Updated 1100
Rising temperatures to have major impact on Malta
Rising temperatures are expected to have more deadly consequences in Malta than in any other European country, according to a landmark study published in the medical journal Lancet. The study predicts changes in mortality rates across 854 cities and 1,300 regions in Europe by 2100 as temperatures rise and populations age. The study found that with a 3°C temperature increase, Malta could see 95 additional heat-related deaths per 100,000 people annually—six times the European average of 15. The study explores scenarios with varying temperature increases, including those in line with Paris climate targets (1.5°C and 2°C) and others based on current climate policies or no policies at all, which could lead to a rise of up to 4°C. (Times of Malta)
Health service considering genomic record system
Malta’s public health service is conducting market research for a national genomic record system designed to track and analyse the family pedigrees of resident patients. This cloud-based system will replace the current records infrastructure, providing a more robust platform for geneticists, biomedical scientists, and healthcare professionals to monitor data on inherited diseases and other related needs. The demand for genetic testing has surged to approximately 3,500 requests annually and is expected to increase further as genomic technologies advance and public understanding of genomics improves. (Maltatoday)
Geological survey for offshore wind farm commences
Interconnect Malta announced on Friday that it has begun a geographical survey of specific areas within Malta’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). Conducted by Fugro Italia Spa, the survey aims to map bathymetry, identify seabed and man-made features, and collect high-quality sub-bottom seismic data. This survey is part of the Maltese Government’s ongoing efforts to promote electricity generation from renewable sources. After consultations with international experts, strategic environmental assessments, and detailed desktop studies, two sites have been identified for the potential development of offshore floating wind farms beyond 12 nautical miles from Malta’s coast. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Man gets suspended sentence for aiding TCNs to live illegally in Malta
Anthony Attard, 47, received a suspended sentence after admitting to helping third-country nationals illegally reside in Malta by making false declarations to authorities. The case is linked to an investigation into the issuance of residence permits, allegedly involving the illegal distribution of 18,000 fake ID cards to foreigners for payments between €2,000 and €5,000 per document. The government agency Identità, while denying any involvement, stated that its Compliance and Expatriates Units had investigated and provided evidence to the police regarding certain individuals. Inspector Karl Roberts, leading the prosecution, noted that several arrests had recently been made in connection with fraudulent rental contracts used to facilitate illegal residency for non-EU nationals. (Maltatoday)
PN insists on Minister resignation in wake of ID Scandal
Nationalist Party Leader Bernard Grech has called for the resignation of Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri, stating that it is a crucial step towards restoring public trust in Malta’s identification system. Speaking on NET FM on Thursday, Grech held Camilleri accountable for the alleged fraudulent issuance of identity cards by the government agency Identità. This follows allegations by lawyer Jason Azzopardi, who claims that Identità is involved in distributing 18,000 false IDs. Azzopardi has requested a magisterial inquiry into these allegations, which was granted by the duty magistrate on August 13. (Times of Malta)
Labour international secretary not seeking reelection
The Labour Party’s international secretary, Marc Vella Bonnici, is the latest senior official to announce that he will not be retaining his position. Vella Bonnici joins others, including president Ramona Attard, CEO Randolph De Battista, and deputy leaders Chris Fearne and Daniel Micallef, who have all decided not to seek re-election at next month’s general conference. In a Facebook post, Vella Bonnici reflected on his “wonderful time” in the role under two leaders, during which Labour achieved historic victories. He mentioned that his decision to step down was made “months ago” and that he had already discussed it with Prime Minister Robert Abela. (The Malta Independent)
