What we know about the MCAST lecturer ‘sex and alcohol’ scandal

May 31 2022

An inquiry was penned in 2019 which revealed that a clique of staff committed sexual misconduct in front of students with disabilities. The unethical behaviour was carried out during weekend live-ins during the Pathway Programme.

The clique was made up of four people, with one being the coordinator of the programme. The inquiry was written in 2019 but only published during a recent defamation case.

Former MCAST head claimed that the then-president and principal were aware of allegations. The inquiry claimed that lecturers stood naked meters away from students, drank alcohol and conducted sexual activities.

The clique was ‘allowed to perpetuate a state of terror, bullying, authoritarian behaviour, and intimidation against lecturers and other MCAST staff.’ ‘Some even interfered and discouraged staff members in their religious practice, and they removed the crucifixes from some of the MCAST halls without any authority and refused to put them back in place.’

However, former principal Stephen Cachia said in his right of reply to The Malta Independent that: ‘Inappropriate behaviour by some lecturers was reported but this was not in the presence of students and no students were involved. Two lecturers were issued with written warnings.’

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Active Ageing minister celebrates centenarian’s 100th birthday at elderly home

May 31 2022

Posting to social media, Active Ageing Minister Jo Etienne Abela celebrated the 100th birthday of recently turned centenarian Maria at her elderly home.

The minister visited the pensioner at her residence in Casa Marija in Sliema, where a little party was thrown for her along with her other friends in the home. The minister also gifted Maria some flowers to mark the special occasion.

The minister highlighted the care and love the pensioners, including Maria, received at the home.

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832 irregular migrants arrived in Malta by boat in 2021

May 31 2022

Data tabled in parliament this Monday showed that 832 irregular migrants arrived in Malta by boat last year.

Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement Byron Camilleri tabled the news in parliament in a response to a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Rebekah Cilia.

More somber statistics showed that 1,971 died or disappeared in the Mediterranean in 2021, with at least 23,000 over the past decade. This was revealed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees earlier this year.

The authority remarked how despite the Mediterranean being one of the world’s deadliest routes for migration, Maltese authorities are looking away from their duties to protect the lives of asylum seekers.

This follows a boatload of 450 migrants at sea being refused a rescue coordination by Malta. The UNHCR also revealed that Malta has only taken one asylum seeker in 2022.

This news follows the appeals made by Pope Francis during his visit in Malta. During his visit, the Pope had urged the Maltese to welcome migrants and not treat them like statistics.

However, Malta deported a record number of migrants last year. This was also revealed by Minister Camilleri, who had said that the government’s politics is ‘clear’ in that they are fair with those with ‘genuine requests for asylum but hard on abusers.’

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Meet Pebbles: the world’s oldest living dog at 22-years-old

May 31 2022

Toy fox terrier Pebbles has just been crowned the world’s oldest living dog by Guinness World Records on May 17th.

Pebbles has just turned 22 years and 50 days old, and has dethroned TobyKeith, a 21-year-old chihuahua from Florida as the oldest living dog. Pebbles was welcomed into the family of Bobby and Julie Gregory from South Carolina in 2000.

After the pair heard of TobyKeith, the pair reached out to Guinness World Record, figuring that Pebbles was likely older.

Despite her newfound fame, Pebbles’ life hasn’t changed much as she still spends her days sleeping in until five in the afternoon and, get this, listening to country music. Pebbles is also known for her cranky moods, but also loves warm baths, cuddling and cake.

Pebbles is also in excellent health, thanks to a diet catered to her physical needs and ageing. Her family loves her very, very much and treat her like another family member.

#MaltaDaily