Chris Fearne No Longer Health Minister, Nominated For EU Role

Jan 6 2024

In today’s Cabinet reshuffle announcement, it was revealed that Chris Fearne will not be staying on as Health Minister. Instead, Fearne is set to become Malta’s nominee for European Commissioner after the upcoming European Parliament Elections later this year.

This decision has certainly raised a few eyebrows amongst locals, with Fearne being widely praised for his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic in Malta. However, his move to the European Commission reflects a new chapter in his political career.

To fill the void left by Fearne’s departure, Gozitan Minister Jo Etienne Abela is set to assume the role of Health Minister.

During the remainder of his tenure, Fearne is slated to take on the role of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue, and Consumer Protection.

It was also revealed that Aaron Farrugia will not stay on as minister, taking a backseat from Cabinet as Chris Bonett occupies the role of Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Public Works.

#MaltaDaily

Robert Abela’s Cabinet Reshuffle Revealed

Jan 6 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela announced a reshuffling of the Cabinet on Saturday evening.

One of the notable changes is the nomination of Chris Fearne as Malta’s representative for the position of European Commissioner later this year. In the interim, Fearne will assume the roles of Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for European Funds, Social Dialogue, and Consumer Protection. This move underscores Malta’s dedication to active participation and representation within the European Union.

Gozo’s Jo Etienne Abela, steps into the role of Health Minister, also taking charge of the Active Ageing portfolio. Meanwhile, Malcolm Paul Agius Galea is appointed as the Parliamentary Secretary for Active Ageing, emphasising the government’s focus on addressing the needs of an ageing population.

The Ministerial portfolio sees further adjustments with Jonathan Attard taking charge as the Minister for Justice and Reforms in the Construction Sector, and Chris Bonett assuming responsibilities as the Minister for Transport, Infrastructure, and Public Works.

Omar Farrugia, a Labour MP, will serve as the Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works, contributing to the government’s efforts in enhancing public infrastructure. Clint Camilleri will undertake the role of Minister for Gozo and Planning, while Miriam Dalli is appointed as the Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Regeneration of the Grand Harbour.

Silvio Schembri, Clayton Bartolo, and Glenn Bedingfield are assigned roles as Minister for Economy, Enterprise, and Strategic Projects; Minister for Tourism and Public Cleansing; and Parliamentary Secretary for Public Cleansing, respectively, reflecting a comprehensive approach to economic development and environmental stewardship.

Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi will take on the crucial responsibility of Minister for Lands and Implementation of the Electoral Programme, ensuring effective governance and implementation of electoral promises.

#MaltaDaily

MaltaPost Warns About Scam Messages

Jan 6 2024

MaltaPost has raised alarm bells regarding a recent SMS scam that unfortunately has resulted in several individuals falling prey to theft.

The fraudulent message, beginning with, “Post Office – We regret to inform you that due to a missing address, we are unable to deliver your package,” falsely asserts that a package is awaiting delivery but is presently stalled due to an address mix-up.

Recipients of the deceptive SMS are then prompted to complete a form, which cunningly requests their bank details. “Answer Y, then exit the message, reopen the link to launch the link, or copy the link and leave the link open,” the message instructs.

Reports from individuals who have been victimized by the scam reveal that, upon providing the requested information, including their bank details, an automatic deduction of €500 is made from their bank accounts.

Despite the SMS scam masquerading as communication from MaltaPost, a critical indicator of its deceitful nature is the email address, typically a nonsensical assortment of letters, paired with an @icloud.com domain address. This divergence from MaltaPost’s legitimate communication channels signals that the message is not authentically from MaltaPost but is part of a deceptive ploy crafted to deceive and defraud unsuspecting individuals.

MaltaPost urges the public to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and refrain from divulging personal information in response to unsolicited messages.

#MaltaDaily

Meet Jo Etienne Abela: The Potential New Health Minister from Gozo

Jan 6 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela is set to unveil a refreshed cabinet. As reported by sources close to Malta Daily, the reshuffle is poised to introduce new faces, including the potential appointment of a new Health Minister.

Amidst this unfolding scenario, Deputy Prime Minister Chris Fearne is anticipated to step down from his role as the Health portfolio head, having held the position for eight years. Speculation surrounds Fearne’s potential transition to Brussels for a prominent role in the European Commission.

As Malta navigates the selection of a new EU Commissioner to succeed Helena Dalli who is poised to become the next President of Malta, a standout candidate for the crucial role of Health Minister emerges in the form of Jo-Etienne Abela.

Born in Gozo on November 29, Jo Etienne Abela is a seasoned medical professional with a distinguished career trajectory.

Abela’s educational journey took him through Sir Arturo Mercieca Primary School, Ninu Cremona – Junior Lyceum Complex, and sixth form at Sir Michelangelo Refalo, all within Gozo. He pursued medicine and surgery at the University of Malta from 1993 to 1999, subsequently practicing as a medical doctor at St Luke’s Hospital.

In 2003, Abela furthered his studies in Scotland, where he achieved the noteworthy status of being the youngest surgeon in the entire country while specializing in esophageal and pancreatic surgery. Returning to Malta in 2012, he commenced work at Mater Dei Hospital, Gozo Hospital, and served as a visiting lecturer at the University of Malta.

Professor Jo Etienne Abela’s contributions extend beyond clinical practice, holding administrative roles such as Deputy Head of the Department of Surgery and Lead Clinician in the High Dependency Unit, endoscopy, and pancreatic disease. Additionally, he serves as an International Surgical Training (IST) instructor at the Royal College of Surgeons in Edinburgh and is an examiner in surgery for both the Royal College and the Union Européenne des Médecins Spécialistes (UEMS).

Notably, Minister Abela was honored with the prestigious College International Medal by the Royal College of Surgeons of Edinburgh, becoming the second Maltese recipient after President Emeritus Censu Tabone.

Having contested and got elected in the General Election of March 2022, Jo Etienne Abela was appointed Minister for Active Ageing in Prime Minister Robert Abela’s government.

#MaltaDaily