Updated 1234 – Covid-19 Update
Seven new cases of coronavirus were reported on Wednesday, while six people recovered, health authorities said. This means that the number of active cases edges up to 69. The cases were identified through 2080 swab test. For the second day running, another Covid victim was reported, with a 60 year old male becoming the virus’ 419th victim.
Updated 1110
Unemployment down in April: In April, the number of persons registering for work stood at 2,248, decreasing by 1,731 when compared to the corresponding month in 2020, the NSO said today. Registered unemployment levels decreased across all age groups. Those who had been registering for work for less than 21 weeks, decreased considerably when compared to the same month in 2020. On the other hand, those persons registering for work between 21 and 52 weeks recorded the largest increase, followed by those registering for more than one year.
Sharp drop in hotel stays: Total guests and nights spent in collective accommodation establishments during the first quarter of 2021 decreased by 73.3 per cent and 77.1 per cent respectively, when compared to the corresponding quarter in 2020. Numbers published by the NSO show that in the first quarter of 2021, total guests in collective accommodation establishments numbered 81,395, while total nights accounted for 304,583. The largest share of guest nights was reported in 3-star hotels and 4-star hotels, with 34.4 per cent and 29.5 per cent of the total respectively.
Newspaper Review
The Times says that an audit into the effectiveness of smart meters and water meters by the Auditor General found that ARMS may have overcharged consumers for water and electricity by up to €6.5 million.
The Independent follows the testimony in court of self-confessed middleman Melvin Theuma who said that an individual involved in freemasonry was to pay €100,000 for the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia.
The Times reports on the compilation of evidence against Yorgen Fenech on Monday. The court heard that the businessman’s associate Johann Cremona directed Melvin Theuma to mention former minister Chris Cardona’s name.
Malta Today quotes from Melvin Theuma’s testimony in court who said that Businessman Yorgen Fenech turned to drugs after the murder of Daphne Caruana Galizia and was heard in a recording saying that coke would not bring the journalist back.
L-Orizzont quotes Public Health Superintendent Charmaine Gauci who said that the country is prepared for Covid-19 vaccine boosters should authorities observe a dip in the effectiveness of the current inoculation programme.
In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who said that a transformation in the Corradino Correctional Facility has to help inmates reform their lives. Grech made the comments during a meeting with RISE foundation.
Malta Today says that Air Malta will avoid flying over Belarussian airspace, following a decision by EU ministers on Monday. A spokesperson said the airline would follow the procedure even if flights to Moscow are reintroduced in July.
In-Nazzjon publishes a statement by the Malta Employers Association calling for the publication of persons engaged as ‘persons of trust’ in the public sector. The association appealed for transparency and good governance.
L-Orizzont reports that parliament approved amendments to the divorce law in their second reading on Tuesday. The four-year waiting period before filing for divorce will be reduced to a few months or, in some cases, none at all.
The Independent says that the government is planning a public survey on the roofing of the Royal Opera House in Valletta in the coming weeks. Minister for the Arts Jose Herrera said that a contract on the project is already in place.
In-Nazzjon says that the annual Valletta cultural programme has been cancelled, even if artists were preparing to take the necessary safety measures. Culture Minister Jose Herrera said that the decision was taken by health authorities.
Morning Briefing
Family of Miriam Pace reach agreement with developer
The family of the late Miriam Pace, who died tragically in a construction incident in March 2020 in Santa Venera, have signed a settlement agreement with the developers of the project MCZMC Developers Limited. Pace died tragically when the house she lived in collapsed as a result of to construction works next door. The Pace family lawyer explained that the civil claims brought forward by the Pace family against the developers, the contractor, the architect of the project and the site technical officer are now settled.
Parliament debates compulsory 2% disability in workforce rule
On Tuesday evening, Parliament debated an amendment intended to enforce a law obliging employers of more than 20 people to include in their workforce a minimum of 2% of people with a disability, or pay a financial contribution if this was not the case. The motion was supported by the PN Opposition. Moving the second reading of a bill on the employment of people with disability, Caruana said that although it was currently compulsory for employers to include disabled people in their workforce, the clause was not enforceable and many employers ignored it.
Government to send Libyan held money back
Government of Malta is ready to send the 1.2 billion dinars currently held in Malta to be used for the good and wellbeing of the Libyan people who have endured so much suffering over the years. This was announced by Foreign Affairs Minister Evarist Bartolo during a working visit to the Russian Federation, where he held a bilateral meeting with his counterpart, Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov. Referring to the Middle East conflict, Minister Bartolo explained that Malta and Russia are on the same page and that the ceasefire alone will not resolve this tragic issue. In this context, he called for a lasting solution through which Israelis and Palestinians live next to each other, in security and peace and, above all, enjoying equal rights.
Referring to the Middle East conflict, Minister Bartolo explained that Malta and Russia are on the same page and that the ceasefire alone will not resolve this tragic issue. In this context, he called for a lasting solution through which Israelis and Palestinians live next to each other, in security and peace and, above all, enjoying equal rights.
Melvin Theuma testifies at Yorgen Fenech compilation
State witness Melvin Theuma testified in the compilation of evidence against Yorgen Fenech. Fenech is accused of
conspiring to murder Daphne Caruana Galizia in a car bomb on October 16, 2017. A Europol
expert also took the stand earlier. During the sitting, Theuma made reference to an alleged phone tap. He said that his phone was tapped when he spoke to someone saying he would go to the police commissioner to
disclose everything about Yorgen Fenech. He also said that Kenneth, a security official in the Office of the Prime Minister, “got information from Keith”.
Covid-19 Update
Malta registered its first death on Tuesday since May 7. During the last 24 hours a 77-year-old female died at Mater Dei hospital. The health authorities said 3 new cases had been found and there had been 5 recoveries. 1,492 swab tests were taken in the previous day.
CDE News
