PL MEP Calls For Urgent Humanitarian Action In Gaza

May 5 2025

Labour MEP Thomas Bajada reiterated the urgent need for decisive humanitarian action and a unified EU response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

In a public statement, Bajada echoed Prime Minister Robert Abela’s announcement that Malta has extended humanitarian and technical assistance to the crew of the ship Conscience, aimed at delivering aid to Gaza. He described Malta’s actions as a “responsible” step toward easing civilian suffering in the region.

“The ongoing situation in Gaza continues to inflict suffering on innocent civilians and is contributing to rising geopolitical tensions,” Bajada said, stressing the broader implications of the conflict beyond the Middle East.

He called for a consistent and humane EU approach that upholds international law while delivering immediate, realistic support to those in need.

“In these difficult times, we must be guided by wisdom, peace, and our shared values,” Bajada stated, underlining the importance of protecting civilian life and respecting international obligations.

#MaltaDaily

St Aloysius College Appoints 1st Woman & Layperson As Rector

May 5 2025

St Aloysius College has appointed Dr Maria Montebello as its new rector—the first layperson and first woman to hold the post in the school’s history.

She will officially assume the role on September 1, succeeding Fr Jimmy Bartolo, who served as rector for 12 years and will now take on a new role as Secretary for Education of the Society of Jesus.

Dr Montebello brings with her extensive leadership experience in Malta’s education sector.

She is currently head of St Ignatius College Prof Edward de Bono Ħandaq Middle School, and has previously led St Benedict College Safi Primary and served as assistant head at Għaxaq Primary.

St Aloysius College said her years in education have equipped her with strong expertise in school development, inclusive practices, and strategic leadership.

Founded by the Jesuits, St Aloysius is one of Malta’s oldest Church schools. Originally a boys’ school, it began transitioning to a co-educational model in 2018.

In February, the college publicly opened applications for rector to laypeople, clergy, and religious order members.

St Aloysius counts among its alumni several prime ministers and presidents, cementing its legacy in Maltese education and public life.

#MaltaDaily

Man Arrested After Landing In Malta With 11 Kilos Of Drugs

May 5 2025

A 53 year old Portuguese man was arrested upon his arrival at the Malta International Airport after he was caught carrying around 11 kilos of drugs in his luggage, with a total value of €250,000.

Police, along with Customs officers, conducted inspections on passengers who arrived from a flight from Seville, Spain at around 0100hrs on Saturday.

After one of the passengers raised suspicion, a search was conducted on his luggage, where various packets were found.

Around 10 kilos of a substance suspected to be cannabis with a street value of around €100,000 and around a kilo of suspected cocaine with a street value of €150,000 were found.

The culprit is being held under arrest for more investigations.

He is expected to be taken to court today at around 1400hrs.

#MaltaDaily

55 Vehicles Registered, 35 Removed Daily In 1st 3 Months

May 5 2025

In the first quarter of 2025, Malta’s stock of licensed motor vehicles rose by 1,744, reaching a total of 447,455 by the end of March.

Passenger cars made up the majority at 74%, followed by commercial and agricultural vehicles at 14.3%, and motorcycles, e-bikes, e-scooters, quadricycles, and ATVs at 11.1%.

Buses and minibuses remained below 1% of the total. The average net increase stood at 19 vehicles per day.

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A total of 4,924 new vehicles were licensed during this period, averaging 55 per day.

Of these, 63.2% were passenger cars and 20.3% were motorcycles and similar vehicles. Slightly more than half (51.3%) were brand new, while the remaining 48.7% were used.

Meanwhile, 6,709 vehicles were taken off the road, mainly due to being garaged (43.9%), resold (31.9%), or scrapped (22.8%). During the same period, 3,840 vehicles returned to the road after restrictions were lifted—mostly those that had been resold (50%) or garaged (49.3%).

By the end of March, petrol vehicles accounted for 58.1% of all licensed vehicles, diesel for 34.9%, and electric or plug-in hybrids for 4.1%.

Notably, the electric and hybrid categories continued to grow, with plug-in hybrids and electric vehicles registering quarterly increases of up to 13.7%.

#MaltaDaily