New Sicily-Malta Express Catamaran Service To Trial

Jan 10 2024

A new maritime travel option connecting Sicily and Malta through the company Porto Turistico Holding Ltd. is gearing up for launch.

The Ragusa Xpress ferry, flagged with Malta’s insignia, has initiated technical trials at Marina di Ragusa, marking a crucial step toward launching the service.

Paul Gauci, the founder of the PG Group, aims to revitalize the 750-berth marina, having secured its ownership last year in a multimillion-euro deal.

The new catamaran is set to accommodate 430 passengers, 21 cars, or 65 motorcycles, offering a daily one hour and 45-minute commute between Sicily and Malta.

Gauci plans to officially launch the service by summer, providing a convenient alternative to the traditional route operated by Virtù Ferries.

Despite changing weather conditions, the technical trials are progressing as scheduled, showcasing the potential for a promising addition to the maritime landscape between the two islands.

#MaltaDaily

Students’ Marks Withheld Due To No Agreement Between MCAST & Union

Jan 10 2024

Reports have emerged that students studying at MCAST will have their exam and assignment results withheld as the Malta Union of Teachers (MUT) is yet to reach a collective agreement with the government.

Speaking to MaltaDaily, a spokesperson for the MUT confirmed that, currently, there are directives at MCAST involving the submitting of results.

This is due to the delay in reaching an agreement with MCAST over the collective agreement which has been negotiated for two years.

Meanwhile, MaltaDaily reached out to MCAST and were told via a spokesperson that MUT and MCAST have been meeting regularly about the new collective agreement.

“MCAST will continue to speak to the union to work towards finalising the agreement at the earliest and in the best interests of staff and students.”

It is unclear how long this dispute as well as the ongoing negotiations will take, with students still awaiting their marks as the scholastic year progresses.

#MaltaDaily

Mbappe Says He Would Pay So Much To Be Normal

Jan 10 2024

Paris Saint-Germain star Kylian Mbappe has expressed his lament over the loss of “spontaneity” in his life due to his soaring fame as a football superstar.

The player admitted struggling to adapt to his own celebrity status in France and yearns to retreat from the public eye in the French capital.

Mbappe disclosed his desire to engage in everyday activities, such as buying bread at a bakery, without the constant attention he now attracts. This revelation raises speculation about a potential move to Real Madrid, who have been linked to sign him on a free transfer when his contract concludes this summer.

In an interview with Envoye Special, Mbappe expressed;

“Going to buy bread at the bakery? I’d pay so much money now to be able to this kind of thing, which is normal for most people.”

“Go eat quietly in a brasserie, go out, go with friends, party quietly, without anyone to come see me. The next morning, a nice brunch in the sun on a terrace, there you have it. Simple things in life.”

Despite achieving global fame, winning the World Cup, and earning numerous accolades, Mbappe’s remarks suggest a desire for a return to a more ordinary and private life. As the footballer’s contract expiration approaches, the uncertainty surrounding his future continues.

#MaltaDaily

Project Green Announces New CEO: Joseph Cuschieri

Jan 10 2024

Project Green has announced the appointment of Mr Joseph Cuschieri as the new CEO of the agency, succeeding Mr Steve Ellul.

“We have challenging and exciting times ahead and I am keen to keep building on the good work carried out by my predecessor Steve Ellul. Together with the team at Project Green, I will endeavour to develop and implement innovative and quality green projects which add value and a better environment to the communities in Malta and Gozo,” Mr Cuschieri said.

Mr Cuschieri is a Certified Public Accountant, specialising in strategy formulation, corporate finance and business development. He also holds a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Henley Management College, UK and an Advanced Diploma in Management Accounting from the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA), UK.

Throughout his 28-year professional career, he held various senior executive and C-level positions and directorships within the private and public sectors. In recent years, he held the positions of Executive Chairman at the Malta Gaming Authority and CEO at the Malta Financial Services Authority.

About Project Green:

Project Green is the national agency committed to a better quality of life for the people of Malta and Gozo, through the development, maintenance and embellishment of public spaces, gardens and other green infrastructure ensuring a healthier, better-quality lifestyle and a more sustainable environment. It has been entrusted with spearheading the government’s seven-year to pledge to create, maintain and invigorate public gardens and other open spaces across Malta and Gozo, promoting healthier and more sustainable lifestyles.

#MaltaDaily