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Recovering Addict Baffled At Sedqa’s Support For Reform: Sedqa Official Response

Recovering Addict Baffled At Sedqa's Support For Reform: Sedqa Official Response
Jan 26 2024 Share

A video uploaded to TikTok by Clinton Camilleri, known by his handle as ‘ClintonAddict’, expressed his disbelief as Sedqa’s support of the governmental proposed reform for more effective justice with drug victims. 

Clinton said that he could not believe what he was reading when Sedqa issued their agreement. He alleged that this could be why Sedqa does not have a good recovery rate. 

@clintonbugejacamilleri

I WILL CONTINUE FIGHTING TILL THE END OF MY DAYS!!!!!! NO TO DRUGS @Clinton Camilleri #malta #malta🇲🇹 #maltin #notodrugs #addiction

♬ Emotional – Bang Nono

He went on to say that he would die for this cause as the loop holes offered by the new reform worry him immensely. Clinton said that no one with the right heart would support such a reform. 

MaltaDaily reached out to Sedqa for their response and a spokesperson said that Aġenzija Sedqa ‘stresses that when one carefully reads the statement issued, and goes beyond the title as interpreted by certain media, it can be seen that Sedqa is clear that the amounts proposed by the Government should in fact be reduced.’

‘On the other hand, there are other proposals that can genuinely lead to those experiencing addiction problems getting all the help they need.’ 

‘We note that the mentioned video of Mr. Clinton Camilleri gave a wrong interpretation of the message of the Agency and we remain committed to meet with him in order to better discuss our statement. We also regret to note that Mr. Camilleri’s video went further than that. Sedqa has no thousands of people on a waiting list, much less empty services, while it does not offer any form of self-help groups. Wrong and misleading information like this can do a lot of harm to people who are thinking of starting to look for help.’

Sedqa concluded their response by saying that every worker in Sedqa has the work at heart and acts professionally. Sedqa also reported that the agency gave its comments in the videos uploaded by Camilleri but ‘these were censored and removed after a few minutes.’ 

Full response below:

In response to these comments, Aġenzija Sedqa stresses that when one carefully reads the statement issued yesterday, and goes beyond the title as interpreted by a certain section of the media, it can be seen that Sedqa is being clear that the amounts proposed by the Government should in fact be reduced. In the proposed reform, on the other hand, there are other proposals that can genuinely lead to those experiencing addiction problems, getting all the help they need. Sedqa which is the national agency will continue to be there for those who need its help. Sedqa reiterates that before commenting, one should at least read the entire content of the statement and not just the title.

We note that the mentioned video of Mr. Clinton Camilleri gave a wrong interpretation of the message of the Agency and we remain committed to meet with him in order to better discuss our statement. We also regret to note that Mr. Camilleri’s video went further than that. Sedqa has no thousands of people on a waiting list, much less empty services, while it does not offer any form of self-help groups. Wrong and misleading information like this can do a lot of harm to people who are thinking of starting to look for help. They are might be lead to believe that professional help does not exist. We assure the readers that every professional in Sedqa has the work of the Agency at heart, and acts in a professional manner. It is also good to clarify that Sedqa gave its comments in the video posts uploaded by Mr Camilleri on his social media but these were censored and removed after a few minutes.

#MaltaDaily 

Health Care System Almost In State Of Emergency, Says Adrian Delia

Health Care System Almost In State Of Emergency, Says Adrian Delia
Jan 26 2024 Share

Patients at Mater Dei hospital are enduring undignified conditions due to a shortage of beds, warned Adrian Delia, the shadow minister for health in Malta. 

Speaking at a press conference, he claimed that there are persistent issues of long waiting lists and expressed concern that staff shortages and burnout could lead the country’s healthcare system into a critical emergency. 

Delia presented photos from Mater Dei, which show patients reportedly crowded into corridors and canteens. Insufficient beds force some patients to remain on stretchers until suitable beds become available.

PN MP Stephen Spiteri highlighted the immense pressure on the emergency department, where some patients only see a doctor a day after admission, causing delays in diagnosis and treatment. 

Delia attributed the healthcare crisis to the government’s inadequate investment, linking it to the controversial Vitals and Steward deal. 

He showcased video footage of deteriorating infrastructure within Mater Dei, emphasizing a lack of planning and foresight in the healthcare sector. 

Delia argued that these issues create a healthcare divide, pushing those unable to wait for appointments towards private care. 

#MaltaDaily 

Rat Infestation In Sliema: Videos Sent To MaltaDaily

Rat Infestation In Sliema: Videos Sent To MaltaDaily
Jan 26 2024 Share

Videos sent to this newsroom show a number of rats scurrying around Sliema at night. 

The person in question said that the rats are eating all the rubbish left outside, saying that construction in the area has attracted the infestation as a hotel on Graham Street is being built. 

 

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The video shows the rats hiding in one instance in a nearby open building and then beneath a car next to a garbage bag.

This isn’t the first time alarms have been raised about the issue of rats in localities such as Sliema. 

#MaltaDaily 

Saudi Arabia Lifts 72 Year Old Alcohol Ban For 1st Time

Saudi Arabia Lifts 72 Year Old Alcohol Ban For 1st Time
Jan 26 2024 Share

Saudi Arabia has ended a seven-decade-long ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol by opening an off-licence in Riyadh’s diplomatic quarter. 

This marks a significant move in Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030 plan, aiming to liberalize the kingdom and diversify its economy beyond oil. 

The shop, open only to non-Muslim envoys, requires customers to carry diplomatic passports and register to purchase fixed amounts of alcoholic beverages. 

Diplomats can also import specific quantities to address the issue of uncontrolled alcohol smuggling in diplomatic pouches.

The alcohol ban still applies to Saudis, Muslim, and non-Muslim non-diplomatic foreigners. Although possessing or consuming alcohol in Saudi Arabia is a crime, foreign contractors have historically produced and consumed illicit drinks within their compounds. 

The kingdom was founded in 1932, and the alcohol ban for all citizens and residents was implemented in 1952 after an incident involving the king’s son.

Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s series of reforms, starting in 2017-2018, include curbing the religious police, allowing concerts, opening cinemas, and permitting women to drive. 

This latest move reflects efforts to attract multinational firms and tourists while aligning with global trends. The potential lifting of the alcohol ban for non-diplomatic non-Muslims could follow the policies of Dubai and Qatar.

#MaltaDaily