Malta needs to address work-life balance to increase fertility rate – economist
Economist Marie Brigulgio said that Malta can only tackle its low fertility rate by shifting the prevailing cultural attitude of “overworking oneself” to one that prioritizes people’s well-being. The economist addressed Malta’s alarming fertility rate, the lowest in Europe at 1.13 live births per woman, notably below the EU average of 1.53 births per woman according to Eurostat. A study commissioned by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality found that more than three-quarters of women who have one child do not desire additional children. The research also unveiled that well over half of individuals aged 18 to 39 in Malta are struggling to meet their family responsibilities. (Times of Malta)
Courts agency cooperating with police over another case of evidence going missing
The Court Services Agency is collaborating with the police and a justice ministry review board after a laptop crucial to a money laundering case disappeared from court. Repubblika condemned the incident, emphasising the importance of accountability in maintaining justice. The missing laptop was presented as evidence against Bernard Attard and later couldn’t be located for another related case. CEO Eunice Grech Fiorini and registrar Franklin Calleja were ordered to explain. This incident follows other disappearances, raising concerns about the justice system’s integrity. Repubblika called for Justice Minister Jonathan Attard to address the issue or face repercussions. (Maltatoday)
Doctors acquitted of negligence in death of two-year old child
Five doctors in the field of paediatrics were not found guilty of negligence and lack of professionalism leading to the death of a two-year-old girl at Mater Dei Hospital in February 2011. Seven doctors, five women and two men, were charged with the involuntary manslaughter of the girl who, according to the autopsy, died of meningitis. Last year, the Court of Magistrates found them not guilty and acquitted them of all guilt. However, the Attorney General filed an appeal against the judgment regarding five of them. in Friday’s statement, Judge Edwina Grima said that she did not find any shortcomings from the doctors. She stated that even though the girl was under continuous medical treatment, the symptoms misled the doctors. She said that this does not mean that the doctors failed in their duty. Accordingly, the first sentence was confirmed and the defendants were acquitted. (TVM)
