Luqa Primary Students Create Heartfelt Cards For Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre Patients

Nov 7 2024

The Day Ward staff at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre expressed their gratitude on Facebook to the students of St. Ignatius College Primary School in Luqa, who crafted thoughtful cards for the centre’s patients.

In their message, the staff thanked the young artists and assured them that their heartfelt creations would be shared with patients currently undergoing treatment, spreading joy and encouragement during difficult times.

The cards contained many uplifting messages, such as “I hope each day brings you closer to recovery!” and “You are strong, you are resilient, you are courageous—you can beat this.”

These supportive words are sure to bring smiles and comfort to those facing challenging days at the oncology centre.

#MaltaDaily

Standards Commissioner Finds Ministers Bartolo, Camilleri Guilty Of Ethics Breach

Nov 7 2024

A report by Standards Commissioner Joseph Azzopardi found Tourism Minister Clayton Bartolo and Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri guilty of breaching ethics by hiring Bartolo’s now-wife, Amanda Muscat, in a government role for which she was unqualified and reportedly did not perform, thus misusing taxpayer funds.

Minister Bartolo responded by stating that the employment was brief, followed government policy, and involved no favoritism. He clarified that Muscat had not been employed by the government since 2021 and defended her contributions during her employment. While accepting the report, Bartolo expressed partial disagreement with its findings, apologizing for any potential shortcomings and affirming his commitment to the tourism industry’s growth.

PN leader Bernard Grech responded forcefully, calling for Bartolo and Camilleri’s immediate resignation and urging Prime Minister Robert Abela to dismiss them if they do not step down. Grech labeled the ministers’ actions as “blatant fraud,” accusing them of creating a “phantom job” at public expense.

The report was unanimously endorsed by Parliament’s ethics committee. However, Justice Minister Jonathan Attard declined to comment on potential resignations, stating that the matter should proceed through standard channels.

Arnold Cassola, who initiated the investigation, also called for accountability, urging Prime Minister Abela to take disciplinary action and implement measures to prevent future abuses.

UPDATED WITH PN STATEMENT:

At a press conference at the Parliament building, Nationalist Party (PN) officials strongly condemned Ministers Clayton Bartolo and Clint Camilleri for their involvement in a public funds scandal, as outlined in a report published today by the Standards Commissioner.

The report confirmed that Bartolo’s wife was appointed as a consultant without qualifications and was paid for consultancy work she did not perform, a scheme allegedly enabled by Camilleri, the PN said.

The PN’s Shadow Minister for Public Administration Claudette Buttigieg, Shadow Minister for Tourism Mario de Marco, and Shadow Minister for Gozo Alex Borg drew direct parallels between this case and other instances of ministerial impropriety, such as the hiring of Daniel Bogdanovic by former Minister Justyne Caruana and Rosianne Cutajar’s consultancy contract, which she had admitted was a means to “pig out.” In both cases, officials were compelled to resign due to misuse of public funds.

The PN members stressed that Bartolo and Camilleri’s actions reveal a blatant disregard for ethical standards, evidenced by the transfer of Bartolo’s wife to Camilleri’s ministry following the Bogdanovic scandal.

The Commissioner’s report highlights inconsistencies in the testimonies of Bartolo, Camilleri, and Bartolo’s wife, suggesting possible falsehoods under oath and implying the Prime Minister’s Office was aware of her continued dual roles. The PN insists that, by Prime Minister Robert Abela’s own standards, both ministers should resign or be dismissed.

#MaltaDaily

Your Essential Event Guide: Get Ready For SiGMA Europe

Nov 7 2024

SiGMA Europe 2024 is just around the corner, and as a valued delegate, you’re about to dive into one of the most exciting events in the gaming, tech, and digital marketing worlds. Here you´ll experience a blend of insightful keynote sessions, interactive panels, and hands-on workshops designed to keep you ahead of the curve.

Taking place at the MMH, an enlarged indoor and outdoor space brings the best in business to Europe. Discover over 1,000 top tier operators, suppliers, and affiliates from across multiple sectors. There are no boring booths here, except bigger than life designs, merch you’ll want to show off, and interactive experiences that will knock your socks off.

We’ve also curated a variety of networking opportunities just for you—from exclusive dinners and awards ceremonies to lively after-parties and friendly-competitive sporting events, ensuring you have the perfect setting to connect with industry leaders, investors, and potential partners. Find out where they’re taking place here.

Chill out in the VIP Ikigai lounge, seal deals in the sales lounge, connect with experts at our two stages, and stop by the food court to refuel. Whether you’re looking to expand your network, explore new business opportunities, or simply stay updated on the latest trends, SiGMA Europe is your gateway to all this and more.

To help you navigate all the best moments, here’s a handy guide to make sure you don’t miss a thing.

SiGMA Europe: Plan your trip

Visiting Malta for the first time? The Plan Your Trip page on the SiGMA website is designed to help make your stay a breeze. From hotel recommendations to travel tips, we’ve done the research so you don’t have to!

Home to 3 UNESCO World Heritage sites, Malta is widely known for its beautiful cultural landmarks. From ancient standing stones to elaborate Renaissance architecture, the islands pack a rich historical punch. It´s capital, Valletta, has been described by UNESCO as “one of the most concentrated historic areas in the world”, making its city an open air museum packed with incredible views and marvels.

And with so many of our networking events taking place here, it should be your first port of call when it comes to accommodation. Our official partner hotels include the Grand Hotel Excelsior, Iniala Harbor House, Barcelo Hotels and Resorts, AX Hotels, the Marriott Resort Malta, Palazzo Ignazio, Valletta, SO City Hotel, Casa Rosanna, and the Hyatt Centric Malta. Ensure your passport is valid, and be sure to check whether you require a visa to enter the country by checking out the Visa Information section on our website. Haven’t registered for the event yet? Ticket prices are rising daily – visit our website to secure your spot and explore our popular package options.

Take the scenic route: Getting to SiGMA Europe 2024

We’ve taken all the necessary steps to make your journey to the expo and conference as hassle-free as possible. View directions to the entrance here.

Ferry Shuttle Service

This complimentary ferry shuttle service offers convenient transportation on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of November (running every hour), ensuring a smooth journey to MMH and back. Pick-up points available:

08:00am – 7:00pm: Sliema (in front of McDonald’s)

08:45am – 6:30pm: VCP (Valletta Cruise Port – Waterfront)

Bus Shuttle Service

This complimentary shuttle service offers convenient round-trip transportation on the 12th, 13th, and 14th of November (running every 40 min) between the following locations:

8am – 6:pm: Hotel Excelsior – Valletta to MMH (every 15-30 mins)

8am – 6pm: The Westin Dragonara Resort & Hilton (St Julian’s) to MMH (every 45 mins)

8am – 6pm: Malta Marriott Resort (St Julian’s) to MMH (every 45 mins)

8am – 6pm: Barcelo Fortina (Sliema) to MMH (every 45 mins)

The last pickup time from MMH to all of the above hotels is 6:30 pm.

Activities such as the Teatru ManoelTour and the Harbor Cruise on the 11th includes transportation to and from the Hotel Excelsior. Visit our online agenda for more information.

Popular ride-hailing apps include Bolt and Uber.

Beat the queues

Pre-registration will be available to delegates looking to collect their badge early and beat first day queues. Join us on the 10th from 09:00 to 20:00 at the the La Valette Lounge, Arrivals Hall at the Malta International Airport, and the 11th of November from 7.00 to 22.00 at the Hotel Excelsior Ballroom and the La Valette Lounge, and Have your ticket handy, a digital version is enough and don’t forget to have a form of identification with you. Join the networking drinks and break the ice with fellow delegates from 18.00pm onwards at the Hotel Excelsior Ballroom.

Generate your badge and let other delegates know you’re coming with our online badge generator.

Stay in the know

Don’t miss last minute changes – stay up-to-date with all the latest updates through SiGMA’s official social media channels and the official SiGMA Podcast. Join the official SiGMA Telegram Channel by clicking here.

A new expanded footprint: Explore 45,000 square metres at the MMH

Held for the second time at the Mediterranean Maritime Hub (MMH), the entire venue spans an incredible 45,000 square metres, breathing new life into a brand new networking space for exhibitors and attendees, with ample quiet spaces and seating areas for uninterrupted meetings. The new expo size still allows attendees to walk the floor comfortably several times per day. The larger venue will provide ample room for attendees to connect, collaborate, and exchange ideas across multiple industries, including a vast outdoor area. New lounges and meeting spaces will allow for meaningful conversations and partnerships, catering to the needs of a diverse array of iGaming professionals, from CEOs and affiliates to investors and startups. A double decker space above the registration tunnel will feature a relaxing chill out zone, while a VIP lounge caters for investors and VCs.

Additional highlight features include a huge custom-built food court, which features a brand new eco design.

#MaltaDaily

45% Of EU Citizens Do Not Practice Any Sport

Nov 7 2024

Speaking to local media, newly appointed Maltese Commissioner Glen Micallef highlighted a concerning statistic, that 45% of EU citizens do not engage in any form of sport.

Addressing this issue, he stated, will be a priority as he steps into his role as European Commissioner for Intergenerational Fairness, Youth, Culture, and Sport.

Micallef shared his intention to promote a more active lifestyle across the EU to improve citizens’ quality of life. He explained that the widespread lack of physical activity is placing additional strain on healthcare systems, increasing the prevalence of chronic illnesses, and impacting mental health across the region.

He further noted that one of the core responsibilities of European Commissioners is to help member states create and coordinate strategies to encourage citizens to embrace healthier, more active lives.

#MaltaDaily