Update 1830
Cancellation of Good Friday Processions
Gusts of wind could reach speeds of up to 88km/hr on Friday afternoon, disrupting the first Good Friday processions being held since 2019. Processions in a number of localities were cancelled just hours before they were due to begin, with parishes blaming strong winds for the last-minute change of plans. Cancellations were announced in: Luqa, Naxxar, Qormi, Paola, Rabat, Senglea, Valletta, Victoria (Gozo), Vittoriosa, Żebbuġ (Malta), Żebbuġ (Gozo) and Żejtun. In Mosta, although the procession was held with quite a few people gathering to watch, the statues stayed inside the Church. (Times of Malta)
Man charged with wilful homicide of Mario Farrugia
The lead suspect in the murder of 62-year-old Mario Farrugia pleaded not guilty in court on Friday after he was charged with wilful homicide and illegal arms possession, among other charges. Elliot Paul Busuttil was arraigned on Friday afternoon two days after he was arrested following police raids across three properties. (MaltaToday)
Covid-19 Update
One patient who was positive for Covid-19 has passed away and 372 new cases were found on Thursday. There are currently 8,163 active cases. Total cases so far amount to 88,244. (Malta Independent)
Court green-lights spring hunting
The Court has green-lighted the resumption of spring hunting as of Easter Sunday, turning down a request by Birdlife. The court revoked a provisional injuction issued earlier this week as part of Birdlife’s legal bid. It delivered the decree from chambers, after the parties made their arguments on Thursday. Spring hunting for quail and turtle dove will take place between April 17 and 30 with a national limit of 1,500 birds. BirdLife Malta filed an application for the injunction last Monday, asking the court to order the Prime Minister, Environment Minister, Minister for Gozo and the Wild Birds Regulation Unit to immediately close the spring hunting season for turtle dove. (Times of Malta)
Hoteliers cautiously optimistic for months ahead
Hoteliers are optimistic for the months ahead, but MHRA supremo Tony Zahra said but cautioned that the challenges are not yet over. He said that tourism is a resilient economic sector and this allows for optimistic forecasts. Quoting Deloitte quarterly results, he said the study supported such an outlook but warned that it was “critical not to take such forecasts as guaranteed results.” Zahra called for the remaining COVID restrictions to be removed immediately in order for Malta to remain a competitive destination in the region. (Maltatoday).
Morning Briefing
IVF, Zonqor and femicide legislation will be priorities in first 100 days – PM
Government’s first legislative priorities when parliament re-opens will be the reform of the IVF law, the transfer back to government of land in Żonqor and femicide legislation, Robert Abela said. Addressing journalists on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the IVF reform will be delivered in the first 100 days. During the election campaign. The PM also reiterated an electoral committement that the government will be actively working on the return of the American Univeristy of Malta (AUM) land at Marsaskala’s Żonqor Point, to the public. (Maltatoday)
PN Gozitan councillor to resign from party, claims discrimination
Xgħajra local councillor Doris Borg announced her resignation from the Nationalist Party and said that she will continue to serve as an independent councillor, claiming she had been sidelined during the election campaign. She alleged that she was discriminated against and sidelined during the general election campaign. Borg has served as a PN councillor since 2013 and contested the general election on the PN’s ticket for the second and fourth districts, with Bernice Bonello also contesting on both of those districts and Julie Zahra contesting on the fourth. (Times of Malta)
Covid-19 Update
A total of 431 new COVID-19 cases were reported on Thursday, as active cases declined for the second day running. The authorities also reported two deaths among people diagnosed with the virus and 700 recoveries. The active case tally stands at 8412.
