Updated 1800
The Times of Malta reports that Malta has marked the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II with a 21-gun salute and flags flying at half mast as the country observes a national day of mourning.
Maltatoday says that a man has admitted to blackmail charges after threatening to publish nude photographs of his former partner if she denied him access to their son.
Newsbook follows PM Robert Abela’s presence in New York for the 77th session of the UN General Assembly.
The Malta Independent leads with a report issued by the University students council (KSU), which says that educational institutions should have more autonomy, educators receive better salaries.
Updated 1230
MEP calls for harmonised system to facilitate TCN entry
Labour MEP Cyrus Engerer suggested that a harmonised system is needed to facilitate entry for third country nationals seeking work in the European Union. Pointing out Malta’s low fertility rate, Engerer noted that the European Commission is considering a change in the law to facilitate entry of third country nationals making it easier for businesses to employ workers from outside the bloc. (Maltatoday)
Condominium law up for reform
The Government and Association of Maltese Developers (MDA) said that they will be analysing the consultation process related to a review of the Condominium law. The law that came into force 21 years ago will be amended so that even in the event that there is no contract that specifies the obligations of the residents, the situation will be regulated. The MDA is pushing for the law specify in a clearer way the responsibilities and obligations of residents so that conflicts can be avoided. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
President Vella in London for Queen’s funeral
President of Malta George Vella, accompanied by Mrs Miriam Vella is in London attend the state funeral of Queen Elizabeth II.
The funeral will be held at Westminster Abbey later today. While the President is in London, Professor Frank Bezzina is serving as Acting President of Malta. Malta is holding a day of mourning today, with flags on government buildings flying at half mast.
Low supply of nurses despite significant investment in UK course
Just 38 new nurses graduated in two years from an MCAST course in which government has invested more than 250,000 euro every year which it paid to a British University. MCAST offers the degree programme in nursing studies in conjunction with Newcastle’s Northumbria University. This does not include the Maltese lecturers’ salaries. The Times of Malta has revealed that the collaboration, which has been ongoing for five years, has seen the national coffers pay in excess of €1.3 million. (Times of Malta)
Magistrate Joe Mifsud assigned income tax cases
Magistrate Joe Mifsud will not take any new cases in the Gozo court as he was instead assigned income tax cases in a reshuffle by the Chief Justice. Mifsud, who spent a lengthy time on the sidelines due to health issues, has also been assigned a third of all legal assistance cases over and above new and pending income tax cases which were previously presided by Magistrate Leonard Caruana. (Newsbook)
