Good morning,
Today’s newspapers review follows.
The Malta Independent quotes Dr Etienne Muscat, Maltese Association of Psychiatry Treasurer, who says that mental health in Malta in not a priority to anyone. Speaking to the newspaper after the appointment of the new Association council, Dr Muscat said that mental health services in Malta are “significantly behind the rest of the world”. The article <<New psychiatry association board warns mental health sector is seriously lagging behind>> takes the comments of Dr Rachel Taylor East, executive commitment secretary, who says that “advanced countries” allocate at least 80% more in funds for community services.
<<’For them to remain in office under such suspicion is unprecedented in most democracies’>> is a second frontpage article in The Malta Independent as the newspaper sits with associate professor of media and communications at the Faculty of Media and Knowledge Sciences, Marc Edge. The Canadian said that, contrary to the situation in Malta, people in power in “advanced democratic countries” have no hesitation to resign when under suspicion, at least until they clear their names. Edge is a veteran journalist who has worked in many countries, including in communist Fiji.
The Times reports that road works in Attard are going ahead before the commissioned study has been finished. <<Bypass study not finalised but project forging ahead>> says that the Transport Ministry is proceeding with its plans to build a new bypass in Attard despite concerns raised by the Environment and Resources Authority and area residents. The construction has been criticised as swathes of agricultural land will have to be given up to two-lane carriage ways on either side running from Mrieħel to Saqqajja.
<<Italian police smash ring behind bird smuggling>> is the second story on The Times frontpage reporting on an operation between the Italian police and Europol that arrested nine Italians suspected of trading wildlife illegally. The criminal network is said to have smuggled thousands of songbirds into Malta, with an estimated value of €400,000.
In-Nazzjon carries two headers with picture on the frontpage, with stories following on the inside pages. <<Soċjetà li jimpurataha mill-ġustizzja soċjali fejn il-konsumaturi ma jinsterqux tas-servizz li jingħataw>> covers PN leader’s Adrian Delia address in Attard on Sunday. He claimed the government is misusing the electricity and water billing system, resulting in higher tariffs for customers. The papers quotes Dr Delia that a future Nationalist government would compensate consumers the extra payments. The Nationalist Party conducted a calculation on consumption bills submitted by 100 households, 80% of which, it found, were paying more than the regular rate.
The second frontpage story <<Manuvri mill-Ministru Owen Bonnici dwar min se jinħatar imħallef għal Għawdex>> names Magistrate Joanna Vella Cuschieri, Magistrate Grazio Mercieca, and Magistrate Monica Vella as potential appointments for Judge to preside over the Gozo Courts. The article said that while some Magistrates have shown interest “there is a big probability” that the choice will fall on someone close to Castille. The Law establishing the Courts of Gozo has passed and is only waiting to be enacted, says the newspaper.
L-Orizzont carries an interview with Raphael Aloisio, Head of Reporting on the English Language Teaching industry, in which he is quoted saying that the growth in the recent years is mainly due to better air connectivity. <<Il-Konnettività fl-ajru “essenzjali għat-tkabbir fl-industrija tal-ELT”>> says that new routes have seen a surge in students from countries such as Portugal, Poland, Spain, and Brazil – which has developed into the second-largest market after direct flights between Portugal and Malta. Aloisio says that EU incentives for European students to follow English language programmes in other countries have also played a significant part in the growth.
<<Colin Muscat jitlef ħajtu>> is the second story on L-Orizzont referring to the passing away in hospital of one of the victims of the fireworks factory explosion in the limits of Naxxar on Saturday. The newspaper says that the pyrotechnics worker was suffering from 90% bodily burns after the balst. In another article <<Min ikun bla reazzjoni u min ikun aggressiv>> the newspaper speaks to traffic police about their experience on duty when they flag down motorists. The unnamed officer says that some drivers have no reaction while other become aggressive.
BACKBAPAGES
The Malta Independent back-page carries an opinion article by former Labour Minister George Vella who replies to current Health Minister Chris Fearne’s article on the controversial IVF Bill, dated May 21. In <<Let’s talk – but do not stand in the way>> Dr Vella argues that the strong stance of the Minister on behalf of the government may have “stood in the way” of MPs who might have reached a different conclusion on the matter. The Former Minister says that the government does not have a mandate to introduce the legislation as the 2017 PL electoral manifesto only refers to the issue in broad terms.
<<Keeping all our assets>> is today’s Talking Point in The Times, submitted by Frank Salt. The author says that Malta has unique and beautiful assets which must be protected: both physical and cultural. Mr Salt says that, while progress should not be halted, the traits and characteristics that make the country what it is must be safeguarded. He says that, with firm guidance from the Planning Authority, new developments in Malta can be built “properly and aesthetically attractive”. The author says that progress and heritage can live “side by side”,
In-Nazzjon says that PN Leader Adrian Delia has now settled his dues with the Inland Revenue department, paying “out of his own pocket”. <<Adrian Delia jagħti provi li ma fadallux x’jagħti lid-dipartiment tat-taxxi>> says that Dr Delia provided the full documentation related to the IRD as well as the MFSA showing that the outstanding taxes and charges have now been paid using funds from selling of property and shares.
The back-page also reports that the Colin Muscat, who suffered major injuries after the fireworks factory blast on Saturday, has died in hospital. <<Jitlef ħajtu il-vittma tal-isplużjoni tal-kamra tan-nar fis-Salini>> said that Muscat suffered burns on 90% of his body and that his girlfriend – Shirona D’Anastasi – is being treated in hospital for shock. In-Nazzjon reports also on the investigation of three men charged with pickpocketing in Marsaxlokk. The men from Bucharest, Romania, admitted to the charges in Court and were sentenced between five and six months in jail.
<<L-Italja milquta minn inċertezza politika wara r-rifjut ta’ Conte>> is the story on the L-Orizzont back-page, reporting on Italy’s newly-chosen Prime Minister handing back the mandate to President Sergio Mattarella. Giuseppe Conte said he is unable to form a government after the President vetoed the appointment of Paolo Savona as Economy Minister. The newspaper said it expects fresh elections to be now called, the second one in three months.
