2nd edition of Malta Business Awards launched

Jun 12 2023

The second edition of the Malta Business Awards has been launched, with applications open until the 31st of July at maltabusinessawards.mt.

The Malta Chamber of SMEs, in collaboration with the Malta Enterprise, launched the second edition today following the success of the first.

President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, Sir Paul Abela, thanked the Ministry for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise and the Malta Enterprise for the support they showed, alongside various entities and private companies to bring these awards to fruition.

Sir Abela explained that every award represents initiative of value in our country, which is a great example of a market for which acknowledgement and visibility should be given.

Chief Executive of the Malta Chamber of SMEs Abigail Agius Mamo encouraged the businesses to apply for the awards, with companies being eligible for multiple awards.

She also explained that the first companies chosen will be announced on the 11th of September, with the finalists announced on the 30th of October. The final ceremony will take place on December 1st 2023.

These awards, Agius Mamo explained, serve to show stories of success, to provide a learning opportunity for others and an opportunity for every enterprise to see how it can further its growth.

More information here.

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Rota issue proposal after Paceville flyover draft leak

Jun 12 2023

Local NGO Rota issued a proposal after MaltaToday published the latest draft being proposed by Infrastructure Malta for St Andrew’s Road between Paceville, Pembroke and Swieqi.

Rota expressed frustrations and concerns about the proposed infrastructure, saying that they are not being consulted and it was only through the leak that plans were made public.

The NGO put forth a proposal, packed with visual analysis of what IM are proposing.

‘While acknowledging that this is still an early draft which is still being modified, we can’t dismiss the fact that this is once again heading in a completely opposite direction from what Malta should be aiming for’, explained Rota.

‘The car-centric nature of the concept and its negative impact it’s leaving on active mobility, needs to be challenged. In today’s day and age we should be prioritising the movement of people over cars’.

Rota explained that it is impossible for a few volunteers at Rota to chase and check every permit, trying to understand what is going on from bits and pieces of information.

‘We solemnly request to be included in consultations from the early design stages, alongside councils and other stakeholders before it’s too late, to make sure together that the project is planned holistically with space being fairly distributed towards all road users without afterthought.’

Click here to check out Rota’s full proposal.

What do you make of this?

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MEP David Casa supports injured athlete Andrea Calleja’s journey to recovery

Jun 12 2023

Maltese Member of the European Parliament (MEP) David Casa recently visited Andrea Calleja, a 30-year-old athlete who was severely injured during a race in Malta last year. Calleja’s injuries were so severe that he had to seek treatment in Rome due to the lack of suitable machinery in Malta. Moved by Calleja’s determination and courage, David Casa pledged his support to help him and his family through this challenging medical and financial journey.

On October 9th, 2022, during a sporting activity in Għajn Tuffieħa, Mellieħa, tragedy struck when Andrea Calleja suffered serious injuries while going down a slide. Members of the Malta Red Cross, present at the event, immediately rushed him to Mater Dei Hospital. However, the severity of his injuries necessitated further treatment abroad.

Expressing his emotions and solidarity, David Casa took to Facebook, sharing a heartfelt post along with a photo of himself and Calleja during the hospital visit in Rome. Casa acknowledged Calleja’s courage and determination in seeking the best possible treatment in Italy.

Casa shed light on the challenges faced by Andrea Calleja and his family. Due to the lack of suitable medical equipment in Malta, they had to travel to Italy to ensure the best care for his recovery. The financial burden associated with such circumstances can be immense, adding to the already difficult journey of healing and rehabilitation.

In his Facebook post, David Casa assured Andrea Calleja and his family that he would stand by them in their medical and financial challenges.

Andrea Calleja’s journey to recovery is one marked by tremendous courage and resilience. Despite the challenges he has faced, he continues to exhibit strength and determination. His story serves as an inspiration to others, showcasing the indomitable human spirit in the face of adversity.

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Former Italian PM Silvio Berlusconi dies aged 86

Jun 12 2023

Media has reported that former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi died on Monday at the age of 86.

The politician led three Italian governments between 1994 and 2011, making comebacks despite a career tainted by allegations of corruption and sex scandals.

This comes after the former leader spent six weeks at Milan’s San Raffaele’s hospital this spring due to a lung infection linked to a chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia.

The media tycoon began his business career in property development before founding Mediaset, Italy’s largest commercial broadcaster.

He also owned AC Milan football club between1 986 and 2017. Berlusconi was the first prime minister to be elected without previously having held a government office.

His second term in office is the longest served by any Italian leader since the Second World War (2001-2006). He was elected once again in 2008 but was forced to resign in 2011.

In 2019, he went on to win a seat in the European Parliament, with his party returning to power in October 2022 in a coalition led by Giorgia Meloni.

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