Schembri, Mizzi & Fenech Plead Not Guilty To Electrogas Corruption Charges

Schembri, Mizzi & Fenech Plead Not Guilty To Electrogas Corruption Charges
Feb 5 2025 Share

Seven individuals, including Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi, and Yorgen Fenech, pleaded not guilty to serious criminal charges linked to the Electrogas power station project.

The case follows a long-running magisterial inquiry into illicit payments linked to Fenech’s offshore company, 17 Black.

Charges, including corruption, trading in influence, criminal association, and perjury, were brought against seven people and four companies involved in the project.

Among the accused are Paul Apap Bologna, another Electrogas shareholder, Mario Pullicino, a local energy agent, and accountants Brian Tonna and Karl Cini, who allegedly orchestrated financial transfers.

Several companies, including Nexia BT, Fenech’s New Energy Supply Limited, and Pullicino’s OEGP Limited, also face charges. Maltese law allows companies to be held criminally liable, with potential fines between €20,000 and €2 million, as well as licence suspensions.

Investigators uncovered a network of financial transactions, including millions transferred between companies owned or controlled by the defendants.

Evidence suggests 17 Black received over €3 million, while payments were also traced to Chinese-linked company Macbridge.

Despite the allegations, no direct transactions were found between 17 Black and offshore firms owned by Schembri or Mizzi. Fenech’s lawyers attempted to dismiss the case, but the magistrate rejected the request.

Defence lawyers also challenged forensic experts’ findings and opposed an asset freeze sought by prosecutors.

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Local Young athletes Set New Records In Early Season Meets

Feb 5 2025 Share

The first major event of the season, the Winter Championships is set to take place this Saturday, 8th February at the Athletics Stadium in Marsa.

As the Maltese Athletics season heats up for the upcoming season, two competitive meetings have set the stage already.

Young athletes seized the opportunity to showcase their talent, breaking several records in their age categories. In some cases, they even outperformed more seasoned competitors, confirming a promising season ahead.

The men’s 60m sprint brought excitement over two weekends, showcasing fierce competition and record-breaking performances. In the first race, Jacob El Aida Chaffey (Zurrieq) claimed victory in 6.94s, followed by Luke Bezzina (Pembroke) at 7.15s. Luca Gerada (Rush AC) secured third in 7.18s, matching the U18 record. A week later, Pembroke’s Beppe Grillo stormed to victory in 6.84s, edging out Chaffey by 0.14s. Young talent Jacques Borg impressed, taking third in 7.31s and equalling the U16 national record. The early-season races hint at an exciting year ahead for Maltese athletics.

In the 600m race, Isaac Bonnici showcased impressive progress, winning in 1:20.08. The Rush AC athlete set the only senior record across both meetings while also claiming the Under 20 and Under 23 records.

Among the women’s 60m sprint, overcoming experienced Pembroke rivals to take victory in 7.70s, Thea Parnis Coleiro (Rush AC) delivered a standout performance. She finished ahead of Alessia Cristina (7.97s) and Rebecca Sare (8.06s). Parnis Coleiro’s impressive run not only secured her the top spot but also earned her a place in the record books, setting new national marks in both the Under 18 and Under 20 categories. Her early-season success highlights her potential as one of Malta’s rising sprint stars.

A national best, for the 60m hurdles, Kayleigh Anne Ellul (Rush AC) delivered a stellar performance, clocking 9.60s to set a national best in both the Under 16 and Under 18 categories. These achievements highlight the rising talent in Maltese athletics as young athletes continue to push boundaries early in the season.

The 1000m races saw impressive performances, with Michael Debattista Segond (Pembroke) and Mireya Bugeja (Zurrieq) continuing their strong season. Debattista Segond secured victory in 2:31.90, while Bugeja finished in 2:53.97, both setting new Under 20 records.

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Regeneration Project In Ta’ Giorni Social Housing Area

Regeneration Project In Ta' Giorni Social Housing Area
Feb 5 2025 Share

Minister for Social and Affordable Housing, Roderick Galdes, visited the Ta’ Giorni social housing area to review a recently completed regeneration project.

With an investment of approximately €250,000, the initiative focused on refurbishing the façades of social housing blocks and renovating the roof of one building.

The project encompassed five apartment blocks, directly benefiting 66 families. During his visit, Minister Galdes emphasised the government’s commitment to upgrading social housing areas, ensuring residents enjoy a better environment and an improved quality of life.

“This project reflects our dedication to enhancing the living conditions of those in social housing. The transformation taking place is bringing tangible improvements to residents’ daily lives and reinforcing their sense of dignity,” he stated.

Expressing his satisfaction, Minister Galdes highlighted the project’s positive impact.

“While enhancing the appearance of these buildings is important, the real achievement lies in the difference we are making in the lives of the people who call this community home,” he concluded.

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Sustainable Development Awareness Through Football For Students

Sustainable Development Awareness Through Football For Students
Feb 5 2025 Share

The first edition of the Football for the Goals initiative, designed to educate schoolchildren about the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), has successfully wrapped up.

A collaboration between the Government and the Inħobb il-Futbol Foundation, the program leverages football’s widespread appeal to encourage sustainability efforts among young students.

Minister for the Environment, Energy, and Public Cleanliness, Miriam Dalli, emphasised the importance of education in driving sustainable development.

She highlighted the role of teachers in equipping students with the knowledge and skills needed to address global challenges like climate change and social inequality.

Schools participating in the initiative were encouraged to act as sustainability ambassadors by integrating eco-friendly practices and advocating for sustainable development.

Adopted in 2015, the 17 SDGs cover key areas such as health, education, innovation, and climate action.

Football for the Goals aligns with a broader United Nations effort to engage football organisations and players in promoting these goals.

Minister Dalli underscored football’s unique influence, stating that its universal accessibility makes it an ideal platform for spreading awareness.

By integrating sustainability into everyday activities, both in schools and beyond, the initiative aims to inspire long-term positive change within the community.

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