Roberta Metsola Commemorates 2013 Lampedusa Tragedy

Oct 4 2023

Speaking in Strasbourg at the European Parliament, President Roberta Metsola commemorated the 10 years since the Lampedusa tragedy which claimed the lives of around 360 men, women and children.

The overcrowded boat, carrying asylum seekers from Somalia, Ghana and Eritrea, capsized off Italy’s shore.

Addressing the tragedy, Metsola said that this was not an isolated incident as ‘the cemetery of the Mediterranean claimed the lives of thousands more.’

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‘The recent emergencies on the island of Lampedusa as well as on other neighbouring countries serve as a reminder that migration is our generation’s challenge.’

‘Europe must respond in a way that is fair and humane with those who are seeking protection, that is firm with those who are not eligible and that is strong with criminal networks who are still exploiting the vulnerable.’

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10 Reasons Why Malta Needed A New Airline

Oct 3 2023

Speaking in parliament, Labour MP Omar Farrugia outlined the 10 reasons why Malta had to move on from the national airline of Air Malta and bring a new one.

Among the many reasons, Farrugia quoted a series of bad strategic decisions, a lack of any incentive towards profit as well as Air Malta having to operate on an immensely competitive European market.

The regulations of the European Union, the privatisation of the airport and other assets, the political clientelism and early retirement schemes were also part, Omar said, of the situation the airline finds itself in.

Finally, the change in the client’s behaviour, the loss of routes towards Libya and the loss of its best talents continued to deliver a fatal blow to the national airline.

Farrugia said that there is a clear transitional plan towards the new airline, quoting the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister’s earlier briefing in regards to the topic.

What do you make of this?

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PINK OCTOBER MOVEMBER’22 Brachytherapy Project Presented To The Government

Oct 3 2023

The Canon Aplio diagnostic ultrasound system equipment instrumental in providing brachytherapy locally was presented today to Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre by The Marigold Foundation and The Pink October Movember Team.

Currently, brachytherapy is not carried out in Malta. All patients who need this treatment need to travel to London which provides its own challenges. With this therapy carried out in our country, future patients will be saved the anxiety and hassle of traveling abroad for treatment thus also saving state money, Malta Community Chest Fund and Puttinu Cares funds apart from saving the patient from having to leave home, family and work.

The oncology team at Sir Anthony Mamo Oncology Centre are currently collaborating with the International Atomic Energy Agency on brachytherapy training which now with this system in place means that our patients will in the coming months no longer need to travel to the UK for this purpose.

The Chairperson of Marigold, Michelle Muscat said that it is of great satisfaction seeing this project moving ahead and with funds collected from the public in general this will be a new reality for Maltese cervical cancer patients. Michelle Muscat thanked the general public, sponsors and the team of Pink October Movember at The Marigold Foundation for their dedication against all odds for their annual engaging educational campaigns which have seen various national health projects being implemented to help patients get better treatment and support along the years, apart from educating and empowering the general public to be aware of their bodies and take necessary actions.

The event was addressed by Ms. Celia Falzon CEO of Mater Dei, Dr Nick Refalo Clinical Chair of SAMOC, Dr Kristel Von Brockdorff Consultant Oncologist and Dr Robert Xuereb cardiologist and Board member of The Marigold Foundation. Speaking in one voice, they all stressed the importance of this Campaign in raising awareness and also for providing much needed projects to help patients regain their health and well being after cancer.

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New Senior Leadership Team For Premier Capital

Oct 3 2023

Premier Capital plc, the developmental licencee for McDonald’s in Malta and five other European markets, has announced changes to the senior leadership team to sharpen the company’s focus in preparation for further expansion.

Peter Hili has been appointed Chief Commercial Officer and will be responsible for the optimisation of the Group’s business intelligence, the execution of its marketing and communications strategy and championing ESG efforts. He will be instrumental in delivering a positive impact in these areas and across the company’s network in Malta, Romania, Estonia, Greece, Latvia and Lithuania.

Simona Mancinelli, currently Managing Director of Premier Capital Hellas, has also been appointed Chief Operating Officer. She will oversee and support the markets in ensuring Premier Capital’s overarching goals are met, while injecting talent development plans and innovation in its restaurant operations.

One of the company’s top priorities remains to expand its footprint and the Chief Development Officer will lead this. With a current network of 179 restaurants and committed to opening 12 new restaurants per year over the medium term, this role will ensure the company’s strategy is realized, sustainably. Victor Tedesco will take on this new role in addition to being Chief Executive Officer.

Premier Capital Chairman Melo Hili said: “Our people are our most important asset and, as the Developmental Licensee, my mission is to keep building on what we’ve achieved so far by succession planning and creating more opportunities for our employees. Our commitment to managing our impact on our communities and the planet, remain a core part of our strategy and these changes affirm our efforts in this space.”

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