Jason Micallef denies drone accusations by PN leader

Feb 16 2022

Executive chairman of ONE TV Jason Micallef issued a categorical denial that a drone was sent to spy on Bernard Grech’s house in Mosta.

Micallef said that he is willing to testify under oath that nobody ordered the station to take any drone footage of the Opposition leader’s private residence.

Posting to social media, Micallef denied ‘in the absolute of ways that somebody, including Prime Minister Robert Abela, ordered that a One News drone take footage of the private residence of the Opposition leader.’

‘I am ready to repeat this under oath in court or in any other testimony in front of the police’ he said. The drone claim was made on Monday, with Grech filing a police report leading to an investigation.

Abela too categorically denied the claims, insisting he condemned any such intrusion of privacy. It remains unclear whether the reported drone spotted by Grech’s son on Monday was part of aerial surveys conducted but the Planning Authority to update its online mapping tool. These are currently being conducted in Naxxar, but Grech’s house is at the outskirts of Mosta and far away from Naxxar.

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FAITH members announce they are going their separate ways

Feb 16 2022

Girl group FAITH, formed during XFactor Malta’s Season 2, have just announced that they will all be going their separate ways. Posting to social media, the group said that ‘with one more than 2 years since we started on XFactor, we have decided that it’s best for each individual to end FAITH’s journey here.’

‘Throughout these years we have achieved great things that we’ve always dreamt of and created memories that will last us a lifetime!’ said the statement. The group, composed of Chanelle, Maya, Demi, Ema and Megan, went on to thank all the group’s supporters for showing them love every step of the way. ‘We are grateful and so thankful for each and every one of you and appreciate you all so much. We wouldn’t have made it this far without you’ they said.

The group was formed on the second season of the renowned competition, quickly becoming one of XFactor’s Malta fan favourite and most talented group acts. They went on to produce more music together and in collaboration with other local talent. However, all good things must come to an end. But for all the FAITH members, it’s just one more step to more music as each is a powerhouse in their own right. We wish you all good luck for all your future ventures!

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Minister Ian Borg reveals remedy to save Malta Marathon

Feb 16 2022

Transport Minister Ian Borg has revealed that the government is currently working with the organisers of Malta Marathon to find a solution for the race to proceed as planned.

The marathon was cancelled on Tuesday after it was meant to take place on March 6th. The cancellation occurred after the organising committee clashed with Transport Malta over the proposed route.

The transport minister expressed hope that a solution can be found after he was asked on Wednesday, revealing that work was being done to remedy the disappointment.

‘You can expect more information to be communicated in the coming hours’ said Borg. The first alarm of a possible cancellation or issue with the event was sounded last week when they warned that there was a chance the race would not go ahead due to a lack of COVID-19 safety guidelines. A new route was deemed unsafe by health professionals.

On Tuesday, the committee announced hat the race had been formally cancelled after discussions on the route with Transport Malta reached an impasse. The event organisers said on Tuesday that whilst they fully respect Transport Malta’s authority, they cannot adopt a route that has been declared as unacceptable by Mater Dei’s Emergency Department, the Malta Red Cross and the Malta Traffic Police.

Back in 2019 the Malta Marathon was cancelled due to inclement weather an in 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The organisers said that application and transport fees will be refunded to athletes should the race not go ahead this year.

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Qormi-Mriehel flyover the preferred option says Infrastructure Malta

Feb 16 2022

Infrastructure Malta CEO Fredrick Azzopardi said that a proposed flyover linking the Mriehel bypass to the industrial estate remains the preferred option. Despite this, an alternative suggested by the Qormi local council still being considered.

The plans to create a flyover structure on the Mriehel bypass was put forward by IM in order to create safer access to and from the industrial estate. This was met with opposition by the Qormi local council who urged the agency to drop the plans entirely.

Around 150 residents and farmers in the Qormi-Mriehel area requested the personal intervention of Prime Minister Robert Abela, since land and fields would be taken in order to build the flyover.

The Qormi local council had alternatively proposed a tunnel below the existing road, with IM saying that it was analysing this proposal. Transport Minister Ian Borg spoke on Wednesday, saying that no decision was yet taken on the flyover project. Both the option of the Qormi council and that of Infrastructure Malta are being considered.

Borg said that last weekend he spoke to the Qormi mayor and the they are collaborating very well. He went on to say that the Mriehel underpass excavation works are complete, with the project expected to be complete by mid-year. L-Imdina Road and the Mriehel bypass will be connected via a roundabout underpass, next to the Malta Financial Services Authority offices.

The project is currently entering the second phase, with the Minister revealing that 290 concrete panels will be installed. These will form the walls of the underpass, with Borg saying that the panels were fabricated off site.

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