Reactions to Castaldi Paris bluffing to Yorgen Fenech about £16 million London mansion

Sep 27 2021

It has been revealed that a series of text messages in which Labour MP Ian Castaldi Paris boasted with suspect Yorgen Fenech about having a £16 million mansion and three London properties were all bluff. Yesterday, the MP admitted to having dreamed up a lofty claim he made to Fenech of being a high-flying property investor in London. This came after MaltaToday approached him over chases he had with Fenech in September of 2019, two months after his arrest in connection with Daphne Caruana Galizia’s assassination.

Castaldi told the newspaper that ‘it was pure bluff from [his] end’. He admitted to having no property neither in London nor anywhere in the world, going as far to say that it was ‘stupid from [his] end.’ The matter escalated however as Castaldi Paris admitted to informing authorities about the chats just to ensure that no investigation is launched into the matter.

Without revealing the authorities in question, Castaldi Paris revealed these to be bluff SMSes. The chats revealed that Paris had known about the £3.1 million Mdina villa sold to Tumas magnate Yorgen Fenech in September 2019, having chatted with him just days after signing on the promise-of-sale agreement. Paris revealed he knew of the deal because he knew Joe Camilleri.

Fenech had initiated the conversation with Paris, telling him that his ‘Uncle Ray’ informed him that he had been a contender for the villa. He said that he had no idea, otherwise he would have never moved on it. Following the news, the reactions poured in criticising Paris’ actions.

Most notably, independent MP Arnold Cassola asked whether Paris lied about the Rosianne Cutajar affair. Quoting his recent admission, Cassola put into question claims by Paris that he and his family had been threatened twice in connection with Rosianne Cutajar. He asks; ‘is Castaldi Paris an immature liar and attention seeker or is he so scared of the Maltese mafia that he is ready to lose all dignity and self-respect and deny all he stated before?’

Other commenters asked Paris to leave the political game, saying that ‘bluff never made good politicians’ and that his aim in politics is ‘to be served’ and ‘not to create a better life for those in need.’ Others asked whether there is anyone left to vote for in Maltese politics and others saying that the electorate will vote him back in parliament.

What do you make of this situation?

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Photo Source: Arnold Cassola FB, DW

Environment Minister launches 11 new projects to green up localities

Sep 27 2021

Environment Minister Aaron Farrugia stated that the government must embrace the concept of greening in every project, whether they be large buildings or local initiatives. He said that people want to see greener, more environmental and sustainable projects in urban areas as he launched 11 greening project with local councils, with a total investment of €300,000. He urged authorities to insist and oblige applicants to introduce greening into their projects and that they provide both aesthetic value and environmental contribution.

The minister highlighted the various benefits of greening projects – from improving wellbeing and other impacts on actual landscape. These 11 new projects aim at giving back green open spaces to the community, in which families can spend quality time together. Climate change can also be impacted for the better through such projects, adding trees and vegetation to cool off the area and reducing air pollution.

The 11 Projects announced consist of greening Pjazza Torfa in Ghajnsielem, the upgrading of Saver Zarb Garden, introducing open spaces in Santa Lucija, the beautification and maintenance of San Pawl and Kappillan Muscat Square in Hamrun.

Belvedere Garden in Valletta will also receive an aesthetic makeover, followed by the upgrading of several side streets leading to San Lawrenz local square. Birgu’s two belvederes overlooking the harbour will be getting a greener look, along with San Gorg Preca Square and San Gorg Bay in Birzebbuga. A recreational zone will be added to Kuncizzjoni Road in Qala. Finally Munxar’s Square and Sliema’s Bisazza Square will all be getting green makeovers.

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Photo Source: Aaron Farrugia FB

Mason Nehls’ statement in 12-year case dropped due to being taken illegally

Sep 27 2021

A joyous turn of events in what so far has been a shocking court case as 29-year-old Mason Nehls’ statement has been dropped in court. Mason has been part of a pending 12-year court case after being arrested in an alleged drug haul in 2009, a case which threw Mason down a dark path of turbulence and uncertainty in his life.

Local personality and host of ‘Il-Podcast ta’ Jon’, Jon Mallia took to Facebook to share the news and express his disdain with the fact that the case is still ongoing after 12 years. Mallia went on to state that if Mason was ever a ‘parasite’, he is now a reformed man and having the case and 12 subsequent years of anxiety is the worst punishment one can get.

While the court proceedings are still ongoing, having the statement inadmissible in court is a step in right direction for Mason’s case. The comment section in Mallia’s post was flooded with hundreds of comments of support towards the 29-year-old as the country eagerly awaits another positive turn in Mason’s story.

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Over €33 million spent in government vouchers as scheme a success

Sep 27 2021

With over €33 million spent in government COVID-19 vouchers, the scheme launched by Economy Minister Silvio Schembri and Prime Minister Robert Abela proved to be an economic success. The average spend of vouchers stands at €1.37 million on weekends and €1.22 between Monday and Thursday. This has also meant a direct economic injection of €2.6 million per week, with 74% of vouchers having been redeemed. Data was provided from MIMCOL, showing also a renewed confidence among retailers, business owners, consumers and establishments.

The European Union now recognises Malta as one of the leading countries with the best and fastest post COVID-19 recoveries. The successful vaccine rollout also contributed to the outcome, which is an even better outcome for the €100 voucher scheme – a whopping injection of €50 million. Only a month is left until the end of October to redeem all remaining vouchers, as the public is incorporated into directly regenerating the economy.

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Photo Source: Silvio Schembri FB