Investigation requested after lawyer gets 11 appointments by PM
Independent candidate Arnold Cassola has requested the Auditor General to investigate the head of the Prime Minister’s legal office, who was awarded a €17,000 direct order to represent Festivals Malta. In his letter, Cassola highlighted that the lawyer, Ryan Pace, currently holds 10 positions appointed by Prime Minister Robert Abela. These include roles such as Chairman of the Malta Gaming Authority, Director at ARMS Limited, Gozo Heliport Ltd, Malta Government Investments Ltd, and the Malta Investment Management Company Limited, as well as Director of the Malta Film Commission. Additionally, he serves as Secretary for Engineering Resources Ltd and the Mediterranean Offshore Bunkering Company Ltd, and as Legal Advisor to the Malta Tourism Authority and Aġenzija Support. (The Malta Independent)
New Permanent Secretaries appointed
Bjorn Callus has been appointed Permanent Secretary at the Ministry for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works. Godwin Mifsud, previously at the Transport Ministry, will move to the Economy Ministry, succeeding the retiring Nancy Caruana. Anthony Gatt will take over as Permanent Secretary for Inclusion and Volunteering, with Joseph F. Caruana assuming the role at the Ministry for Energy and Water. hristopher Cutajar will now serve as Permanent Secretary for the Ministry for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, following changes in ministry structures. (Maltatoday)
MCAST lecturers call on MUT and government to resolve stalemate
More than 280 lecturers at the Malta College of Arts, Science, and Technology (MCAST) have signed a petition calling on the government, college administration, and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) to resolve the ongoing stalemate over a new collective agreement. The petition, addressed to the prime minister, the education minister, MCAST management, and the MUT, demands an immediate end to the three-year impasse, which lecturers claim is having a detrimental impact on their working conditions and students’ education. Expressing their frustration, the lecturers described the delay in negotiations as “unacceptable” and “highly deplorable.” The signatories, forming the backbone of MCAST’s academic staff, emphasised their deep concerns about the prolonged uncertainty, which they say is adversely affecting both their professional environment and the quality of education provided to students. (Newsbook)
