Updated 1300
Covid-19 Update: An 85-year-old woman died passed away from COVID-19 overnight, becoming Malta’s 440th victim of the virus. 49 new cases were reported on Saturday, with 52 recovering. Active cases have gone down slightly to 636.
Malta Chamber calls for genuine interest in the well-being of future generations, not short-sightedness
The Malta Chamber has launched its policy recommendations on a National Workforce Strategy in response to the ongoing national consultation process on a Labour Market Reform, which was drafted following an internal consultation together with RSM, which leads the Chamber’s HR Committee.
The document includes over 50 recommendations on various aspects of the labour market, some of which relate to education. Of all these recommendations. One of these proposals related to the increase of compulsory education to 18 years from the current 16 years.
“Whether employers, parents, educators, or policymakers, we are all disappointed by the current educational outcomes, and we all need to work together to make sure that the educational experience improves for everyone and that students do not rush out of schooling empty-handed. It is a collective duty”, the Chamber said.
Keep schools in mind in easing restrictions’ decisions – MUT
The MUT has warned that any decision related to COVID-19 restrictions taken at this time of year may have “adverse effects” on the scholastic year. President Marco Bonnici said that the “MUT reaffirms its position as communicated previously that the education of students remains a priority and all decisions taken particularly at this time of the year may have adverse effects on the scholastic year”.
Refering to Government’s decision to allow standing events from September, Bonnici remarked that the MUT trusts that the health authorities are evaluating the effect of each measure being released when it comes to schools reopening.
PN, Repubblika mark one month from publication of Caruana Galizia public inquiry report
PM Robert Abela has taken no action to implement the recommendations put forward by the Daphne Caruana Galizia public inquiry report, the PN said in a statement.
This sentiment was echoed by Repubblika, who noted that Abela has already wasted too much time. “He should get down from his yacht and start implementing what he promised a year ago,” its President, Robert Aquilina said. “It is unacceptable that Abela has done nothing about the public inquiry, and nothing about Edward Zammit Lewis, who has been caught having strong connections with the man now accused of being a mastermind in the murder of Caruana Galizia”, Repubblika said.
The PN also said that “the government does not feel that healing the deep wound left in the nation’s heart is deserving of any urgent action”.
Updated 0815 – Newspaper Review
The Times speaks with Isabel Galea, the mother of the latest inmate to die while serving a sentence at Corradino. Galea said that there were clear signs that 30-year-old Colin was at risk of suicide while he was in prison.
In-Nazzjon carries an interview with a former inmate who accused prison director Alexander Dalli of managing by fear. The unidentified man said that several prisoners were driven to desperation because of the atmosphere of terror.
The Independent says that public debt stood at €7.8 billion in July, a €1.2 billion rise from a year before. Meanwhile, recurrent government revenues increased by a quarter over the same period to €2.6 billion.
L-Orizzont reports that the European Court ordered Ryanair to compensate passengers travelling from Malta to Poznan after a four-hour delay in departure. A decision by the Tribunal said that the airline did not provide satisfactory answers for the delay.
The Independent says that insurers are mulling a hike in policy premiums to cover for increased accidents involving e-kickscooters. A statement by the insurance association said that members have registered several accidents involving riders.
The Times reports that a six-month-old baby died after being found unconscious in a bath in a private residence. Medics rushed to the site and performed CPR on the girl before she was taken to Mater Dei hospital, where she died.
In-Nazzjon says that the baby of six months reported dead on Friday afternoon is believed to have drowned in a bath. It is unclear whether to girl’s mother was at home at the time of the incident and an investigation is ongoing.
L-Orizzont says that EU Ministers for Justice and Internal Affairs are meeting on Tuesday to discuss the situation in Afghanistan. Observers say that members states are expected to establish quotas for Afghan asylum seekers.
In-Nazzjon quotes a joint statement by the PN secretary-general and the head of news at its media wing denying a report on PL news outlet One. The officials say they will file a protest with the Institute of Journalists and demand a right of reply.
Morning Briefing
Hundreds protest against Mscala marina
A sizeable crowd turned up in Marsascala on Friday to express its disapproval towards Transport Malta’s plan for a yacht marina in the locality. The demonstration was addressed by residents and activists, among them Moviment Graffiti. PN Minority Leader John Baptist Camilleri asked: “What about the people who live here? What about them,” Camilleri asked on Friday, adding that residents will defend the bay from the greedy ones who wanted to destroy it”. Wayne Flask on behalf of Graffiti said that a group of politicians and businessmen, that according to him, want to keep on privatising parts of the Marsaskala coast for the greed of the few.
Baby dies after near-drowning incident
A six-month-old girl passed away hospital after a near-drowning incident in a private residence in St Paul’s Bay, the police have confirmed.
The baby girl was rushed to Mater Dei hospital on Friday afternoon, after she was found drowning in a bath tub. Police said that the girl was found unconcious in a bath at a private residence, and was then rushed to hospital in critical condition where she passed away soon afterwards.
Covid-19 Update
40 new cases were reported in the previous 24 hours, health authorities said. Malta registered 66 recoveries as active cases stood at 642. 3,411 swab tests were taken. A 61-year-old woman died while positive to COVID-19 overnight.
2021 deficit stands at €1.6 billion
A Finance Ministry mid-yearly report has revealed that Malta is facing a projected deficit of €1.6 billion for 2021. This deficit, amounting to 12% of Malta’s GDP, is a marked increase from earlier projections made last year of 5.9%. Despite the higher-than-expected deficit figure, Finance Minister Clyde Caruana has ruled out tax hikes in the next budget. Meanwhile, NSO data published today has shown that until the end of July, government deficit has reached €882.5 million.
CDE News
