In the party's first reaction to the announcement of new energy and water tariffs introduced with effect from October 1, 2008 Ralph Cassar, Alternattiva Demokratika spokeperson on energy, industry and transport, said. "The long term neglect of the energy and water sectors has led to these quick measures - a textbook example of 'calculator politics'. Dividing the total costs over all accounts is a simplistic way out. Alternattiva Demokratika will examine the new tariffs in detail and come out with a detailed position in a week's time." Arnold Cassola, AD chairperson added, "At first glance the proposed rebates seem negligible for the average Maltese family, when compared to the hefty rise in bills. The principle of gradual ... Read more...

Following last Wednesday's presentation by Government of the proposed new water and electricity tariffs during an MCESD meeting, The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) Council is calling an extraordinary general meeting next Tuesday morning to discuss the stand Hoteliers and restauranteurs will be taking in this regard. MHRA is very much disappointed with the lack of consultation on this issue and surprised with Government's declared stance on the matter. Government always indicated that the system previously in place would be retained and never discussed the matter with the constituted bodies in order to try and find an acceptable way forward that does ... Read more...

Millions of women throughout Europe will be entitled to longer and better maternity leave under proposals unveiled today by the European Commission. A separate proposal would also improve the situation of self-employed women by providing equivalent access to maternity leave, on a voluntary basis. The two initiatives form part of a package of measures to improve work-life balance for all Europeans - both women and men. They aim to update and improve existing EU legislation and will now be sent to the European Parliament and national governments for discussion. Meanwhile, the European social partners have launched negotiations to improve other forms of family leave, such as parental leave. "Juggling work, family and private life is a huge challenge for millions ... Read more...

Suspended jail sentence and €93,174.94 fine for illegal extension of quarry in Kercem - The Chief Justice Vincent De Gaetano in a Court of Appeal sitting, confirmed the judgment of the Court of Magistrates (Gozo) and fined Mr. Carmel Cauchi and Mr. Michael Cauchi €93,174.94 and handed them both out a six months jail sentence suspended for one year, for breaching an enforcement notice issued by the Malta Planning & Environment Authority (MEPA). The case relates to the illegal extension and of a soft stone quarry in the area known as Habel Lazz and the dumping of construction material without the necessary MEPA permits. Subsequently the Authority had issued a stop and enforcement notice ECF 00463/98, requesting the quarry owners to ... Read more...

The status of "Special Designated Area" was recently awarded to the prestigious Kempinski Private Residences, San Lawrenz in Gozo. Designed and developed by the Baldacchino Group of Companies, the Private Residences are going to be managed by luxury hotel group Kempinski, which has also been operating the adjacent Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz for the past 7 years. "Kempinski is delighted to add these luxury residences to its portfolio of properties," stated Noel Attard, the resort's newly appointed General Manager, "which is evidence for the group's commitment to Gozo and further strengthens Kempinski's ties with the Maltese Islands." Moreover, the addition of these fully serviced homes - the ... Read more...

Since the end of Raptor Camp on the 28th September BirdLife Malta has received 9 shot protected birds. This brings the total number of birds recovered by the organisation since the 17th September up to 30. Two of these birds are Marsh Harriers recovered by BirdLife Malta staff from the woodland area of Mizieb. Mizieb is one of the most important roosting sites in Malta, with large numbers of Raptors roosting there during the autumn migration. BirdLife Malta staff also observed a Black Stork being shot at 30 times near Dwejra (in the same area where one Black Stork was killed last week) and received a report of ... Read more...

Heritage Malta will be playing a leading role during the Notte Bianca to be held in Valletta this coming weekend. For this occasion the Heritage Malta museums in Valletta will be open free of charge and several events will be organized in the Museums and other venues. The Tal-Pilar Church in West Street, which is usually not open to the public and which has recently been entrusted to Heritage Malta, will be open to visitors who will have an opportunity to see an exhibition of ecclesiastical silver from the National Collection. Another exhibition entitled "Views from Gozo" will be on view at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This exhibition consists of paintings of Gozo by ... Read more...

Part of a wall in one of the apses of the Tarxien Temples collapsed during the heavy rains that fell during the early hours of last Wednesday. The area affected is a dry-stone wall built by Themistocles Zammit during the second decade of the twentieth century, in order to help define and preserve the form of the prehistoric structure. Circa ten of the dry-stone blocks forming the southwest apse of the South Temple have fallen out of place. Some blocks in the outer dry-stone wall of the same area were also dislodged. Heritage Malta has reported the collapse to the Superintendent of Cultural Heritage, and will be preparing and ... Read more...

The photograph shows Marija Saliba and her family in Xewkija who, together with the Minister for Gozo, Giovanna Debono, recently celebrated Mrs Saliba's 100th Birthday with a special mass which was led by the Bishop of Gozo. Marija had five children from her marriage to her late husband Joseph. Her family has now grown to eight grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren who were all present to celebrate her birthday at the special mass. The mass was celebrated by the Bishop of Gozo, Mgr Mario Grech, together with Rev. Mgr Carmel Mercieca, Archpriest of Xewkija and Mgr. Saviour Muscat, Archpriest of Nadur.