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Alfred Sant addresses profit made off of COVID-19 testing kits

Alfred Sant addresses profit made off of COVID-19 testing kits
Jan 31 2022 Share

MEP Alfred Sant took to Facebook to address how a major problem of the pandemic is how much money and profit is being made off of COVID testing and kits. 

He pointed out how in Belgium and France, a self-testing kit can be bought from a supermarket, costing around €4 to €5.50 depending on the brand. ‘The supermarket surely receives half this price’ he said. 

He went on to explain that the same commercial test in a pharmacy using the same kit would cost around €25. ‘They would be doing the same thing one would do on their own with such a test. The only difference is that there would be someone else confirming that the result was not fabricated.’

Malta’s tests cost around €35 (those commercial, not government tests which remained free of charge). With France and Belgium not offering free governmental tests, he highlighted how the profits made off of every test must be enormous. 

‘It stands to reason why just last week the journal French Liberation issued an inquiry into this matter. ‘The free market knows how to empty our pockets even during a pandemic’ he said. 

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New lingerie line for men launched by Rihanna just before Valentine’s

New lingerie line for men launched by Rihanna just before Valentine’s
Jan 31 2022 Share

Music sensation Rihanna has just launched a new line of lingerie for men just in time for Valentine’s Day, including everything from harnesses to mesh crop tops to satin boxers. Savage X Fenty, which is the singer’s lingerie collection, celebrates fearlessness, confidence and inclusivity. According to its website; ‘Savage X Fenty is lingerie for everyone’ as it wants everyone to feel sexy and have fun doing it. 

The brand has just released the Glossy Fossy line for guys, with most of the garments coming in a vibrant Goji Berry Red which compliments the 14th February colours. Sizes range from XS to 3XL, with a body-inclusive range which consists mesh tank tops and crop tops and heart-print satin boxer shorts. 

One of the plus-sized male models involved in the campaign expressed how blessed he felt to have been part of it. Many others praised the new product line, expressing how Rihanna and SavageXFenty really listen to their fans. 

The first Savage X Fenty retail store opened in Las Vegas last year, with more shops planned for around the US, highlighting the brand’s well-received audience reaction. 

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Proposals by Malta Chamber of SMEs to help businesses after COVID

Proposals by Malta Chamber of SMEs to help businesses after COVID
Jan 31 2022 Share

The Malta Chamber of SMEs proposed a VAT reduction from the current 18% to 15.5% in order to help small businesses recover from the impact of the pandemic. COVID-19’s impact meant increases in costs, lower sales and less spending power. The reduction of VAT was proposed to minimise the impact of the current inflation whilst also ensure that the government does not lose money. 

The Chamber spoke about the impacts small businesses suffered due to the pandemic in 2021. This was done during the Business Performance Survey Results conference on Monday, with the survey being conducted online with a turnout of 250 respondents. 25% of the respondents were part of the Retail, Import, Distribution and Wholesale sector. Sales levels, followed by cash flow, were some of the financial constraints which were of particular concern for small business. There was also a definite element of uncertainty due to COVID and the upcoming election. 

The majority of respondents agreed that the pandemic is something which they must live with and that restrictions should be eased. This includes quarantine restrictions. Several businesses claimed to have suffered a hindrance in performance due to quarantine rules, as 13% reported that 30% or more of their employees had to undergo quarantine. The 2021 turnover compared to the year before showed an increase due to the public having accepted the pandemic as it is, improving consumer confidence. However, many other businesses whose turnover decreased, said it was worse than 2020. 

Energy costs were also another reason which affected turnover, where despite the Maltese government subsidising these costs in Malta, the impact of inflation was still felt in other countries. This resulting in a decrease in spending power. Travel restrictions, low tourism and unfair or increased competition also affected the turnover. Businesses showed that 39% made less profit than 2020, with 32% remaining the same, and only 29% making more profit. 38% of respondents also remained neutral on whether they were satisfied with overall business sales in the first weeks of 2022.

20% and 15% responded being dissatisfied and very dissatisfied. Despite this, an overwhelming 44% of respondents that 2022 will have better results than 2021. When asked about challenges, 16% of respondents are concerned with the general increasing costs and 14% expect COVID-19 recovery challenges. 10% of respondents are worried about the uncertainty which the general election brings about. 

Among proposals was the removal of SISA/Excise Tax which refers to the hidden tax aside from VAT which is found in every-day consumer goods such as water, shampoo and hair products. This would theoretically let small businesses recover more progressively and eventually reach the pre-pandemic mark of 2019. The use of these products increased during the pandemic due to a greater need for cleanliness. A five-day quarantine for positive cases is also being proposed, along with another 5 days of mask-wearing after quarantine. 

The facilitation of Third Country Nationals employments was also proposed, to address the issue of a lack of Human Resources and a non-productive wage inflation. The lobbying at the EU level to harmonise travel rules in the single EU area was also proposed. 

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Police asked to vote a week early as union hits out at decision

Police asked to vote a week early as union hits out at decision
Jan 31 2022 Share

The Malta Police Union has issued criticism of a decision which will force police officers to vote in the upcoming general election a week before anyone else. 

The union stated that officers were not consulted on the matter, with amendments to the General Elections Act enacted on the 25th January meaning that members of the police force must cast their vote seven days before the rest of the country. 

The union’s stated claimed that it had neither been informed nor consulted. ‘Why are Police Officers, once again being denied their full rights as citizens of this Country to vote after the electoral campaign closes, and after being given the time to reflect on their vote?’ 

The union asked whether police officers’ votes were being considered more important than the person behind that voting document. 

This comes amid rumours of a mid-March election, particularly as Parliament is set to hold its final vote on the Budget n Wednesday. This vote, once passed, would leave no obstacles in the way for Prime Minister Robert Abela to dissolve parliament and call the general election. 

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