Malta Hosts Prestigious S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition 2024

Nov 27 2024

Malta recently hosted the 2024 S.Pellegrino Young Chef Academy Competition, a global platform aimed at discovering and nurturing the world’s top young chefs. The competition took place at the Institute of Tourism Studies (ITS), bringing together 15 talented chefs from around the world.

A distinguished panel of judges, including Victor Borg (Malta), Thanos Freskos (Greece), Alexandru Iacub (Romania), Igor Jagodic (Slovenia), and Iwona Niemczewska, evaluated the dishes. The event culminated on November 26th with a Gala Dinner at The Phoenicia Ballroom, where the young chefs, their mentors, and invited guests from Charles Grech Company Limited and other regional distributors gathered to celebrate the occasion.

The evening featured a special dinner prepared by Michelin Star Chef Grigoris Kikis and Maltese MasterChef Judge Letizia Vella. The winners of each category were announced, with Alin Vadean from Romania, Nikola Šorak from Serbia, and Andrea Amore from Malta taking home top honours. The grand prize, the S.Pellegrino Young Chef Award for South Europe, was awarded to Pablo Falcón from Slovenia.

Supported by the Malta Tourism Authority and the Government of Malta, the event underscored the island’s growing reputation as a culinary destination.

#MaltaDaily

Nationalist Party Calls For More Resignations

Nationalist Party Urges Action Against Clint Camilleri As Public Outrage Grows

Nov 27 2024

The Nationalist Party issued a statement calling for more resignations after Minister Clint Camilleri (along with the now resigned Clayton Bartolo) was found guilty of abuse of power and breaching the Code of Ethics by the Commissioner for Standards in Public Life. The case stems from Camilleri’s involvement in the fraudulent employment of the wife of former Minister Clayton Bartolo in a non-existent consultancy role.

The Nationalist Party said that, despite this, Abela continues to protect Camilleri. Leader Bernard Grech accused the Prime Minister of endorsing the fraud by refusing to support calls for Camilleri’s apology or refund of misappropriated public funds. The statements says that during a Parliamentary Standards Committee meeting, Labour members voted against motions to hold Camilleri accountable, including demands for an apology in the House and a full refund of the €16,000 paid for the phantom consultancy services.

Grech argues that Camilleri’s position is just as untenable as that of Bartolo, and it is time for the Prime Minister to take action.

Grech called on the public to gather in front of Parliament at 6pm on Monday to demand that Robert Abela act and show that his government cannot continue to protect corruption.

#MaltaDaily

MCAST Students Hold Protest Picnic On Road Amidst Dispute

Nov 27 2024

MCAST students voiced their frustration over a prolonged dispute between the government and the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT), taking to the streets and occupying a Mosta roundabout.

The conflict stems from an expired collective agreement that has been under negotiation for two years.

The MUT, representing lecturers, has issued several directives, including withholding grades and limiting communication with administration and students.

These measures have disrupted students’ education, leaving many awaiting critical marks, particularly those finalising their degrees.

On Wednesday, students at MCAST Mosta protested by blocking roads, chanting, and encouraging motorists to honk in support.

Some held banners reading slogans like “you paid them in pennies but the work never stopped” and “three years wasted,” emphasising their solidarity with underpaid lecturers and calling for immediate resolution.

A similar car-cade protest occurred in Paola, where students drove from Qormi to the main campus, displaying banners with slogans like “our education is failing us.” This culminated in a larger demonstration at the Paola campus.

Despite rain and disruption, students demanded swift action to resolve the dispute and release grades, highlighting their lecturers’ dedication despite stalled negotiations.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Enhances Support for Victims of Crime

Nov 27 2024

Malta is stepping up its efforts to support victims of crime, with a particular focus on those affected by domestic violence. Speaking at the annual conference of the Agency for Victims of Crime Services, Minister Byron Camilleri outlined how the government is working to provide victims with the protection, justice, and compassion they deserve.

Over the past three years, the establishment of the Agency for Victims of Crime and the Gender-Based and Domestic Violence Unit within the police force have been key developments. A dedicated hub in Santa Luċija has already assisted over 1,500 people since it opened nine months ago, with another hub set to open in Mtarfa.

Minister Camilleri announced new safety measures, including the introduction of panic alarms for victims and the parliamentary discussion of electronic tagging for offenders. He also highlighted Malta’s high rate of reported physical and sexual violence, which is nearly double the EU average—a sign of growing trust in the system.

The conference also launched a touring exhibition on domestic violence to raise awareness about available support. Minister Camilleri called for collective responsibility in protecting victims, saying, “Everyone must play their part in ensuring victims feel safe and supported.”

#MaltaDaily