News Briefing
Search for missing Carmelo Fino started 15 hours after he left San Vincenz De Paule – Report
Carmelo Fino had already been wandering in the streets for 15 hours before authorities began to search for him outside the care home, the inquiry into his disappearance shows. Times of Malta saw the final report of the inquiry, which underlines how staff at the home only realised the man was missing five hours after he had left the hospital and then spent an entire morning looking for him inside the premises and in the home’s grounds because night shift officials had given false statements about when they had seen him last.
UPDATE 73-year-old man charged with Dingli shooting
A 73-year-old man told the police he shot Noel Ciantar in the back last Friday because he was angry, a court heard on Sunday. Joseph Micallef, a farmer from Baħrija, pleaded not guilty to attempted murder, grievous bodily harm and possession of a weapon in a shooting in Wied Ħażrum on Friday. He was arrested by the police on Saturday.
Archbishop Scicluna orders audit of Marsaxlokk’s parish finances
Archbishop Charles Scicluna has commissioned an audit into the finances of the Marsaxlokk parish after a priest was charged in court with misappropriating large volumes of parishioners’ donations there. Times of Malta reports that sources said an audit will be carried out by Jesmond Cutajar, the chief audit executive of the Archdiocese who reports to the Curia’s audit committee. Although it is a church body, the committee operates at arm’s length from the Archdiocese and is chaired by an auditor who is independent of the Curia. (Times of Malta)
PN wants tough stance on foreign law-breakers
The Nationalist Party said that foreigners who break the laws of the country be deported immediately and would not be allowed to re-enter Malta. The Opposition also called for further involvement y the Armed Forces to enforce laws. Shadow Minister Joe Giglio said that the police force must be strengthened by improving the working conditions of officers, so that they are truly effective in the fight against crime.
Meanwhile, police have arrested two men for allegedly injuring two others during fight in Hamrun on Friday. Eleven others were identified and will receive a citation.
Covid-19 cases drop below 300
56 new Covid-19 cases were reported on on Saturday as the number of active cases has now dropped to 279.
No new deaths have been reported.
No changes to COLA – PM
Prime Minister Robert Abela said on Saturday that the cost-of-living-adjustment (COLA) mechanism, as agreed with the social partners, will not be modified and that the amount will be substantially more than in previous budgets. Speaking on ONE Radio, the PM said that the Government is working on a budget which is based on the principles of responsibility and sustainability. Abela said that government will be helping those who are most in need: “the chances are that without a social safety net, those that were held back the most will take much longer to recover,” Abela said.
