During a television debate organized by the Broadcasting Authority, Dibattitu Politiku last Tuesday, it was implied that the Alternattiva Demokratika councillor in the Sannat Local Council was involved in the decision taken by the same Local Council to finance a LM300 catering course for the Council Secretary, this is an unfounded accusation which is not true. Read more...

On Sunday, the Bishop Emeritus of Gozo, Mgr Nikol Cauchi, was invested by Dr Alfred Caruana Galizia, Hospitalier of the Maltese Association of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta, as Cappellano Conventuale Gran Croce of the Order of Malta. Dr Caruana Galizia acted as delegate of the Prince and Grand Master of the Order, His Most Emininent Highness Fra Andrew Bertie, who officially resides in Rome. Read more...

The Gozo law courts are finally moving away from their lofty perch at the Citadel in Victoria. After many complaints about the lack of parking facilities at the 16th century citadel, the courts are to be transferred to Fortunato Mizzi Street, next to the new secondary boy's school in Victoria. Read more...

Alternattiva Demokratika notes again that the European ideals voted for by the majority of the Maltese people in the EU accession referendum are once again being ignored by the government. EU rules are being ignored when it comes to emissions from Malta's power plants, in the extension of the development boundaries exercise and now we have a confirmation that they will continue to be ignored with the government's blessing as regards spring hunting. Ralph Cassar, AD spokesperson for Environment and Energy said "The government has once again given in to a few people who think they can do as they please. Instead of implementing EU law regarding hunting and giving the Maltese countryside back to the people, the Nationalist Government, scared stiff of losing votes, is risking stiff fines imposed by the EU. These fines will be paid out of everybody's taxes." Read more...

The Raymond Mercieca sports complex was inaugurated in Kercem on Sunday by Ministers Dolores Cristina and Giovanna Debono. The complex is equipped with a football ground, a football club, futsal pitch, tennis court amongst others. On the occasion of the inauguration of the complex, Minister Cristina said that the joint project between the Kercem local council and the Ministry for Gozo is another example of the holistic vision of the government, whereby it seeks to create a nice environment for all members of the family and for all the generations. Read more...

Vodafone has launched Happy Weekends, whereby prepaid customers can now talk more to other Vodafone subscribers during the weekend period stipulated in the offer. Happy Weekends start on Fridays at midnight and end on Sundays at midnight. Customers can choose the one weekend option, pay Lm0.75c and get the next weekend with unlimited calls or they can choose the four weekends option and pay Lm2 to get unlimited calls for four consecutive weekends. The options become applicable from the weekend following subscription. Read more...

Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi, Investments Minister Austin Gatt and Gozo Minister Giovanna Debono, met over the weekend to launch three new schemes aimed at creating more jobs in Gozo. Firstly they announced a revision of the Cottage Industry Rules so that part-time skilled workers who earn Lm5,000 or less a year will become VAT-exempt. Read more...

Over four hundred children residing in various Church homes around Gozo and Malta or who are in the care of various organisations enjoyed a great carnival party at the Dolmen Hotel last week, organised by the HSBC Cares For Children Fund. This year's party featured excellent entertainment with clowns, magicians, stilt walkers, and an interactive puppet show. Read more...

Archbishop Mons Paul Cremona paid his first official visit to the Gozo Diocese yesterday. He spent the morning, together with Bishop Mons Mario Grech, Bishop Emeritus Mons Nichol Cauchi and other Gozitan clergy, praying at the Chapel of Raghaj it-Tajjeb tac-Cawla. The Archbishop then shared lunch with those present. In the evening the Archbishop celebrated a Solemn Pontifical Mass at the Cathedral, together with Bishop Mons Mario Grech, Bishop Emeritus Mons Nichol Cauchi and other Gozitan clergy. Read more...

The choice of the Christian Dear sons and daughters who have been entrusted to my leadership as your Archbishop. I wish to share with you those values which I feel are the most important for our times, and which are the result of our Faith in Jesus Christ. These have been passed on to us through the Church He established. We are at a moment when every Christian has to look for that which distinguishes him as a Christian, his Christian identity, on a personal basis. This is important because we have to live our faith in a world that sends messages different from those of our faith. Read more...