean Paul Sofia public inquiry.
He rose to prominence early in his political career, as he joined activists in 2016 when they broke through the Manoel Island fence to demand public access to the island.
In 2024 he contested the MEP elections in what appeared to be a rightward shift, as he stated that if elected, he would join the European Conservatives’ group in the European Parliament.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141685/former_pl_mayor_to_contest_general_election_on_pn_ticket
Mario de Marco will not contest general election: ‘Biggest honour of my life was serving the people’
Former Nationalist Party deputy leader Mario de Marco confirming he will not be contesting the upcoming general election tells supporters he was to make way for a younger generation of ‘more energetic and motivated’ politicians
11 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Former Nationalist MP Mario de Marco (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Former Nationalist Party deputy leader Mario de Marco will not be contesting the upcoming general election, MaltaToday can confirm.
The decision brings to a close a parliamentary career spanning more than two decades.
Speaking during a party event in Valletta on Monday evening, de Marco said he felt it was his “duty to make way for a new generation of politicians, more energetic and motivated, because that is what this great district and country deserve”.
“My duty is to ensure we have better and better candidates,” he said.
De Marco’s departure forms part of a broader reshuffle within the Nationalist Party as several veteran MPs make way for a new generation of candidates ahead of the next electoral contest.
The lawyer and academic, son of former President Guido de Marco, was first elected to parliament in 2003 and went on to occupy several key roles within the PN.
Reflecting on his political beginnings, de Marco said he was part of “a generation of politicians who yearned for a European Malta”. He described being elected to parliament in 2003, the first of five elections he contested, as the beginning of the “biggest honour” of his life: representing the people.
“We are here to serve all the people irrelevant of who they are or where they come from,” he said.
Following the 2008 general election, de Marco was appointed parliamentary secretary for tourism and later served as minister for tourism, the environment and culture under former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. During his speech, he thanked Gonzi for the trust he placed in him while serving in government.
After the PN’s defeat in the 2013 election, de Marco was elected deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, serving alongside then-leader Simon Busuttil during a turbulent period for the party. He described serving as deputy leader for an entire legislature as an honour despite the “hard circumstances” the party faced at the time.
Although he later stepped away from the deputy leadership role, he remained an active parliamentary figure.
Addressing the expectations people have of politicians, de Marco said integrity remained the most important virtue in public life.
“You can have strategy, you can have the gift of the gab, but if you do not have integrity, you should be nowhere near politics,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of respect among politicians. “If we do not respect each other, how can we respect people?” he said, adding that politicians should “attack the argument and not the person”.
De Marco denounced hate and racism directed towards Labour candidate Omar Rababah during the speech, saying that “what is wrong should be called wrong”.
“We must raise the standards, as young people expect from us,” he said.
Despite stepping away from electoral politics, de Marco insisted his political journey was not over.
“This is not the end for me. I will continue to help the party,” he said. “The politics of serving people should never stop.”
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141693/mario_de_marco_will_not_contest_general_election_
Former Nationalist Party deputy leader Mario de Marco confirming he will not be contesting the upcoming general election tells supporters he was to make way for a younger generation of ‘more energetic and motivated’ politicians
11 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Former Nationalist MP Mario de Marco (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Former Nationalist Party deputy leader Mario de Marco will not be contesting the upcoming general election, MaltaToday can confirm.
The decision brings to a close a parliamentary career spanning more than two decades.
Speaking during a party event in Valletta on Monday evening, de Marco said he felt it was his “duty to make way for a new generation of politicians, more energetic and motivated, because that is what this great district and country deserve”.
“My duty is to ensure we have better and better candidates,” he said.
De Marco’s departure forms part of a broader reshuffle within the Nationalist Party as several veteran MPs make way for a new generation of candidates ahead of the next electoral contest.
The lawyer and academic, son of former President Guido de Marco, was first elected to parliament in 2003 and went on to occupy several key roles within the PN.
Reflecting on his political beginnings, de Marco said he was part of “a generation of politicians who yearned for a European Malta”. He described being elected to parliament in 2003, the first of five elections he contested, as the beginning of the “biggest honour” of his life: representing the people.
“We are here to serve all the people irrelevant of who they are or where they come from,” he said.
Following the 2008 general election, de Marco was appointed parliamentary secretary for tourism and later served as minister for tourism, the environment and culture under former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi. During his speech, he thanked Gonzi for the trust he placed in him while serving in government.
After the PN’s defeat in the 2013 election, de Marco was elected deputy leader for parliamentary affairs, serving alongside then-leader Simon Busuttil during a turbulent period for the party. He described serving as deputy leader for an entire legislature as an honour despite the “hard circumstances” the party faced at the time.
Although he later stepped away from the deputy leadership role, he remained an active parliamentary figure.
Addressing the expectations people have of politicians, de Marco said integrity remained the most important virtue in public life.
“You can have strategy, you can have the gift of the gab, but if you do not have integrity, you should be nowhere near politics,” he said.
He also stressed the importance of respect among politicians. “If we do not respect each other, how can we respect people?” he said, adding that politicians should “attack the argument and not the person”.
De Marco denounced hate and racism directed towards Labour candidate Omar Rababah during the speech, saying that “what is wrong should be called wrong”.
“We must raise the standards, as young people expect from us,” he said.
Despite stepping away from electoral politics, de Marco insisted his political journey was not over.
“This is not the end for me. I will continue to help the party,” he said. “The politics of serving people should never stop.”
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141693/mario_de_marco_will_not_contest_general_election_
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Plan now to book the tickets.
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Armed Forces, Civil Protection rescue five divers in Qbajjar
May 10, 2026
Aqra bil- Malti
Five divers have been rescued after experiencing difficulties getting back to shore in Qbajjar, Gozo.
The Civil Protection Department received a call for assistance and immediately alerted the Armed Forces.
Civil Protection and Armed Forces personnel were sent to the scene, where they rescued the divers and helped them to get back on dry land.
The divers were taken to the Gozo General Hospital to follow up on their condition.
https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/armed-forces-civil-protection-rescue-five-divers-in-qbajjar/
May 10, 2026
Aqra bil- Malti
Five divers have been rescued after experiencing difficulties getting back to shore in Qbajjar, Gozo.
The Civil Protection Department received a call for assistance and immediately alerted the Armed Forces.
Civil Protection and Armed Forces personnel were sent to the scene, where they rescued the divers and helped them to get back on dry land.
The divers were taken to the Gozo General Hospital to follow up on their condition.
https://tvmnews.mt/en/news/armed-forces-civil-protection-rescue-five-divers-in-qbajjar/
Alex Borg: Abela in ‘panic mode’ and running a negative campaign in reaction to PN proposals
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg rallies supporters in Siġġiewi, telling them they are the underdogs and ‘change won’t happen on its own’
10 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Watch film here: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1211685367585282&mibextid=LoFJqn&ref=external
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg addressing supporters in Siggiewi on Sunday afternoon (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Alex Borg accused Robert Abela of being in “panic mode” and running a negative election campaign, when speaking to supporters on Sunday evening.
He said Labour’s campaign is centred on attacks against the Nationalist Party and its candidates.
Addressing the PN’s second mass meeting of the election campaign in Siġġiewi on Sunday, Borg said Abela had reacted aggressively to proposals already unveiled by the Opposition during the first weeks of the campaign. Thousands filled Siġġiewi’s square.
“Throughout this campaign we have seen Robert Abela become negative,” Borg said, accusing the Labour leader of attacking PN candidates, experts and technocrats involved in the party’s policy proposals.
Alex Borg and his partner Sarah Bajada wave to supporters ahead of his speech (Phot: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)He was referring to Abela’s claim the PN’s offshore bunkering pledge had been pitched by Malta’s “biggest contrabandist”.
Borg said the snap election, called almost a year ahead of schedule, had not been called in the national interest but because “Robert Abela and those around him have too much to lose”.
He claimed Labour had underestimated voters by treating the election “as a formality”.
Borg framed the contest as a choice between continuity and renewal, repeatedly using the PN’s campaign slogan Nifs Ġdid (A Fresh Start).
During the speech, Borg revisited several proposals already announced by the PN over recent days, including plans to extend maternity leave to six months on full pay, extend paternity leave to four weeks on full pay, and introduce 15 days of government-paid leave for parents when children fall ill.
He also referenced previously announced economic proposals, including investment in a Mediterranean Maritime Fuel Hub, data and artificial intelligence industries, and a cultural district project in Marsa aimed at supporting the creative economy.
Nationalist supporters in Siggiewi's main square (Photo: PN)Borg again referred to the PN’s previously announced pledge to reduce electricity bills by an average of 30%, remove inheritance tax on causa mortis declarations, abolish tax on property donations between parents and children, and cut personal and corporate taxes.
He insisted the measures were “not populist” but aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden on families and businesses.
The PN leader defended the party’s maritime fuel hub proposal after Abela alleged links between the project and a fuel smuggler.
Borg denied ever meeting the individual in question and challenged the Prime Minister to substantiate the claims with the police.
A Nationalist Party supporter in the crowd on Sunday (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)“He threw the stone and hid his hand,” Borg said, accusing Abela of engaging in “mud-slinging politics”.
The Opposition leader also criticised the government for allegedly using state resources during the election campaign, citing government advertising campaigns and a €4 million direct order awarded to consultancy firm Arup for transport advisory services. The government, a week before the election was called announced a new mass transport system.
Borg accused Abela of blurring the distinction between party and state, saying the Prime Minister was using government as “an electoral machine for partisan advantage”.
Nationalist supporters in Siggiewi (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)He contrasted the PN’s campaign with what he described as Labour’s reliance on fear and propaganda.
“We are offering solutions and hope, while Robert Abela wants to preserve the status quo,” Borg said.
The PN leader also spoke on Labour’s record in government, arguing the administration had failed to deliver on promises relating to hospitals, traffic solutions and tax cuts despite being in power for 13 years.
Borg ended the speech with an appeal to first-time voters, disillusioned Labour supporters and abstainers to back the PN.
“The change will not happen on its own,” he said. “Every vote counts.”
Ahead of the Nationalist leader, youths Paul Serracino and Kim Baldacchino addressed the mass meeting.
Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaTodayPaul Serracino said the country deserves better. He said young people are frustrated – traffic, inflation, property all remain unresolved issues.
“I see hope in Alex Borg,” he said. “The country does not deserve leadership which puts smugglers at the same level of professionals.”
Kim Baldacchino spoke on animal rights and welfare, saying the government has ignored the issue.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141662/alex_borg_abela_in_panic_mode_and_running_a_negative_campaign_in_reaction_to_pn_proposals_
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg rallies supporters in Siġġiewi, telling them they are the underdogs and ‘change won’t happen on its own’
10 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Watch film here: www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1211685367585282&mibextid=LoFJqn&ref=external
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg addressing supporters in Siggiewi on Sunday afternoon (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Alex Borg accused Robert Abela of being in “panic mode” and running a negative election campaign, when speaking to supporters on Sunday evening.
He said Labour’s campaign is centred on attacks against the Nationalist Party and its candidates.
Addressing the PN’s second mass meeting of the election campaign in Siġġiewi on Sunday, Borg said Abela had reacted aggressively to proposals already unveiled by the Opposition during the first weeks of the campaign. Thousands filled Siġġiewi’s square.
“Throughout this campaign we have seen Robert Abela become negative,” Borg said, accusing the Labour leader of attacking PN candidates, experts and technocrats involved in the party’s policy proposals.
Alex Borg and his partner Sarah Bajada wave to supporters ahead of his speech (Phot: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)He was referring to Abela’s claim the PN’s offshore bunkering pledge had been pitched by Malta’s “biggest contrabandist”.
Borg said the snap election, called almost a year ahead of schedule, had not been called in the national interest but because “Robert Abela and those around him have too much to lose”.
He claimed Labour had underestimated voters by treating the election “as a formality”.
Borg framed the contest as a choice between continuity and renewal, repeatedly using the PN’s campaign slogan Nifs Ġdid (A Fresh Start).
During the speech, Borg revisited several proposals already announced by the PN over recent days, including plans to extend maternity leave to six months on full pay, extend paternity leave to four weeks on full pay, and introduce 15 days of government-paid leave for parents when children fall ill.
He also referenced previously announced economic proposals, including investment in a Mediterranean Maritime Fuel Hub, data and artificial intelligence industries, and a cultural district project in Marsa aimed at supporting the creative economy.
Nationalist supporters in Siggiewi's main square (Photo: PN)Borg again referred to the PN’s previously announced pledge to reduce electricity bills by an average of 30%, remove inheritance tax on causa mortis declarations, abolish tax on property donations between parents and children, and cut personal and corporate taxes.
He insisted the measures were “not populist” but aimed at easing the cost-of-living burden on families and businesses.
The PN leader defended the party’s maritime fuel hub proposal after Abela alleged links between the project and a fuel smuggler.
Borg denied ever meeting the individual in question and challenged the Prime Minister to substantiate the claims with the police.
A Nationalist Party supporter in the crowd on Sunday (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)“He threw the stone and hid his hand,” Borg said, accusing Abela of engaging in “mud-slinging politics”.
The Opposition leader also criticised the government for allegedly using state resources during the election campaign, citing government advertising campaigns and a €4 million direct order awarded to consultancy firm Arup for transport advisory services. The government, a week before the election was called announced a new mass transport system.
Borg accused Abela of blurring the distinction between party and state, saying the Prime Minister was using government as “an electoral machine for partisan advantage”.
Nationalist supporters in Siggiewi (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)He contrasted the PN’s campaign with what he described as Labour’s reliance on fear and propaganda.
“We are offering solutions and hope, while Robert Abela wants to preserve the status quo,” Borg said.
The PN leader also spoke on Labour’s record in government, arguing the administration had failed to deliver on promises relating to hospitals, traffic solutions and tax cuts despite being in power for 13 years.
Borg ended the speech with an appeal to first-time voters, disillusioned Labour supporters and abstainers to back the PN.
“The change will not happen on its own,” he said. “Every vote counts.”
Ahead of the Nationalist leader, youths Paul Serracino and Kim Baldacchino addressed the mass meeting.
Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaTodayPaul Serracino said the country deserves better. He said young people are frustrated – traffic, inflation, property all remain unresolved issues.
“I see hope in Alex Borg,” he said. “The country does not deserve leadership which puts smugglers at the same level of professionals.”
Kim Baldacchino spoke on animal rights and welfare, saying the government has ignored the issue.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141662/alex_borg_abela_in_panic_mode_and_running_a_negative_campaign_in_reaction_to_pn_proposals_
Abela’s off-script fuel smuggler claims shocked Labour insiders
Abela had just presided over a ceremony in which a €150 million investment by a medical technology company was announced at Ħal Far when he dropped the fuel smuggler bombshell. It caught party insiders by surprise
10 May 2026,
by Kurt Sansone
Prime Minister Robert Abela made the fuel smuggler claim shortly after attending the ceremony where a €150 million investment by a medical technology firm was unveiled, effectively torpedoing the good news (Photo: DOI)
Robert Abela left his own party’s strategists in a bind when he decided to cast unsubstantiated claims a fuel smuggler gave the Nationalist Party its fuel hub proposal.
The prime minister acted unilaterally, according to sources close to the Labour Party, leaving even his own deputy prime minister in a quandary when faced with journalists’ questions.
Abela had just presided over a ceremony in which a €150 million investment by a medical technology company was announced at Ħal Far when he dropped the fuel smuggler bombshell. It caught party insiders by surprise.
The timing was strategically wrong since the news of the investment, dubbed as the largest foreign investment, was immediately buried by the controversy Abela created.
“It was the wrong moment to drop something like that but worse of all, the prime minister shot himself in the foot when admitting that he met the fuel smuggler,” a source told MaltaToday. “Nobody was aware that the prime minister was going to make such a serious claim.”
The announcement left many party insiders wondering why Abela even felt the need to go down that road given that the only election survey published until then—Vincent Marmara’s first survey released on Saturday 2 May—gave the party a comfortable lead.
Abela alleged that “Malta’s biggest fuel contrabandist” had given the PN its offshore fuel hub proposal and he knew this because the same person had met him to propose the same idea. The prime minister said he discarded the proposal but stopped short of mentioning the smuggler by name. When pressed over the matter, Abela refused to say when and where he met the smuggler and whether he reported the matter to the police.
PN leader Alex Borg made a sworn declaration denying ever meeting with a fuel smuggler or criminal over the fuel hub proposal and insisted the allegations were intended to harm his reputation. Borg has repeatedly challenged the prime minister to go to the police with the information.
‘I am the smuggler’
On Friday, the prime minister tried to kill the story by saying that he will only name the smuggler if the PN reveals who its experts on the fuel hub are. Borg’s immediate reply was that he will not reveal who is experts are because he did not want the government to carry out a witch hunt. But at least one expert has fronted the proposal—maritime engineer Oliver Cini, who is also a new PN candidate.
On Friday, Cini hit back at Abela’s allegations with a twist of sarcasm. “I am the smuggler,” he told Nationalist supporters in Luqa, urging them not to be afraid of standing up to those in power. “It is them who should be afraid of us,” he said.
Read more here: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141635/abelas_off_script_fuel_smuggler_claims_shocked_labour_insiders
Abela had just presided over a ceremony in which a €150 million investment by a medical technology company was announced at Ħal Far when he dropped the fuel smuggler bombshell. It caught party insiders by surprise
10 May 2026,
by Kurt Sansone
Prime Minister Robert Abela made the fuel smuggler claim shortly after attending the ceremony where a €150 million investment by a medical technology firm was unveiled, effectively torpedoing the good news (Photo: DOI)
Robert Abela left his own party’s strategists in a bind when he decided to cast unsubstantiated claims a fuel smuggler gave the Nationalist Party its fuel hub proposal.
The prime minister acted unilaterally, according to sources close to the Labour Party, leaving even his own deputy prime minister in a quandary when faced with journalists’ questions.
Abela had just presided over a ceremony in which a €150 million investment by a medical technology company was announced at Ħal Far when he dropped the fuel smuggler bombshell. It caught party insiders by surprise.
The timing was strategically wrong since the news of the investment, dubbed as the largest foreign investment, was immediately buried by the controversy Abela created.
“It was the wrong moment to drop something like that but worse of all, the prime minister shot himself in the foot when admitting that he met the fuel smuggler,” a source told MaltaToday. “Nobody was aware that the prime minister was going to make such a serious claim.”
The announcement left many party insiders wondering why Abela even felt the need to go down that road given that the only election survey published until then—Vincent Marmara’s first survey released on Saturday 2 May—gave the party a comfortable lead.
Abela alleged that “Malta’s biggest fuel contrabandist” had given the PN its offshore fuel hub proposal and he knew this because the same person had met him to propose the same idea. The prime minister said he discarded the proposal but stopped short of mentioning the smuggler by name. When pressed over the matter, Abela refused to say when and where he met the smuggler and whether he reported the matter to the police.
PN leader Alex Borg made a sworn declaration denying ever meeting with a fuel smuggler or criminal over the fuel hub proposal and insisted the allegations were intended to harm his reputation. Borg has repeatedly challenged the prime minister to go to the police with the information.
‘I am the smuggler’
On Friday, the prime minister tried to kill the story by saying that he will only name the smuggler if the PN reveals who its experts on the fuel hub are. Borg’s immediate reply was that he will not reveal who is experts are because he did not want the government to carry out a witch hunt. But at least one expert has fronted the proposal—maritime engineer Oliver Cini, who is also a new PN candidate.
On Friday, Cini hit back at Abela’s allegations with a twist of sarcasm. “I am the smuggler,” he told Nationalist supporters in Luqa, urging them not to be afraid of standing up to those in power. “It is them who should be afraid of us,” he said.
Read more here: www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141635/abelas_off_script_fuel_smuggler_claims_shocked_labour_insiders
Labour pledges overhaul of succession tax that protects family inheritances
Prime Minister Robert Abela says reforms target real family situations, from care-home parents to children who want to rent inherited property
9 May 2026,
by Juliana Zammit
Speaking on Labour's Isma' Dean podcast on Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the succession tax reforms were the product of months of work with legal and fiscal experts and were grounded in social justice rather than electoral popularity.
Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced an overhaul of Malta's succession tax laws, introducing a series of exemptions and payment deferrals designed to prevent families from being forced to sell inherited property to cover tax bills, alongside a package of economic measures targeting small businesses and the self-employed.
Speaking on Labour's Isma' Dean podcast on Saturday afternoon, Abela said the succession tax reforms were the product of months of work with legal and fiscal experts and were grounded in social justice rather than electoral popularity.
This comes after Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg promised to abolish succession tax in three separate forms and announced new economic niches he said would generate hundreds of millions of euros for Malta and Gozo.
"I am not going to sell the principle of the Labour movement just to please and, in reality, do a disservice to our people," he said.
The family home
Under the current system, when both parents die and leave their matrimonial home to a child, the child pays no succession tax on that property. Abela confirmed this exemption will remain untouched. The same applies where a child inherits the family home, and the parents had been living in a care home before their death, an anomaly Abela said Labour would fix.
Under current law, elderly parents who move into a care home can cause their children to lose the exemption because the parents are no longer officially resident at the property. Labour's reform would ensure that a home that was the parents' original residence continues to be treated as their ordinary residence even if they later moved into care.
A second inherited property
Abela walked through a detailed hypothetical to illustrate the current system and what Labour proposes to change. He described a couple, Joe and Mary, who own their matrimonial home and two apartments, each worth €300,000 on today's market. Both apartments were bought after 2004, which is relevant for how the transfer tax is calculated.
If Joe and Mary sell one of the apartments during their lifetime, they pay 8% transfer tax on the full value, €24,000 on a €300,000 property. Joe then dies, followed shortly by Mary, who does not have time to file a separate declaration. Their son Mark files a single notarial declaration, the kawża mortis, covering the inheritance from both parents.
Under current law, Mark pays nothing on the matrimonial home. On the inherited apartment, he pays 5% succession tax on its declared value: €5,000 on each €100,000, totalling €15,000. If he files and pays within six months, he receives a rebate. If he pays within a year, no penalty applies. If he waits beyond a year, interest begins to accrue.
If Mark then sells the apartment shortly after at the same declared value, having made no profit, he pays nothing additional; the €15,000 succession tax already covers his obligation. If he sells at €350,000, a profit of €50,000, he pays 12% on the profit only, meaning €6,000, bringing his total tax to €21,000.
Moving into the inherited property
Labour's reform would introduce a new exemption: if Mark chooses to live in the inherited apartment as his ordinary residence, he pays no succession tax at all, not deferred, but fully exempt. When he eventually sells that property as his residence, having lived there for three years, he also pays no capital gains tax. Abela said this exemption would be equivalent to the one already in place for the parental matrimonial home.
Renting the inherited property
If Mark does not move in but chooses to rent the apartment out, Labour would not abolish the tax obligation but would defer it, interest-free and without penalties, either until he sells the property or until seven years have passed from the date of the parents' death. The 5% rate would be locked in at the declared value at the time of inheritance: €15,000 on a €300,000 apartment.
When he eventually sells at €350,000, he pays 12% on the €50,000 profit, €6,000, plus the deferred €15,000, totalling €21,000. Abela contrasted this with what would happen under the PN's proposal to abolish the succession tax, in which the default 8% transfer tax would apply to the full sale value: €28,000 on a €350,000 sale. Under Labour's reform, Mark saves €7,000.
Three children, three apartments
Where parents leave three separate apartments to three children, whether as a universal inheritance divided among them or as specific legacies assigning one apartment to each child, each child who constitutes the inherited apartment as their ordinary residence pays no succession tax and no capital gains tax when they eventually sell. Abela said this applied when the property is left as a straight inheritance.
Surviving spouse
Abela said a further anomaly would be corrected. Under current law, if Joe dies first and Mary inherits his 50% share of the matrimonial home, she pays nothing. But if she also inherits a share of non-matrimonial property, such as the apartment, she does pay succession tax on that share. If she then dies and Mark inherits, he faces another layer of tax. Labour would ensure the surviving spouse's inheritance of such a property is exempt from succession tax, removing that double burden.
Lifetime donations
For parents who wish to give property to their children during their lifetime, Labour proposes raising the stamp duty exemption threshold from €250,000 to €1,000,000. Any property donated to a child worth up to €1,000,000 would attract no stamp duty. Where the donated property will serve as the child's ordinary residence, there is no tax, regardless of the property's value.
Where parents are demolishing their own home and rebuilding it with separate units for their children, Labour would offer a 50% VAT refund on construction costs in those circumstances.
Self-employed and small businesses
Abela also announced a package of measures for small and medium enterprises. Corporate income tax for companies with a turnover of up to €1,000,000 would be reduced from 35% to 25%, he said, a first step with further reductions to follow. For self-employed individuals, the social security contribution rate would remain at 15% to protect their eventual pension entitlement, but they would receive a cash grant equivalent to 5% of the contribution, bringing the effective rate to 10%.
This would return between €627 and €1,428 annually to self-employed workers, depending on their income. A separate SME Boost measure would offer zero income tax for the first three years for young people starting a business, on the first €30,000 of income.
Abela says PN’s succession tax proposals would backfire on families its supposed to help
Abela was sharply critical of the Nationalist Party's own succession tax proposal, which he said would backfire on the very families it claimed to help. He argued that abolishing the succession tax entirely, as opposition leader Alex Borg had proposed, would mean that any subsequent sale of an inherited property would fall under the default 8% duty on documents and transfers. On a €300,000 apartment, that means €24,000, more than the €15,000 currently owed under succession tax, and €7,000 more than what Mark would pay under Labour's reformed system.
"The notaries themselves are telling me: Prime Minister, this will have big negative consequences for families," he said.
He also attacked the PN's €1,200 worker bonus proposal, saying a basic calculation, 300,000 workers multiplied by €1,200, produces a cost of €360 million, not the €110-130 million PN had cited.
He said the party had then amended its figures, having initially done the calculation on a workforce of 300,000 rather than the 200,000 figure Labour had used for its own super bonus.
"How are they competent to keep an economy going to sustain what they have in mind if they cannot even do the correct costing?" he said.
He added that the PN's proposed tax cut would cost around €360 million and would be incompatible with Malta's fiscal commitments to the European Commission, potentially forcing a future PN government to cut other measures or face a rebuke from the Commission.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141629/labour_pledges_overhaul_to_succession_tax_that_protects_family_inheritances
Prime Minister Robert Abela says reforms target real family situations, from care-home parents to children who want to rent inherited property
9 May 2026,
by Juliana Zammit
Speaking on Labour's Isma' Dean podcast on Saturday afternoon, Prime Minister Robert Abela said the succession tax reforms were the product of months of work with legal and fiscal experts and were grounded in social justice rather than electoral popularity.
Prime Minister Robert Abela has announced an overhaul of Malta's succession tax laws, introducing a series of exemptions and payment deferrals designed to prevent families from being forced to sell inherited property to cover tax bills, alongside a package of economic measures targeting small businesses and the self-employed.
Speaking on Labour's Isma' Dean podcast on Saturday afternoon, Abela said the succession tax reforms were the product of months of work with legal and fiscal experts and were grounded in social justice rather than electoral popularity.
This comes after Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg promised to abolish succession tax in three separate forms and announced new economic niches he said would generate hundreds of millions of euros for Malta and Gozo.
"I am not going to sell the principle of the Labour movement just to please and, in reality, do a disservice to our people," he said.
The family home
Under the current system, when both parents die and leave their matrimonial home to a child, the child pays no succession tax on that property. Abela confirmed this exemption will remain untouched. The same applies where a child inherits the family home, and the parents had been living in a care home before their death, an anomaly Abela said Labour would fix.
Under current law, elderly parents who move into a care home can cause their children to lose the exemption because the parents are no longer officially resident at the property. Labour's reform would ensure that a home that was the parents' original residence continues to be treated as their ordinary residence even if they later moved into care.
A second inherited property
Abela walked through a detailed hypothetical to illustrate the current system and what Labour proposes to change. He described a couple, Joe and Mary, who own their matrimonial home and two apartments, each worth €300,000 on today's market. Both apartments were bought after 2004, which is relevant for how the transfer tax is calculated.
If Joe and Mary sell one of the apartments during their lifetime, they pay 8% transfer tax on the full value, €24,000 on a €300,000 property. Joe then dies, followed shortly by Mary, who does not have time to file a separate declaration. Their son Mark files a single notarial declaration, the kawża mortis, covering the inheritance from both parents.
Under current law, Mark pays nothing on the matrimonial home. On the inherited apartment, he pays 5% succession tax on its declared value: €5,000 on each €100,000, totalling €15,000. If he files and pays within six months, he receives a rebate. If he pays within a year, no penalty applies. If he waits beyond a year, interest begins to accrue.
If Mark then sells the apartment shortly after at the same declared value, having made no profit, he pays nothing additional; the €15,000 succession tax already covers his obligation. If he sells at €350,000, a profit of €50,000, he pays 12% on the profit only, meaning €6,000, bringing his total tax to €21,000.
Moving into the inherited property
Labour's reform would introduce a new exemption: if Mark chooses to live in the inherited apartment as his ordinary residence, he pays no succession tax at all, not deferred, but fully exempt. When he eventually sells that property as his residence, having lived there for three years, he also pays no capital gains tax. Abela said this exemption would be equivalent to the one already in place for the parental matrimonial home.
Renting the inherited property
If Mark does not move in but chooses to rent the apartment out, Labour would not abolish the tax obligation but would defer it, interest-free and without penalties, either until he sells the property or until seven years have passed from the date of the parents' death. The 5% rate would be locked in at the declared value at the time of inheritance: €15,000 on a €300,000 apartment.
When he eventually sells at €350,000, he pays 12% on the €50,000 profit, €6,000, plus the deferred €15,000, totalling €21,000. Abela contrasted this with what would happen under the PN's proposal to abolish the succession tax, in which the default 8% transfer tax would apply to the full sale value: €28,000 on a €350,000 sale. Under Labour's reform, Mark saves €7,000.
Three children, three apartments
Where parents leave three separate apartments to three children, whether as a universal inheritance divided among them or as specific legacies assigning one apartment to each child, each child who constitutes the inherited apartment as their ordinary residence pays no succession tax and no capital gains tax when they eventually sell. Abela said this applied when the property is left as a straight inheritance.
Surviving spouse
Abela said a further anomaly would be corrected. Under current law, if Joe dies first and Mary inherits his 50% share of the matrimonial home, she pays nothing. But if she also inherits a share of non-matrimonial property, such as the apartment, she does pay succession tax on that share. If she then dies and Mark inherits, he faces another layer of tax. Labour would ensure the surviving spouse's inheritance of such a property is exempt from succession tax, removing that double burden.
Lifetime donations
For parents who wish to give property to their children during their lifetime, Labour proposes raising the stamp duty exemption threshold from €250,000 to €1,000,000. Any property donated to a child worth up to €1,000,000 would attract no stamp duty. Where the donated property will serve as the child's ordinary residence, there is no tax, regardless of the property's value.
Where parents are demolishing their own home and rebuilding it with separate units for their children, Labour would offer a 50% VAT refund on construction costs in those circumstances.
Self-employed and small businesses
Abela also announced a package of measures for small and medium enterprises. Corporate income tax for companies with a turnover of up to €1,000,000 would be reduced from 35% to 25%, he said, a first step with further reductions to follow. For self-employed individuals, the social security contribution rate would remain at 15% to protect their eventual pension entitlement, but they would receive a cash grant equivalent to 5% of the contribution, bringing the effective rate to 10%.
This would return between €627 and €1,428 annually to self-employed workers, depending on their income. A separate SME Boost measure would offer zero income tax for the first three years for young people starting a business, on the first €30,000 of income.
Abela says PN’s succession tax proposals would backfire on families its supposed to help
Abela was sharply critical of the Nationalist Party's own succession tax proposal, which he said would backfire on the very families it claimed to help. He argued that abolishing the succession tax entirely, as opposition leader Alex Borg had proposed, would mean that any subsequent sale of an inherited property would fall under the default 8% duty on documents and transfers. On a €300,000 apartment, that means €24,000, more than the €15,000 currently owed under succession tax, and €7,000 more than what Mark would pay under Labour's reformed system.
"The notaries themselves are telling me: Prime Minister, this will have big negative consequences for families," he said.
He also attacked the PN's €1,200 worker bonus proposal, saying a basic calculation, 300,000 workers multiplied by €1,200, produces a cost of €360 million, not the €110-130 million PN had cited.
He said the party had then amended its figures, having initially done the calculation on a workforce of 300,000 rather than the 200,000 figure Labour had used for its own super bonus.
"How are they competent to keep an economy going to sustain what they have in mind if they cannot even do the correct costing?" he said.
He added that the PN's proposed tax cut would cost around €360 million and would be incompatible with Malta's fiscal commitments to the European Commission, potentially forcing a future PN government to cut other measures or face a rebuke from the Commission.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141629/labour_pledges_overhaul_to_succession_tax_that_protects_family_inheritances
PN pledges dedicated EU fund for Gozo
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg says a PN government will push for a specific EU funding package for Gozo, a new hospital, and expanded ferry services
9 May 2026,
by Juliana Zammit
Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg made the announcements at an EPP-backed conference, where he pledged a dedicated EU fund for Gozo, a 400-bed hospital, and expanded ferry ports.
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has pledged a dedicated EU fund for Gozo, a 400-bed hospital, and expanded ferry ports.
He made the announcements at an EPP-backed conference organised by MEP Peter Agius, where he also spoke about agricultural funding reform and the need to redirect EU money directly to farmers.
"Gozo should not remain an afterthought. It should not remain a symbol of Malta's periphery but be on the same level as Malta," he said, highlighting that under the current system, EU funds destined for Gozo are limited by a broader Malta allocation, meaning there is no guarantee the island will receive the same amount from one funding package to the next.
He said a PN government would push for a dedicated funding package for the Gozitan region, giving the island greater certainty about its EU income.
On agriculture, Borg said Malta was among the lowest recipients of Pillar One EU agricultural funds, those that go directly to farmers, compared to other EU member states.
He pointed out that most of Malta's agricultural EU money currently falls under Pillar Two, which is allocated to the government before being disbursed. He said a PN government would lobby within the European Commission and Parliament to redirect agricultural funds towards Pillar One, putting money directly in farmers' hands.
He added that electricity meter charges for farmers would be scrapped entirely, and that electricity bills for the agricultural sector would fall by an average of 15%.
On the hospital, Borg said Gozitans had been waiting years for a serious investment in the Gozo General Hospital. He pledged a 400-bed facility and investment in a helipad, saying the absence of one created serious complications in emergencies for patients and their families.
Borg also said the ports of Mġarr and Ċirkewwa needed urgent expansion, not only to handle growing demand, describing Mġarr as having become "almost a symbol of chaos but also because expanding the fleet to five ferries would be impossible without first investing in port infrastructure.
He said a new passenger vessel and a dedicated cargo ferry would be introduced in the first legislature of a PN government, with the cargo ferry serving the Grand Harbour and eventually extending to the Freeport, easing traffic on Malta's roads.
He also said the new ferries would include a dedicated calming room for neurodivergent passengers, particularly children with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, who he said often panicked on board and ended up avoiding the crossing altogether.
On EU funding for the ferry fleet, Borg said Malta was failing to make use of available funds such as Horizon, Connecting Europe, and other funds that other island regions across Europe were already drawing on to build cleaner fleets.
Borg also committed to building a breakwater in Marsalforn, saying that without it, the investment already made in the promenade was being undone season after season by storm damage. He pledged investment in 150 kilometres of arterial and principal roads across Gozo throughout the legislature, not just in the run-up to an election.
He closed by saying he believed Gozo's future should be written by Gozitans themselves, and that, as a Gozitan prime minister, he would make Gozo one of his highest priorities.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/141626/pn_pledges_dedicated_eu_fund_for_gozo
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg says a PN government will push for a specific EU funding package for Gozo, a new hospital, and expanded ferry services
9 May 2026,
by Juliana Zammit
Nationalist Party Leader Alex Borg made the announcements at an EPP-backed conference, where he pledged a dedicated EU fund for Gozo, a 400-bed hospital, and expanded ferry ports.
Nationalist Party leader Alex Borg has pledged a dedicated EU fund for Gozo, a 400-bed hospital, and expanded ferry ports.
He made the announcements at an EPP-backed conference organised by MEP Peter Agius, where he also spoke about agricultural funding reform and the need to redirect EU money directly to farmers.
"Gozo should not remain an afterthought. It should not remain a symbol of Malta's periphery but be on the same level as Malta," he said, highlighting that under the current system, EU funds destined for Gozo are limited by a broader Malta allocation, meaning there is no guarantee the island will receive the same amount from one funding package to the next.
He said a PN government would push for a dedicated funding package for the Gozitan region, giving the island greater certainty about its EU income.
On agriculture, Borg said Malta was among the lowest recipients of Pillar One EU agricultural funds, those that go directly to farmers, compared to other EU member states.
He pointed out that most of Malta's agricultural EU money currently falls under Pillar Two, which is allocated to the government before being disbursed. He said a PN government would lobby within the European Commission and Parliament to redirect agricultural funds towards Pillar One, putting money directly in farmers' hands.
He added that electricity meter charges for farmers would be scrapped entirely, and that electricity bills for the agricultural sector would fall by an average of 15%.
On the hospital, Borg said Gozitans had been waiting years for a serious investment in the Gozo General Hospital. He pledged a 400-bed facility and investment in a helipad, saying the absence of one created serious complications in emergencies for patients and their families.
Borg also said the ports of Mġarr and Ċirkewwa needed urgent expansion, not only to handle growing demand, describing Mġarr as having become "almost a symbol of chaos but also because expanding the fleet to five ferries would be impossible without first investing in port infrastructure.
He said a new passenger vessel and a dedicated cargo ferry would be introduced in the first legislature of a PN government, with the cargo ferry serving the Grand Harbour and eventually extending to the Freeport, easing traffic on Malta's roads.
He also said the new ferries would include a dedicated calming room for neurodivergent passengers, particularly children with conditions such as ADHD, dyslexia, and autism, who he said often panicked on board and ended up avoiding the crossing altogether.
On EU funding for the ferry fleet, Borg said Malta was failing to make use of available funds such as Horizon, Connecting Europe, and other funds that other island regions across Europe were already drawing on to build cleaner fleets.
Borg also committed to building a breakwater in Marsalforn, saying that without it, the investment already made in the promenade was being undone season after season by storm damage. He pledged investment in 150 kilometres of arterial and principal roads across Gozo throughout the legislature, not just in the run-up to an election.
He closed by saying he believed Gozo's future should be written by Gozitans themselves, and that, as a Gozitan prime minister, he would make Gozo one of his highest priorities.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/141626/pn_pledges_dedicated_eu_fund_for_gozo
Painting Exhibition by Naduri Joseph Engerer
Currently in the Banca Giuratale Victoria Gozo.
Painting depicts farmers going home after a tiring day in the fields, somewhere in Ta' Hida, Nadur, Gozo.
Well done Joseph.
Currently in the Banca Giuratale Victoria Gozo.
Painting depicts farmers going home after a tiring day in the fields, somewhere in Ta' Hida, Nadur, Gozo.
Well done Joseph.
Omm mixlija li ħebbet għall-Kap u d-Deputat Kap tal-Iskola tal-Kalkara
Minn Clara Farrugia
6 ta' Mejju 2026
Tressqet fil-Qorti l-omm li allegatament refgħet idejha fuq il-Kap u d-Deputat Kap tal-Iskola tal-Kalkara bil-mara ta’ 43 sena minn Santa Luċija ċaħdet għall-akkużi kollha miġjuba kontriha.
Sorsi li tkellmu ma’ TVM News qalu li l-aggressjoni bdiet wara li wieħed mit-tfal tal-mara mar iżur l-iskola li kien jattendi fiha qabel biex jiltaqa’ mal-istaff.
Ftit jiem wara, it-tifel telaq mingħand ommu u mar jgħix ma’ missieru. Il-mara daħħlitha f’moħħha li waqt li binha kien fl-iskola, ġie mħajjar u mitkellem kontriha biex jitlaq mingħandha u jmur jgħix ma’ missieru.
Kien hawn li l-omm iddeċidiet li tmur għas-sodisfazzjon l-iskola u ħebbet għall-Kap tal-iskola. Intqal li Deputat Kap ippruvat tintervjeni biex tikkalma s-sitwazzjoni, iżda allegatament spiċċat ukoll vittma tal-aggressjoni. Il-vittmi soffrew ġrieħi ħfief.
Dwar it-talba għall-ħelsien mill-arrest, id-difiża stqarret li l-akkużi huma dwar feriti ħfief waqt li rrimarkat li l-akkużata għandha erbat itfal taħt it-18-il sena li m’għandhom lil ħadd minn jieħu ħsiebhom ħliefha.
Il-prosekuzzjoni oġġezzjonat minħabba li x-xhieda prinċipali fil-każ għad irridu jixhdu. Il-Maġistrat Yana Micallef Stafrace qablet mal-prosekuzzjoni u ċaħdet il-ħelsien mill-arrest.
Intant, fi stqarrija, l-MUT ikkundannat l-aggressjoni fuq il-Kap u d-Deputat Kap tal-Iskola. Qalet li l-inċident ma kellux x’jaqsam mal-edukazzjoni, u li dan isaħħaħ il-fehma tal-union u l-edukaturi li l-iskejjel qed iħabbtu wiċċhom ma’ sitwazzjonijiet li jmorru lil hinn mill-edukazzjoni, li għandhom bżonn servizzi ta’ appoġġ barra mill-iskola.
Il-prosekuzzjoni tmexxiet mill-Ispettur Chantelle Mifsud waqt li għall-omm dehru l-Avukati Ludvic Caruana u Francesca Fenech.
tvmnews.mt/news/omm-mixlija-li-hebbet-ghall-kap-u-d-deputat-kap-tal-iskola-tal-kalkara/
Minn Clara Farrugia
6 ta' Mejju 2026
Tressqet fil-Qorti l-omm li allegatament refgħet idejha fuq il-Kap u d-Deputat Kap tal-Iskola tal-Kalkara bil-mara ta’ 43 sena minn Santa Luċija ċaħdet għall-akkużi kollha miġjuba kontriha.
Sorsi li tkellmu ma’ TVM News qalu li l-aggressjoni bdiet wara li wieħed mit-tfal tal-mara mar iżur l-iskola li kien jattendi fiha qabel biex jiltaqa’ mal-istaff.
Ftit jiem wara, it-tifel telaq mingħand ommu u mar jgħix ma’ missieru. Il-mara daħħlitha f’moħħha li waqt li binha kien fl-iskola, ġie mħajjar u mitkellem kontriha biex jitlaq mingħandha u jmur jgħix ma’ missieru.
Kien hawn li l-omm iddeċidiet li tmur għas-sodisfazzjon l-iskola u ħebbet għall-Kap tal-iskola. Intqal li Deputat Kap ippruvat tintervjeni biex tikkalma s-sitwazzjoni, iżda allegatament spiċċat ukoll vittma tal-aggressjoni. Il-vittmi soffrew ġrieħi ħfief.
Dwar it-talba għall-ħelsien mill-arrest, id-difiża stqarret li l-akkużi huma dwar feriti ħfief waqt li rrimarkat li l-akkużata għandha erbat itfal taħt it-18-il sena li m’għandhom lil ħadd minn jieħu ħsiebhom ħliefha.
Il-prosekuzzjoni oġġezzjonat minħabba li x-xhieda prinċipali fil-każ għad irridu jixhdu. Il-Maġistrat Yana Micallef Stafrace qablet mal-prosekuzzjoni u ċaħdet il-ħelsien mill-arrest.
Intant, fi stqarrija, l-MUT ikkundannat l-aggressjoni fuq il-Kap u d-Deputat Kap tal-Iskola. Qalet li l-inċident ma kellux x’jaqsam mal-edukazzjoni, u li dan isaħħaħ il-fehma tal-union u l-edukaturi li l-iskejjel qed iħabbtu wiċċhom ma’ sitwazzjonijiet li jmorru lil hinn mill-edukazzjoni, li għandhom bżonn servizzi ta’ appoġġ barra mill-iskola.
Il-prosekuzzjoni tmexxiet mill-Ispettur Chantelle Mifsud waqt li għall-omm dehru l-Avukati Ludvic Caruana u Francesca Fenech.
tvmnews.mt/news/omm-mixlija-li-hebbet-ghall-kap-u-d-deputat-kap-tal-iskola-tal-kalkara/
Election History Bites | Gozo's regional parties
Part 7 | In the 1947 general election, for the first and last time, two regional parties made a clean sweep of the five seats elected from the Gozo district 6 May 2026, by Kurt Sansone On one occasion, the Gozo district was represented in parliament entirely by MPs from two Gozitan regional parties—the Gozo Party led by Francesco Masini (left) and the Jones Party led by Henry Jones (right)The 1947 election was the first after the restoration of self-rule under a new Constitution. The Labour Party under Paul Boffa emerged as the largest party by far in terms of votes and seats won in the 40-seat legislative assembly. But this election also has historical significance for Gozo, which constituted the 8th District. All five elected members of the legislative assembly from the island were candidates of two newly-founded Gozo-based political parties—the Gozo Party and the Jones Party. Collectively, these two regional parties obtained more than 85% of the vote on the island but this clean sweep was never repeated again and by 1951, even the notion of regional parties had fizzled away. The Gozo Party was set up in 1947 by lawyer Francesco Masini and in the election held that year fielded seven candidates exclusively in Gozo. The party obtained 52.2% of the vote in Gozo, electing three members—Anton Calleja, Ġużeppi Cefai and Francesco Masini—to the legislative assembly. The highest polling candidate for the party on the first count was notary Ġużeppi Cauchi with 1,240 votes. However, Cauchi was surprisingly not elected since he did not inherit enough votes throughout the counting process and was surpassed by other candidates from his own party. The Gozo Party, which was instrumental in bringing down Boffa’s government in 1950, disbanded that same year without contesting the ensuing elections. The Jones Party was set up in 1945 by businessman Henry Jones—he named the party after him. Jones had been elected as an independent candidate in the 1945 election for the Council of Government. The new party sought to promote agricultural and fishing co-operatives and opposed the dominance of Malta. The 1947 election was the first for the Jones Party. It fielded five candidates in Gozo, obtaining 33% of the vote on the district and electing two members to the legislative assembly—Henry Jones and Francesco Camilleri, a farmer and baker. Jones was the highest-scoring candidate across all political parties on the 8th District, obtaining 3,378 first-count votes. The party also fielded three candidates on the 4th District in Malta, although their performance was dismal. But the success was short-lived and the Jones Party lost both seats in the 1950 election, despite the popularity of its leader. The party fielded five candidates in Gozo but saw its vote on the district collapse to 8%. In the 1951 election, the party fielded just two candidates in Gozo, obtaining 8.6% of the district vote and electing no one. The party disbanded after this election. However, Henry Jones continued to contest elections in Gozo with different parties in the following years. In the 1953 election he was a candidate for the Malta Workers Party but failed to get elected. In the 1955 election, Jones contested with the Nationalist Party and was elected after a casual election following the resignation of PN MP Carmelo Refalo in 1956. Jones unsuccessfully contested his last election in 1962 as a candidate for the newly-formed Democratic Christian Party. www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/election-2026/141517/election_history_bites__gozos_regional_parties |
Malta grants oil giant Chevron exploration study licence for offshore areas to the south
Chevron is awarded a licence by the Maltese Government to conduct desktop studies of existing geological data for four offshore areas to the south
5 May 2026,
by Kurt Sansone
Malta has granted Chevron a licence to carry out desktop studies of available geological data for Areas 1, 4, 5 and 7 (Map: Continental Shelf Department)International oil giant Chevron has been granted an exploration study licence by the Maltese Government for four offshore areas to the south of the islands.
The agreement for Areas 1, 4, 5 and 7 was signed on 24 April between Chevron and the government. Chevron will conduct geological and geophysical desktop studies based on existing data. The agreement does not involve offshore drilling.
“Chevron is pleased to begin this new exploration study activity in Malta, an exciting opportunity to add to our advantaged position in the Mediterranean region,” Kevin McLachlan, vice president of exploration at Chevron said in a statement released by the company on Tuesday.
“We look forward to working with the Continental Shelf Department within the Government of Malta to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential in these areas. Chevron brings expertise, resources, and the technology required to develop and grow oil and gas projects worldwide,” he added.
Chevron already has a vast portfolio in the Mediterranean Sea, including two gas producing fields in the eastern Mediterranean, four offshore exploration blocks in Greece and the Aphrodite gas field currently in development offshore Cyprus. In Egypt, Chevron is the operator of two exploration blocks and is in a non-operated joint venture in the Mediterranean Sea.
The delineation of the continental shelf in the four areas to Malta’s south is disputed by Libya, Tunisia and Italy. Back in the 1970s Malta had granted Texaco an exploration licence in Area 4 and drilling started in 1980. But Libya claimed the area as its own and even sent a warship to stop the Italian rig contracted by Texaco from drilling. The dispute was eventually taken to the International Court of Justice.
Eventually, in 1985, the ICJ delivered its judgment that shifted the demarcation line drawn by Malta upwards to take into account of the vastly larger Libyan coastline. Malta’s continental shelf limit was thus reduced but the court only pronounced itself on a small section of the zone since there were competing claims from Italy and Tunisia to the southeast and southwest of Malta’s continental shelf respectively.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/141498/malta_grants_oil_giant_chevron_exploration_study_licence_for_offshore_areas_to_the_south
Chevron is awarded a licence by the Maltese Government to conduct desktop studies of existing geological data for four offshore areas to the south
5 May 2026,
by Kurt Sansone
Malta has granted Chevron a licence to carry out desktop studies of available geological data for Areas 1, 4, 5 and 7 (Map: Continental Shelf Department)International oil giant Chevron has been granted an exploration study licence by the Maltese Government for four offshore areas to the south of the islands.
The agreement for Areas 1, 4, 5 and 7 was signed on 24 April between Chevron and the government. Chevron will conduct geological and geophysical desktop studies based on existing data. The agreement does not involve offshore drilling.
“Chevron is pleased to begin this new exploration study activity in Malta, an exciting opportunity to add to our advantaged position in the Mediterranean region,” Kevin McLachlan, vice president of exploration at Chevron said in a statement released by the company on Tuesday.
“We look forward to working with the Continental Shelf Department within the Government of Malta to evaluate the hydrocarbon potential in these areas. Chevron brings expertise, resources, and the technology required to develop and grow oil and gas projects worldwide,” he added.
Chevron already has a vast portfolio in the Mediterranean Sea, including two gas producing fields in the eastern Mediterranean, four offshore exploration blocks in Greece and the Aphrodite gas field currently in development offshore Cyprus. In Egypt, Chevron is the operator of two exploration blocks and is in a non-operated joint venture in the Mediterranean Sea.
The delineation of the continental shelf in the four areas to Malta’s south is disputed by Libya, Tunisia and Italy. Back in the 1970s Malta had granted Texaco an exploration licence in Area 4 and drilling started in 1980. But Libya claimed the area as its own and even sent a warship to stop the Italian rig contracted by Texaco from drilling. The dispute was eventually taken to the International Court of Justice.
Eventually, in 1985, the ICJ delivered its judgment that shifted the demarcation line drawn by Malta upwards to take into account of the vastly larger Libyan coastline. Malta’s continental shelf limit was thus reduced but the court only pronounced itself on a small section of the zone since there were competing claims from Italy and Tunisia to the southeast and southwest of Malta’s continental shelf respectively.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/141498/malta_grants_oil_giant_chevron_exploration_study_licence_for_offshore_areas_to_the_south
New fast ferry service linking Gozo, Bugibba and Sliema inaugurated
Prime Minister Robert Abela on inaugurates new fast ferry service linking Sliema to Bugibba and onwards to Gozo
5 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Prime Minister Robert Abela and other government officials arriving by ferry to the launch inaugurating the service (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Prime Minister Robert Abela on Tuesday inaugurated a new fast ferry service linking Sliema to Bugibba and onwards to Gozo.
Abela was accompanied by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and Transport Minister Chris Bonett during the launch.
The prime minister said the service between Sliema and Bugibba will be free of charge, meaning all public transport in Malta — both land and sea — will now be offered at no cost.
Prime Minister Robert Abela (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)Trips will take 30 minutes from one destination to the other.
“At a time when many countries are scaling back public services due to austerity measures across Europe, the government’s decision to expand services and make them free is a clear reflection of our progressive values,” Abela said.
He added that the new route will provide Gozitan commuters with additional options when travelling to Malta, with stops in two more localities alongside existing connections at Ċirkewwa and Valletta.
The service forms part of the government’s Tallinja bil-Baħar network, which is expected to expand further in the coming months. Plans include a new route connecting Marsaskala to Valletta, pending completion of infrastructure works at the Wied il-Għajn ferry landing.
Abela noted that more than 1.5 million passengers have used the Harbour Ferry service since it was made free just over two years ago.
He said maritime transport is a key pillar of the government’s “Malta in Motion” plan, aimed at improving mobility through better integration between ferries, buses, cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as future transport initiatives.
The government is also planning significant investment in the Gozo Channel service, including increasing the number of vessels and introducing ships with cleaner technology.
“This multi-million euro investment will be complemented by improved public transport services in Gozo, in addition to the air taxi service between the islands,” Abela said.
A task force has already been set up to analyse operations at Mġarr harbour to ensure long-term sustainability as connectivity to Gozo continues to be strengthened
Abela added that the Malta Vision 2050 outlines key targets for Gozo, building on the “Gozo — island of villages” strategy, which is set to be updated to better align with the broader national vision.
Addressing the press conference, Chris Bonett said the project highlights government’s transportation policy in seeking solutions while recognising the complexity of the sector.
He announced a new circular bus in Bugibba, linked to the fast-ferry departure times. This was done, he said, in order to ensure different mass transport services are linked for better mobility.
“Last year 1.2 million passengers used the fast ferries, showing that when people see a value in a service provided to them that service is used. It will be a slow transition, I don’t expect it to happen overnight, but I am sure it will be successful,” he said.
Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia also addressed the press conference.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/141495/new_fast_ferry_service_linking_gozo_bugibba_and_sliema_inaugurated_
Prime Minister Robert Abela on inaugurates new fast ferry service linking Sliema to Bugibba and onwards to Gozo
5 May 2026,
by Karl Azzopardi
Prime Minister Robert Abela and other government officials arriving by ferry to the launch inaugurating the service (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)
Prime Minister Robert Abela on Tuesday inaugurated a new fast ferry service linking Sliema to Bugibba and onwards to Gozo.
Abela was accompanied by Gozo and Planning Minister Clint Camilleri and Transport Minister Chris Bonett during the launch.
The prime minister said the service between Sliema and Bugibba will be free of charge, meaning all public transport in Malta — both land and sea — will now be offered at no cost.
Prime Minister Robert Abela (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday)Trips will take 30 minutes from one destination to the other.
“At a time when many countries are scaling back public services due to austerity measures across Europe, the government’s decision to expand services and make them free is a clear reflection of our progressive values,” Abela said.
He added that the new route will provide Gozitan commuters with additional options when travelling to Malta, with stops in two more localities alongside existing connections at Ċirkewwa and Valletta.
The service forms part of the government’s Tallinja bil-Baħar network, which is expected to expand further in the coming months. Plans include a new route connecting Marsaskala to Valletta, pending completion of infrastructure works at the Wied il-Għajn ferry landing.
Abela noted that more than 1.5 million passengers have used the Harbour Ferry service since it was made free just over two years ago.
He said maritime transport is a key pillar of the government’s “Malta in Motion” plan, aimed at improving mobility through better integration between ferries, buses, cycling and walking infrastructure, as well as future transport initiatives.
The government is also planning significant investment in the Gozo Channel service, including increasing the number of vessels and introducing ships with cleaner technology.
“This multi-million euro investment will be complemented by improved public transport services in Gozo, in addition to the air taxi service between the islands,” Abela said.
A task force has already been set up to analyse operations at Mġarr harbour to ensure long-term sustainability as connectivity to Gozo continues to be strengthened
Abela added that the Malta Vision 2050 outlines key targets for Gozo, building on the “Gozo — island of villages” strategy, which is set to be updated to better align with the broader national vision.
Addressing the press conference, Chris Bonett said the project highlights government’s transportation policy in seeking solutions while recognising the complexity of the sector.
He announced a new circular bus in Bugibba, linked to the fast-ferry departure times. This was done, he said, in order to ensure different mass transport services are linked for better mobility.
“Last year 1.2 million passengers used the fast ferries, showing that when people see a value in a service provided to them that service is used. It will be a slow transition, I don’t expect it to happen overnight, but I am sure it will be successful,” he said.
Transport Malta CEO Kurt Farrugia also addressed the press conference.
www.maltatoday.com.mt/news/national/141495/new_fast_ferry_service_linking_gozo_bugibba_and_sliema_inaugurated_
L-MUT tikkundanna aggressjoni fil-konfront tal-kapijiet tal-iskola tal-Kalkara
4 ta' Mejju 2026
Read in English
Il-Ministeru tal-Edukazzjoni kkonferma ma’ TVM News li dalgħodu ġenitur ta’ skola ħebb għall-kap tal-iskola primarja tal-Kalkara Christina Vella. Allegatament il-ġenitur ta’ student f’din l-iskola marret targumenta u f’ħin minnhom refgħet idejha fuq il-kap tal-iskola. Il-Ministeru kkonferma li daħal rapport fuq il-każ. Il-pulizija marru fuq il-post.
Intant, fi stqarrija, l-MUT ikkundannat l-aggressjoni fuq il-Kap u d-Deputat Kap tal-Iskola. Qalet li l-inċident ma kellux x’jaqsam mal-edukazzjoni, u li dan isaħħaħ il-fehma tal-union u l-edukaturi li l-iskejjel qed iħabbtu wiċċhom ma’ sitwazzjonijiet li jmorru lil hinn mill-edukazzjoni, li għandhom bżonn servizzi ta’ appoġġ barra mill-iskola.
tvmnews.mt/news/l-mut-tikkundanna-aggressjoni-fil-konfront-tal-kapijiet-tal-iskola-tal-kalkara/
Festa Frawli fin- Nadur 2026
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat
Ritratti minn Mario Muscat
San Blas Bay, Nadur
Poem
Down Wied San Blas the pathway bends,
where earth and memory softly blend.
A chapel lost, yet not erased,
its name still blesses this green place.
Frott u ħxejjex line the way,
apples, lumi in bright display,
larinġ, lanġas, plums and vines,
fed by sun and patient time.
Once these gifts by cart were borne
to Maltese markets at the morn,
now glasshouses in ordered rows
guard the seeds the valley knows.
Across the wied, Irdum iz-Żgħir
stands clothed in green throughout the year,
while fallen rocks from cliffs so high
of Irdum il-Kbir in silence lie.
The path grows steep, the noise falls away,
San Blas reveals itself — but makes you stay.
Its ramel aħmar, warm and rare,
its sea a whispered, careful prayer.
Hard to reach, and so kept pure,
from crowds, from haste, from footsteps sure.
Here locals come, and few who roam,
to feel the stillness, feel at home.
San Blas, small bay, yet rich and deep,
a secret Gozo chose to keep.
Poem
Down Wied San Blas the pathway bends,
where earth and memory softly blend.
A chapel lost, yet not erased,
its name still blesses this green place.
Frott u ħxejjex line the way,
apples, lumi in bright display,
larinġ, lanġas, plums and vines,
fed by sun and patient time.
Once these gifts by cart were borne
to Maltese markets at the morn,
now glasshouses in ordered rows
guard the seeds the valley knows.
Across the wied, Irdum iz-Żgħir
stands clothed in green throughout the year,
while fallen rocks from cliffs so high
of Irdum il-Kbir in silence lie.
The path grows steep, the noise falls away,
San Blas reveals itself — but makes you stay.
Its ramel aħmar, warm and rare,
its sea a whispered, careful prayer.
Hard to reach, and so kept pure,
from crowds, from haste, from footsteps sure.
Here locals come, and few who roam,
to feel the stillness, feel at home.
San Blas, small bay, yet rich and deep,
a secret Gozo chose to keep.
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Today, some Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul in Melbourne, had the pleasure to meet with Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Grand Prior of the Chapter of Malta, during his visit to Melbourne.
Photo from left: Chevalier Carmel Saliba / Grand Prior Chapter of Malta, Chevalier Mario Sabatini / Deputy Grand Master,Dame Maria Vella, Dame Grace Vella, Chevalier Joseph Coleiro / Grand Chancellor, Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli / Grand Master and Dame Mary Portelli.
Tuesday 30 December 2025.
Today, some Members of the Supreme Council of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul in Melbourne, had the pleasure to meet with Chevalier Carmel Saliba, Grand Prior of the Chapter of Malta, during his visit to Melbourne.
Photo from left: Chevalier Carmel Saliba / Grand Prior Chapter of Malta, Chevalier Mario Sabatini / Deputy Grand Master,Dame Maria Vella, Dame Grace Vella, Chevalier Joseph Coleiro / Grand Chancellor, Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli / Grand Master and Dame Mary Portelli.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Nadur. Gozo.
The Grand Chapter of Malta have 10 Christmas Hampers to give to the needy.
Thank you to the members, the companies and the people who donated food to be distributed to the needy.
2 Hampers have already been given to the Franciscan Sisters in Nadur.
2 more hampers each have been given to the Franciscan Friars in Ghajnsielem, Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem and Caritas in Victoria Gozo.
Well done to the Committee and Members of the Grand Chapter in Malta.
God bless you in St. Peter and St. Paul for the wonderful work you are doing.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Melbourne. Australia.
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Nadur. Gozo.
The Grand Chapter of Malta have 10 Christmas Hampers to give to the needy.
Thank you to the members, the companies and the people who donated food to be distributed to the needy.
2 Hampers have already been given to the Franciscan Sisters in Nadur.
2 more hampers each have been given to the Franciscan Friars in Ghajnsielem, Arka Foundation in Ghajnsielem and Caritas in Victoria Gozo.
Well done to the Committee and Members of the Grand Chapter in Malta.
God bless you in St. Peter and St. Paul for the wonderful work you are doing.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
CKSPP
Melbourne. Australia.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
25 YEARS IN MALTA
Nadur, Gozo.
See more pictures here: timesofmalta.com/article/confraternity-knights-st-peter-st-paul-marks-25-years-malta.1118875
25 YEARS IN MALTA
Nadur, Gozo.
See more pictures here: timesofmalta.com/article/confraternity-knights-st-peter-st-paul-marks-25-years-malta.1118875
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Pieta, Malta.
The Prior of Malawi, Chevalier Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, visited G`Mangia on Saturday 18th October 2025.
He had a meeting with the Knights and Dames of the Confraternity at Gwardamanġa in Pietà, Malta.
Chevalier Fr. Joseph blessed the statue of St. Peter and St. Paul, with their Relic, also blessed the statue of our lady of Fatima.
A donation was presented to him together with the statue of our lady of Fatima.
Congratulations and well done to our knights and Dame in Malta.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Melbourne, Australia.
https://www.knightsofstpeterandstpaul.com/
Group photo from left: Chev. Vincent Marshall, Chev. Mario Calleja, Chev. Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, Chev. Johan Briffa, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
Pieta, Malta.
The Prior of Malawi, Chevalier Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, visited G`Mangia on Saturday 18th October 2025.
He had a meeting with the Knights and Dames of the Confraternity at Gwardamanġa in Pietà, Malta.
Chevalier Fr. Joseph blessed the statue of St. Peter and St. Paul, with their Relic, also blessed the statue of our lady of Fatima.
A donation was presented to him together with the statue of our lady of Fatima.
Congratulations and well done to our knights and Dame in Malta.
Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli
Grand Master
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Melbourne, Australia.
https://www.knightsofstpeterandstpaul.com/
Group photo from left: Chev. Vincent Marshall, Chev. Mario Calleja, Chev. Rev. Fr. Joseph Sikwese, Chev. Johan Briffa, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
CONFRATERNITY OF THE KNIGHTS OF ST. PETER & ST. PAUL
Melbourne, Australia.
Wednesday 3 September 2025.
The Grand Master, His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, has the pleasure to appoint Chevalier Carmel Saliba as the new Grand Prior of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, effective from today.
He will be assisted by Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi in Gozo and Chevalier Vincent Marshall in Malta as Personal Secretaries.
Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi / Prior.
Dame Lina Mifsud / Secretary / Chancellor
Chevalier Peter Ray Said / Treasurer.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba was appointed as a knight in the Confraternity on the 3 rd. of August 2011 at a ceremony held at the Nadur Town Hall.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba has served as Secretary / PR since his appointment as a knight. Just recently he was appointed as chancellor of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
We wish to congratulate Chevalier Carmel Saliba in his new office of Grand Prior, and we wish him and his chapter more success in the future.
The Supreme Council
Melbourne. Australia.
Melbourne, Australia.
Wednesday 3 September 2025.
The Grand Master, His Excellency Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, has the pleasure to appoint Chevalier Carmel Saliba as the new Grand Prior of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, effective from today.
He will be assisted by Dame Veronica Camilleri Cauchi in Gozo and Chevalier Vincent Marshall in Malta as Personal Secretaries.
Chevalier Michael Camilleri Cauchi / Prior.
Dame Lina Mifsud / Secretary / Chancellor
Chevalier Peter Ray Said / Treasurer.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba was appointed as a knight in the Confraternity on the 3 rd. of August 2011 at a ceremony held at the Nadur Town Hall.
Chevalier Carmel Saliba has served as Secretary / PR since his appointment as a knight. Just recently he was appointed as chancellor of the Grand Chapter of Malta.
We wish to congratulate Chevalier Carmel Saliba in his new office of Grand Prior, and we wish him and his chapter more success in the future.
The Supreme Council
Melbourne. Australia.
Investiture ceremonies in Mala and Gozo 2025.
New knights and Dame for Confraternity of Knights of St Peter & St Paul
by Gozo News
Chevalier Carmel Saliba/ Chancellor
August 23, 2025
Pieta, Malta.
On Saturday, the Grand Master of the Confraternity of St Peter and St Paul, Peter Paul Portelli led the investiture of two new Knights and a Dame. These are Johan Briffa, Josef and Olivia Anne Camilleri.
The ceremony took place at Pieta Malta.
Present for the ceremony were Chev. Carmel Saliba – Secretary/Chancellor, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Vince Marshall, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
Photo by Jane Saliba: From L t R. Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Kenneth Mangion, Dame Vanessa Mangion, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli – Grand Master, Chev. Josef Camilleri, Dame Olivia Anne Camilleri, Chev. Vince Marshall and Chev. Johan Briffa.
by Gozo News
Chevalier Carmel Saliba/ Chancellor
August 23, 2025
Pieta, Malta.
On Saturday, the Grand Master of the Confraternity of St Peter and St Paul, Peter Paul Portelli led the investiture of two new Knights and a Dame. These are Johan Briffa, Josef and Olivia Anne Camilleri.
The ceremony took place at Pieta Malta.
Present for the ceremony were Chev. Carmel Saliba – Secretary/Chancellor, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Vince Marshall, Chev. Kenneth Mangion and Dame Vanessa Mangion.
Photo by Jane Saliba: From L t R. Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Kenneth Mangion, Dame Vanessa Mangion, Dame Mary Portelli, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli – Grand Master, Chev. Josef Camilleri, Dame Olivia Anne Camilleri, Chev. Vince Marshall and Chev. Johan Briffa.
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
Meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech.
Today, members of the Executive Committee of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, had a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech at the Monastery of the Dominican Sister at Victoria in Gozo.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presented HE Cardinal Mario Grech with a copy of the Constitution of the Confraternity.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Peter Ray Said, Chev. Joseph Meilak, HE Cardinal Mario Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli and Dame Mary Portelli.
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
Meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech.
Today, members of the Executive Committee of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur, Gozo, had a meeting with His Eminence Cardinal Mario Grech at the Monastery of the Dominican Sister at Victoria in Gozo.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presented HE Cardinal Mario Grech with a copy of the Constitution of the Confraternity.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Peter Ray Said, Chev. Joseph Meilak, HE Cardinal Mario Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli and Dame Mary Portelli.
Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presided over the investiture ceremony to appoint Monsignor Fr. Joseph Grech as a knight in the Confraternity.
Chevalier Monsignor Joseph Grech is now the Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur Gozo.
Congratulation Chevalier Chaplain Monsignor Rev. Joseph Grech.
Welcome into the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Mons. Joseph Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli, Dame Mary Portelli and Chev. Joseph Meilak.
Grand Chapter of Malta.
Friday 8 August 2025.
The Grand Master, HE Chevalier Peter Paul Portelli, presided over the investiture ceremony to appoint Monsignor Fr. Joseph Grech as a knight in the Confraternity.
Chevalier Monsignor Joseph Grech is now the Chaplain of the Grand Chapter of Malta, based in Nadur Gozo.
Congratulation Chevalier Chaplain Monsignor Rev. Joseph Grech.
Welcome into the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Photo from left: Chev. Carmel Saliba, Chev. Mons. Joseph Grech, Chev. Peter Paul Portelli, Dame Mary Portelli and Chev. Joseph Meilak.
Feast of the Sacred Heart of Jesus
Nadur, Gozo
Sunday 16th June: 5:30 pm Pontifical Mass at the Sacred Heart Church.
With the participation of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Nadur, Gozo
Sunday 16th June: 5:30 pm Pontifical Mass at the Sacred Heart Church.
With the participation of the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul.
Mass for the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Mass for the Confraternity of the Knights of St. Peter & St. Paul
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Group photo: The Knights and Dames of the Confraternity with the Archpriest Mons. Jimmy Xerri and the Clergy of the parish.
27 June, 2023
Basilica of St. Peter & St. Paul Nadur, Gozo. Malta.
Group photo: The Knights and Dames of the Confraternity with the Archpriest Mons. Jimmy Xerri and the Clergy of the parish.
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
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
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
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.
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.
