President Myriam Spiteri Debono Shares First Official Portrait

President Myriam Spiteri Debono Launches First Official Photo

Apr 23 2024

President Myriam Spiteri Debono of Malta has just launched her first official portrait as President on social media, marking a significant moment in her presidency. The photo shows President Spiteri Debono in office, with Malta’s flag in the background and it is the first official portrait, with her last profile picture being a snap from the day of the inauguration.

Inaugurated on 4th April 2024, President Spiteri Debono is the third woman to hold this prestigious position, following in the footsteps of Agatha Barbara and Marie Louise Coleiro Preca.

Her appointment also makes her the third person from Gozo to occupy the President’s office, joining previous presidents Anton Buttigieg and Ċensu Tabone.

Many have taken to the comments to send their blessing and wish Spiteri Debono the best during her tenure as President.

#MaltaDaily

Building & Construction Authority CEO Jesmond Muscat Resigns

Apr 23 2024

Minister for Justice and Reform of the Construction Sector, Jonathan Attard, was notified by the Chairman of the Board of the Building and Construction Authority (BCA) that he had received the resignation letter of Mr. Jesmond Muscat from his position as Chief Executive Officer of the Authority.

Acknowledging Mr. Muscat’s contributions in enhancing regulatory compliance, modernizing the authority’s infrastructure, and implementing sector-wide reforms, Minister Attard accepted his resignation.

The Ministry anticipates the appointment of a new Chief Executive Officer to further fortify the Authority and continue advancing reforms in accordance with the Government’s electoral agenda and the recommendations of the public inquiry.

The Nationalist Party addressed the resignation, saying that the ‘ministers continue to shirk responsibility and blame everyone else they appoint.’

‘Three days after another tragedy related to the construction sector, where the authorities admitted they were not doing their job to enforce the laws, news emerges of the resignation of the BCA Chairperson.’

‘Once again, we see Robert Abela’s government washing their hands of all responsibility for what happened.

He is politically responsible for the tragedies happening without doing anything to carry out reforms in the construction sector.’

‘Clearly, from the report issued by the Public Inquiry into the death of Jean Paul Sofia, Robert Abela did absolutely nothing except consult with himself, thinking how to increase costs and waste time and continuing to play ‘musical chairs’ without making the much-needed reforms for the sector, for the workers and for residents affected by construction projects.’

‘The Nationalist Party insists, as it already did in a motion tabled in Parliament which unfortunately the Labour Party voted against, that the Government should present a monthly report to Parliament on the implementation of the Public Inquiry report to ensure that necessary reforms are being made for the country.’

#MaltaDaily

Over 35,000 Birth & Death Notifications Since 2018

Apr 23 2024

Every year, the Identity Malta agency office at Mater Dei Hospital registers an increased demand for its services. This reflects the agency’s commitment to ensuring that clients are at the center of every decision made, with the aim of delivering efficient and effective service.

Since the establishment of this office in 2018, nearly 35,000 birth and death notifications have been recorded, accounting for over 70% of all birth and death notifications entered into Malta’s Public Registry.

The Identity Malta agency celebrated its sixth anniversary since the opening of this office in the presence of Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Employment Byron Camilleri, Minister for Health and Active Ageing Joe Etienne Abela, and Identity CEO Steve Agius.

Minister Camilleri stated, “The decision for Identity to begin offering its services at Mater Dei has led people to start receiving better service under one roof and in the most convenient place for them. Our commitment remains what we continue to build on this service to ensure people receive services in the most convenient place for them.”

Minister Joe Etienne Abela emphasized the importance of the Identity Malta agency at Mater Dei Hospital, where continuous and essential service is provided to citizens. “We are committed to continuing to offer quality service, being close to people and looking forward to further increasing the services offered,” concluded Minister Abela.

Identity CEO Steve Agius highlighted the agency’s commitment to offering services close to its clients. He explained that death notifications are now also being made in residential hospitals, such as San Vinċenz de Paul, following specialized training provided to staff. He also emphasized the important role this office plays in emergency cases involving newborns who may require urgent medical care outside of Malta.

#MaltaDaily

Statements Following Hibernians-Pieta Parent-Coach Fight

Apr 23 2024

Taking to social media, Stefano Fava, one of the Hibernians FC coaches who was a victim of assault during the parent-coach altercation following the team’s victory over Pieta Hotspurs FC, released a statement explaining the situation.

‘In total I was struck 4 times to the head’, he explained, ‘a couple of which were blind-sighted, which could have been much worse, but luckily, I came out fine’.

Java states that he’s never experienced anything like this in his long career being involved in youth category sports.

He revealed that towards the latter stages of the match, a Pieta player was booked by the referee for retaliation to one of his decisions.

From the side, Fava admitted to sarcastically congratulating the player with a ‘proset’. The player urged him to fight, which was followed by insults, offences and threats.

‘At no point did I behave in the same threatening manner, contrary to what has been said’, going on detail the multiple physical confrontations he and his colleagues experienced before stopping.

This follows a statement by Pieta Hotspurs FC Academy, in which they claimed that there were instances of provocation from the Hibernians-appointed videographer.

‘Such behaviour is unacceptable and goes against the spirit of fair play and sportsmanship’, wrote Pieta.

Fava did release an apology to Pieta no. 70 in case his sarcastic comments hurt him. However, he raised the question as to what would happen if such instances transpired again – ‘let’s hope this is a wake up call for everyone involved! Myself included.’

#MaltaDaily