Updated 1230
Drop in number of registered unemployed: The number of people registering for work in August dropped substantially when compared to the same month a year ago – from 3,672 to 1,442, the National Statistics Office said. Data provided by Jobsplus registered unemployment levels decreased across all age groups and sexes, the NSO said. Those who had been registering for work for less than 21 weeks decreased considerably when compared to the same month in 2020. Drops were also recorded among those who were registering for work for longer.
University graduation ceremonies will take place: The university will be holding a series of graduation ceremonies for those students who completed their studies in 2020 and 2021 after last year’s events had to be cancelled because of the pandemic. In a statement, the University of Malta said that following the absence of graduation ceremonies last year to the COVID-19 pandemic, graduation ceremonies will take place at the University of Malta’s sports complex.
Updated 0900
The Malta Business Weekly carries an interview with the General Manager of the Responsible Gaming Foundation, Kevin O’Neill who spoke about the need to detect problems associated with excessive gambling before it is too late.
Business Today reports that an Israeli start-up platform is set to start operations in Malta in the next months in a project supported by Malta Enterprise. Venture Rocket specialises in start-up scouting, financing, and acceleration.
L-Orizzont reports that three men were arrested by the police for a series of pickpocketing. The men, all Romanian nationals, were operating an international crime ring targeting cities with high tourism influx.
The Times says that residents in Għargħur are objecting to a high-rise project just outside the town’s urban conservation area. The Superintendence of Cultural Heritage and several NGOs have joined a chorus opposing the development.
The Independent asks Education Minister Justyne Caruana whether schools can expect any changes in Covid-19 protocols. The minister said that the requirement to wear facemasks will remain in place until health authorities advise otherwise.
In-Nazzjon covers an address by PN Leader Bernard Grech at a conference on sustainable finance held by the Malta Institute of Accountants. He said that professionals should be included in the decision process before new legislation in this area is adopted.
L-Orizzont says that the European Socialists and Democrats are holding a conference in Malta next week on the theme, ‘United for a more social Europe’. The leader of the group, Iratxe Garcia Perez, said this was the first S&D meeting since the start of the pandemic.
The Times speaks to legal experts who said that the appeals filed by two of the unsuccessful bidders for the Gozo tunnel project could delay the process by up to six months. The case will be decided by the Public Contracts Review Board but could go before the courts.
Business Today says that preparations are underway for Malta’s participation in the Dubai Expo 2020. Meanwhile, the European Parliament has passed a resolution urging EU states to boycott the event.
The Independent says that an Impact Assessment report for a development application in Comino suggests that a new bungalow complex will be put for sale. Pending approval, the project is expected to start in late 2022.
The Malta Business Weekly quotes Education Minister Justyne Caruana that the government is investing in educational programmes for children in the 0-7 age group to reduce the rate of early school leavers.
In-Nazzjon quotes a PN statement urging the ministry for education to find adequate space for university students to attend lectures in person. Student organisations expressed concern about a number of lectures being held online.
L-Orizzont says that negotiations about the EU Migration Pact unveiled last year are in deadlock and are not expected to resume before the middle of 2022. Sources said EU governments are wary of raising the subjects before elections in Germany and France.
Malta extends its travel red list
Malta has extended its quarantine-free travel list to a number of countries. According to a new legal notice, travellers arriving from Bahrain, Gabon, Kuwait, Maldives, Bermuda, Rwanda, Russia, Mongolia, Cape Verde, Namibia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Myanmar, Malaysia, Tunisia, Morocco, Iraq, South Africa, Timor and India will not be forced to quarantine. Malta currently recognizes vaccine certificate from the European Union, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, Serbia, Qatar, Albania, Australia, Lebanon, Egypt, Jersey, Gibraltar, Canada, Turkey and Guernsey.
Activist Manuel Delia to leave country after death threats
Activist and blogger Manuel Delia told an Italian portal that he will be leaving the country after receiving threats from persons close to those accused of complicity in Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder. In an interview with Articolo 21, which he later confirmed to The Times of Malta Delia said the European Center for Press and Media Freedom was supporting his stay at “a safe place” abroad until things get better.
“I fear that the idea of an imminent election might lead someone to act on their own initiative and hurt me or my family, deeming it an act of heroism,” he told Articolo 21.
He added that besides the increasing death threats, he was receiving calls throughout the night on a regular basis.
Removal of masks in class depends on health authorities
Education Minister Justyne Caruana pushed back questions on wearing of masks in class, arguing that it was the remit of health authorities. She said that “as soon as the health authorities inform us that there is no longer the need for students to wear masks in class, we will follow that directive. Although I understand that this measure can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for students, one must understand that these directives are to be followed in the national interest,” Caruana said. A petition for primary students to be allowed to take off face masks while seated in class has been making the rounds.
Covid-19 Update
Active Covid-19 cases declined further as 18 new cases were reported on Wednesday, while 49 patients recovered. 523 persons remain infected with the virus, 23 requiring treatment in hospital.
CDE News
