Updated 1200
WSC committed to ensuring high-quality tap water: 55,000 tests and major infrastructure upgrades: Water Services Corporation CEO Karl Cilia assured that tap water maintains consistent quality and taste across all towns and villages. He highlighted a €127 million investment that improved water quality through modernised reverse osmosis, upgraded reservoirs, and enhanced distribution systems. Tap water comes from reverse osmosis plants and groundwater, with chlorine essential for germ control. To further reduce chlorine levels, an incentive scheme will soon support installing activated charcoal filters. This initiative aims to enhance water purity, reduce plastic bottle use, and promote environmental sustainability. Last year, 55,000 water samples confirmed high-quality standards, making tap water the best it has ever been.
National Skills Council holds second workshop on Malta’s skills strategy: The National Skills Council held its second workshop, co-organised with Transport Malta, to address skills gaps, particularly in the maritime sector. Industry stakeholders and government representatives discussed key action areas for Malta’s upcoming skills strategy. Topics included improving skills intelligence, career guidance, lifelong learning, employer-led training, and leveraging local and foreign talent. The OECD is contributing expert guidance to align the strategy with international best practices. Education Minister Clifton Grima emphasised the need for stronger collaboration between education and employment sectors to develop transferable skills for Malta’s future. The workshop featured discussions on global best practices and interactive sessions focused on workforce development.
Morning Briefing
No issue with teachers expressing their views on education – Minister
Education Minister Clifton Grima has stated he has no issue with teachers expressing their views on education policies, following claims that a government school teacher was reprimanded for doing so. Maths teacher Joanna Mallia alleged she was told off by headmaster Jonathan Portainer Mifsud after publicly criticising the new SEC system, which introduced continuous assessments. Mallia had warned that the system was putting excessive pressure on students. The Minister insisted that no teacher had been prevented from sharing their views or faced repercussions for doing so. “We encourage educators to participate in policy debates, as long as their views are fact-based,” he said. Grima also noted that a new circular, issued on March 4, replaces a previous directive requiring educators to seek permission before speaking to the media.
AIMS CEO after reports he employed banned footballer
Jean Claude Micallef resigned as CEO of the Authority for Integrity in Maltese Sport (AIMS) on Wednesday, just three months after his appointment. His resignation follows reports that he engaged Jermain Brincat, a former footballer banned for life over match-fixing, to work with AIMS. It also comes after Sports Minister Clifton Grima reportedly refused to accept the resignations of AIMS Chairman Antonio Mizzi and Secretary Frank Camilleri. In his resignation letter to Prime Minister Robert Abela, Micallef stated that, given Grima’s decision to retain Mizzi, he felt compelled to step down immediately. (The Malta Independent)
Council of Europe says Malta missed opportunity to fully protect journalists
Malta missed an opportunity to fully protect journalists from SLAPP lawsuits and set an example for other countries, according to a Council of Europe report on press freedom. The report noted that while Malta transposed the EU directive against SLAPPs, it only covers cross-border cases. Civil society groups criticised this as a failure to provide comprehensive protection. The report urged EU member states to strengthen anti-SLAPP laws and better safeguard journalists. It was compiled by a coalition of 15 press freedom organisations. (Maltatoday)
