Update 1330
Malta’s passport is ranked joint fifth most powerful in the world
In the 2024 Henley Passport Index,the Maltese passport achieved its highest-ever ranking, sharing the fifth spot with Greece andSwitzerland. This marks an improvement from its eighth position last year. The index assessespassport power by evaluating the number of visa-free travel destinations it offers. Malta’s passport isnow deemed more powerful than those of Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and the United States. (Times of Malta)
€1 million to outsource over 3,500 surgeries from Mater Dei
Mater Dei Hospital, Malta’s primaryhealthcare facility with 1,204 beds, often faces bed shortages and prolonged waiting lists for certainmedical procedures. To reduce waiting times, the Health Ministry plans to outsource 3,500 surgeries through a recent tender. The contract seeks service providers offering fully equipped theatre facilities,surgeons, anaesthetists, theatre nurses, and necessary resources for major surgeries, including pre-and post-operative care, overnight stays, patient meals, and in-patient services. The estimated cost formajor orthopaedic surgery services is around €2,700, with overnight stays at €150 per night. Thelongest waiting lists are in orthopaedics (3,582) and general surgery (2,949), while the governmentroutinely subcontracts outpatient services, cataract operations, and dentistry appointments. (Maltatoday)
3,888 families benefit from government energy schemes in three years
Since 2021, approximately€10.5 million in financial support has been distributed to 3,888 families through four governments chemes promoting energy transition. Administered by the Regulator for Energy and Water Services(REWS), these initiatives encompass the Solar Water Heaters Scheme, Heat Pump Water HeaterScheme, Roof Insulation and Double-Glazing Scheme (all relaunched for 2024), and the RenewableEnergy Sources Scheme, focusing on PV and battery storage systems, set to reopen in the comingmonths. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
PA approves second interconnector project
The Planning Authority has approved the permit for the development of Interconnector 2, the second submarine electricity cable between Malta and Italy. In a statement, the Planning Authority said that “while this project may be considered a continuation or extension of the first interconnector that was commissioned in 2015, a second interconnector will facilitate the integration of large-scale indigenous renewable energy projects by providing a stable and extensive grid. The project will also cater for contingency/emergency situations such as temporary damage to the existing cable link and interruption of the LNG supply to the domestic power generation plants. The project was unanimously approved by the Board,” it said. Interconnect Malta said it is also collaborating with the Italian authorities to conclude the permitting processes of this project in Italian waters and on land in Sicily. (The Malta Independent)
Q4 cruise passengers increase
National Statistics Office figures show that 169,036 cruise passengers visited Malta between October and December 2023 – an increase of over 63% on the same period last year. The statistics office stated that almost 52% of passengers arrived in Malta from EU countries, with the major market being the Italian tourists with 19.7% of all passengers, while 9.9% were German tourists. More than 81,000 passengers arrived from the UK and the United States. The passengers arrived in Malta aboard 82 ships – an increase of 21 cruise liners compared to the same period last year. Accumulated data shows that during the past year 814,000 cruise liner passengers visited the island, representing a strong increase of over 325,000 over the previous year. (TVM)
Forensic expert testifies in New Year’s murder case
A forensic expert offered his testimony on Thursday in court, in the case against Noel Azzopardi, who stands accused of killing Eric Borg on New Year’s Day of Eric Borg. Despite maintaining his plea of innocence, Azzopardi is presently in custody as the court delves into the complexities of the case. In the Thursday court session, forensic expert Mario Scerri delivered pivotal testimony, offering insights into the severe injuries sustained by Eric Borg during the tragic incident. The victim suffered grave injuries to his back and the right side of his stomach, along with facial bruises that occurred during the fatal event. Scerri’s detailed examination of the crime scene revealed poignant details, including the discovery of two spent shotgun cartridges in proximity to Borg’s body. (Maltatoday)
