1745- Latest News update
Times of Malta says A concerned father has flagged a flaw within the government-provided educational LearnPad tablets after realising that anyone can access a child through the communication platform Microsoft Teams, potentially exposing them to online grooming and bullying.
MaltaToday says Maltese fuel companies that transferred money to businesses owned by Darren Debono and Jeffrey Chetcuti had never been spoken to by the police during the investigation into fuel smuggling from Libya and neither were attempts made to contact Libya, a police inspector has confirmed in court today.
Newsbook says After Transport Malta refused to authorise the route of the 2022 edition of the Malta Marathon – forcing its cancellation – the government has taken over organising a marathon on the same day, without consulting with or involving the original organisers.
TVM says that 34-year-old Tyson Bugeja of Cospicua and 26-year-old David Joseph Bonnici of Vittoriosa have been remanded in custody after being charged with four robberies aggravated with weapons, sequestration of third parties and theft of cash from four Convenience outlets.
Updated 1300 – Biker dies after truck overturns in Aldo Moro Road
A motorbike rider died after truck overturned on Marsa’s Aldo Moro road. The rider was driving on the other side of the road. The truck overturned after it hit the centre strip. Reports said that the truck was loaded with struck metal.
Updated 1235
Foreign Affairs Ministry says US happy with Malta’s efforts to implement FATF recommendations: The Foreign Ministry said that the United States has commended Malta on the implementation of FATF recommendation. Following talks between Foreign Minister Evarist Bartolo and Karen Donfried, the US Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs, the Ministry said that said Donfried “appreciated the efforts of the Maltese Government on the implementation of the action plan of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and lauded the government strengthening of good governance in the areas of democracy, the judiciary, finance, and freedom of the press.”
Fish farm proposed on edge of territorial waters: A fish farm well over the size of a football pitch is being proposed on an offshore site at the limits of Malta’s territorial waters, 22km south of Marsaxlokk. The proposal for a “fish rearing open sea facility” on a 9,954sq.m offshore site is being made by Seaculture Ltd, which is owned by the Israeli-based Dagat Hayam Holdings and two Maltese companies, Abalone Limited and Octupine Limited, both owned by Pierre Balzan, whose Melita Marine Group is involved in yachting and shipyard projects as well as the controversial bid for a marina in Marsaskala.
Covid-19 Update: 117 new cases were reported on Wednesday, while 301 recovered. An 86-year-old woman passed away overnight.
Morning Briefing
Femicide bill moves one step closer to approval
Parliament has moved a step closer in approving new legislation, through bipartisan support, which will introduce the concept of femicide to the Criminal Code. Equality Minister Owen Bonnici sad that “we need to give our full support to every victim of violence, regardless of their gender or sex”. Nationalist MP Maria Deguara emphasised that this law alone will not prevent men from committing or attempting to commit femicide. Instead, she stated that government and society must work together and strengthen three key areas: education, security, and mental health. Labour MP Jonathan Attard concluded the debate adding that the Bill is a sign of hope for women suffering from domestic abuse. “This government is sending a sign of optimism to those women who have since suffered in silence. It is sending a sign of courage and, above everything, a sign of concrete help.” (Maltatoday)
Malta Marathon cancelled on route disagreement
Malta’s traditional marathon was cancelled after organisers failed to get the authorities’ green-light over the proposed route. “Whilst we fully respect Transport Malta’s authority, we cannot adopt a route that has been declared as unacceptable by Mater Dei’s Emergency Department, the Malta Red Cross and the Malta Traffic Police due to safety concerns,” the event organisers said. The Opposition joined hundreds of athletes and enthusiasts in expressing disappointment, insisting on an immediate solution for the event, which attracted thousands of people. “The decision, it said, reflected how much Prime Minister Robert Abela was cut off from what the people wanted”, the PN said. (Times of Malta)
Covid-19 Update: One person died while infected with COVID-19 over the past 24 hours, while healthcare workers detected 122 new cases. There were 184 new recoveries. Three patients are in the ITU.
