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House of Representatives violated its own rules

December 15, 2019, 9:24 pm
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Parliament in session... its administration is hardly an example of good governance, according to the findings of the National Audit Office.

Parliament has broken its own laws by failing to present audited accounts for 2018. The administration of the House of Representatives, headed by Speaker Anġlu Farrugia, was not in a position to present the accounts – in breach of the Parliamentary Services Act – because it did not manage to recruit an accountant to perform the task. The observation was made by the National Audit Office, which found the administration of Parliament to be in breach of other good governance rules, particularly on procurement and the disbursement of funds to the Labour and Nationalist parties. The administration of the House is given an annual budget of over €6 million to run Parliament. It is bound by law to present audited accounts to the House Business Committee at the end of every year. The NAO audit found that this had not yet been done. According to Parliament’s management, no accountant could be recruited to do the job. Noting that this was in breach of the law, the national audit office recommended that the parliamentary services consider the possibility of outsourcing the task through a reputable accounting company. “The NAO is of the opinion that not only would the engagement of such...
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Toxic Sydney bushfire haze a 'public health emergency'

December 15, 2019, 9:26 pm
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Australia's biggest city is facing a "public health emergency" over the bushfire smoke that has choked Sydney for weeks, leading doctors warned Monday after hospitals reported a dramatic spike in casualty department visits. Hundreds of climate change-fuelled bushfires have been raging across Australia for months, with efforts to contain a "mega-blaze" burning north of Sydney destroying an estimated 20 homes overnight and fires near Perth threatening towns. More than 20 medical groups including the Royal Australasian College of Physicians -- which represents 25,000 doctors and trainees -- released a joint statement Monday calling on Australia's government to address the toxic air pollution. "The air pollution in NSW is a public health emergency," the Climate and Health Alliance said. "Smoke from bushfires has produced air pollution of up to 11 times the base 'hazardous' level in parts of Sydney and New South Wales. "Bushfire smoke is particularly hazardous because of the high levels of tiny particles (PM2.5)." The New South Wales state health department said it recorded a 48 percent increase in the number of people visiting hospital emergency rooms with respiratory problems in...
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Announcements - December 16, 2019

December 15, 2019, 9:35 pm
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Obituaries PETROCOCHINO. On December 14, LILIANA nèe Busuttil, passed away peacefully at Mater Dei Hospital, comforted by the rites of Holy Church. Widow of Maurice and predeceased by her beloved Linette, she leaves to mourn her loss Natalie and her husband Christopher, Rosanne, Maurice and his wife Romaine and Albert and his wife Rita, her beloved grandchildren Luke and his wife Nicky, Bianca and her fiancé Alan, Karl and Maria as well as her treasured great grandchildren Fred, Lucy and Mae, her niece and nephews, and other relatives and friends. The funeral  cortège leaves Mater Dei Hospital on Wednesday at 8.15am for St Dominic’s Church, Rabat, where Mass praesente cadavere will be said at 9am followed by interment at Santa Maria Addolorata Cemetery. No flowers by request but donations to the Ursuline Sisters would be greatly appreciated. Lord, grant her eternal rest. The family would like to thank the dedicated careers at Casa Arkati. PORTELLI. On December 15, at Mater Dei Hospital, JOSEPHINE, from Kalkara, aged 64, passed away peacefully comforted by the rites of Holy Church. She leaves to mourn her loss her husband Raymond, her children Etienne and his wife Roberta, Illona...
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Dishonourable honourable exit - David Casa

December 15, 2019, 9:41 pm
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Any child who repeats a word in quick succession begins to contemplate whether it means anything at all. Such is the effect of buzzwords when they get thrown about too much. For this Labour government, words like “rule of law” and “political responsibility” have received the same treatment. It’s disheartening to see standards plummet and democratic scripture recited to justify autocracy. When politics loses these values, it becomes a meaningless rat-race for power. Joseph Muscat, the embattled and soon-to-be former prime minister, says he has shouldered “too much political responsibility”. The whole point of political responsibility is to bear the brunt of the situation and prevent it from posing further problems for the country. Muscat ought to have resigned to spare civil society from having to stage more protests; to start repairing bitter divides; to restore trust in our institutions; to allow justice to take its course. Muscat hasn’t understood the half of it – or refuses to. He has deflected calls for his immediate resignation to the detriment of everyone else. His tarnished image belongs in the skip of political history, not as the pallid face of Malta. Remaining prime...
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HSBC, MIDI drive the MSE Equity Price Index lower

December 16, 2019, 8:18 am
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The MSE Equity Price Index on Monday erased last Thursday’s gains as it drifted 0.21% lower to 4,608.573 points as HSBC, MIDI, Plaza and Trident trended lower to offset the uplift in GO. Meanwhile, four other companies ended the day unchanged whilst trading activity rose to €0.34 million, with GO accounting for 62% of today’s trading activity. The only positive performing equity today was GO plc as it moved 0.5% higher to regain the €4.16 level across two deals totalling 50,100 shares. On the other hand, HSBC Bank Malta plc shed 0.8% to the €1.17 level across 9,330 shares. Five deals totalling 52,001 shares forced the equity of MIDI plc to retreat by 3.3% to the €0.498 level. Similarly, Plaza Centres plc fell by 1% back to the €1.00 level across 18,819 shares. Trident Estates plc slumped 6% lower to close at a 1-month low of €1.55 across 7,745 shares. Malta International Airport plc recovered from an intraday low of €6.85 (-0.7%) to end the day unchanged at the €6.90 level across 1,861 shares. A single trade of 14,300 shares left the equity of BMIT Technologies plc unchanged at the €0.51 level. Simonds Farsons Cisk plc remained at the €11.50 level across just 440 shares. In the...
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NATO faces most 'complex security' environment in its history: chief

December 16, 2019, 8:42 am
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Jens Stoltenberg.

NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg said on Monday the powerful western military alliance was facing the most "complex security" environment in its history amid rising tensions between member states. His words come after a NATO summit earlier this month in Britain exposed sharp divisions between leaders. "What we saw in London, at the leaders' meeting, was that there are differences between allies. But we demonstrated unity," said Stoltenberg, speaking in Kuwait to mark 15 years of the Istanbul Cooperation Initiative. The ICI was launched by NATO to boost security links with the Middle East. "We demonstrated unity on NATO's core task -- and that is that we defend and protect each other, one for all and all for one," Stoltenberg added. "In all these years, NATO has never experienced a more complex security environment than it does today," Stoltenberg said. "To maintain our security, we need to be agile and prepared to respond to threats coming from all directions -- from land, sea, air, space and cyberspace -- also from state and non-state actors." NATO's 29 members vowed earlier this month to stick together against threats from Russia and terrorism and recognised the challenge of a...
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EU Commission asks Malta to provide timetable for rule of law reforms

December 16, 2019, 8:45 am
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Justice Minister Owen Bonnici has been asked to provide a timetable for rule of law reform. Photo: Matthew Mirabelli

The European Commission has expressed its "concern on the situation in Malta" and asked the government to accelerate its reforms connected to the rule of law, insisting on a rigid timeframe for the implementation of changes. In a letter to Justice Minister Owen Bonnici, the EU’s Vice-President responsible for Justice, Didier Reynders, said that in view of the fall out from the Daphne Caruana Galizia murder investigation, the progress of reforms "should accelerate", The reforms include securing an "effective and autonomous prosecution service with clear protections from the risk of political interference". According to the Commission, Malta should also work harder on other important changes it has committed itself to implement, such as the way members of the judiciary are appointed. Mr Reynders said that the recommendations already made to Malta by the Venice Commission and the Group of States Against Corruption “provide a clear roadmap”. "Clarity about the steps and timetable ahead would be the best way to make clear that the commitments of the Maltese government to progress will be taken forward", the Commission said. "I would also strongly encourage the Maltese authorities to...
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Sound of loud explosion rocks Dingli/Rabat

December 16, 2019, 8:48 am
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The sound of a loud explosion rocked parts of the Rabat/Dingli area, forcing some scared residents out of their homes on Monday afternoon. The police confirmed that they had received many calls reporting the sound at about 5.05pm but said they did not know what caused it. There were no reports of any explosion or damage anywhere.  "It was quite a shock, more like an explosion more than a tremor," one resident said. The possibility that this was a sonic boom caused by a supersonic aircraft near by was not ruled out.
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Delia holding consultations on whether to publish Egrant report in full

December 16, 2019, 10:00 am
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Opposition leader Adrian Delia is consulting experts over whether he should publish the Egrant inquiry report handed to him by the Attorney General earlier in the day after a decision of the constitutional court. Speaking in a televised message on Monday, he said experts whom he had consulted had concluded that there was nothing in the court's decision or the law which prevented him from publishing the report. He was now, therefore, considering whether there were reasons stemming from the content of the report which justified it not being published in its entirety.  Dr Delia referred to the long court battle for the report to be finally handed to him. He said the court's decision on Monday confirmed that the Attorney General had broken the law by not handing him a copy of the report immediately. He reiterated his call for the Attorney General to resign immediately.   "This is no longer only about errors of omission but also about actually breaking the law," he said.  This case, he said, further confirmed how the national institutions have been overrun by the government. The Attorney General was supposed to act in the interests of the people, but he had acted in the partisan...
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International teams flock to Ta’ Qali for Esports festival

December 16, 2019, 10:01 am
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‘Before people just sat gaming in their rooms whereas now we come together and better ourselves as a group and as a community’. Photos: Matthew Mirabelli

Call of Duty and Tekken enthusiasts were in for a treat at the weekend as professional esports competitors from all over Europe gathered at the Malta Fairs and Conventions Centre in Ta’ Qali for the seventh edition of the Malta Esports Festival. Organised by GMR Entertainment and European Esports Gaming (EEG), this year’s edition saw over 300 competitors, around 200 of whom travelled to Malta specifically for the event, competing for the top spot in Call of Duty: Modern Warfare and Tekken 7. The two tournaments had a prize pool of €5,000 and €1,060 respectively. On Saturday, some tournaments had to be postponed due to the gale force wind that blew indiscriminately around the island, leaving rampant destruction in its wake. Kersten Chircop, from GMR Entertainment, and Reuben Grech, founder of EEG, told Times of Malta that the mounting interest in tournaments such as this was living testament to the fact that the esports industry was continually becoming realistic and viable for Maltese people. “We’re seeing a lot of interest, even from local competitors, who can see that the quality of teams and prize money are always on the increase and the future is opening up in seeing esports...
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Greenwood is ‘special talent’, says Man. Utd’s Maguire

December 16, 2019, 10:06 am
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Harry Maguire believes Manchester United are lucky to have “special talent” Mason Greenwood after the teenager scored his seventh goal of the season to rescue a point against Everton. With the club celebrating reaching 4,000 consecutive matches featuring a youth product in their squad, the exciting 18-year-old came off the bench to seal a 1-1 draw on Sunday. Greenwood has long been touted as a future United star and underlined his potential with a fine finish, fresh from hitting two goals in a man of-the-match display against AZ Alkmaar in Thursday’s Europa League encounter. “It’s a great finish again,” said Maguire. “I think it’s pretty similar to his goal in midweek, to be honest. He’s a special talent, he’s a young boy, he’s working hard in training. “He needs to keep his head down, not get carried away and I’m sure he’s going to have a big future for this club and we’re lucky to have him.” Greenwood’s performance off the bench against Everton was one of few positives on a frustrating afternoon, with United failing to build on impressive Premier League wins against Tottenham and Manchester City. Victor Lindelof’s own goal gave Duncan Ferguson’s side the lead and infuriated...
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UK election candidate jailed for calling pro-EU opponent 'a traitor'

December 16, 2019, 10:08 am
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Amy Dalla Mura.

A pro-Brexit candidate was jailed for 28 days on Monday for harassing a prominent pro-EU  candidate in the run-up to last week's general election. Amy Dalla Mura, 56, was found guilty of three counts of harassment last month for repeatedly targeting Anna Soubry after becoming enraged by her political views. Westminster Magistrates Court heard she called Soubry a "traitor" on live television in a campaign of "oppressive and unacceptable" behaviour. Soubry, a former Conservative MP, stood for re-election as an independent in the Broxtowe constituency in central England at last Thursday's vote but came third with 4,668 votes. Mura stood for the far-right English Democrats and came fifth, with 432 votes. Dalla Mura and members of the public shouted "democracy is dead" and "shame on you" when Chief Magistrate Emma Arbuthnot passed sentence. "Ever since the murder of (Labour MP) Jo Cox, MPs no longer feel able to put up with sustained intimidation," she said. "You showed an obsession and fixation with Ms Soubry which has led you to bullying and intimidating, and harassing, this now-ex MP for Broxtowe." Her actions "stop ordinary, decent people" standing to be elected representatives,...
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Activists slam 'campaign of demonisation' in Caruana Galizia vigil

December 16, 2019, 10:48 am
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Updated 8.37pm - Civil society groups on Monday reiterated their commitment to fight on until there was justice for Daphne Caruana Galizia and corruption was eliminated from the top echelons of government. Activists gathered in a large crowd for a vigil before the makeshift monument to the blogger opposite the law courts in Valletta to mark another month since her car bomb murder on October 16, 2017. Many carried Maltese and EU flags, pictures of Daphne Caruana Galizia and placards protesting against the ‘mafia state’. Among them were Daphne Caruana Galizia's parents and sisters, also clutching pictures of Daphne. Prof Vicki Ann Cremona, who leads the Repubblika group, warned that the same campaign of demonisation which was waged against Caruana Galizia, ultimately leading to her murder, was also being faced by the groups Repubblika, Occupy Justice and manuel.delia.com, the organisers of repeated protests calling on the prime minister to go. Activists, she said, were being falsely accused of having shown disrespect to the armed forces, the police and even the paralympics contingent in their protest last Friday. “These insults have already lead to an unacceptable level of hate...
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Nissan’s new Juke rises close to the top of the crossover market

December 16, 2019, 11:37 am
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After it originally joined the B-segment SUV market with just one other rival back in 2010, the Nissan Juke now has more than 20 competitors – showing just how far the crossover market has progressed in just 10 years. [attach id=808312 size="medium" align="left" type="image"][/attach] But with Nissan hoping the popularity of the Juke continues alongside the Qashqai, we find out if the new version is a good progression from the very sought-after first iteration. Nissan has revamped the design so it’s not as bulbous, but it still stands out on the road. It’s larger than before too, with Nissan attempting to rectify the previous variant’s much-criticised lack of space. Although the first version did come with some technology, this new option comes with the firm’s latest ‘ProPilot’ assistance systems seen on the Leaf and Qashqai, as well as an updated infotainment setup, digital instrument screen and semi-autonomous driving functions. Nissan only offers the 1.0-litre DIG-T turbocharged petrol engine, which develops 116bhp and 200Nm of torque when in its self-dictated ‘overboost’ mode. It’s offered with the choice of a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch transmission – with...
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Barts lease agreement shrouded in secrecy

December 16, 2019, 11:39 am
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Steward has financed the school construction through the €70 million concession fee received from the government, according to MP Chris Said.

Details of the Barts medical school lease agreement are shrouded under a veil of secrecy, with the government refusing to say how much it is paying Steward Health Care in rent for the Gozo facility. Asked in Parliament by Opposition MP Chris Said, Economy Minister Chris Cardona refused to divulge information, saying it was “commercially sensitive”. Dr Said has gone on record claiming taxpayers are forking out €1.5 million annually under the lease agreement – a claim which has never been disputed by the government. The agreement was first revealed by Times of Malta in August 2017. This annual rent is over and above the €70 million per year which the government is paying to Steward to run three state hospitals – Gozo, St Luke’s and Karin Grech. The medical school, which is situated adjacent to the Gozo General Hospital, was inaugurated last month. Dr Said agrees in principle to its setting up but has levelled harsh criticism at the terms of the deal. During the 2020 Budget debate, the PN MP said the agreement made no commercial sense as the medical school had been constructed on government land given to Steward free of charge. “Steward has financed the school construction through...
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Audi harks back to its RS2 with new RS model option package

December 16, 2019, 12:15 pm
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Audi is celebrating 25 years since its first RS model with a new option package for a number of its high-performance vehicles. Designed as a tribute to the Audi RS2 — introduced in 1994 — the aptly-named ‘anniversary package 25 years of RS’ brings iconic elements of that car to its modern descendants. [attach id=809302 size="medium" align="left" type="image"][/attach] Available for the RS4, RS6, RS6, RS7 and TT RS, headlining the package is a Nogaro blue paint finish — a colour commonly associated with the RS2. All cars bar the TT RS receive aluminium bodywork inserts, while every model benefits from gloss black treated Audi and RS badges, as well as a similar finish for the wing mirror housings. The rear wing on the TT RS is finished in gloss black, too, while every car fitted with the package has puddle lights that shine a ‘25’ logo on to the ground logo when the doors are opened. This logo features within the centre caps of the alloy wheels too. [attach id=809296 size="medium" align="right" type="image"][/attach] Inside the car, Alcantara blue accents feature on the floor mats while a honeycomb pattern made from the same material is used in the centre panels of the seats.
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MP claims proposed Żebbuġ project will damage chapel

December 16, 2019, 12:26 pm
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The proposed home for the elderly in Żebbuġ, as seen from the outside and inside in this artist’s impression. The 17th century Tal-Grazzja Chapel is down the road.

A proposed home for the elderly in Żebbuġ could impact the structural integrity of a nearby historic chapel and disturb an underground irrigation system dating back to the Knights of St John, an Opposition MP has warned. [attach id=808972 size="medium" align="right" type="image"][/attach] Godfrey Farrugia, who hails from this locality, outlined his objections to the private project in a submission made to the planning authority. The applicant is Jean Borg. Located in an urban conservation area, close to the 17th century Tal-Grazzja Chapel, the project comprises a commercial complex at ground floor level and four additional floors on top which would house a home for the elderly. The block will also be served by an underground parking over two separate levels. In his submission to the PA, Dr Farrugia said that the proposed development would jar with the predominantly two-storey high streetscape and would badly affect the area. Concern was also raised on the increase in vehicular traffic which would have to navigate through Triq Tal-Grazzja, parts of which are not even wide enough to accommodate a proper pavement. In turn, this would increase pollution, decrease the value of the...
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Tarxien Rainbows chalk up first point

December 16, 2019, 12:33 pm
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SENGLEA ATHLETIC 2 Zamble 34, Teixeira 90 TARXIEN RAINBOWS 2 Ciantar 68, Mambouana 75 Tarxien Rainbows were seconds away from claiming their first win this season but a goal five minutes in added time enabled Senglea Athletic to rescue a point in a 2-2 draw. The Rainbows therefore had to settle for a draw after losing the first eleven matches of their Premier League campaign. It was one of their best performance this season. At times, Demis Scerri’s side showed great determination and to a certain extent, they could consider themselves unlucky not to take home the three points. Senglea, on the other hand, failed to impress. They have now gone six matches without a win, collecting just two points in the process. For Senglea, Marcelo Dias and Marko were both ruled out through suspension but Elvis Sakyi, Sean Cipriott and Wilfried Zamble were back in the starting line-up as Mario Muscat made five changes to the team which lost to Gudja last week. Leighton Grech and Jan Tanti were also drafted in after being included as substitutes in the previous game. On the other hand, Tarxien had two changes as Daniel Zerafa and Jairo Andres Tenorio replaced Marko Stanojevic and the suspended...
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Austrian authorities 'foil Christmas market terror plot'

December 16, 2019, 12:36 pm
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Austrian authorities have foiled a plot to carry out a series of terror attacks, including bombing one of Vienna's Christmas markets, local media reported Monday. The plot involved three men, including a 24-year-old ringleader who had been influenced by the ideology of the so-called Islamic State (IS) group, according to the APA news agency. The main suspect is thought to have hatched a plot to target the Christmas market in front of St Stephen's Cathedral in Vienna city centre between Christmas and New Year. Other possible targets are said to have included Salzburg and locations in Germany, France and Luxembourg. An anonymous tip-off led to the ringleader, who was already in jail following two attempts to reach Syria and join IS. However, the report said he was able to remain in contact with his alleged accomplices via mobile phone -- contrary to prison regulations. Part of the plot was a plan to help the ringleader escape. The two other suspects, aged 25 and 31, were taken into custody at the end of last week. All three men are ethnic Chechens. While Austria has been spared the major terror attacks that have hit other European countries including France, Britain and Germany in...
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New concept store inaugurated 

December 16, 2019, 12:49 pm
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On December 3, the new concept store Finesse was officially inaugurated. Spanning 200 square metres, the concept store brings together four internationally renowned brands in homeware, giftware and jewellery sectors including Mathilde M, Blanc D’Ivoire, Linea Sette and Preciosa.  Mathilde M offers homeware such as home scents, candles, diffusers, perfume, creams and unique baby products. Blanc D’Ivoire is a high-end brand offering home decor such as soft furnishings, unique furniture pieces, armchairs, dining products and so much more. Linea Sette features exquisite stone and mosaic figurines, dining table decorations, elegant loose furniture, and distinctive bedroom and bathroom accessories. Preciosa jewellery and giftware features unique pieces made using a centuries-old tradition of Bohemian cut crystal, high-level craftsmanship and cutting-edge technologies.  [attach id=809503 size="medium" align="left" type="image"][/attach] The store is conveniently segmented so that each brand is showcased individually with its own dedicated area – however the entire store comes together cohesively due to the common characteristics that all brands share: style, individuality and above...
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