Update 1230 – Malta reported four new cases and three recoveries. The latest numbers related to the vaccination process in Malta show that 512,214 were given the vaccine, of which 205,221 received the two doses.
The total number of active cases now is 68.
Update 1211 Malta will be taking an optimistic but cautious approach for the return of tourists in the country next Tuesday, Prime Minister Robert Abela said during political discussion streamed on Sunday. Abela said the return of tourism is vital, contributing to around one third of the country’s economy. “The advantage we have is that a large percentage of the population is now fully vaccinated.” The PM emphasised that there are substantial controls at the airport and at ports, and that incoming travellers are required to present a recent negative test result or a vaccination certificate. Such measures, he said, allowed for safe transit whilst recognising that the pandemic “is still with us.” Newsbook.com.mt – MaltaToday.
PN Leader Bernard Grech spoke about Saturday’s initiative related to the utility bills issue highlighted by the NAO and also the recent proposed prison reform.
It-Torċa publishes a statement by the General Workers Union welcoming the white paper on recreational cannabis presented by the government. The union said it is in favour of reform on the responsible use of the substance.
The Independent on Sunday speaks with Qala mayor Paul Buttigieg who has been spearheading efforts to return Ħondoq ir-Rummien into ODZ. Buttigieg said that he was forced to stand up to powerful developers in the past two decades to protect the area.
The Sunday Times reveals that Paul Apap Bologna has resigned as director of Electrogas following reports that he had set up a secret offshore company. He remains a director in GEM Holdings, a consortium of local investors in the power station project.
Il-Mument says that hundreds of people have visited the PN’s headquarters on Saturday after the party offered to check utility bills from ARMS for extra charges. Leader Bernard Grech said that a PN Leader would issue full refunds.
It-Torċa publishes a statement by the General Workers Union welcoming the white paper on recreational cannabis presented by the government. The union said it is in favour of reform on the responsible use of the substance.
Malta Today says that state witness Melvin Theuma has been granted immunity for his involvement in a series of robberies on two HSBC banks and the Casino di Venezia between 2007 and 2010. Theuma is believed to have sheltered the thieves after their crimes.
Illum publishes findings showing that half the population would favour quotas on the number of foreign workers in Malta. Just under a third are against any form or restrictions while a fifth said they are unsure.
The Independent on Sunday says that Marsaskala residents are concerned about a newly launched regeneration committee made up of people with business interests. A similar committee sought to make radical changes to the public spaces in 2010.
Illum says that Finance Minster Clyde Caruana will contest the 8th Electoral District together with Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis, Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo and PL MP Ian Castaldi Paris. Caruana will also join the PL list for the 2nd District, his home turf.
The Sunday Times reports that former Allied Group managing director Adrian Hillman was charged in court for fraud and money laundering on Saturday. Hillman, who was extradited from the UK a day earlier pleaded not guilty and was granted bail.
Il-Mument carries an interview with PN spokesperson for Home Affairs Beppe Fenech Adami following the launch of proposals on prison reform. Fenech Adami said that the country needs a serious detention system based on dignity for inmates.
It-Torċa speaks to an unnamed sister in a religious order who said that, while abortion should remain illegal, threatening women with imprisonment is not the right solution. She appealed for a mature discussion of the subject.
Morning Briefing
Vaccination certificate or negative test required for Malta travel
People travelling to Malta wil require a vaccination certificate or negative PCR test results at their departure point as from Tuesday, a new Legal Notice stipulates. The test will have to be performed up to 72 hours before the person’s arrival. Only children under the age of five will be exempt from this requirement.
Apap Bologna resigns from Electrogas Board
Paul Apap Bologna has resigned as the Maltese representative on the Electrogas consortium’s board after it was revealed that he owned a secret company in the United Arab Emirates. The Sunday Times of Malta reveals that the local shareholders in the project agreed that Apap Bologna’s position on the Electrogas board was no longer tenable in view of the revelations.
Hillman released on bail
Former Allied Newspapers Managing Director Adrian Hillman was released on bail yesterday afternoon after being arraigned in court and charged with fraud and money laundering, among other financial crimes.Hillman, together with Network Overseas Limited and Lester Holdings Group Limited, is being charged with money laundering. They were also charged with converting or transferring property acquired through criminal activity.
Hillman was also charged with associating with others with the aim of committing a crime, using false names or false qualifications, and making gains to the detriment of Progress Press Company Limited and Malta Enterprise. He has pleaded not guilty.
Covid-19 Update
Covid-19 Update
Three new COVID-19 cases were reported on Saturday, while two recovered. 2010 swab tests were carried out yesterday, with active cases remaining stable at 67. No deaths were reported.
