Franciscan priests request Pope Francis’ dismissal of paedophile case

Nov 23 2020

The Conventual Franciscans Order of Rome has appealed for the dismissal of the paedophile case which convicted Maltese priest Fr Donald Bellizzi with sexually abusing a 13-year-old boy.

Bellizzi is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for sexually abusing a teenage boy who would attend a vocational group with the scope of pursuing priesthood.

Beyond prison time, Fr Belizzi cannot be defrocked by the Archbishop since the diocese does not hold responsibility over Franciscan friars.

#MaltaDaily

Vaccine will be given to some Americans as early as 11 December

Nov 23 2020

Health Authorities and industries around the world have recorded a massive development in the creation of COVID-19 vaccines and the process seems to be progressing substantially.

In the United States, head of the COVID-19 vaccine Moncef Slaoui said that the vaccine will be allocated to required stations within 24 hours of approval and Americans will be able to receive the vaccine as early as 11th December.

Reports have also emerged that the Oxford vaccine has been found to be 70% protective of the coronavirus, which albeit being much less effective than the Pfizer and Moderna vaccines, is much cheaper and much easier to store.

#MaltaDaily

Miriam Dalli promises sustainable future following ministerial appointment

Nov 22 2020

During Robert Abela’s Cabinet reshuffle last Saturday, former MEP Miriam Dalli was appointed Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development.

Dalli left her post at the European Parliament to occupy a vacant spot in the Maltese Parliament, eventually being sworn in Minister.

The newly-appointed minister took to Twitter to promise that she “will work for a sustainable future for all families, workers and future generations.”

She also took the opportunity to thank Prime Minister Abela for trusting her with the portfolio.

#MaltaDaily

Here’s what happened in Robert Abela’s last Cabinet reshuffle

Nov 22 2020

Talks of a cabinet reshuffle have been traversing social media for weeks now as Prime Minister Robert Abela finally announced the reshuffle on Saturday evening, making a number of noteworthy changes.

Notably, Miriam Dalli was appointed Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Sustainable Development while Clyde Caruana concluded his short tenure as Abela’s Chief of Staff as he was handed the Finance Ministry.

Other changes include Michael Farrugia’s replacement of Silvio Parnis as Minister for Elderly and Active Ageing, Justyne Caruana’s appointment of the Education Industry, with predecessor Owen Bonnici holding the Ministry for Research, Innovation and Coordination of Post-COVID-19 strategy.

Julia Farrugia Portelli also loses her seat as Minister for Tourism, now-occupying the Inclusion and Quality of Life portfolio with Clayton Bartolo taking her place.

#MaltaDaily