Updated 1745- News Portal Briefing
Times of Malta reports that a Chinese negotiator involved in multi-million euro deals by Enemalta is behind a secret company suspected of being set up to pay kickbacks to Keith Schembri and Konrad Mizzi.
MaltaToday reports that a minority shareholder in Allied Newspapers is calling on company directors and members of the Strickland Foundation to shoulder responsibility for the misdeeds of two ex-directors.
Newsbook reports that Transport Minister Ian Borg and Infrastructure Malta CEO Frederick Azzopardi should, “at least for once” take the road to dialogue, “a road they clearly need to learn how to build,” activist group Moviment Graffitti said.
TVM reports that the compilation of evidence against former Chief of Staff in the Office of the Prime Minister Keith Schembri, his father Alfio Schembri, Malcolm Scerri and Robert Zammit continued this afternoon, with the Court declaring that it will deliver its decision on the accused request for their release from custody tomorrow Tuesday at 8.30 a.m.
Updated 1235 – Covid-19 Update
The number of active cases in Malta continued to decrease, and now stands at 1132 on Monday. Health authorities reported 63 new cases of coronavirus, with 332 new recoveries. These were identified through 2,101 swab tests. During the last 24 hours, a 73-year-old man passed away while Covid-19 positive.
Until yesterday, 180,587 doses of the anti-Covid vaccine were delivered, of which 51,237 were second doses.
Updated 1111 – Unemployment up by 926 in one year
In February, the number of persons registering for work stood at 2,585, increasing by 926 when compared to the corresponding month in 2020. This was revealed by the NSO this morning.
Data provided by Jobsplus for February 2021 indicate a year-on-year increase of 820 persons registering under Part I and an additional 106 persons registering under Part II of the unemployment register. Registered unemployment levels increased across all age groups. When compared to February 2020 levels, those registering for work for less than 21 weeks increased
by 412 while those registering between 21 and 52 weeks increased by 526 persons. On the other hand, those who had been registering for work for more than one year, decreased by 12 persons when compared to the same month in 2020.
The number of persons with a disability who were registering for work increased by 15 when compared
to the previous year, reaching 252. Males accounted for 72.6 per cent of total registrants with a
disability.
The largest share of males and females on the unemployment register sought occupations as clerical
support workers, with 21.5 per cent and 39.1 per cent respectively.
Updated 0834 – Newspaper Review
The Independent reports that public gatherings will be limited to two people from Wednesday as authorities introduce new measures for public safety. People caught in groups of more than two will be fined €300.
L-Orizzont quotes Prime Minister Robert Abela who warned against letting the guard down with the Covid-19 situation and called for vigilance as he announced new measures coming to effect over the Easter period.
The Times quotes findings by University of Malta researchers who found that, while women are more likely to take preventive measures to avoid the spread of Covid-19, men are more willing to receive the vaccine and trust the advice of healthcare professionals.
In-Nazzjon quotes PN Leader Bernard Grech who expressed his confidence that, with everyone’s contribution, Malta will restore its reputation. He said that the situation requires serious and mature politics.
The Independent says that Health Minister Chris Fearne asked the newsroom for details after it reported that staff members were offered the vaccine ahead of their respective cohorts. The paper refused to name the middlemen who approached it.
The Times says that investigators are taking a second look at a car bombing case that killed businessman John Camilleri in Buġibba in 2016. State witness Vince Muscat is said to be willing to testify in court about the murder but has so far refused to name the masterminds.
L-Orizzont carries an interview with cancer patient Josianne Portelli who said that courage is half the cure. The 48-year-old said that the support from her family and friends is helping her in dealing with the disease.
Morning Briefing
Political leaders react to possible MoneyVal all-clear
PM Robert Abela said that it was too early to be euphoric about the news that MoneyVal was likely to give Malta the all-clear in its upcoming assessment, arguing that reforms must continue. He recalled, that the arrest of 11 people, including former OPM Chief of Staff Schembri, being charged with money laundering and other financial crime offences, was clear proof that the country’s institutions were functioning independently.
Abela however criticised the Opposition for not painting a true picture of Malta, suggesting its MEPs were dragging Malta through the mud at a debate organised at the European Parliament earlier this week.
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech described the potential all-clear as welcome and satisfactory but noted that the government needs to work with the social partners to rehabilitate Malta’s international reputation. The Opposition leader stated that this situation had been bought about by the Government as it continued to persist in its errors, including by voting against opposition motions in order to defend persons who Dr Grech described as criminals posing as politicians.
Covid-19 Update
Cases in Malta continued to decline, with health authorities reporting 67 new coronavirus cases and 323 recoveries, confirming its downward trend since the introduction of restrictive measures earlier this month. 176,612 vaccine doses were administered so far, with 50,557 receiving the two doses. Two males aged 74 and 71 have died while having Covid-19.
Meanwhile, on Sunday, new restrictive measures were announced for the Easter break, with Prime Minister Robert Abela asking for a further effort of responsibility and solidarity was required to defeat the coronavirus pandemic in Malta. The restriction for people to meet in public has been limited to two unless they are from the same household. Fines for breaking such requirement would be increased, Abela added.
Moreover, all persons travelling to Malta through its airport or ports from the so-called green-listed countries will be required to produce a negative Covid-test. This measure will apply from today. The measures will remain in place until 11 April.
It was also reported that the police have been given the authority to knock in homes and check whether the rules were being observed.
Financial assisance for employing carer to be increased
The government’s financial assistance to the elderly who employ a qualified carer to help them with their daily needs will be increased to € 6,000 a year.
The national broadcaster reported that the Minister for the Elderly and Active Ageing, Michael Farrugia, said that this means an increase of almost € 800 per year in a scheme that is costing the government € 3 million.
He said the carer-at-home scheme started as a pilot project five years ago and today there are about 518 senior citizens who are receiving this subsidy.
CDE News
