Bernard Grech ups Malta’s FATF white-listing 18 month target to 3 if PN is elected

Jul 22 2021

Opposition Leader Bernard Grech stated that, should the Nationalist Party win the next general election, Malta will be back on the white-list within a matter of just 90 days. After permanent secretary Alfred Camilleri, whose task it is to get Malta off the grey-list, released a statement claiming that Malta can get onto the white-list in 18 months, the Nationalist Party released a statement cutting the target to 3 months.

The PN warned that the Labour Party’s 18-month plan is too long for Malta, with Grech stating that Robert Abela does not have faith in his own government to ‘clean up our country’s reputation.’ The PN’s statement recalled the outcry to set up a National Task Force which involves experts and politicians alike to make the necessary changes.

The statement also says that the Nationalist Party will give the credibility which, according to the opposition, the Labour Party lacks. It claims that Prime Minister Robert Abela is not listening to the public’s cry, and that since he formed part of a cabinet led by a man voted to be the most corrupt politician in the world (referring to Joseph Muscat), Abela will simply ‘believe’ the grey-listing issue will fix itself.

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Photo Source: Bernard Grech FB, Nomadic Matt

Hamrun Spartan’s Matthew Guillaumier named player of the year

Jul 22 2021

Hamrun Spartans’ very own midfielder Matthew Guillaumier has been named the Malta Football Association’s Footballer of the Year for the 2020-21 season. The Maltese international player was awarded during the MFA Annual General Meeting as he celebrated an outstanding season of excellent performance on the football pitch.

As Hamrun won their first Premier League title in 30 years and went on an unbeaten streak, Guillaumier was featured in the team’s impressive campaign which saw the team dominate the awards yesterday evening. Mark Buttigieg also won Coach of the Year, joined by Jorge Ailton Soares who was awarded Foreign Player of the Year. Alexander Satariano’s move from Sliema Wanderers to Serie B side Frosinone did not go unnoticed either as he was awarded Young Player of the Year.

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Photo Source: Malta Football Association FB, Hamrun Spartans FB

Two Pfizer and AstraZeneca doses effective against Delta variant

Jul 22 2021

A new study published on Wednesday showed how two doses of Pfizer or AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine are nearly as effective against the Delta variant as they are the previously dominant Alpha variant. Despite stating that one shot of the vaccines is not enough for high protection, two doses are confirmed to provide significant safety against the virus.

The study found that two Pfizer doses were 88% effective at preventing symptomatic disease from the Delta variant, compared to 93.7% effectiveness against the Alpha variant. AstraZeneca registered at 67% effectiveness against the Delta whilst being 74.5% effective against the Alpha. One Pfizer shot was registered as 36% effective, whilst AstraZeneca reached a 30% effectiveness.

The authors of the study reported that their findings of ‘reduced effectiveness after the first dose support efforts to maximise vaccine uptake with two doses among vulnerable groups in the context of circulation of the Delta variant.’

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Photo Source: The Guardian

New Ta’ Qali project could attract some big artists to perform in Malta

Jul 22 2021

Ta’ Qali National Park is getting a €20 million investment which could see it become a prominent attraction for some big stars to perform in Malta. With works being carried out on the concert area, national park and BOV Adventure Park, Infrastructure Minister Ian Borg announced during his visit that the million-euro investment will provide a park equivalent to the size of 60 football pitches. Around 450,000 square meters, the park will also get a whopping 80,000 new trees.

The new concert area will allow for some huge activities to be carried out, making Malta a possible hub for various artists to include it on their European tours. The main entrance and fountain will both be getting restorations, including paving work and installation of modern lighting. Renewable energy systems will also be included. The Minister called the project a dream of many which is becoming a reality.

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Photo Source: Ian Borg FB