Pembroke council drops objection to db Group project in €3m deal
Pembroke’s local council has unanimously agreed not to object to db Group’s revised plans to increase the height of its St George’s Bay towers, in return for a €3 million investment in local projects. The funds will go towards a new building with a library, childcare centre, clinic and hall, as well as an underground car park topped by a 2,000sqm park. Mayor Kaylon Zammit said the decision followed several meetings with db Group to secure compensation for residents and avoid a likely unwinnable legal battle. While db already has a permit for 17- and 18-storey towers, it now wants to build 23 and 25 storeys. Critics, including Moviment Graffiti and Arnold Cassola, described the deal as a betrayal and a form of influence trading. (Maltatoday)
Baħrija Double Murder Suspect Charged, No Bail Requested
Carmelo Ciantar, 72, appeared in court on Thursday charged with the voluntary homicide of two men in Baħrija, arson, and possession of an unlicensed firearm. nown as “Id-Durga” and a resident of Ħaż-Żebbuġ, Ciantar was arrested at a KFC outlet in Mosta shortly after the murders, which took place on Tuesday evening near the Chapel of the Immaculate Conception. One victim was found shot in the head inside a van, while the other sustained multiple gunshot wounds. A shotgun and personal documents linked to Ciantar were recovered at the scene. Ciantar pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, citing mental health concerns and a positive COVID-19 test, requested he be held at Mount Carmel Hospital — a request which was upheld. No bail was requested. The court also approved protection measures for the victims’ families. (Times of Malta)
BOV Reports €135.1 Million Pre-Tax Profit for H1 2025
Bank of Valletta on Thursday reported a profit before tax of €135.1 million for the first half of 2025, describing the results as a reflection of the Group’s strategic progress and resilience. The Bank also announced an interim gross dividend of €55 million — equivalent to €0.0856 gross or €0.0556 net per share — representing 39.9% of profit after tax. A further €7.8 million has been allocated for a share buyback reserve. Despite an 8.8% year-on-year decline in profit before tax, attributed mainly to lower interest rates and increased investment in technology and personnel, BOV recorded total operating income of €244 million, up 4.6% from the same period last year. Growth was seen across credit, investment and fee and commission income. Net Interest Income remained the primary contributor, buoyed by proprietary investment gains and sustained credit growth. Expectations for full-year pre-tax profits remain between €215 million and €250 million, with planned dividend distributions not exceeding 50% of annual profits. (The Malta Independent)
