Updated 0850 – Newspaper Review
Malta Today reveals that a US naval attaché had questioned Darren Debono about a secret refuelling operation of a Russian ship by the Maltese government. The former footballer was this week arrested on charges of money laundering.
The Independent on Sunday says that the new Finance Minister Clyde Caruana held talks with representatives of Air Malta pilots, signalling changes to the management of the national carrier. The airline has been added to Caruana’s portfolio in the Cabinet reshuffle.
The Sunday Times speaks to the chairman of the Mater Dei emergency department who said that directives ordered by the nurses’ union would hamper admissions and discharges, effectively bringing the hospital to a halt.
Illum reports about ‘humiliation practices’ at the Corradino Correctional Facility, one of which involved tying inmates down in a chair, sometimes naked and blindfolded. The chair has only been removed this year.
Il-Mument follows the Vatican consistory on Saturday during which bishop Mario Grech was appointed Cardinal by Pope Francis, becoming only the third Maltese and the first Gozitan to join the college of cardinals.
It-Torċa carries an interview with eCabs CEO Matthew Bezzina who argued for a ‘social contract’ with gig platforms in the transport industry, ensuring leave benefits and insurance cover for accidents for drivers.
Kullħadd reports that the former football player Jeffrey Chetcuti, charged with fuel smuggling and money laundering, had appeared in a 2009 video testimonial supporting MEP David Casa. Chetcuti said that he and Casa had known each other since they were children.
Il-Mument claims that Prime Minister Robert Abela is holding meetings with business leaders at the Hilton in preparation of the general election. The paper says that Abela met developers’ association chief Sandro Chetcuti on Thursday evening.
The Independent on Sunday reveals talks between the PN and Marlene Farrugia earlier this month about the possible resignation of the independent MP, paving the way for the co-option of Ivan J. Bartolo from the 10th District. The plan was eventually dropped.
The Sunday Times quotes a survey by the Faculty of Social Wellbeing which found that a third of people believe that women’s main responsibility is to care for home and family. A fifth of respondents said it is a man’s main duty to earn money for the family.
It-Torċa speaks to the president of the accommodation sector within the Chamber of SMEs, Philip Fenech who raises concerns about parties thrown at farmhouses and apartments without observing safety protocols.
Malta Today quotes Health Minister Chris Fearne who said that the EU medicines agency is expected to authorise the first Covid-19 vaccine by Pfizer in December. The government is confident of a roll-out in Malta from as early as January.
Il-Mument carries an interview with the President of the Union of Teacher, Marco Bonnici, who said that there have been three different education ministers this year, describing the situation ‘unusual’ for the education sector in Malta.
Illum reports figures by the National Statistics Office showing that the government’s deficit has reached €1.2 billion in the first ten months this year. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana cautioned that it is too early to determine the economic performance for 2020.
Kullħadd says salaries remained stable this year despite the economic disruption caused by the pandemic. Finance Minister Clyde Caruana said the new figures show that government support had its desired effect.
Morning Briefing
Bishop Mario Grech elevated to Cardinal
Former Gozo Bishop Mario Grech was elevated to the rank of Cardinal in a ceremony held at the Vatican.
The ceremony, presided by Pope Francis, saw 12 other men appointed as cardinals. He has been assigned to the titular Basilica of Saint Cosmas and Damian in Rome.
In his address, which he delivered on behalf of all 13 new appointees, Grech spoke of the need for the Church to “open new paths” and to reaffirm its commitment as a “Church that listens”. The former Bishop of Gozo spoke about his desire to use his position on the Synod of Bishops to open further lines of communication between bishops around the world and the various levels of the organisation of the Church.
Cardinal Grech added: “Let Mary, Stella Maris, who the Maltese worship under the title of the Blessed Virgin of Ta’ Pinu, fill us with hope.”
Prime Minister Robert Abela described Bishop Mario Grech as a person with a strong voice, with thoughts which translated into words which imparted courage, tolerance and hope. Dr Abela added that Monsignor Grech’s words were and still are the most effective means of helping to overcome many prejudices around us, particularly towards those who end up isolated or on the periphery in our society.
Bernard Grech, Leader of the Opposition, described Monsignor Mario Grech as a humble person and said he is certain that as a Cardinal, in his new role, will continue to exercise his pastoral duties while at the same time hold high Malta’s name on behalf of the islands of Malta and Gozo. Dr Grech augured Grech for the future of his duties and to be a leading ambassador in the name of all the people of Malta and Gozo.
Covid-19 Update
There were 108 cases of coronavirus in the past 24 hours, with 121 recoveries. These were identified out of 2870 swab tests. The number of active cases has declined to 2059.
Malta has registered 9609 COVID-19 cases since the virus was first detected in March. 132 patients have died while infected with the virus while 7418 have since recovered.
Meanwhile, a 76-year old man became Malta’s 133 fatality on Friday after testing positive for COVID-19, health authorities announced on Saturday.
CDE News
