The fight at the top of the Challenge League is at its climax with only a couple of games to go before the league’s promotion and relegation candidates are finalised. Last weekend, Pembroke Athleta became the first team to win promotion to the Premier League and now the battle centers between Żejtun Corinthians who lie in joint second, level on 34 points with Naxxar Lions, the latter having a game in hand. Speaking to the Times of Malta, Corinthians coach Orosco Anonam believes the time for beautiful football is over, as their faith rests upon the dropped points of their rivals.   Continue reading this article on Sports Desk, the new sports website by Times of Malta

An Israeli couple has been caught with €26,965 in undeclared cash at Malta International Airport's non-Schengen departures lounge, the Customs Department said on Wednesday. Customs said the couple, en route to Turkey, was intercepted by canine officer Gypsy. Asked how much money they were carrying, they said $18,000 (€16,490.73).  However, a thorough search led to the discovery of money in different foreign currencies which, when converted, amounted to a total of €26,965 in undeclared cash. The couple were fined after they agreed to an out-of-court settlement.

When her husband woke her up at 5am saying Russia had invaded, Ukraine’s Eurovision winner Jamala didn’t know what to do first: pack, find their passports or take care of her two toddlers. The 38-year-old ethnic Tatar never thought that she would become a refugee like her grandmother. She was driven from her native Crimea by Soviet forces in 1944 –  the title of the ballad about Soviet persecution that clinched her the Eurovision crown in 2016. “I never thought it would be a reality (today) because it was (in) the past,” she told AFP. But there she was, cowering in a building’s second-floor parking lot in Kyiv. “I was really shocked,” she said.  The family then decided to drive to Ternopil – 400 kilometres (250 miles) to the west, in search of safety.  But after spending a night there, the sounds of explosions were too distressing and they moved again, this time to the Romanian border. Jamala crossed the border alone with her sons aged one and three – Ukrainian adult men are not allowed to leave the country and her husband returned to Kyiv to help with the war effort. The 38-year-old ethnic Tatar never thought that she would become a refugee like her grandmother. Photo: Ozan...

Gianluigi Donnarumma could complete a journey which will take him from the foot of Mount Vesuvius to one of the temples of football when Paris Saint-Germain walk out at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday to defend their slender lead over Real Madrid. Already a European champion with Italy, goalkeeper Donnarumma joined PSG in the summer after being named the best player at Euro 2020, and he is helping PSG’s push to finally conquer the Champions League ahead of the second leg of their last-16 clash in the Spanish capital.   Continue reading this article on Sports Desk, the new sports website by Times of Malta

Young triathletes from the Shamrock Stars Sports Club enjoyed success at the Duathlon di Pergusa – Sicily Triathlon Series that was held last weekend. Shamrock Stars were represented by three triathletes, Liam Daly, Neil Cassar and Julia Zammit. Daly was up against 23 triathletes in the Under 13 category and produced a very impressive performance as he managed to win the race in a time of 11:00 minutes. Daly finished almost half a second ahead of second-placed Samuele Sanchez (11:33) while Giulio D’Angelo completed the podium when he completed the distance in 11:58 Neil Cassar was in action in the U-11 category, which also featured 23 triathletes, and the Shamrock Stars Sports Club made it two wins out of two for his club when he crossed the finish line in six minutes and 25 seconds. Continue reading this article on SportsDesk, the sports website of the Times of Malta

Malta's golden passports scheme is "unfair to European and Ukrainian citizens" as it exposes Europe to very unsavoury and shady individuals, an MEP said on Wednesday. Addressing a press conference in Strasbourg, ahead of a vote that will likely see the European Parliament call for a ban of citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes and EU-wide rules for residence by investment (RBI) schemes, MEP Sophie In 't Veld said that while it might be legally difficult to stop member states from operating such schemes, the European Commission should try to find ways to do so.  "These schemes are letting in very unsavoury and shady individuals. Is it unfair to ask Malta to scrap the scheme? I don’t know. Is it fair for Malta, or other countries, to create that risk to the EU? I don’t think so. [It's] very difficult for small countries whose revenue streams depend on this... I understand it is painful but it is not fair to European citizens, and Ukrainians at this point," the MEP, who serves as rapporteur on the issue, said.  Again pointing specifically to Malta, In 't Veld said the Maltese government's decision to suspend the processing of applications by Russians because of the country's...

A multinational pharmaceutical company announced a €22 million investment on Wednesday.  Torrent Pharma’s investment will see it build a new production plant in Ħal Far including a large pharmaceutical testing lab. It is expected to generate 120 new jobs.  Addressing a press conference in Ħal Far, Torrent Pharma Malta general manager Fredrick Schembri said the first phase of the investment will see the company develop logistical and packaging operations and sterilization testing labs in Malta that will process 16,000 batches annually.  By 2024 the company also plans on developing an oncology medication testing facility in Malta, he said.  Founded in India, Torrent Pharma is the flagship company of the Torrent Group conglomerate and has a presence in over 40 companies. The conglomerate is owned and run by the billionaire Mehta family.   The event was later addressed by Prime Minister Robert Abela who said he believes Torrent is going places.  The island’s “English speaking can-do” attitude, Abela said, matched the company’s.  Enterprise Minister Miriam Dalli said the foreign direct investment would make Malta its European centre for testing and quality control.  Economy Minister...

The European Parliament is likely to vote for a call to ban on citizen-by-investment schemes on Wednesday, as lead rapporteur Sophie Int’ Veld labelled Malta's scheme as "unfair to European and Ukrainian citizens". Addressing a press conference in Strasbourg, ahead of the vote, MEP Sophie In 't Veld said that while it might be legally difficult to stop member states from operating such schemes, the European Commission should try to find ways to do so.  "These schemes are letting in very unsavoury and shady individuals. Is it unfair to ask Malta to scrap the scheme? I don’t know. Is it fair for Malta, or other countries, to create that risk to the EU? I don’t think so. [It's] very difficult for small countries whose revenue streams depend on this... I understand it is painful but it is not fair to European citizens, and Ukrainians at this point," the MEP, who serves as rapporteur on the issue, said.  The European Parliament is expected to call for a ban of citizenship by investment (CBI) schemes and EU-wide rules for residence by investment (RBI) schemes. Again pointing specifically to Malta, In 't Veld said the Maltese government's decision to suspend the processing of...

Luka Modric has admitted he would love to play with Kylian Mbappe at Real Madrid ahead of Wednesday’s crunch Champions League game against Paris Saint-Germain. Madrid trail PSG 1-0 from the first leg in Paris, when Mbappe scored a stunning late winner to give the French side the advantage as they bid to reach the quarter-finals. Mbappe’s involvement at the Santiago Bernabeu is in doubt after he reportedly suffered an injury in training on Monday, with PSG coach Mauricio Pochettino due to give an update on his fitness later on Tuesday.  Carlo Ancelotti said Madrid are “preparing as if Mbappe is going to play”.   Continue reading this article on Sports Desk, the new sports website by Times of Malta

A total of 141,917 cruise passengers landed in or were in transit in Malta last year with most (87.1%) coming from EU states, according to the National Statistics Office. The NSO said in a statement that this was a significant increase in cruise passengers when compared to 2020, although pre-COVID-19 levels had yet to be attained.  A total 51,018 cruise passengers had been to Malta in 2020, just a fraction of the 765,696 in 2019. The NSO said there were 106 cruise liner calls in 2021, with an average of 1,339 passengers per vessel, compared to 32 calls and an average of 1,844 passengers per vessel in the comparative period of 2020. In the last quarter of the year, the island welcomed 44,994 cruise passengers with 34 liners calling at Malta. Transit passengers (42,166) accounted for the absolute majority of total traffic with each vessel berthing in Malta carrying an average of 1,323 passengers. At 82.3%, EU nationals comprised the largest share of total cruise passengers with the major market being Italy with 13,586 passengers (30.2%) of the total passengers. The total number of cruise passengers from non-EU countries stood at 7,984. The largest share of passengers (33.7%) fell...

The Senglea Drama Group was formed in 2008, with its main aim being to bring people of all ages together under one roof, that of the Sede Azzjoni Kattolika, (the Catholic Action headquarters) situated in the same town. Life experiences could thus be shared through drama and through volunteer work. The group will be staging a play during Holy Week, something which it had been doing for the last 14 years. The venue will be the hall of the Sede Azzjoni Kattolika.  Titled Kollox Mitmum (translated as 'all is done'), the production will be staged on Saturday, April 9, and Sunday, April 10, at 7.30 pm. Tickets can be purchased from the Sede Azzjoni Kattolika and by phone on 79449812 or 99208015.

Nobel laureate and folk-rock legend Bob Dylan will release a new book on songwriting in November, his publisher Simon and Schuster said Tuesday. The Philosophy of Modern Song – slate for publication on November 8 – is the first book of new writing Dylan has put out in nearly two decades, since Chronicles, Volume One came out in 2004. The beloved American poet and music artist began writing his latest book in 2010, and it's comprised of more than 60 essays, musing on artists such as Hank Williams and Nina Simone, along with the craft of songwriting, his publisher said. The book cover of Dylan's new publication. Photo: Twitter.com “The publication of Bob Dylan's kaleidoscopically brilliant work will be an international celebration of songs by one of the greatest artists of our time,” said Jonathan Karp, head of Simon and Schuster, in a statement. “The Philosophy of Modern Song could only have been written by Bob Dylan. His voice is unique, and his work conveys his deep appreciation and understanding of songs, the people who bring those songs to life, and what songs mean to all of us.” Rumors of a Chronicles, Volume Two have swirled for years but fans will now have Philosophy to...

Batches of a locally sold brand of frozen fish fillets may contain high levels of chlorate, authorities have warned.  Asian Choice frozen pangasius fillets have been recalled from the market due to the concerns. Chlorate is a disinfectant that is banned as a pesticide in the EU which has also set maximum allowable levels in foods and water. Originating from Vietnam, the affected product comes in 800-gram packs and carries lot number VN/069/VI/090. Its durability date is BB 09/11/2022. The recalled Chilli Chips. The authorities also recalled Frit Ravich chilli and Mediterraneo chips due to the presence of Sudan Blue II, an industrial colouring, which is not authorised for use in food. The Chilli Chips come in 125g packs from lot 031160. The Mediterraneo Chips come in 38 and 125 gr packs, lots 011223, 011165, 011158 and 011138 (38g); and 031223, 031228, 031258, 031288, 021158, and 031138 (125g). The recalled Mediterraneo Chips. Also recalled were a set of melamine plates with different lemon motifs originating in China, due to fears that melamine may leach into food during their use. The plates’ barcode is 8719987808104. The recalled plates.

Some 26 people who have fled Ukraine have so far been granted refugee status in Malta, and have already arrived in the country.  Prime Minister Robert Abela said the refugees are expected to stay in the country for the foreseeable future. It is not clear whether they are staying with family members or are being housed by the government.  Abela did not divulge how many refugees the country expects to take in as civilians in Ukraine are forced to flee their homes and head for safety.  Robert Abela says Malta will do what it can, given its size limitations. Video: Ivan Martin Malta he said was helping in every way possible, within the island’s limitations. On Tuesday, the United Nations said the number of people fleeing Russia's invasion has reached 2 million, with most arriving in Moldova, Poland and Romania. Malta has already agreed to offer oncology treatment to cancer patients from Ukraine. Abela said talks have begun with cancer charity Puttinu Cares to help young Ukrainian cancer patients receive oncology treatment.   No answers on energy crisis plans  Meanwhile, the prime minister was reluctant to tell reporters how much the government has put aside to cover potential...

A man who sexually molested his wife while they were going through a separation pleaded not guilty to charges on Wednesday. The man, who is a 51-year-old lifter driver from Siġġiewi, was arraigned under arrest after his estranged wife reported the matter to the police’s domestic violence unit. Neither of the two can be named. According to the woman, the man persisted in touching her intimately despite her withdrawing consent as they were going through a separation. The police investigated and the man confirmed he had done so. He was charged with non-consensual sexual contact and sexually harassing his estranged wife. The man’s lawyer requested bail and the prosecution said it would not object as the victim “does not want to see him in jail”, though she does not want him to return home. The woman’s lawyer, Arthur Azzopardi, said he agreed with the prosecution’s position. A court heard that the man’s parents are willing to let him live with them at home and that he is willing to hand over his house keys, to ensure that he does not go there. The man has a clean criminal record, the court noted. It granted him bail but ordered him to respect an 11pm to 5am curfew and to sign a bail...

Being published shortly is a new novel in Maltese by Alfred Sant Ir-Rumanz tal-Fieres Safran (The Romance of the Yellow Knight). Sant’s last novel was George Bush f’Malta (George Bush in Malta), published in 2013. The Yellow Knight takes the reader back to the Dark Ages when King Arthur ruled over Camelot, backed by his Knights of the Round Table. The cover of the new publication. They leave Camelot in a search for the Holy Grail in which Joseph of Arimatea had kept the blood of the crucified Christ. Markald, a member of the Round Table, reaches the islands of Melita and Gaulos. Ir-Rumanz tal-Fieres Safran is being published under the new – Quinque – label.

A further 138 new COVID-19 cases have been recorded overnight as two men died while positive with the virus. The two victims were aged 80 and 90. They bring Malta's death toll from the virus to 612. Statistics published by the health ministry show that 84 people recovered, leaving the number of active cases at 1,002. Of the current active cases, 35 are at Mater Dei Hospital, with four receiving intensive care. The same health data shows that over 345,398 people have now received a booster shot of the COVID vaccine. Booster doses are available for all residents aged 18 and older, with vaccination open to residents aged older than five.   From this week, Malta has  relaxed several COVID-19 measures. Vaccinated people who have been in contact with COVID-19 cases will not have to quarantine at all. Unvaccinated contacts must self-isolate for five days on condition of a negative PCR test. This means, for example, that if an unvaccinated child is in contact with a case in school, he or she will only have to quarantine for five days.  Those who live with positive cases and are vaccinated are required to quarantine for seven days, with a negative PCR test.  The quarantine period for...

Kyrie Irving erupted for 50 points as the Brooklyn Nets snapped a four-game losing streak with a 132-121 road victory over the Charlotte Hornets on Tuesday. The fifth 50-point game of Irving’s career came courtesy of a superb shooting performance, with the seven-time All-Star shooting 15 of 19 attempts from the field including nine from outside the arc. The Nets improved to 33-33 with the victory, which keeps them firmly on track for a place in the postseason play-in tournament.    Continue reading this article on Sports Desk, the new sports website by Times of Malta

On International Women’s Day, Meridianbet dedicated its traditional March 8 campaign in support of expectant mothers and medical staff as its employees are donating maternity hospitals throughout the world. This is also a follow-up of Meridian’s series of donations and humanitarian actions to contribute to even better working conditions for medical staff in light of pandemics. It has also become a part of corporate policy to raise awareness on the issue of gender equality. More than 65 per cent of Meridianbet top management are women, proportionally represented in all business segments – HR, marketing, retail network, and software development – thus showing no gender equality is possible without the economic empowerment of women. Meridianbet donated packages of cosmetics for personal care to every women patient in St James Hospitals all around Malta. “We are so pleased to be part of our global Meridianbet campaign, where we joined forces to make today a special day for Women while continuing to promote equality together every day,” said Stefan Pavlovic from Meridianet. “As a Group, Meridianbet strives to ensure equal opportunity for everyone, irrespective of race, nationality,...

The flood of refugees escaping war in Ukraine for the European Union has sparked a rare show of unity from the bloc's 27 nations after years of disputes over the sensitive issue of migration.  In the space of just a week, the EU rushed through a unanimous decision to trigger its protection mechanism granting those fleeing Ukraine the right to stay and work in the bloc for an initial two years.  It was the first time the EU had activated the measure, drawn up in 2001 after the conflicts in former Yugoslavia.  "It's a unique and historic moment and I think we should take pride in this moment," EU home affairs commissioner Ylva Johansson told the European Parliament Tuesday.  "The decision was a unanimous decision, all member states agreed."  The EU's response to the unprecedented influx of over two million refugees in 12 days is a major shift from how it has handled previous crises.  When the same number of refugees arrived throughout the whole of 2015 and 2016 fleeing conflicts in Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan the bloc was deeply split over how to share the burden.   Now some of those countries most opposed to accepting refugees from the Middle East seven years ago are neighbouring...