Corradino Ground To Be Open For Free For Raħal Ġdid Residents

Mar 13 2025

Residents of Raħal Ġdid will now have free access to the Kordin Correctional Facility ground, following an agreement between the local council and the Agency for Correctional Services, under the leadership of Minister for Home Affairs, Security, and Employment, Byron Camilleri.

Minister Camilleri explained that, despite its central location, this facility had been inaccessible for years.

Through collaboration with the Raħal Ġdid Local Council, it was agreed to open it to the public at no cost. He emphasised that this initiative allows the Correctional Services Agency to give back to society through sports and community engagement.

Chris Siegersma, CEO of the Correctional Services Agency, highlighted that sports play a crucial role in steering people away from harmful habits, as research shows. He described the initiative as a step towards promoting physical activity and supporting local families.

Raħal Ġdid Mayor Jason Silvio welcomed the agreement, calling it a wise use of an existing facility in the heart of the town.

He expressed appreciation for the immediate approval of his request, highlighting the importance of all entities contributing to the community.

The agreement was signed in the presence of councillors and agency representatives.

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€750 Annual Therapy Reimbursement For Parents Of Kids With Disabilities

Mar 13 2025

Parents of children with disabilities can now claim up to €750 per year under a reimbursement scheme for therapy expenses. This initiative, previously a tax credit scheme, was announced by Minister for Inclusion and Volunteering Julia Farrugia alongside Commissioner for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, Rhoda Garland.

The scheme supports parents of children under 16 years old, allowing them to recover costs spent on therapy sessions. Reimbursements are issued every three months upon submission of receipts for approved therapies, with a maximum refund of €750 annually, an increase from last year’s €500.

This expanded scheme now includes low-income parents who are tax-exempt and those receiving social benefits, as reimbursements will be handled by the CRPD (Commission for the Rights of Persons with Disabilities). To be eligible, children must have an EU Disability Card, and therapy must be provided by an authorised or licensed therapist.

Minister Farrugia noted that 450 families have benefited from the scheme in the past two years, and these changes will allow more families to access support. The scheme aims to help with costs related to therapy, specialised education, medical needs, and personal assistance.

“We have expanded and simplified the scheme based on family feedback, making it more accessible and transparent. Our goal is to ease financial burdens so parents can focus on their children’s well-being. This is part of our commitment to strengthening inclusion and equality,” she stated.

Commissioner Garland emphasised that therapy is essential for children’s development, but many families struggle with costs. This initiative helps reduce financial pressure by providing direct support.

How to Apply

Parents must confirm the therapy is eligible and submit an application with receipts or invoices via email to [email protected] or by post to G5 Offices, CRPD, Triq Salvu Psaila, Birkirkara. The CRPD will verify applications and issue refunds via check every three months.

There is no application deadline, and parents can submit multiple claims per year, up to a total of €750 annually. Applications for 2024 therapy expenses must be sent by March 15, 2025.

Apply here: https://www.crpd.org.mt/therapy-refund-scheme/

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Must-See Speakers at ‘Ahead of the Game’: The Business Leaders Conference 2025

Mar 13 2025

The highly anticipated 12th edition of Ahead of the Game: The Business Leaders Conference 2025 is set to bring an exceptional line-up of visionary speakers to Malta. Organised by Business Leaders Malta in collaboration with Malta Daily, the event will take place with a future-forward theme, diving into the trends, technologies, and leadership strategies shaping the business world of tomorrow.

Kicking off the event are Keane Cutajar and Morgan Parnis, setting the tone for an inspiring day ahead. The conference will then feature an impressive roster of industry experts and thought leaders, each bringing their unique perspectives and experiences to the stage.

Among the highlights is Jordan Schwarzenberger, co-founder of Arcade Media and manager of the Sidemen, who will deliver a keynote on Building Culture-Driven Brands in a Digital Era, exploring how businesses can leverage cultural relevance to thrive in the digital age.

AI innovation will take center stage with Gege Gatt, a leading voice in artificial intelligence, as he delves into AI Leadership: Navigating Change, Talent and Transformation, offering insights on harnessing AI to drive business success.

Another must-see speaker is Taylor Freeman, a pioneer in virtual and augmented reality, who will transport attendees into the Immersive Revolution and provide a glimpse into the future of technology-driven business landscapes.

The conference also spotlights Katrina Grech, who will explore Beyond the Bottom Line: Why Human-Centred Leadership Wins, a crucial discussion on the power of empathetic leadership in today’s corporate world.

A compelling panel discussion featuring Rebecca Bonnici, George Gregory, and Morgan Parnis, moderated by Christine Gingell, will dive into how brands can maintain longevity and impact beyond their founders’ tenure.

The event reaches its peak with a keynote by internationally renowned speaker Jim Lawless, who will inspire attendees with The Bold Leap: Breaking Barriers to Stay Ahead, challenging business leaders to push past limitations and embrace transformation fearlessly.

With an agenda packed with insights, networking opportunities, and engaging discussions, Ahead of the Game 2025 promises to be a transformative experience for business professionals looking to stay ahead in an ever-evolving world.

Don’t miss the chance to connect with industry pioneers and gain invaluable knowledge at Malta’s leading business leadership conference!

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Drug Crisis in Malta: 18 Drug-Related Deaths in Malta in 2023

Mar 13 2025

The National Drug Report on the Situation and Response to Drugs in Malta for 2023 has revealed a sharp increase in the number of people seeking help for drug addiction. The report highlights ongoing trends from previous years, suggesting that more individuals are actively seeking treatment rather than remaining trapped in addiction.

Malta faced a grim reality in 2023, with 18 confirmed drug-related deaths, the majority linked to cocaine abuse. According to the report, 13 fatalities were attributed to cocaine overdoses, while five were caused by heroin. Most victims were over 40 years old, underscoring a persistent crisis among older drug users.

Law enforcement also reported a staggering 493kg of cocaine seizures, with purity levels rising to 57%. This spike in purity raises serious concerns about increasingly potent and dangerous drugs flooding the market. Meanwhile, over 1,266 people required emergency medical attention due to drug-related complications—a figure comparable to the previous year.

The demand for rehabilitation services continues to grow, with 41% of all treatment seekers battling cocaine addiction. Alarmingly, 68% of these individuals relapsed and sought help multiple times. Minister Michael Falzon stressed the need for a holistic approach, focusing on prevention, intervention, and long-term support for both users and their families.

At a press conference, the National Report on the Drug Situation and Response in Malta for 2023 was officially unveiled. Compiled annually, the report provides a detailed overview of drug consumption trends in the country. While the rise in treatment seekers indicates greater awareness and willingness to recover, the increasing presence of high-purity drugs remains a pressing concern.

Authorities and health professionals continue to emphasise that addiction is not confined to any one locality or social class, urging a collective national effort to combat this escalating crisis.

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