Dar Tereza Opens Its Doors To Mothers With Mental Health Challenges

Jan 26 2024

With an investment totalling approximately €620,000, Ministers Roderick Galdes and Julia Farrugia Portelli inaugurated Dar Tereza, a facility designed to support around seven mothers facing mental health challenges, providing professional guidance for their reintegration into society.

Managed by the Richmond Foundation, Dar Tereza underwent internal renovations funded by the Housing Development Fund (HDF), administered by the Housing Authority. Minister Galdes emphasised the Government’s commitment to the housing sector’s significance for individuals and communities, aiming for holistic solutions complemented by services and facilities.

Minister Farrugia Portelli highlighted the importance of the Voluntary Organisations Project Scheme (VOPS), which secured funding for furnishing key areas, including the kitchen, bedrooms, and bathrooms.

She emphasised the Government’s ongoing support for organisations like the Richmond Foundation, aiming to enhance societal benefits through projects.

Charmaine Mangion, Chairperson of the HDF, commended the revitalisation of a dilapidated building into a Specialized Centre, expressing the commitment to collaborate with voluntary organisations for improved community access to such services.

Mauro Pace Parascandalo, CEO of the Malta Council for the Voluntary Sector, noted that the VOPS scheme played a crucial role in furnishing rooms for the project’s implementation, emphasising the societal benefits of such initiatives.

The inauguration was attended by Permanent Secretaries Emanuel Psaila and Nancy Caruana, as well as Bormla’s Mayor Marco Agius.

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Maltese Police Arrest 14 In Joint Europol Operation

Jan 26 2024

14 people were arrested by the Maltese Police in an operation conducted as part of the ‘Joint Action Day,’ coordinated by Europol, against Nigerian organized crime across Europe.

The Maltese Police collaborated with various local entities, including the Customs Department, Detention Services, and the Environmental Health Directorate, conducting inspections and enforcement in Marsa, Ħamrun, and St Julian’s.

The 14 individuals were arrested in connection with illegal immigration, and three establishments serving African food are to face court proceedings for violations of public health regulations.

Various documents, prohibited food items, and items related to drugs were seized during the operation.

Several Police units participated in the operation, including Immigration, Drug Enforcement, Anti-Vice, Rapid Intervention Unit, Canine Unit, as well as district and community policing.

The countries involved in the joint operation over three days in early December were EU Member States: Belgium, Bulgaria, Germany, Greece, Malta, Spain, and Sweden; Other States: the United States, Iceland, Colombia, Nigeria, and the Republic of Benin; Agencies: Europol, Interpol, Frontex, UNODC, CrimJust, UK Home Office International Operation in Nigeria, and the @ON Network.

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Joseph Muscat Does Not Rule Out Running For MEP Election

Jan 26 2024

Joseph Muscat is contemplating a return to politics and considering candidacy for the June MEP election in Malta, a MaltaToday interview has revealed.

While he hasn’t confirmed his candidacy, speculation arose after a Facebook post by Labour stalwart Manuel Cuschieri, prompting reactions from various quarters.

PN MEP candidate Peter Agius questioned the trustworthiness of someone facing corruption allegations, leading to further expressions of support for Muscat from Labour MEP candidates.

Muscat acknowledged that Cuschieri’s post caught him off guard and emphasized that such decisions require careful consideration, stating, “This is not a decision that is to be taken in a small amount of time because of a few Facebook messages.”

Despite noting that a return to the European Parliament is not a priority, he did not rule out the possibility, saying he would think about it, especially considering the people’s sentiments.

Muscat is currently awaiting the conclusion of a magisterial inquiry into his involvement in a fraudulent hospitals deal, which may recommend criminal action against him.

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Malta’s Foreign Population Grew Fivefold In 10 Years

Jan 26 2024

The population of Malta grew from 421,464 in 2012 to 542,051 in 2022, representing a 28.6% increase.

This growth is primarily attributed to the rise in the foreign population, which surged from 23,365 in 2012 to 137,376 in 2022, a five-fold increase. In contrast, the Maltese population increased by only 1.7%, from 398,099 to 404,675 during the same period.

The median age remained at 39 years, but the demographic distribution shifted, with an increase in the share of the population aged 65 and over (17.1% to 18.6%) and a decrease in the share of children aged 14 or under (14.6% to 12.7%). The male population surpassed females, comprising 52.5% in 2022.

Between 2012 and 2022, Malta experienced a total net migration of 117,259 persons, with the highest net migration observed in 2022 (21,798). The foreign population’s share rose from 5.5% in 2012 to 25.3% in 2022, with 69% being non-EU citizens.

The population density increased from 1,337 to 1,721 residents per km², with the Northern Harbour district being the most densely populated.

Crude death rates remained stable, averaging 8 resident deaths per 1,000 mid-year population, while the crude birth rate declined from 10 to 8 resident live births per 1,000 mid-year population.

The total fertility rate decreased from 1.43 in 2012 to 1.08 in 2022. Life expectancy improved, with total life expectancy at birth increasing from 80.9 to 82.3 years, and at age 65 from 19.4 to 20.5 years. Females continue to have higher life expectancies than males.

Full NSO report here.

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