Updated 1600
The Times of Malta says that Bank of Valletta has announced the resignation of its chief risk officer Miguel Borg, a week after the chairman refused to confirm reports of his resignation. In a company announcement on the stock exchange on Wednesday, BOV said Borg resigned from his position as chief risk officer and executive director of the bank, effective from April 5.
Maltatoday reports that two brothers-in-law have been charged in connection with the theft and subsequent sale of several mobile phones.
Newsbook says that up to 440 people, including eight women and 30 children, were rescued in Malta’s search and rescue area by a civil search and rescue vessel, Geo Barents, operated by Doctors Without Borders (MSF Sea).
TVM reports that a 43 year old man from Mtarfa and a 15 year old boy have been hospitalised following a collision between a car and two vans early Wednesday afternoon in Żejtun.
Updated 1300
Ponte Ferries to stop Augusta ferry service: Ponte Ferries has decided to permanently shut down its ferry service to Augusta, a Sicilian news outlet reported. The Maltese company has asked the Augusta port authorities asking to revoke itis concession to operate the service revoked, according to Siracusanews.it. “The company could not go ahead with the service for its own reasons and has asked to revoke the concession,” the outlet quoted West Sicily port authority chairman Francesco Di Sarcina as saying.
VO Commissioner asks MDA President to substantiate NGO finance claims: VO Commissioner Jesmond Saliba has asked the president of the Malta Developers Association to substantiate claims that businesses are using NGOs to harm competitors. He was referring to allegations made by MDA President Michael Stivala in an interview with the Times of Malta that businesses were financing the campaigns of environmental NGOs targeting competitors. Stivala did not provide proof for his statements, which he had already made in November 2022 during a radio discussion. Saliba said that it was his duty to safeguard the voluntary sector at every level, including from claims that tarnish the sector’s credibility.
Pensions drive increased social security outlay: Between January and December 2022, spending on Social Security Benefits totalled €1,208.4 million, 7.2% higher than the previous year, the National Statistics Office reported. Government spending towards contributory benefits amounted to €965.9 million, a 5.6% rise from 2021. The biggest impact was related to pensions, with 2,367 new more pensioners resulting in an increased outlay of €35.6 million, a result of 2,367 more persons in receipt of the two-thirds pension.
Morning Briefing
Steward knew Vitals deal was fraudulent – Delia
Former PN leader Adrian Delia said that Steward Malta Ltd had admitted in its appeal that the emphyteutical concession for the three State hospitals was fraudulent, claiming that it had failed to carry out due diligence in terms of law because it was under pressure by the government to take over the concession as soon as possible. Replying in Court to Steward’s appeal, Delia insisted that, however, Steward could not now argue that they had nothing to do with any shortcomings by their predecessors, Vitals Global Healthcare. In a separate statement, government said the appeal to the court’s annulment of the privatisation deal should be heard with urgency “in the national and public interest.” (Times of Malta)
Spanish PM starts Malta visit
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez arrived in Malta for an official visit late Tuesday evening. He was welcomed by PM Robert Abela and the pair addressed a presser together. The official visit is part of a series of meetings PM Sanchez is conducting with European leaders, in light of Spain holding the Council of the European Union Presidency between July and December. (TVM)
Mark Camilleri presents documents to prove case against Cutajar
Author and journalist Mark Camilleri submitted documents that allegedly prove his case against the former Labour MP Rosianne Cutajar, in the libel case instituted by the latter. Camilleri’s lawyer presented an affidavit to the court and a box file of documents including a report by the Standards Commissioner, two Council of Europe reports and media reports about Cutajar. The now independent MP is expected to testify in May in the libel she filed against Camilleri. (Newsbook)
