Out with the old as Bernard Grech announces fresh shadow cabinet

Apr 19 2022

Opposition leader Bernard Grech has just unveiled his shadow cabinet, handing his predecessor Adrian Delia one of the highest ranking positions in the portfolio – transport.

The full list of the shadow cabinet was issued by the Opposition Party late on Monday, but Mario de Marco, Chris Said and Carm Mifsud Bonnici are missing from the list. The three had the finance, Gozo and foreign affairs portfolios respectively before.

The portfolio given to Delia indicates a return to prominence for the controversial political figure. Delia had previously refused to take on a portfolio in Grech’s shadow cabinet during the last legislature.

Most members of the previous shadow cabinet had their responsibilities changed. The only exceptions are Robert Arrigo (tourism), Stephen Spiteri (health spokesperson), Karol Aquilina (justice spokesperson) and Ivan Bartolo (social housing).

Meanwhile, popular candidate Joe Giglio took over the Home Affairs portfolio from Beppe Fenech Adami, with the latter moving to Foreign Affairs. Jerome Caruana Cilia landed the finance portfolio, with Alex Borg getting responsibility for Gozo.

Mark Anthony Sammut will be energy spokesperson, Ryan Callus took Infrastructure and public works, Robert Cutajar will continue as party whip and David Agius remaining deputy leader of the party. Darren Carabott took on the public accounts committee.

Claudette Buttigieg took on civil liberties and social dialogue, Ivan J Bartolo took on the economy portfolio as well as the ‘new economic sectors’. Newcomers Eve Borg Bonello was handed responsibility for climate change, Julie Zahra art and culture and Rebekah Cilia the lands portfolio.

#MaltaDaily

Cristiano Ronaldo announces the death of his newborn son

Apr 18 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo and his partner Georgina Rodríguez have announced that their newborn son has sadly passed away in a statement released on their social media accounts.

The Manchester United star told his followers and fans “It is with our deepest sadness that we have to announce that our baby boy has passed away.”

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A post shared by Cristiano Ronaldo (@cristiano)

The couple continued on by stating: “It is the greatest pain that any parent can feel.

“Only the birth of our baby girl (the son’s twin sister) gives us the strength to live this moment with some hope and happiness.

“We would like to thank the doctors and nurses for all their expert care and support.”

They concluded their statement by asking their fans for some privacy in what must be a very difficult moment for the whole family. It is still yet to be seen whether Ronaldo will continue playing on in the coming weeks for Manchester United or whether he’ll take some time off to adjust to this tragic news.

Ronaldo and Rodríguez announced that they were expecting twins last October. He is already the father to four children, twins Eva Maria and Mateo, eldest son Cristiano Jr. and youngest Alana Martina.

We wish the deepest of condolences to Georgina and Cristiano’s family and friends, in this tough time.

#MaltaDaily

Minister Owen Bonnici officially unveils Valletta Green Festival 2022

Apr 18 2022

Taking to social media, Minster for National Heritage Owen Bonnici, Environment Minister Miriam Dalli and Valletta Cultural Agency Jason Micallef announced the Valletta Green Festival.

The green and sustainability based project was announced to take place between the 28th of April and the 1st of May, and will focus on the importance of open public spaces to enrich the island.

The theme of this year’s Valletta Green Festival also concerns the care of our country’s precious environment as well as the effect that the loss of this element has on our local fauna and flora.

Minister for National Heritage, Art and Local Government Owen Bonnici said that such activities raise our conscience and awareness when it comes to the environment, leading to more sustainable change to occur.

He added that this festival shows that the Labour government kept to the proposed vision which was brought forth during the electoral campaign. He said that such projects not only enrich our environmental consciousness, but also highlights our artistic and cultural sectors.

The last Valletta Green Festival saw the capital city embellished with marvellous floral designs and this year’s version will undoubtedly continue to raise the island’s environmental awareness.

#MaltaDaily

Bail denied after father threatened wife with shooting three children

Apr 18 2022

A man was denied bail during his Monday arraignment after it was revealed that he threatened to shoot his daughter and two other minors during a heated argument with his wife.

The incident took place on Sunday night at the family’s Gharghur home during an argument between a 37-year-old husband and his wife.

The man’s name was banned from publication by the court, with the couple currently undergoing personal separation proceedings.

It was reported that the man forced his wife out of the house, but then asked her to return. When she refused, he reportedly threatened to shoot his 10-year-old daughter, who is on the autism spectrum, as well as his 15-year-old foster daughter and her friend.

Police officers turned up at the residence, and found that the three girls had managed to get away and that the ordeal was over. The daughter’s friend had recorded the entire argument, providing a 10-minute audio clip of the incident.

The accused was charged with holding three children against their will, slightly injuring one of the girls, threatening and assaulting his ex-wife, possessing a fire-arm as well as causing fear of violence.

Despite pleading not guilty, the court turned down the bail request. The man had been seeking psychiatric help since December, urging prosecution to summon witnesses as early as possible.

#MaltaDaily