Updated 1235
FIAU’s Kenneth Farrugia set for MFSA top post: FIAU director Kenneth Farrugia will reportedly become the MFSA’s new CEO, replacing Joseph Gavin who vacated the job last year. This was revealed by the Times of Malta this morning. Farrugia has already informed staff at the anti-money laundering unit. The news comes at the end of a difficult week for the AML regulator, with a Court deciding that its fines are unconstitutional. In a similar move, FIAU Chairman Jesmond Gatt became MFSA Chairman earlier this year.
Former University employee ordered to refund €51,000
A former employee with the University of Malta has been ordered to refund €51,000 given to him for his scholarship after the Court concluded that he had breached an agreement to work with the University for five years following his graduation. (TVM)
Birdlife challenges MEP after latter calls for ‘sustainable hunting’
BirdLife CEO Mark Sultana said that MEP Alex Agius Saliba is ridiculing himself at EU level over his controversial views on spring hunting and the protection of birds. The Labour MEP had said that spring hunting and trapping go hand in hand with the protection of birds and their habitats, if done in a sustainable manner. Sultana challenged Agius Saliba to prove exactly how the killing of a bird a few weeks, if not days, before it breeds, can in any way form part of a conservation effort. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Malta celebrates Freedom Day
Malta held a ceremony at the Freedom Day memorial in Vittoriosa on Friday to celebrate the 44th anniversary of Freedom Day, remembering the closure of the British military post on the islands. A guard of honor was inspected by President George Vella before he ascended the monument to place flowers. PM Robert Abela and Robert Cutajar on behalf of the Opposition, both paid floral tributes.
Isla claims Freedom Day Regatta
After an 11-year absence, Isla has reclaimed the traditional 31 March Regatta. Isla clinched the title in glorious sunshine after winning the race known as “tal-kajjikki” in the senior category and finishing off with a win in the “tal-pass b’erbgħa”. The Sengleani totaled 74 points, while their nearest rivals, Bormla, took home 40. The latter consoloed themselves with the Category B competition, while Birgu emerged victorious among the women.
Landmark decision by BA finds One guilty of unbalanced reporting
In what has been described as an historic decision, the Broadcasting Authority has upheld an impartiality complaint filed against ONE, the first time against a party-owned station. The regulator concluded that ONE was wrong to not report on an ADPD press conference about the hospital privatisation scandal and ordered the Labour-owned media station to report the ADPD statement. Traditionally, the parties complain against coverage by the national broadcaster. The Authority had long-held the view that One and Net balanced each other out and focused its efforts on PBS.
Storks shot down during Malta transit
A number of protected white storks were shot at last night while they were roosting in Żabbar and Marsaskala, BirdLife Malta said. The association wrote on social media that shots were heard after the storks were seen circling over various southern towns in Malta. BirdLife said a witness who saw two persons acting suspiciously near the scene of the shooting also alerted the police, with various Rapid Intervention Units (RIU) blocking a road and apprehending the individuals who have been questioned.
