Chalet back to its former glory? Calls for regeneration issued

Nov 1 2022

Could we see the Chalet in Tower Road, Sliema be rehabilitated to its former glory? The Malta Strategic partnership Projects Ltd (MSPP) has announced a proposal to undertake this restorative project.

The MSPP has issued a call for proposals from the private sector and asked that the proposals are a capital investment of a minimum of €3.2 million.

The MSPP revealed that along with this initial investment, a subsequent investment of €1.4 million every 7 years and another €3.2 million investment over the period of the 28th and 30th year of concession (which spans over 65 years will be required.

Prime Minister Robert Abela had announced in October that the cabinet approved three projects for which public calls will be issued. These projects include the Chalet as well as il-Pixkerija and Evans Building.

The public call will close on the 1st of February 2023. The MSPP said that the Chalet’s present state is one of abandonment and has been so for around 60 years.

Studies in 2002 revealed that around 53 full-time jobs can be created by renovating the site. The project could also contribute to a value of €2.5 million.

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Winners of the 2022 Malta Business Awards Revealed

Nov 1 2022

The first edition of the Malta Business Awards took place last Friday at the Mediterranean Conference Centre in Valletta. The event was organised by the Malta Chamber of SMEs in partnership with Malta Enterprise. Over twenty awards were given to enterprises from various sectors, to celebrate their achievements and create a platform for recognition and inspiration for other companies.

Minister for the Environment, Energy and Enterprise Miriam Dalli stated that “This moment should serve as inspiration for enterprises to be more sustainable, digital, catering for their client’s needs, offering good quality products whilst also ensuring competitiveness. The Malta Business Awards serve as a means to learn from each other’s success stories, as well as for enterprises themselves to define the next steps to improve their processes.”

More than 300 applications were received across four categories: Social Impact, Green Initiatives, Best in Business and Innovation, and Digitalization. The evening was the moment of truth for 110 finalists who had been eagerly awaiting final results since the shortlist was announced in mid-October, after a rigorous application process under the scrutiny of an independent judging panel.

More information about the finalists is available at the official page of the awards.

Malta Business Awards 2022 Winners:

Distinct Initiatives

Local Cultural Contributor: Stephanie Borg

Leader in Inclusivity Award: Costa Coffee

Exceptional Wellbeing at the Workplace: Lottoland Malta

Customer Service Excellence Award: ESS Ltd

Best CSR Initiative: Jacob’s Coffee Brew

Apprentice of the Year: Mirhea Abdilla

Green Ambassadors

Leader in Sustainable Initiatives: Gerada Quality Construction

Innovative Climate Solution: Wes Trade Ltd

Green Transport Initiative: Rotolo Ltd

Carbon Neutral Commitment Award: Lottoland Malta

Best Waste Reduction Strategy: Frank Wrap

Celebrating Business

Young Entrepreneur of the Year: Alona Aldruk

Start-up Business of the Year: Celebrate Life

SME of the Year: Bajada Group

Gozo Business of the Year: David’s Bakery

Female Entrepreneur of the Year: Dr. Joanna Delia

Family Business of the Year: Busy Bee

Best Financial Institution: Moneybase

Business Innovation

Reinvention Award: Portughes

Leader in Quality Tourism: Colours of Malta

Innovative Business Award: Freehour Ltd

Best Campaign: Crosscraft

B2B Digital Solution of the Year: Arkafort Ltd

President’s Choice Award: Robert Arrigo & Sons

In a lavish gala ceremony, more than 600 guests including finalists, business leaders and VIPs, were treated to a fun evening hosted by Keith Demicoli. All finalists received a certificate commemorating their achievement. The winners, first and second runner up for each category also received a memento, made up of 100% recycled materials making it both sustainable and eco-friendly.

The prestigious list of businesses that were recognised included everything from small and novel companies, to enterprises that have been established on the Maltese islands for over a hundred years. A special President’s Choice Award presented by Paul Abela, President of the Malta Chamber of SMEs, went to Robert Arrigo & Sons in memory of the late Robert Arrigo.

Lottoland was the biggest winner on the night, taking home a total of three trophies. These included first place in the Exceptional Wellbeing at the Workplace and Carbon Neutral Commitment categories, as well as runner up for Best CSR Initiative. Last year Lottoland, was the first iGaming company to achieve a carbon neutral status. To date the leading online lotto operator has planted over 2 million trees worldwide, including a thousand in Malta together with local NGO Saġġar.

“We believe in making Lottoland an ambitious organisation that puts great dreams at the heart of its actions. Working alongside our Maltese customers, we are taking decisive action to create a better world that enables people, animals and the environment to flourish,” said Ira Losco, Lottoland’s ambassador for Malta. The company has recently set up a Foundation, to make a positive contribution in all the communities it operates in and is expected to renew its partnership with Nature Trust Malta’s Wildlife Rescue Team in the coming days.

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Malta’s cancer care hailed by World Health Organisation

Nov 1 2022

Mater Dei Hospital was hailed by the World Health Organisation for the introduction of nurses who work to guide cancer patients through the complex treatments.

The new ‘nurse navigators’ were introduced by Danika Marmara, the Cancer Care Pathways director, who leads the team of trained nurses who guides patients through the bureaucracy of the process.

The WHO advised other countries to follow in Malta’s footsteps, saying that the initiative makes the system revolve around the patient.

‘At a time of great distress, the nurse navigator guides the patient through a maze of services, protocols and forms, and creates a cocoon of confidence in the system that is good for a patient’s mental health and contributes enormously to the quality of the overall therapeutic experience.’

‘Other countries may take note, as early signs are that this model is providing real improvements and truly embodying patient-centred care’ a WHO report reads.

The praise was highlighted by Health Minister Chris Fearne, who he himself was subject to WHO praise during a summit. Fearne contrasted this with the Opposition’s ‘attempt to mock the health sector.’

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60% who took flu jab also took new COVID vaccine

Nov 1 2022

Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne revealed in parliament on Monday that around 60% of the people got vaccinated against the flu in the past two weeks also got the new COVID-19 jab.

Fearne reiterated how the jabs were available for everyone aged over 55 and those who suffer from chronic diseases. 55,000 jabs were administered in two weeks free of charge.

As of Monday 31st October, anyone no matter their age can walk in and receive the vaccination. The flu jab is administered as a nasal spray for kids and is available for all aged over 6 months.

As per the COVID booster, which is also tailored for the Omicron variant, it is available for all those aged 12 and over. People are urged to take both vaccines together, especially given the worry of a rise in influenza cases this winter season.

Fearne said that COVID-19 is still circulating and causing problems and deaths, and thus encourages people to receive the booster if they can. The booster is still administered on a voluntary basis.

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