Updated 1300
MGA revokes gaming licence of Genesis Global
The Malta Gaming Authority has revoked the gaming license of Genesis Global Limited, urging the company to settle all outstanding fees. Genesis Global, which had its Malta license suspended in January of the previous year, announced its winding up just before Christmas 2022, resulting in the termination of all staff. The operator managed 23 gaming websites under the license. Facing financial difficulties, the company initiated court proceedings for insolvency, leaving around 200 employees uncertain about their December salary and other pending payments. In November, the company had already begun layoffs, shedding between 30 and 40 workers as it faced financial challenges. (Times of Malta)
PN calls for withdrawal of drug reform laws
Opposition Leader Bernard Grech has called on the government to withdraw its White Paper outlining the proposed drug court reform. The reform, among other provisions, allows individuals to possess 500 ecstasy pills without being considered for drug trafficking charges. In a video shared on Facebook, Grech expressed his discontent with the proposal, not only as a politician but also as a parent and an individual who values life. He raised concerns about the suggested increases in drug limits, emphasizing that these quantities are evidently intended for trafficking rather than personal use. The PL in a statement said that with regards to the drug court reform, Grech is deceptive in saying that there is a proposal for 500 ecstasy pills for personal use, knowing this is false. “Anyone trafficking drugs will continue to be considered a trafficker,” it said. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
PM pledges surveillance of price cuts
Prime Minister Robert Abela said that the agreement reached on price cuts concerning some 400 products also provides for surveillance, and although there are dedicated entities for this task, such as the MCCA, his biggest surety is the promise made by importers and supermarket owners. The Prime Minister explained that the negotiations with importers and supermarket owners had taken many weeks and there were moments where it appeared that an agreement would not be reached. Abela said that a major argument brought forward by the government was that it had helped to safeguard the economy and jobs, and now firms had the social responsibility to give something back to the country. He noted that further increase in pricess will lead to a drop in consumption, to the detriment of businesses. (TVM)
Almost 25% of Maltese children consider English as primary language
Results from the census published on Friday reveal that nearly a quarter of Maltese children under the age of 10 now identify English as their primary language. This data suggests a growing prevalence of English, showcasing a noticeable contrast in its adoption as a first language among younger versus older generations in Malta. Approximately 15 percent of Maltese youth aged 10 to 19 consider English as their first language, a percentage that decreases to around nine percent for individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s, and further declines among senior citizens. While Maltese remains the predominant mother tongue across all age groups, residents of Swieqi, Sliema, and St Julian’s stand out as more likely to embrace English as their primary language from an early age. (Times of Malta)
People with long-term sickness on the increase
The incidence of individuals grappling with long-term illness, diseases, or chronic conditions is on the rise. According to the further details from the 2021 census providing a snapshot of health conditions among the local populace, a total of 129,132 individuals (comprising 26% of those aged 5 or more) are affected by such conditions. This marks a six-percentage-point increase compared to the figures reported in the 2011 census. (Maltatoday)
