Three Rehabilitated Turtles Released Back At Ramla Bay

Sep 2 2024

This past weekend was a great one for turtles, as three rehabilitated turtles – named Jaxon, Carla and Fortythree – were released back into the sea at Ramla Bay.

The turtles had a successful rehabilitation at the Xrobb L-Għaġin Nature Park and Wildlife Rehab Centre.

Following the releases, Nature Trust excavated the recently hatched turtle nest following the 3rd night of hatching.

Upon inspection, 12 live turtles were found, with 11 of them being released back into the sea after some hydration. The remaining one was found with a birth defect on one of its front flippers.

The little one has been taken to the rehab centre to check if it can adapt and learn to swim, as well as hunt, with the deformity.

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Maltese Man Buys A French Mare For €740,000

Sep 1 2024

Steve Farrugia, a 46-year-old businessman from Msida, has made history by purchasing the French mare Nodessa Josselyn for an astounding €740,000 at the Argana Yearling Sales auction in Deauville, France. This acquisition makes Farrugia the Maltese national who has paid the most for a trotting horse, and it marks the highest price ever paid for a yearling trotter in Europe.

The deal was finalized by Farrugia’s representatives, Christophe and Vincent Martens, and highlights Nodessa Josselyn’s prestigious lineage. The mare is the offspring of the renowned Ready Cash, a two-time Prix D’Amerique champion (2011 and 2012), and Bellina Josselyn, who claimed victory in the 2019 edition of the same prestigious race.

Ready Cash enjoyed a stellar career, winning 40 of his 70 races and amassing earnings of €4,282,300, while Bellina Josselyn earned €2,686,170.

Although Farrugia owns several horses, Nodessa Josselyn will remain in France to compete internationally, particularly on the French racing circuit, and will not race in Malta.

This record-breaking purchase further solidifies Farrugia’s presence in the world of high-stakes horse racing.

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Michael Piccinino To Step Down As PN Secretary For Election Run

Sep 1 2024

Michael Piccinino, PN general secretary, will step down from his role to run in the upcoming general election. The 29-year-old lawyer, who was elected to the position in 2021, has agreed to step aside to allow his successor sufficient time to adjust before the election.

Piccinino stated: “I believe it is time to focus on the next step.” He added that a process to appoint a new general secretary would begin soon.

Although stepping down was a difficult decision, Piccinino emphasized the importance of giving his successor time to settle in before the election. He has been credited with driving a resurgence in PN’s fortunes, narrowing the vote gap with Labour in the 2024 MEP elections and securing key wins in local council elections.

Sources say Piccinino, from Paola, is expected to contest the Labour-leaning fourth district. The PN will unveil its first general election candidates during Independence Day celebrations, with Piccinino likely among them.

The general secretary role, which oversees day-to-day operations and strategy, will be filled through an internal party election.

Overcrowded Rental Properties Addressed in New Maltese Legislation

Sep 1 2024

The Maltese government has recently implemented several amendments to the Private Residential Leases Act, aiming to ensure greater dignity and stability within the private rental market.

Key changes in the legislation include measures to address overcrowding in rented properties, particularly in shared accommodations. The government now regulates the maximum number of residents per property based on the landlord’s declaration during contract registration. For instance, properties with more than three bedrooms are subject to specific occupancy limits to prevent overcrowding.

Another important amendment extends the registration period for rental agreements from 10 days to 30 days, allowing for a more streamlined online process. Additionally, the law now requires that any lease agreement, whether renewed expressly or tacitly, remains binding for a mandatory period, ensuring stability for tenants.

The amendments also enhance administrative procedures, giving the Housing Authority additional tools to enforce these legislative changes and reduce abuses in the rental market. The Compliance Unit within the Housing Authority will be strengthened to oversee these matters effectively.

Moreover, the enforcement process has been bolstered, with the Housing Authority empowered to administer penalties for breaches of the Act. Offenders who fail to pay administrative fines within 21 days may face criminal charges, with penalties reaching up to €10,000.

To improve dispute resolution, the Arbitration Panel’s competence has been expanded, enabling it to handle disputes related to private residential leases more efficiently. The government also aims to enhance the registry of landlords and tenants who fail to honour the decisions of the Arbitration Panel or the Court, ensuring greater accountability within the sector.

Lastly, the process of inventorying rented properties has been refined, requiring mutual consent between landlords and tenants, and utilising photographic evidence to document the state of the property.

These legislative changes mark a significant step toward a more regulated and fair rental market in Malta, attempting to safeguard the rights of both landlords and tenants.