Updated 1130
Union rebuffs new MCAST principal’s call to lift industrial action: The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) rejected a call from MCAST’s new principal, Stephen Vella, to end industrial action, criticising him for threatening legal action in his first communication. Talks on a new collective agreement have stalled for nearly three years. Vella suggested arbitration and urged the union to suspend its actions, warning of legal steps if they did not respond by Friday. The union countered by announcing further industrial action and a protest. MUT president Marco Bonnici criticised Vella’s approach, accusing him of using threats rather than addressing the longstanding negotiation failures. Lecturers at MCAST are protesting outside the Paola campus as negotiations for their collective agreement continue to drag on, covering eight grades, including Lecturers, Student Support Services, and Technicians. (Times of Malta)
WSC details National Investment Plan, says total investment amounts up to €310m till 2033: The Water Services Corporation (WSC) announced its €310.5 million National Investment Plan for 2023-2033, with 41% co-financed by the EU. The plan focuses on sustainable water management and infrastructure upgrades, including 100km of water network improvements, reservoir renovations, and wastewater infrastructure updates. WSC CEO Karl Cilia highlighted key achievements, such as increasing network efficiency to 72%, reducing water leakage to 9.5%, and producing a record 36.7 million cubic meters of water in 2023. Major projects include reverse osmosis upgrades, AI-driven water management, and potable water and sewage system improvements. Cilia emphasised that Malta’s drinking water complies with EU standards and that tap water quality is being enhanced across the country. (Maltatoday)
Bishop tells judiciary to hold on strongly to their values: Auxiliary Bishop Joseph Galea Curmi urged the judiciary to uphold their values and resist societal pressures during a Mass at St. John’s Co-Cathedral marking the start of the Forensic Year. Attendees included President Myriam Spiteri Debono, Speaker Anglu Farrugia, and Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti. Galea Curmi emphasised the challenges posed by social media, where fake news distorts truth, and societal norms often tolerate wrongdoing. He encouraged judges, magistrates, and lawyers to pursue justice impartially, guided by honesty and integrity. The bishop highlighted their vital role in safeguarding human dignity and prayed for wisdom, urging them to be a sign of hope for the conscientious and a challenge to those who resist justice. (The Malta Independent)
Morning Briefing
Consultation launched on reform of family court
A public consultation has been initiated for the first phase of the Family Court Reform. The initial recommendations primarily emphasise mediation and the roles of children’s lawyers and other professionals. Key proposals within this reform tackle matters such as child access and alimony, equal parental rights and responsibilities, co-parenting, and decision-making in the best interests of the child.
Former Minister wins libel against Azzopardi on HSBC heist
Former minister Carmelo Abela has won a libel case against Jason Azzopardi over allegations of involvement in a bank heist, with the court awarding him €7,000 in damages. The lawsuit stemmed from a 2021 Facebook post in which the former PN MP suggested that Abela was linked to a failed armed robbery at HSBC Qormi in 2010. Although Abela was not explicitly named, the court found that the average reader could easily infer his identity. In a brief reaction on Facebook, Abela shared a portion of the judgment, stating: “Justice was served today.”
Man denied bail after threatening to behead partner
A man has been denied bail after allegedly assaulting his partner and threatening to behead her during an argument sparked by her mentioning someone else. The incident took place early Sunday morning when the woman returned home around 1:30 am. The accused, a 49-year-old from Tarxien, allegedly dragged her by the hair, threw objects at her, and made a throat-slitting gesture while threatening to “chop [her] head off.” He pleaded not guilty, and the prosecution opposed bail due to the risk of evidence tampering and ongoing bail conditions from a separate case. (Times of Malta)
