Government Launches Inquiry Board Into Murder Of Nicolette Ghirxi

Aug 27 2024

The Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights, Michael Falzon, will be appointing an Inquiry Board under the Inquiries Act (Cap 273) to conduct a thorough investigation and examination of all the facts and circumstances related to the case of Nicolette Ghirxi.

The Board will be chaired by Emeritus Judge Lawrence Quintano.

This Board has been established to determine the facts and circumstances surrounding the professional assistance provided to Ms. Ghirxi whenever she sought help or was referred to domestic violence social services, including the procedures followed during the risk assessment.

Additionally, the Board will be tasked with recommending whether further measures are necessary in the operation of social services provided to victims of domestic violence.

This inquiry will be conducted alongside the ongoing investigation by the Independent Police Complaints Board, which is analyzing the events leading up to the tragic death of Nicolette Ghirxi on Monday, August 12, 2024.

The Board has been given four months to submit its report, and the ministry has committed to making the inquiry’s findings public.

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Local Drummer Daniel Said Performs In South Africa For 10,000 Fans

Aug 27 2024

Maltese drummer Daniel Said has reached new heights as he has now performed in South Africa in front oof 10,000 adoring fans.

Said is currently the full-time and exclusive drummer for British artist Myles Smith, accompanying him on a world tour and performing for tens of thousands of enthusiastic fans around the globe.

The band’s most recent gig was inn South Africa, headlining in both Johannesburg for ParkLive Festival and Cape Town headlining at GrandWest Arena.

On his Facebook post, Said had this to say 10,000 Strong in Johannesburg incredible to be flying halfway around the world and being received like this. Onwards and upwards.

Next, the band will head to Canada and the United States, where they are scheduled to perform over 30 shows between September and early November. Following this North American leg, they will continue their tour in Australia and New Zealand with performances in Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, and Auckland.

In 2025, the band will return to the US in January before embarking on their We Were Never Strangers Tour across Europe, which will run until April.

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Number Of Unemployed In July 2024 Increases by 228 From Previous Year

Aug 27 2024

According to the National Statistics Office (NSO), the number of registered unemployed citizens in July 2024 increased by 228 compared to July 2023. Of the total registrants, 69.1 percent, or 775 individuals, were male, while females accounted for the remaining 30.9 percent, or 346 individuals. The NSO reported an increase in registered unemployment across all age groups.

The data also revealed that the number of persons with disabilities seeking employment increased by four during the same period. Clerical support jobs were the most common occupations sought by the registered unemployed.

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FSWS Publish Affidavit Denying Talking Ghirxi Out Of Risk Assessment

Aug 27 2024

The FSWS has firmly denied claims that its employees discouraged Nicolette Ghirxi from taking a risk assessment.

In response to allegations made by Ghirxi’s lawyer and a close friend, as published by Times of Malta, the agency published affidavits from two risk assessors, Jodie Baldacchino and Pavel Cuschieri, who stated that they had fully explained the risk assessment process to Ghirxi on April 22.

They asserted that Ghirxi decided not to proceed with the assessment, stating that she didn’t feel at risk, and she confirmed this in writing. FSWS maintained that Ghirxi was informed she could return for the assessment at any time.

The Malta Police Force also denied allegations made by the PN, which suggested that the information provided during the August 12 press conference regarding Ghirxi’s case was inaccurate.

The police confirmed that all details presented were truthful, including Ghirxi’s written refusal of assistance.

They also mentioned that despite this refusal, the Victim Support Unit attempted to follow up with Ghirxi on April 23. The police committed to fully cooperating with the Independent Police Complaints Board’s investigation into the matter.

The Nationalist Party, however, accused Police Commissioner Angelo Gafà of lying during the press conference and of blaming Ghirxi for her own death.

The PN cited evidence from The Times of Malta article, which reported that Ghirxi had agreed to take the risk assessment but was “talked out of it” by professionals.

PN MPs Darren Carabott and Graziella Attard Previ demanded Gafà’s resignation, accusing him of providing false information for political reasons.

They also criticized the government’s handling of domestic violence cases, pointing out that the current system is not sensitive enough to address the complexities of such situations.

This is a developing story. You can view affidavit on official TVM article here.

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