Former MCAST principal Joachim James Calleja has filed a case with the Industrial Tribunal, claiming his dismissal as college head was “unjust and unfounded.” This follows a report by the Education Commissioner within the Ombudsman’s Office, which deemed his dismissal “unreasonable and unjust.” Calleja was appointed principal and CEO under a fixed-term contract, extended by MCAST’s Board of Governors in 2021 until May 2026. However, he was informed in June that his role would end on August 31. He argues that his position fell under the Board of Governors, not the Public Administration Collective Bargaining Unit. (Times of Malta)
Former Labour MP in benefits racket slapped with €4.5 million freezing order
The Court of Magistrates has determined the value of assets to be frozen in the case against former Labour MP Silvio Grixti and four others, charged with theft and misappropriation in connection to a disability benefits fraud scheme. Magistrate Rachel Montebello issued orders to freeze the assets of Grixti and his alleged co-conspirators—Roger Agius, Emanuel Spagnol, Dustin Caruana, and Luke Saliba—in the €6 million disability benefit fraud case. The court froze €4.5 million in assets from Grixti, while Agius, Spagnol, Caruana, and Saliba had €60,000, €90,000, €153,000, and €47,000 frozen, respectively. These assets could be confiscated if they are convicted. (Maltatoday)
Maritime industry leaders welcome step towards national strategy and outline strategic priorities
Stronger investment in infrastructure, sustainable practices, skill development, and promoting Maltese industry, along with a streamlined regulatory framework, were identified as key drivers to enhance Malta’s maritime sector. Industry stakeholders shared their vision at the Malta Maritime Forum’s World Maritime Day conference, addressing the pressing challenges posed by an unprecedented wave of change. Transport Minister Chris Bonett set the tone, announcing a consultation process for a National Maritime Transport Policy—a move welcomed by MMF Chairman Godwin Xerri, who noted that the MMF had long called for this development.
