Mixed reactions after PL MP leaves religion out of swearing-in ceremony

May 10 2022

Last Sunday, newly elected Labour MP Randolph De Battista decided to not include religion during his turn at the swearing-ceremony in parliament.

A rare move when considering Maltese political and religious history, De Battista made an oath of allegiance and loyalty to the Republic of Malta and the Constitution. However, the MP did not finish their declaration with ‘so help me God.’

De Battista was also not offered the crucifix for him to kiss by Speaker Anglu Farrugia. The move was met with different views.

“Randolph De Battista is the only MP out of 79 MPs to declare his loyalty to Malta’s people instead of taking an oath and kissing the cross,” she said. “Randolph represents!”

De Battista did not contest the 2022 election was co-opted into Parliament after the PL executive called a casual election on district 9. After the election, Randolph was appointed Labour CEO, a position he held between 2017 and 2020.

#MaltaDaily

38-year-old Joseph Ellul identified as Wasteserv incinerator fatality

May 10 2022

Known by his loved ones and friends as ‘Xlukkajr’, 38-year-old Joseph Ellul was the man identified as the person who died at the Marsa WasteServe incinerator.

According to information provided by Talk.mt, Ellul was attending a lift pulling up several heavy materials and suffered grievous injuries to his head after he was caught up in the same machinery.

The incident happened at around 9am this morning, with an ambulance convening on site to assist the worker. Unfortunately, Ellul was certified dead. Investigations are still ongoing.

Tributes to Ellul poured in immediately, offering condolences to his family and utter shock and disbelief at the incident.

Rest in Peace Joseph.

#MaltaDaily

MP Alex Borg calls for more defence in Gozo following murder

MP Alex Agius calls for more defence in Gozo following murder

May 10 2022

Newly elected Gozitan MP Alex Borg took to social media to ask Minister for Internal Affairs, National Security and law Enforcement Byron Camilleri for more adequate protection on Malta’s sister island.

This comes after the murder of Fawez Najem, the Syrian youth who was stabbed multiple times after a violent altercation broke out between two groups of Syrians. The murder started in a bar near Marsalforn harbour, extending to late at night when Najem was stabbed with a knife.

Borg said that whenever hears of such horrific stories happening in Gozo he is ‘hurt and angry’. He said that, surely, such atrocities in the year 2022 should not bee happening.

‘Police officers in Gozo are doing priceless work and are doing the impossible despite the lack of resources. But now the limit has been crossed, and I await action to take place. Gozo’s police force should bee given the necessary tools to carry out their duty.’

He went on to urge the Minister and all those involved to find a solution together so that ‘the security in Gozo is guaranteed. Goiztans and the future generation deserve better in our own homes.’

#MaltaDaily

Three police officers resign after positive cocaine tests

May 10 2022

Three police officers have resigned after they failed mandatory drug tests which were introduced last year, Times of Malta confirmed.

Cocaine was detected in all three tests, with the officers resigning when they were informed disciplinary proceedings would be initiated against them.

Meanwhile, a fourth officer was found to be under the influence of alcohol during work hours, with disciplinary proceedings against him also under way. This follows a new law issued in August last year which made regular drug and alcohol testing mandatory in the force.

The law empowers the prime minister to dismiss any officers found under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Home Affairs Minister Byron Camilleri had stated that the law demonstrates a zero-tolerance approach to use among members of the forces.

#MaltaDaily