Maltese Government to Organize and Fund Funeral for Late Dun Victor Grech

Feb 5 2025 Share

The Maltese government has announced that it will pay its final tribute to the late Dun Victor Grech, who passed away on February 5, 2025, at the age of 95. As a mark of respect for his lifelong commitment to helping those in need, the government will take charge of organizing and funding his funeral.

Dun Victor Grech, a beloved figure, was the founder of Caritas Malta, a vital charity organization that has provided assistance to vulnerable communities across the island for many years. His unwavering dedication to social causes earned him the admiration of people from all walks of life.

The Office of the Prime Minister has been in close contact with Grech’s family and close associates to ensure the funeral arrangements reflect the dignity and respect he so rightly deserves.

Additional details about the funeral will be shared with the public in the coming days.

Dun Victor Grech’s legacy of compassion and service will be remembered for generations, leaving an indelible impact on Malta’s social fabric.

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Schembri, Mizzi & Fenech Plead Not Guilty To Electrogas Corruption Charges

Schembri, Mizzi & Fenech Plead Not Guilty To Electrogas Corruption Charges
Feb 5 2025 Share

Seven individuals, including Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi, and Yorgen Fenech, pleaded not guilty to serious criminal charges linked to the Electrogas power station project.

The case follows a long-running magisterial inquiry into illicit payments linked to Fenech’s offshore company, 17 Black.

Charges, including corruption, trading in influence, criminal association, and perjury, were brought against seven people and four companies involved in the project.

Among the accused are Paul Apap Bologna, another Electrogas shareholder, Mario Pullicino, a local energy agent, and accountants Brian Tonna and Karl Cini, who allegedly orchestrated financial transfers.

Several companies, including Nexia BT, Fenech’s New Energy Supply Limited, and Pullicino’s OEGP Limited, also face charges. Maltese law allows companies to be held criminally liable, with potential fines between €20,000 and €2 million, as well as licence suspensions.

Investigators uncovered a network of financial transactions, including millions transferred between companies owned or controlled by the defendants.

Evidence suggests 17 Black received over €3 million, while payments were also traced to Chinese-linked company Macbridge.

Despite the allegations, no direct transactions were found between 17 Black and offshore firms owned by Schembri or Mizzi. Fenech’s lawyers attempted to dismiss the case, but the magistrate rejected the request.

Defence lawyers also challenged forensic experts’ findings and opposed an asset freeze sought by prosecutors.

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Local Young athletes Set New Records In Early Season Meets

Feb 5 2025 Share

The first major event of the season, the Winter Championships is set to take place this Saturday, 8th February at the Athletics Stadium in Marsa.

As the Maltese Athletics season heats up for the upcoming season, two competitive meetings have set the stage already.

Young athletes seized the opportunity to showcase their talent, breaking several records in their age categories. In some cases, they even outperformed more seasoned competitors, confirming a promising season ahead.

The men’s 60m sprint brought excitement over two weekends, showcasing fierce competition and record-breaking performances. In the first race, Jacob El Aida Chaffey (Zurrieq) claimed victory in 6.94s, followed by Luke Bezzina (Pembroke) at 7.15s. Luca Gerada (Rush AC) secured third in 7.18s, matching the U18 record. A week later, Pembroke’s Beppe Grillo stormed to victory in 6.84s, edging out Chaffey by 0.14s. Young talent Jacques Borg impressed, taking third in 7.31s and equalling the U16 national record. The early-season races hint at an exciting year ahead for Maltese athletics.

In the 600m race, Isaac Bonnici showcased impressive progress, winning in 1:20.08. The Rush AC athlete set the only senior record across both meetings while also claiming the Under 20 and Under 23 records.

Among the women’s 60m sprint, overcoming experienced Pembroke rivals to take victory in 7.70s, Thea Parnis Coleiro (Rush AC) delivered a standout performance. She finished ahead of Alessia Cristina (7.97s) and Rebecca Sare (8.06s). Parnis Coleiro’s impressive run not only secured her the top spot but also earned her a place in the record books, setting new national marks in both the Under 18 and Under 20 categories. Her early-season success highlights her potential as one of Malta’s rising sprint stars.

A national best, for the 60m hurdles, Kayleigh Anne Ellul (Rush AC) delivered a stellar performance, clocking 9.60s to set a national best in both the Under 16 and Under 18 categories. These achievements highlight the rising talent in Maltese athletics as young athletes continue to push boundaries early in the season.

The 1000m races saw impressive performances, with Michael Debattista Segond (Pembroke) and Mireya Bugeja (Zurrieq) continuing their strong season. Debattista Segond secured victory in 2:31.90, while Bugeja finished in 2:53.97, both setting new Under 20 records.

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Regeneration Project In Ta’ Giorni Social Housing Area

Regeneration Project In Ta' Giorni Social Housing Area
Feb 5 2025 Share

Minister for Social and Affordable Housing, Roderick Galdes, visited the Ta’ Giorni social housing area to review a recently completed regeneration project.

With an investment of approximately €250,000, the initiative focused on refurbishing the façades of social housing blocks and renovating the roof of one building.

The project encompassed five apartment blocks, directly benefiting 66 families. During his visit, Minister Galdes emphasised the government’s commitment to upgrading social housing areas, ensuring residents enjoy a better environment and an improved quality of life.

“This project reflects our dedication to enhancing the living conditions of those in social housing. The transformation taking place is bringing tangible improvements to residents’ daily lives and reinforcing their sense of dignity,” he stated.

Expressing his satisfaction, Minister Galdes highlighted the project’s positive impact.

“While enhancing the appearance of these buildings is important, the real achievement lies in the difference we are making in the lives of the people who call this community home,” he concluded.

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