1745- Latest News update
Times of Malta says Bank of Valletta chairman Gordon Cordina has denied any conflict of interest over the provision of consultancy services to the Malta Gaming Authority.
MaltaToday says a young woman who had just been raped, jumped into the sea to escape her aggressor, the court heard on Wednesday in the case against a 20-year-old man.
Newsbook says the Gozo Business Chamber called on government to prioritise the proposed tunnel between Malta and Gozo and ensure that the fast ferry service is retained.
TVM says noise at the work place and in entertainment places may well be responsible for causing hearing difficulties.
Updated 1515
Met Office issues heat warning
Temperatures are expected to soar this week and the Met Office has issued an ‘orange warning’ as Malta is expected to experience high temperatures that feel as hot as 41°C. “Be prepared (orange): The maximum temperature today is expected to reach 37°C,” the MIA Met Ofice said. The temperature will actually feel like 41°C before dropping to 27°C later at night. (Times of Malta)
Remove overtime tax – Gozo Chamber
All overtime earned should be taxed at a flat 15% rate, the Gozo Business Chamber is suggesting in its budgetary proposals. The flat tax rate on overtime was introduced for the first time in the last budget but it came with a capping of €10,000. The GBC is now proposing the removal of the cap. (Maltatoday)
Covid-death reported
The first Covid-related death was recorded in eight days as 42 new cases were identified overnight. With 103 people deemed to have recovered, the number of active cases is now down to 380. (Newsbook)
Updated 1100
Junior College to offer four-year courses instead of two: With more young people being forced to work to cope with life’s requirements, Junior College is offering students the option of doubling the number of years it takes to complete their studies, according to the college’s vice-principal. Normally entry to post-secondary education takes place at 16 years of age, where students take a couple of years to prepare for their Advanced Level exams. According to Roderick Vassallo, the College Vice Principal, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to more social cases, with an increasing number of students saying they have no option but to work as they are their family’s breadwinners.
Management should address mental health issues – MEA DG: Top management in businesses need to address any issues that are related to the mental well-being of their employees, according to Joseph Farrugia, Director General of the Malta Employers’ Association (MEA). In comments to the Malta Independent, Farrugia said that he believed that the shortage of workers in many industries is a major factor causing stress in the workplace. However, he called on management to make an extra effort: “It might not be time and money, but it might be an attitude towards employees. In the case of micro-businesses, for example, the owner would be in proximity to the employees for most of the day. Therefore, the owners need to keep their eyes open as to what exactly is happening, not just in terms of output, but also in terms of psychological factors as well,” he said.
Morning Briefing
Delia refutes links to Muscat-led clubs association
Former PN Leader Adrian Delia rejected claims that he was nominated to serve on the Premier League association now headed by former PM Joseph Muscat. Media sources had earlier reported that Delia’s name had been put forward to offer legal advice to the association of professional clubs, recently rebranded to Malta Premier League. The lawyer appointed will be tasked with leading negotiations between the clubs and the Malta Football Association as clubs seek to take over the running of the Premier League. Delia insisted that he will contintue to assist clubs on a voluntary basis. (Times of Malta)
Monkeypox vaccines arrives in Malta
Health Minister Chris Fearne revealed that the first monkeypox vaccines have arrived in Malta and will be offered free of charge to primary contacts of confirmed case. In a tweet on Tuesday, Fearne said the vaccines were obtained as part of the EU Joint Procurement Mechanism. Fearne said it will be offered to primary contacts of confirmed monkeypox cases. (Maltatoday)
46,000 cross islands for Santa Marija
Gozo Channel Chairman Joe Cordina said that between Thursday and Monday about 46,000 passengers crossed the Gozo Channel, that is, 11,000 more than last year. The Gozo Channel Chairman said this was satisfactory but the record of 2019 has yet to be reached when 50,000 passengers crossed over during this period. (TVM)
