New Building And Construction Service Officially Introduced

Aug 29 2024

The Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Jonathan Attard, has launched a new service and a helpline,138, provided by the Building and Construction Authority, aimed at offering free assistance to those affected by construction activities.

The service will begin following a public call and will include a panel of 20 professionals, consisting of 10 lawyers and 10 architects.

Minister Attard stated that the government is committed to continuing its support for citizens, which is why this new service is being introduced.

It will complement the newly launched helpline 138, which provides 24/7 support for those with immediate concerns related to construction and workplace health and safety.

Together, these two services will form a comprehensive assistance system designed to equip citizens with the tools to address their concerns effectively.

“We believe that every individual has the right to understand the implications of development in their neighborhood and to protect their interests. We have a clear vision to empower individuals with the knowledge and resources needed to understand the complexities of construction projects, even with technical assistance,” Minister Attard emphasized.

Noting the positive response to the helpline in its first few weeks since launch, Minister Attard said that the service has received an average of 80 calls per day, with 75% related to questions or reports about construction works.

In turn, the Acting CEO of the Building and Construction Authority, Architect Roderick Bonnici, also spoke about the ongoing restructuring of the authority, as it continues to strengthen its regulatory role and update with initiatives and services aimed at providing easier access for affected citizens.

Also present at this conference were the Permanent Secretary within the Ministry for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Mr. Johan Galea, and the CEO of Servizz.gov, Mr. Massimo Vella.

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St Cajetan Statue Arrives In Rome Ahead Of Pilgrimage

Aug 29 2024

The state of Ħamrun’s feast patron saint St Cajetan has successfully arrived in Rome ahead of a historic pilgrimage.

The statue, which was transported all the way from Ħamrun, Malta up to Rome was set up in the basilica of Sant’ Andrea Della Valle in Rome.

The statue will be part of the 500th anniversary of the founding of the Theatre Order, established by the saint himself.

On September 14th, a special commemoration will be held in Rome to honor the anniversary of St. Cajetan’s founding of the Theatine Order.

#MaltaDaily

Malta Paralympic Team Doctor Gives Behind The Scenes Look

Aug 29 2024

Here’s a sneak peek of the journey towards the Paris 2024 Paralympics from the team accompanying Maltese representatives Maja Theuma & Antonio Flores.

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A post shared by Danica Bonello Spiteri (@danicabonellospiteri)

In a video uploaded by Danica Bonello Spiteri, the team doctor, it shows the prepping of Paralympian Maja as she prepares to dive into the pool for a grasp at the top medals.

We also see Danica’s good care of the Paralympic athletes, keeping them well looked after as they compete at the highest levels of their respective sport.

#MaltaDaily

Nationalist Party Calls For Independent Inquiry Into Nicolette Ghirxi Femicide

Aug 29 2024

The Nationalist Party have released a statement asking for there to be an independent inquiry into the femicide of Nicolette Ghirxi in order to fully know whether the State fulfilled it’s obligations to protect her life.

The PN’s position was also reiterated by shadow ministers Paula Mifsud Bonnici and Graziella Attard Previ in a press conference. The two stated that the Nationalist Party’s and Nicolette Ghirxi’s family’s request for an independent inquiry should not only cover social services but every aspect.

The shadow ministers argued that only through an Independent Inquiry can we ensure that improvements are made and that other women are protected before it’s too late.

However, they also stressed that after the inquiry, it is crucial to see that the necessary changes are implemented with full commitment.

During the press conference, the Nationalist Party representatives also pointed out that authorities had stated certain aspects of the case could not be discussed publicly due to ongoing investigations. Yet, sensitive information, including private documents signed by the victim, was released to the public.

The Opposition Party also requested that the inquiry’s findings and report be immediately published to the public, if an independent inquiry was to happen.

The Nationalist Party also makes it clear that such independent inquiry sessions should be held in public. The Maltese public has the right to be informed, and the government has an obligation to provide information on what will be established during these hearings.

As of right now the Government has launched an inquiry board chaired by Emeritus Judge Lawrence Quintano into the femicide of Nicolette Ghirxi. The Labour Party have also come out against the Nationalist Party, stating that the Opposition are trying to turn a tragic case into a political argument.

They also reminded the PN that there are currently two ongoing investigations, the one chaired by Emeritus Judge Lawrence Quintano as well as the investigation conducted by the independent Police complaints board.

#MaltaDaily