Updated 1400
Salaries a major disincentive for students mulling teacher’s job
A study by Angele Pulis, published in the Malta Journal of Education, reveals that most Sixth Form students view teaching as underpaid, difficult, stressful, and low-status, despite recognising its importance. The research, based on 554 responses from students in various Sixth Forms, shows that 70% believe teaching is not well-paid, and the same percentage find it stressful. While 90% acknowledge the societal importance of teaching, only 15% think teachers enjoy high status. Negative perceptions stem from teachers, families, and media, with only 23.2% of students hearing positive feedback from teachers, and 8.6% encouraged by parents to pursue teaching. (Maltatoday)
Drought of foreign films has crews worried
A shortage of foreign film productions in Malta this year has led to many local film crew members being out of work, with one production moving to Morocco and another to the UK, according to the Times of Malta. Experienced industry insiders attribute the local downturn to a global decrease in productions. Despite government campaigns promising jobs in the film industry, many crew members have been unemployed for months. The Malta Film Commission had predicted a record year for 2024, but only a small British TV series is currently in production. Upcoming projects include “Jurassic World” and a few others, yet the current job listings show no vacancies. (Times of Malta)
MEIA demands proper consultation and transparency on proposed cultural hub in Marsa
The Malta Entertainment Industry and Arts Association (MEIA) is calling for more transparency and consultation regarding the proposed cultural hub in Marsa’s Albert Town. The hub, which will include various facilities such as workshops, studios, theaters, and a museum, aims to address the long-standing need for rehearsal spaces and a centralised cultural center in Malta. While MEIA supports the development, they have several concerns over the consultation process, management, space allocation, private sector integration and immediate solutions stressing the urgent need for creative spaces now, beyond the long-term development of the hub. MEIA emphasises the importance of involving the creative community in the project to ensure it serves its intended purpose and addresses current urgent needs.
Morning Briefing
PM announces scrapping of Mqabba asphalt plant
Plans for an asphalt plant just 500 meters from homes in Mqabba have been cancelled, Prime Minister Robert Abela announced on Sunday. “We cannot allow the asphalt and tarmac industry to encroach any closer to residents. Therefore, I am proud to announce today that the proposed plant in Mqabba will not be built,” he told supporters at an election campaign rally in Żurrieq. The issue sparked controversy last November when residents of Qrendi, Mqabba, Żurrieq, Kirkop, and Siġġiewi took to the streets in protest, calling the relocation “madness” and voicing concerns about the plant’s long-term health impact. (Maltatoday)
New revelations of funds transfered from Steward to Muscat
A €1 million “political support fund” created by Steward Health Care is suspected to have been established to funnel bribes to Joseph Muscat, Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi. The Times of Malta revealed that the funds were managed by Accutor AG, a Swiss company believed to function as a centralized money-laundering hub for payments related to the hospitals deal involving Vitals and Steward. Investigators have focused on how, shortly after leaving office, both Muscat and Mizzi signed consultancy agreements linked to Accutor, with Schembri also suspected of indirectly benefiting from the “political support fund”. The funds were transferred from Steward to Accutor under the pretext of a consultancy agreement. Steward boss Armin Ernst described the Accutor agreement in an internal email as intended to support “political and government activities and interactions”. Muscat has denied the contents of this report. (Times of Malta)
PM lacks dignity, understanding of country – Bernard Grech
Prime Minister Robert Abela lacks an understanding of the country’s current state and the dignity his position demands, PN Leader Bernard Grech stated on Sunday. During a political rally in Sliema, Grech questioned how they could exploit the Labour Party and the trust placed in them by the public to execute the alleged corrupt deal, which led to the Vitals scandal. He said that voters should use their vote to show the Prime Minister that the country is fed up of the current leadership, and emphasised the importance of voting for those they believe in, as many indicate that they may abstain come 8 June. (The Malta Independent)
