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Academics land in Malta for non-existent conference

February 12, 2017, 9:43 pm
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International scientists turned up in Malta for a non-existent conference co-organised by the Civil Liberties Ministry after the event was relocated from Valletta to New York without prior notice. At least 11 foreign academics, from as far afield as Canada, Australia and the US, travelled to Malta for the International Day of Women and Girls in Science conference on February 10, co-organised by the Royal Academy of Science International Trust (RASIT). But it was only after they had landed that they were informed the venue had been changed – six weeks ago – to the UN general headquarters in New York, enraged participants told the Times of Malta. Minister Helena Dalli attended the high-level event in New York on Friday together with other dignitaries, academics and civil society organisations. The minister had announced the important conference, then planned to be hosted at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, in Valletta, last February. The decision to move it to New York was made in late December but this was never communicated publicly. Participants stranded in Malta were instead invited by the ministry to a ‘parallel event’ consisting of a live-stream of the New York...
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One TV fined €3,000 for defaming Beppe Fenech Adami

February 13, 2017, 1:28 am
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A report aired by One TV last year during the station's daily news bulletin was defamatory in respect of Nationalist Party deputy leader Beppe Fenech Adami, a magistrate's court ruled today.  The court observed that One News editor Aleander Balzan had never appeared in court to defend the report's allegations regarding allegedly abusive construction works carried out by Dr Fenech Adami in his Għarghur home. Although Mr Balzan was reported as saying that he looked forward to presenting his evidence in court and had accused the Nationalist Party of trying to muzzle the reports, he never came forward to substantiate his allegations. The court, presided by magistrate Francesco Depasquale, noted that as a politician, Dr Fenech Adami was subject to public scrutiny and criticism. Journalists are duty-bound to scrutinise the actions of all those who hold public office, since the public has the right to be informed of all behaviour which may negatively impinge upon their interests.  Nonetheless, journalists must ensure that their reports are well researched and supported by strong evidence, the magistrate said.  The court declared the news report to have been defamatory and condemned the...
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Marsa murder suspect identified by police

February 13, 2017, 1:55 am
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Updated 11.28am Police have identified a suspect in relation to yesterday morning's murder in Marsa, sources have confirmed.   The man is expected to be arraigned in court this afternoon. Sources said that he is not known to the police. 25-year-old Sylvester Farrugia of Żurrieq was shot in the back at around 5am on Triq Simpson. His body was found near a stolen car with stolen registration plates.  READ: Man murdered in Marsa Investigators believe Mr Farrugia was shot while in the car, which was found with a shattered rear window.  Mr Farrugia was the second person to be killed this year, after Ħamrun man Victor Calleja died in a car explosion last month. 
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How Malta's minimum wage compares to that in other EU countries

February 13, 2017, 2:20 am
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Nine European Union member states have minimum wages higher than Malta's €736 monthly payment, new statistics released today show.  Statistics released by Eurostast show that the EU's ten eastern European members had minimum wages below €500 a month, with Bulgaria's €235 monthly rate the lowest across the 22 EU member states with minimum wage legislation.  Luxembourg, with a monthly payment of €1,999 a month, has the highest minimum wage across the EU, followed by Ireland (€1,563), the Netherlands (€1,552) and Belgium (€1,532).  Malta's €736 minimum wage is higher than Greece's €684 payment but lower than the €805 minimum wage set in Slovenia and €826 in Spain. Although the highest minimum wage in the EU is nine times larger than the lowest one, disparities are considerably smaller once price level differences are eliminated.   Minimum wages were above 60 per cent of median gross monthly earnings in just three member states - Portugal (64 per cent), France and Slovenia (both 62 per cent).   Malta was one of seven member states to have a minimum wage lower than half of median gross monthly earnings, at 48 per cent. 
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Father slashed son's arm with a bread knife

February 13, 2017, 3:47 am
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A father who got into a violent fight with his own son yesterday evening has been handed a suspended prison sentence and ordered to undergo anger management treatment by a magistrate's court. Mario Caruana, 59, from Fgura, was accused of having seriously injured his son when he slashed his arm with a bread knife in the course of a family argument that got terribly out of hand. The victim ended up with an injury which required 15 stitches. The court, presided by magistrate Joseph Mifsud, heard the victim testify that his father flew into a rage when the two began to argue inside the family home at around 6.00pm yesterday. The son declared that he was willing to forgive his father as long as the accused agreed to do something to curb his temper. The witness said that there had been frequent episodes of violence in the past. The accused pleaded guilty and was condemned to a jail term of one year suspended for 4 years. The court imposed a treatment order for 3 years so as to ensure that the man would receive help with his anger management. The court further imposed a €2,000 guarantee to make sure that the accused would abide by his obligations. Inspector Spiridione Zammit prosecuted.
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'Your criminal record sheet is worthy of a novel', magistrate tells thief

February 13, 2017, 3:21 am
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A man with a twenty-year drug habit was sentenced to one year in jail after admitting to a series of thefts committed over the weekend from various locations in Ħamrun and Marsa. Allan Grima, 34, will for the coming year swap his Kalkara residence for the Corradino Correctional Facility after being declared guilty upon his own admission of having in the early hours of Sunday morning broken into a Peugeot parked in Ħamrun. During the same night, the accused allegedly attempted to steal from two other vehicles in Marsa. Later on, he managed to get away with €100 in cash, a pair of spectacles worth €300 and personal documents belonging to the owner of another vehicle. Other items worth some €165 were stolen from another car. The accused was also found guilty of having made off with a number of personal belongings worth some €230 from a car parked in Ħamrun at around 2.30pm yesterday. The court heard how the accused allegedly committed the thefts to fund his drug habit after failing to receive his dose of methadone. The court, presided by magistrate Joseph Mifsud, declared the accused guilty and condemned him to a jail term of one year. However, taking note of the man's serious drug...
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Almost 500 foreign-registered cars caught speeding in just two months

February 13, 2017, 6:14 am
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Traffic contraventions involving EU-registered vehicles listed by Transport Malta all consisted of exceeding the speed limit. Photo: Chris Sant Fournier

Almost 500 EU-registered vehicles were caught exceeding the speed limit in just two months, but the authorities would not say whether owners were fined despite their details being available. Official data tabled in Parliament a few weeks ago by Transport Minister Joe Mizzi shows that between August and September last year, 488 EU-registered vehicles were involved in traffic contraventions. Transport Malta was able to trace the owners thanks to an EU-wide database system that became accessible in August 2016, Mr Mizzi said when replying to a parliamentary question by Opposition MP Ċensu Galea. However, no details were given on whether the cases were followed-up and whether the owners were fined prior to leaving Malta or through the traffic watchdogs in the defaulting owners’ countries of origin. Contacted by the Times of Malta, a Transport Malta spokesman noted that Italian motorists topped the list with 445 contraventions, followed by 11 from Germany and nine from other EU member states. It was not explained why this figure did not tally with the one given in Parliament (488). All the 465 cases mentioned by Transport Malta dealt with speeding. Asked whether the motorists in...
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Chris Cardona sues In-Nazzjon

February 13, 2017, 10:20 am
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Economy Minister Chris Cardona has sued In-Nazzjon and its reporter Mario Frendo over an article printed on February 4 in connection with claims that the minister had visited a brothel while on an official visit to Germany. The ministry said that in this case and other court cases the minister was not availing himself of his right to request a garnishee order as done against blogger Daphne Caruana Galizia.   However no one had a right to use the journalistic profession to 'say what he wanted,' the ministry said.  
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Pembroke FC team manager accused of football corruption

February 13, 2017, 8:06 am
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Updated - Adds MFA statement launching investigation - The team manager of Pembroke FC was refused bail today after being arraigned in court and accused of attempting to bribe Mosta FC players. Ucha Anyanwu, 30, born in Nigeria and married to a Maltese woman for the past 13 years, pleaded not guilty to the charges and requested bail. The prosecution however strongly objected, on various grounds, the first being the serious nature of the crime which, it said "is killing Maltese football." The court was also informed that there were a number of witnesses who were still to testify, some of whom shared the same roof with the accused. The defence countered that the accused was a married man and a father of three. Moreover the woman who has been his wife for the past 13, years was expecting another child. Although the accused was born in a foreign land, he has strong ties in Malta and never had any problems in the past. Magistrate Joseph Mifsud remarked that being a foreigner or a Maltese did not make any difference to him. The accused was innocent until proved guilty. The court however denied bail at this stage and observed that "match fixing damages the social, educational and...
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Malians released after controversial three-month detention

February 14, 2017, 5:34 am
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Updated 3.40pm - NGOs comment Nine Malians who were kept in detention for three months were released today, but the government still plans to deport them to their country, Home Affairs Minister Carmelo Abela announced this afternoon. The nine were kept in detention pending the arrival of official documents so that they could be returned to Mali, but the documents have not been delivered yet. They will be deported when the documents arrive from Mali, the minister said. "Their status remains that of failed asylum seekers, which implies they will have to be deported when country sends official documents," the minister said. READ: Deportation does not mean 'treating men like criminals', NGOs tell PM His announcement came just hours before a planned protest against their detention. The nine were originally in a group of 33 arrested in November for deportation to Mali, reportedly as part of an EU initiative. The sudden arrest, which came a few weeks before the Christmas festivities, shocked the migrant community. In December, Gianluca Cappitta – a lawyer at Mifsud and Mifsud Advocates – filed a constitutional case that challenged the validity of the deportation of these nine men, who...
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FIAU gets a new director at last

February 13, 2017, 7:34 am
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Updated - PN statement below - Kenneth Farrugia has been appointed director of the Financial Intelligence Analysis Unit, eight months after the controversial resignation of the last incumbent. The appointment followed a public call for applications and an interviewing process which involved several applicants, a short listing process and further interviews of candidates, the unit said. The FIAU is tasked with investigating money laundering and similar abuse.  Questions were raised when the last director of the FIAU, Manfred Galdes, resigned in July. The Nationalist Party had said his resignation was a matter of concern in view of the scandal surrounding the setting up of secret companies in Panama by Keith Schembri, the prime minister's chief of staff, and minister Konrad Mizzi. Three months earlier, on April 5, Finance Minister Edward Scicluna had said that the FIAU was investigating Mr Schembri and Dr Mizzi. In October it was announced that Mr Galdes has been appointed CEO and director of ARQ Group's compliance and anti-money laundering branch. Mr Farrugia, an accountant, is a committee member within the Malta Forum of Internal Auditors (MFIA) and has held audit positions in...
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Swans leave after Marsalforn sojourn

February 14, 2017, 6:36 am
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The 12 Mute Swans that had stayed in Marsalforn valley since January 1 left this morning, ornithologist Natalino Fenech said. Their departure was observed by members of the Facebook group Birds in the Maltese Islands some time after 7 am. The volunteers had been monitoring the swans since their arrival. Dr Fenech said that over the past few days the swans were seen taking wing regularly and returning to the same spot shortly afterwards, but it was noted that over the past few days, they were taking longer to return, which was a clear indication they were preparing to leave.  READ: Nine swans leave Marsalforn valley... and then promptly return The swans had been feeding on grass found in the water and food provided by both hunters and BirdLife volunteers. "This was the first time in ornithological history that swans came, stayed so long and left unharmed.  It was another example of the changes that have taken place over the past few years. The shooting of such birds is now the sporadic exception, whereas before it was the norm," Dr Fenech said.
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Doctors' association gives warning of industrial action

February 13, 2017, 10:07 pm
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Notice of industrial action affecting all sectors of the medical profession has been given by the doctor's association, which gave until March 14 for pending issues to be resolved. The Medical Association of Malta said in a statement this morning that in spite of numerous and very serious pending issues affecting all sectors of the profession, the collective agreement that expired at the end of December was not being discussed. “This has serious implications on the optimum delivery of patient care in view of the increasing demands on the health service,” the MAM said.  It also warned it would not sign any agreement with the government on the privatisation of healthcare before the office of the auditor general finalised its investigation and the full contract was published. The government, it said, was proceeding with privatisation regardless of this decision. MAM also said that specialists were being recruited in Gozo, counter to stipulations in the current collective agreement. They were being recruited without having the necessary qualifications required for specialist grades and without the thorough screening and recruitment process by independent expert boards appointed and...
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After a decade in Malta, a man’s stability at risk

February 13, 2017, 11:44 am
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Mohammed Ahmed shares his knowledge of Sudanese culture through music. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli

A man whose dream to study medicine drove him out of Sudan 11 years ago, feels like all his efforts to survive and build a decent life will vanish come October. Mohammed Ahmed’s protection status is up for renewal in October, but the government has already announced that the Temporary Humanitarian Protection – New status, known as THPn, will be halted as from November. Until then, THPn holders are expected to procure documentation from their country of origin, with NGOs insisting that hundreds of people are being asked to comply with requirements that the government knows they are unable to meet. Mr Mohammed has “no idea what to do, and can only leave it in God’s hands”. He “knows” it is impossible to gain any documents from his home country that would allow him to apply for a residence permit in Malta. The 39-year-old describes his flight from Sudan as that of “a bird without a map”, after years of living in hiding to avoid being conscripted in the army. The conflict in Sudan disrupted the young man’s plans to study medicine, and did not allow him the freedom to express himself through music. He thought he could pursue his studies in the UK, so he fled aged 28. Instead he...
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Uncle made violent sexual advances towards niece

February 14, 2017, 4:10 am
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An uncle who admitted making sexual advances towards his niece was today given a suspended jail term and placed under a supervision order by a magistrate's court. The man in his forties, who resides in Senglea, admitted to attempting a violent indecent assault on his niece, who was then aged 15. The accused, whose name cannot be published by court order, also admitted to knowingly molesting the girl on several occasions between 2015 and 2016. The court, presided by magistrate Charmaine Galea, heard how the accused used to invite his niece to watch pornographic films with him at his home in Senglea. Moreover, on one occasion, the accused attempted to make intimate advances towards the girl. After hearing the accused admit to the charges, the court condemned him to a jail term of one year suspended for three years. A three-year protection order was also issued in favour of the victim and the accused was placed under a three-year treatment order. The court also ordered that the accused's name be registered in terms of the law for the Protection of Minors. Inspector Joseph Busuttil prosecuted. Lawyer Christopher Chircop was legal aid.
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PN reacts as Delimara power station contracts published - no details on power purchase rates

February 14, 2017, 7:37 am
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The government has published long-awaited contracts with the Electogas consortium for the building of the new gas-fired power station in Delimara and the provision of power to Enemalta for the next 18 years. The Nationalist Party immediately criticised the government for blanking out parts of the contracts. See the Electrogas contracts as released by the government here.   Contracts regarding the BWSC plant (sold to Shanghai Electric) and its conversion to gas, as well as ban guarantees, are to be published tomorrow. Officials from the Office of the Prime Minister led by Ronald Mizzi, permanent secretary and officials from Camilleri Preziosi law firm briefed reporters prior to the publication of eight contracts with Electrogas.   They regulate the Delimara site lease, power station design, construction, operation and performance, termination and post-termination stages. The contracts cover 18 years starting when the new plant is commissioned. One contract covers the supply of gas, its specifications and storage while another covers the supply of power to the grid. Through this agreement Enemalta imposed a set of minimum function specifications for gas and for power. An...
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Valentine’s Day romantics swear off porn... for a night

February 14, 2017, 12:29 am
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Research shows the Maltese are less likely to watch pornography on St Valentine’s night. Photo: Shutterstock

Valentine’s is meant to be about real-life romance, and it turns out for many Maltese it really is. Research shows we are less likely to watch pornography on the night. Popular porn website Pornhub told The Sunday Times of Malta that on the evening of February 14 last year between 6pm and midnight – normally the busiest time for the website – traffic from the island dropped by 10 per cent. It’s not surprising: that’s the time when Maltese couples flood restaurants and other places for a romantic date. According to the website, the Maltese did not shy away from enjoying pornography on other nights, however, with an average of 30,000 local visitors every day. A breakdown of local traffic shows that Pornhub logged more than 12 million visits from Malta in 2016 alone. This newspaper first pulled the sheets back from Malta’s porn habits back in 2014 with a detailed report on visits to the website following a request for information from its research and statistics arm. And, while the Maltese are no strangers to online pornography, it turns out romance is not the only thing to keep us away from explicit content. According to the website, porn consumption also has some serious...
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Suspicious package in Xagħra was a false alarm

February 14, 2017, 3:11 am
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Updated 1.58pm A suspicious package reported on a Xagħra street was a false alarm, police said this afternoon.  Army bomb disposal experts and police officials had been dispatched to Triq il-Knisja in the Gozitan town following reports of a suspicious package. An eyewitness told Times of Malta that they saw at least six police officers and four Armed Forces of Malta officials at the scene.   
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Lou Bondì earning €22 hourly for consultancy

February 14, 2017, 5:05 am
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The Justice Ministry had refused to publish Lou Bondì’s contract. Photo: Mark Zammit Cordina

Former PBS presenter Lou Bondì is being paid €22 an hour as a consultant to the government’s arts council, according to his contract. He has also been assigned to act as artistic director of the council’s annual rock festival. After the Data Protection Commissioner overruled a decision by the Justice Ministry not to publish Mr Bondì’s contract, this newspaper was given access to the employment conditions of the former chairman of the Nationalist Party’s Radio 101. READ: 'Crucial' for international arts summit, but misses it to go on holiday According to the latest contract, Mr Bondì’s fourth since Labour’s return to power in 2013, he is giving “strategic communications advice” to the Malta Arts Council. The contract stipulates that he receives €22 an hour for a 40-hour week and is entitled to an additional retainer of €8,240, excluding VAT, to cover expenses. His total package amounts to €54,000 a year. Engaged on a self-employed basis, Mr Bondì is not required to report for work at the arts council but is paid instead against the issuance of invoices which list the number of hours he worked for the government. He is also free to offer his services to other organisations,...
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Four to face trial in Seabank Hotel tragedy case

February 15, 2017, 5:10 am
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A magisterial court of inquiry examining evidence in the Seabank Hotel tragedy has declared there are sufficient grounds for four of the five co-accused, facing proceedings on charges of involuntary homicide, to be placed under a bill of indictment. The fifth co-accused was freed of the charges. Criminal proceedings were instituted following the unfortunate accident which took place almost five years ago, when extension works at the seaside resort resulted in the collapse of a structure which cost the life of a 27-year old Latvian construction worker. READ: Hotelier shocked by tragic collapse The lifeless body of the victim had been found buried under the ruins of a nightclub and underlying carpark which collapsed at the hotel in Għadira Bay, on March 6, 2012 at around 10.40am. Three architects, Robert Sant, 53, from Balzan, Reuben Gatt, 41, from Marsa and Pierre Farrugia, 47, from Ta' Xbiex together with building contractors Etienne and Angelo Bartolo, 38 and 63 respectively, from Żebbuġ, in their personal capacity as well as on behalf of B&B Construction Ltd, were facing charges of involuntary homicide. The court, presided by magistrate Donatella Frendo Dimech, after...
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