Updated 1230
Malta need second national hospital – Health Minister
Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela has expressed the need for a second national hospital in Malta to accommodate the growing population. Abela envisions the Gwardamangia area, encompassing St Luke’s and Karin Grech hospitals, as an ideal location for this purpose, forming part of a broader concept known as a “health village. Currently, St Luke’s Hospital is closed and in disrepair, while Karin Grech serves as a rehabilitation facility. The government regained control of both hospitals after a court invalidated contracts with Steward Health Care, which was initially tasked with their renovation as part of a privatization agreement. The minister’s concept, still in its early stages and subject to refinement, involves relocating all non-clinical services, including the medical school, from Mater Dei Hospital to the proposed Gwardamangia “health village.” (Times of Malta)
Developers want incentives for sustainable development from Government
Michael Stivala, President of the Malta Development Assciation, has advocated for increased government incentives in sustainable development and national infrastructure. This call comes in the wake of a reported 7% growth in promises of sale, which are pre-sale contracts known as “konvenji” in Maltese, for the month of January. The figures, based on data collected by the MDA from various sources encompassing both residential and commercial properties, indicate not only an elevated level of market confidence but also highlight the effectiveness of the country’s strategies, according to a statement issued by the association. The statement also reported a substantial 30% growth in revenue for the period. The MDA emphasized the correlation between the surge in promises of sale and the significant revenue growth, attributing it to the resilience of the industry and the ongoing confidence of the Maltese and Gozitans in the property sector. (Maltatoday)
Siġġewi man injured in bike incident
Last night, a 49-year-old man residing in Siggiewi sustained severe injuries following a motorcycle collision in Mtarfa. According to a statement from the Police, the incident occurred around 9:30 pm on Triq l-Imtarfa. It was determined that the victim collided with a van driven by a 41-year-old woman from Rabat. Paramedics provided initial treatment at the scene before transporting the motorcyclist to Mater Dei. The Police are ongoing with their investigations into the accident. (TVM)
Morning Briefing
Schembri’s missing phone found in evidence bag
An on-site visit to the court’s exhibits room has confirmed that Keith Schembri’s supposedly ‘missing’ phone was discovered inside an evidence bag. The phone was sealed in the same condition as it was left by a court expert during the last data extraction from the device. This scheduled check, overseen by Mr. Justice Mark Simiana on Friday morning, took place in the afternoon with the presence of the court, legal representatives from both parties, the Court Registrar, and the judicial expert Martin Bajada. The entire procedure was meticulously documented by the court. (Times of Malta)
PM visits farmers’ protest / Farmers say bureacracy killing off sector
Prime Minister Robert Abela has made an appearance at the farmers’ protest in Floriana. Farmers expressed their grievances to the PM about the excessive regulations governing the sector, emphasizing that such bureaucratic measures are detrimental to the industry. During the exchange, one protester’s voice could be heard saying, “You do not know what it means to be a farmer, none of you do. You’re not understanding that you are killing off the sector!” Maltese farmers have joined protests taking place across Europe, opposing EU plans that they believe will jeopardize the livelihoods of those in the farming industry. The event comprised a rally involving both agricultural and non-agricultural vehicles, starting from the Ta’ Qali farmers’ market and proceeding towards Floriana.(Maltatoday)
Pilatus official’s lawyers lament ‘inaccessible’ digital evidence
The legal representatives of Claude-Anne Sant Fournier, the sole Pilatus Bank official facing criminal charges, expressed their frustration over what they perceive as limited access to crucial digital evidence. They lamented that the provided data could only be interpreted using specialized forensic software. Sant Fournier is accused of complicity in money laundering activities, both in her personal capacity and in her official role as the money laundering reporting officer at the now-defunct Pilatus Bank. The magisterial inquiry into the bank identified several other high-ranking bank officials who, according to findings, should face prosecution. However, the police and the attorney general have not pursued these cases, prompting civil society group Repubblika to seek judicial review of this decision, with ongoing proceedings. (The Malta Independent)
