Budget incentives for mass electric car switch not enough

Oct 13 2021

In a joint statement by car importers, it was expressed that the budget measures introduced to encourage people to switch to electric vehicles are insufficient to sway the bulk of a population. Both the Used Vehicles Importers Association (UVIA) and Malta Cars Importers Association (MCIA) stated that 85% of the vehicles they import could be converted into electric cars. This means that with the proper measures introduced by the government, the country would theoretically achieve its target far quicker.

With UVIA representing second-hand car importers and MCIA new car importers, the associations welcomed the grant increases and measures but said that the initiatives will not be enough to sway the bulk of Malta’s population. The associations recognised that new vehicles should benefit from higher grants but they argued that there is a discrepancy between grants for new and used cars, which is far too broad. This crates an imbalance in the market, they said, and thus many lower-income earners would not be able to afford electric vehicles despite higher grants.

This comes after Finance Minister Clyde Caruana, in his Budget 2022 presentation, unveiled measures to encourage a shift towards electric vehicles. This includes a €11,000 grant for those wishing to buy an electric or plug-in hybrid car which can go up to €12,000 if an old vehicle is scrapped. With the government committing itself to increasing the amount charing pillars in the coming three years, the previous front stood at €8,000.

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Photo Source: Clyde Caruana FB, Smart Cities World

David Agius’ daughter could not open bank account due to politician father

Oct 13 2021

MP David Agius expressed disappointment due to the fact that his daughter found it immensely difficult to open a bank account due to him being a politician. A bank allegedly initially refused to open an account for Agius’ stipend, with Agius exclaiming how the bank continued to run due diligence screening on his 16-year-old daughter. He describes this scrutiny process as being resulted from him being a politician.

He said that no illegitimacies were found as he claimed that his family’s income are his salary and his wife’s. Agius said that it was a ridiculously long process before the account was finally opened, despite the daughter only wanting to use it for her stipend. Justice Minister Edward Zammit Lewis also revealed that his own daughter experienced a similar situation. Banks and financial institutions have been particularly demanding on business people, politicians and politically exposed persons ever since the 2016 Panama Papers revelations and the 2021 grey-listing.

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Photo Source: David Agius FB

Dog show enthusiast banned from keeping animals for 25 years

Oct 13 2021

A man who owned around 41 dogs was banned by a court from owning animals for 25 years after being found guilty for not caring for them in his care. Antonio Vella was handed a €20,000 fine and a suspended sentence for not caring for pedigree dogs he was responsible for. An inspection by the animal welfare directorate found that many of the dogs in his care were not treated properly.

Many appearing malnourished and dirty, five to six of the dogs were allegedly found in cages in the man’s kitchen. The dogs included Cavalier King Spaniels, Pharaoh Hounds, Rough Collies, Chow Chows and Shih Tzus. Most of them were chipped but the Animal Welfare inspector reported that 14 weren’t. The magistrate noted that the accused clearly knew what was required of him as a dog owner, with Vella stating that should the authorities had not intervened, he would have dealt with the situation. The offence was not justifiable of a prison sentence, but Vella was fined and banned from keeping dogs for 25 years.

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Photo Source: Kamra tal-Periti, Best Friend Resources

What does Malta’s cannabis future currently look like?

Oct 13 2021

Following the presentation of a Bill to reform Malta’s cannabis laws in Parliament last week, the Chamber of Commerce called on Parliament to address the lack of significant improvement in said bill. The chamber is arguing that not enough detail is being provided, especially concerning public health risks. The Bill followed a white paper issued by the government in April as well as a consultation period with stakeholders.

Despite welcoming relaxation in certain aspects of cannabis law, the chamber exclaimed that the government has not given due consideration to the issues raised. In particular, those related to health and safety at the workplace as well as the right of employers to apply a zero-tolerance approach to the use of cannabis at the work-place. The legislation was described as ambiguous and lacking the necessary safeguards.

On a more positive note however, a new Cannabis Authority could kick off operation next year with a €100,000 budget. The 2022 Budget estimates for the Ministry of Reforms have allocated the amount to cannabis regulation, with an additional €400,000 on an ongoing cannabis educational campaign conducted with the Foundation of Social Welfare Services. The Cannabis Authority will be responsible for submitting proposals to government concerning national cannabis policy and participating in educational programmes.

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Photo Source: Owen Bonnici FB, Clyde Caruana FB