IGM Condemn Decision To Ban Press From Forensic Year Opening

Oct 1 2024

The start of the forensic year, a significant event that brings together Malta’s judges, magistrates, and top lawyers, was marked by controversy this year due to a decision by Chief Justice Mark Chetcuti.

Traditionally attended by dignitaries, including the president, prime minister, and opposition leader, the event is one of the rare occasions when press photographers are permitted inside Valletta’s law courts to capture the ceremony, which features an address by the Chief Justice.

However, this year, press photographers and videographers were reportedly barred from attending, with no prior explanation or notice provided to the media. While journalists were allowed in, only photographers from the Department of Information (DOI), as well as those employed by the offices of the Prime Minister and President, were granted access.

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) expressed regret over the decision, describing it as a setback.

They argued that such restrictions run contrary to the Constitution, which upholds freedom of expression. The IĠM emphasised that the judiciary should remain transparent and public, rather than operating under secrecy. Despite concerns about publishing images of the judiciary, the IĠM maintained that the long-standing tradition of allowing media coverage of this event should continue.

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Neil Agius Meets Prime Minister & Opposition Leader

Neil Agius Meets Prime Minister Robert Abela

Oct 1 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela and Opposition leader Bernard Grech met with recent record breaker Neil Agius,

The prime minister was already present when Agius completed his swim in Għar Lapsi, hugging the athlete upon resurfacing.

‘Neil is a clear example of courage, determination and, above all, the big heart of the Maltese’, wrote the Prime Minister.

‘The awareness he is raising about marine environments will continue to propel the government’s work in this sector’.

On his part, Nationalist Party leader Bernard Grech said that Neil’s courage should stimulate us to help those in need.

The leader of the Nationalist Party thanked Neil for his dedication and sacrifice, despite the weather conditions presenting him with unexpected challenges. However, with determination, he continued until he reached his goal, with the primary aim of helping those in need.

During the meeting, the leader of the Nationalist Party was accompanied by Shadow Minister for European Funds and Sport, David Agius, and Shadow Minister for the Environment, Rebekah Borg. Also present were Neil’s parents and members of his team.

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Can A 15 Year Old Buy Alcohol Or Cigarettes In Malta?

Oct 1 2024

On tonight’s episode of AWLA on ONE, 15-year-old Leah attempts to buy alcohol and cigarettes from outlets around Malta.

Will she be successful?

Leah makes her way to various outlets and asks for alcohol and cigarettes.

The question is posed as part of tonight’s episode on discipline, with a number of experts and personalities set to discuss the issue together.

AWLA airs tonight on ONE at 20:45.

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MCAST Lecturers Protest Against Delays In Collective Agreements

Oct 1 2024

MCAST lecturers began the new academic year with a protest over the delay in agreeing to a new collective agreement, which has been pending for nearly three years.

The Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) expressed a loss of faith in MCAST’s new management, particularly Principal Stephen Vella, and refused to negotiate with him, preferring to negotiate directly with the government instead.

Lecturers, dressed in black to “mourn their working conditions,” gathered at the MCAST Paola campus. MUT president Marco Bonnici criticized the principal for suggesting arbitration to resolve the issue, and for threatening legal action if the union did not comply within a deadline.

The union rejected this approach, preferring to negotiate rather than leave the decision to an arbitrator unfamiliar with MCAST.

Faculty members are currently following union directives, which include not responding to emails and withholding exam marks.

Lecturers expressed sympathy for students affected but felt compelled to take action due to poor working conditions.

Meanwhile, government sources labeled MUT’s demands, including less contact time with students and teleworking options for certain roles, as “unreasonable.” Shadow ministers Justin Schembri and Ivan Castillo were present at the protest in support.

#MaltaDaily