Msida Council Offers 4 Alternatives Due To Lack Of Police Station

Aug 23 2024

The Msida Local Council has expressed growing concern over the prolonged closure of the village police station, which has been shuttered for several months due to renovation delays.

In a recent letter to Minister of the Interior Byron Camilleri, the Council, led by Mayor Charles Selvaggi, outlined four potential solutions to address the issue and restore police services to the community.

The Council’s proposals include renting the old police station on Rue d’Argens, setting up a temporary station in the new social housing building, or establishing a temporary facility similar to that in Hamrun in the village centre. As a final measure, the Council has offered to convert its boardroom into a temporary police station.

Mayor Selvaggi emphasized the urgency of the situation, highlighting the inconvenience for residents, particularly the elderly, who may struggle to access police services outside the locality.

The Council is awaiting the Minister’s response and hopes for swift action to ensure the safety and peace of mind of Msida’s residents.

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IĠM Denounces Chris Cardona’s ‘Irresponsible’ Remarks Against Court Journalists

Aug 23 2024

The Institute of Maltese Journalists (IĠM) condemned former minister Chris Cardona for making “irresponsible comments” regarding reporters who covered his court testimony earlier this week. Cardona, who served as minister between 2013 and 2020, testified on Wednesday that he had not read a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Vitals Global Healthcare before signing it in 2014, saying he was “told to do so.”

Following media reports on his testimony, Cardona criticized publications like Times of Malta and Malta Today, claiming they had misrepresented his statements. However, Times of Malta and other outlets stood by their reports.

In response, the IĠM expressed solidarity with court reporters, condemning Cardona’s comments and warning that such remarks could incite hate against journalists. “As a former politician, he should know better than sounding the dog whistle to instigate hate against journalists,” the IĠM stated. They reiterated that reporters were merely fulfilling their duty of informing the public about court proceedings, emphasizing the accuracy of the news reports.

Cardona’s testimony came amid a broader probe into the Vitals hospitals deal, which was annulled due to fraud.

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Tables and Chairs Causing Obstruction in Valletta Street Removed

Aug 23 2024

The tables and chairs that were obstructing vehicles on Santa Luċija Street in Valletta were removed this morning.

This was announced by Valletta’s newly elected mayor, Olaf McKay, who posted photos on Facebook showing the operation that took place.

McKay stated that he was in direct contact with the authorities and that many residents had contacted him following the inconvenience created on this particular street.
In light of this topic becoming a recent heated public debate, the Valletta mayor said, “The ultimate goal remains the beautification and safety of Valletta.”

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Nationalist Party Calls for Auditor General Investigation into ID Card Process

Aug 23 2024

The Nationalist Party, through the Permanent Committee on Public Accounts, has requested the Auditor General to investigate the procedures surrounding the issuance of identity cards and residence permits in Malta. Committee President Darren Carabott, alongside members Graham Bencini and Claudette Buttigieg, raised concerns about whether the Identity Malta Agency and its officers are adhering to the principles of good governance and accountability when processing applications for non-Maltese citizens.

The request, which comes in light of allegations regarding the improper issuance of identity cards, seeks to determine if the agency has been following a diligent and transparent process when scrutinizing documentation. The Nationalist Party has asked for an examination of the procedures to ensure they align with governance standards and whether they provide a benefit to the country in terms of work and residence permits.

The Party also called for an evaluation of oversight by Minister Byron Camilleri and other government officials in ensuring the proper governance of these processes. They emphasized the need for fair, coherent, and diligent actions in the issuance of identity documents and the registration of employment for foreign citizens.

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