Over 30 People Caught Faking Blue Disability Badges

Nov 18 2024

More than 30 individuals were caught using fake blue badge disability permits, Inclusion Minister Julia Farrugia Portelli revealed in Parliament.

Despite stricter measures, such as adding penalty points to offenders’ driving licenses, the issue remains persistent.

The blue badge, issued by Aġenzija Sapport, grants parking privileges to people with disabilities. However, 34 cases of fraudulent badges have been reported, with some offenders employing creative tactics, such as using holograms from wine bottles to mimic security features.

Six cases are currently in court, while 11 others are under review for authenticity. Farrugia Portelli also announced upcoming disability initiatives.

A €1.3 million specialised programme for individuals with intellectual disabilities, managed by Richmond Foundation and Aġenzija Sapport, will be launched.

Additionally, new respite centres will open in Kirkop and Dingli, and a €5 million investment with an NGO aims to support children and adolescents in developing their skills.

Opposition MP Charles Azzopardi highlighted concerns about rising poverty, particularly among the elderly, with one in three at risk of poverty or social exclusion—a figure that has doubled since 2013, according to NSO data.

Despite government achievements, Azzopardi argued that many still struggle with daily living costs and deprivation.

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Business Delegation To Saudi Arabia For Maltese Operators In Property Sector

Nov 18 2024

A delegation of 42 Maltese entrepreneurs, including property developers, estate agents, financial consultants, and other real estate professionals, explored the latest advancements in the construction and real estate sectors during a visit to Saudi Arabia.

Organised by the Property Malta Foundation and led by Minister for Justice and Construction Sector Reform, Jonathan Attard, the visit offered Maltese businesses a platform to uncover opportunities in one of the region’s most dynamic markets.

The delegation attended Cityscape Global, the Gulf’s largest international real estate investment and development event, featuring over 400 exhibitors and 500 speakers across seven conferences.

This provided a valuable opportunity for Maltese participants to network with key industry players and exchange insights.

Minister Attard engaged in high-level discussions with officials from the Saudi Green Building Forum, the Ministry of Municipality and Rural Affairs (Housing and Urban Development), and the Ministry of Justice.

These meetings, organized by Maltese Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Dr. Clive Aquilina Spagnol, highlighted potential collaborations in sustainable construction and urban development.

Minister Attard expressed optimism about the outcomes, stating, “This visit has unlocked significant opportunities for collaboration, benefiting Maltese businesses and society.”

Property Malta Chairman Sandro Chetcuti added, “Learning from Saudi Arabia’s innovative, sustainable lifestyle developments strengthens our efforts to meet future demands while fostering valuable international ties.”

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Varjinga Project: Music & Arts Centre For Youths With Disabilities In Gozo

Nov 18 2024

The Ministry for Gozo and Planning, in partnership with The Malta Trust Foundation, has unveiled the Vajrinġa Project, a pioneering Music and Arts Center designed for children and young people with disabilities in Gozo.

This initiative, the first of its kind on the island, builds upon the success of the Music and Arts Center in Santa Venera, tailored to meet Gozo’s unique needs under the management of The Malta Trust Foundation.

Minister for Gozo and Planning Clint Camilleri stressed the importance of parity in services between Malta and Gozo, commending the vision of The Malta Trust Foundation Chairperson, Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca, who advocated for establishing this center in Gozo.

Minister Camilleri noted the government’s continued efforts to enhance the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities. “We saw the need for a dedicated center in this historic building at the heart of Victoria. This embodies our commitment to social integration,” he remarked. Plans are already in motion, with an application submitted to restore and repurpose part of the building.

Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca described the project as a long-held dream, stating, “Every child and young person can thrive through the arts with the right support.”

The Vajrinġa Center will mirror the success of its counterpart in Malta, fostering creativity and inclusion for Gozitan children and youth. The historic site, formerly a primary school in Rabat, will soon house this transformative hub for talent and growth.

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Emergency Exercise Will Take Place Tomorrow At Malta Airport

Nov 18 2024

The Malta International Airport announced that tomorrow, Tuesday 19th November 2024, a full scale emergency exercise will be taking place in the evening from 7pm onwards.

The airport staff would like to advise travellers on the day that the exercise will not affect their journey.

Any unusual activity, such as emergency vehicles around the airport perimeter, should not be cause for alarm.

‘Such full-scale exercises are carried out in line with the requirements of the relevant international and European regulations, with the aim of determining the level of preparedness of all entities to respond to a crisis, as well as testing the communications systems and emergency resources in place.’

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