Prison Official Suspended Over Yorgen Fenech Meetings

Jun 26 2024

Police have questioned Svetlana Muscat, Head of Strategy at the Correctional Services Agency (CSA), following allegations that she permitted Yorgen Fenech to meet individuals in her office at Corradino prison.

This has led to Muscat being placed on forced leave pending further investigation. The issue was internally flagged and brought to the attention of the Home Affairs Ministry last Friday, with police conducting questioning on Saturday.

Fenech, a prominent business figure awaiting trial for his alleged involvement in the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, allegedly met undisclosed individuals in Muscat’s office. Lawyer Jason Azzopardi suggested on social media that these were “business people.”

It remains unclear whether these meetings occurred more than once, and prison regulations stipulate that all visits to inmates must occur in designated areas under CCTV surveillance, except for conjugal visits.

Access to offices like Muscat’s requires specific written permission. The Home Affairs Ministry confirmed that they promptly alerted police upon learning of the allegations, resulting in Muscat’s immediate administrative leave.

Police will now determine whether criminal charges or disciplinary actions are warranted. Muscat, formerly a journalist and ministerial aide, has held her current position at the prison for several months.

Meanwhile, the Nationalist Party’s Shadow for Security and Reform Darren Carabott issued a statement demanding the government immediately and publicly clearing the situation in regards to this situation.

He called on Minister Byron Camilleri to clarify the situation without delay. Carabott also called on the Minister to confirm or deny that being reported over these secret meetings.

The statement calls on Camilleri to give the reasoning behind the forced leave, what steps will be taken and whether the meetings involved any court procedures.

UPDATED

In reference to the statement issued by the Opposition and its spokesperson, the Ministry reiterates what it told the media when asked, namely, that as soon as the incident came to light last week, an immediate report was made to the Police and an investigation was triggered.

‘Pending this investigation, the concerned individual is on forced leave.’

‘In the Agency, it is not politicians who speak, but results. Today, the prison is free of drugs, major reforms have been made and are ongoing, and the Government continues to invest daily in more professionals, more rehabilitation programs, and even in infrastructure.’

#MaltaDaily

476 Councillors From 68 Localities Sworn In

Jun 26 2024

Prime Minister Robert Abela, at a swearing-in event for councillors from 68 localities across Malta and Gozo, emphasised their crucial role as partners in driving national progress. He praised councillors for their diverse backgrounds and highlighted their commitment to improving community life and services.

Abela underscored the importance of environmentally conscious decision-making and advancing digital services to enhance resident convenience.

Minister Owen Bonnici commended the councillors for their election and celebrated the initiatives undertaken by local councils over the past five years, including projects like open spaces, gardens, and improved transport services.

He reaffirmed the government’s support through financial allocations and immediate strategies to strengthen local governance.

Parliamentary Secretary Alison Zerafa Civelli highlighted ongoing reforms aimed at meeting evolving local government needs and aligning with the National Strategic Vision for Local Government. She expressed gratitude to all elected councillors and urged them to continue prioritising community welfare and effective governance.

Overall, the ceremony underscored the government’s commitment to empowering local councils as drivers of positive change and ensuring they have the resources and support needed to serve their communities effectively.

#MaltaDaily

Six out of Ten Maltese Students Receive Private Tuition

Jun 26 2024

A survey found that six out of ten Maltese secondary school pupils attend private lessons.

As shared by Times of Malta , Mathematics was the most popular topic for tutoring across all age groups, followed by Maltese, English and Physics. This study indicates that children in early years of education, specifically those between the ages of four and seven, had the lowest likelihood of attending private classes.

However , even in this age group, about 29% of kids in this age range attended private lessons. For children aged four to seven, Maltese was the most sought subject.

Times of Malta concluded the accredited quantitative research project in February, interviewing 500 parents of children between the ages of four and eighteen. The need for extra work (47%) and individual attention (33%), as well as the ability to address substantial challenges within the areas students were attending private sessions for, were identified by respondents as the key benefits of tutoring.

The purpose of the survey was to gain insight into the market and attitude from Mokosi, a Lithuanian tutoring company that plans to start in Malta.

With 17 years of experience as a tutor, its CEO, Jurgita Jaruseviciene, anticipated that the study’s subject and conclusions would spark a “wide discussion about the effectiveness of the education system in Malta.”

She claimed that other countries displayed an average of 30% and that Malta’s 60% rate was exceptional.

#MaltaDaily

Benna Announce Iced Coffee Flavour

Jun 26 2024

Benna have done it again – this time taking the Iced Coffee route!

‘Made from real coffee, it’s a great refreshing treat to indulge in during the summer heat. And yes, its also Lactose Free’, wrote Benna on social media.

The flavour is expected to hit supermarkets tomorrow – will you be trying it?

#MaltaDaily