He robbed me of my life savings

Transcription

1 maltatoday SUNDAY 17 OCTOBER 2010 ISSUE 571 PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY AND SUNDAY 1.00 He robbed me of my life savings The man who beat up Patrick Spiteri speaks out Patrick Spiteri: the lawyer who partnered up and employed prominent people from the judiciary and both sides of the political divide, included Labour MP Charles Mangion, former judge Godwin Muscat Azzopardi, former Nationalist MP Noel Buttigieg Scicluna, former PL president Mario Vella and publicist Daphne Caruana Galizia Page 8 A six page news feature on Malta s most burning issue Pg 10 I never imposed any deadlines JPO Pg 11 So near and yet so far Pg 12, 13 MaltaToday s divorce analysis Pg 14, 15 Andre Camilleri interviewed DIVORCE & CONSCIENCE Get Smart: long term Maltese residents will have to learn all about SmartCity! Page 2 Page 7 The curious exit of Stefan Zrinzo s father from the PL Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi s father is a former Nationalist militant who is mistrusted by Joseph Muscat s inner circle OPINION Insha Allah Saviour Balzan pg17,18 Epitaph on a certainty Raphael Vassallo pg19 On abused children Claudine Cassar pg20 Inclusion for the disabled Evarist Bartolo pg Newspaper post

2 2 News Zrinzo decides to call it a day after altercation with fellow party member Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi embarrassed by his father s outspokenness JOE Zrinzo, secretary of the PL s Twelfth District Committee, has informed party leader Joseph Muscat that he has decided not to contest again for a post in the district committee, and that he is going to devote himself to other activities. A party spokesman told MaltaToday last night that Zrinzo did not resign his post, nor from the party, while stopping short of explaining what led to his decision not to contest again for a post in the district committee. Joe Zrinzo is the father of PL President Stefan Zrinzo, and reportedly missed the last PL Executive Committee meeting that was held at the party headquarters on September 28. His father has on several occasions embarrassed his son with his outspoken comments and criticism of the party s leadership. Contacted yesterday, Joe Zrinzo refused to give his comments about his motives not to contest again for a post on the district committee, stressing that whatever happens inside the party is nobody s concern. Informed sources said that Joe Zrinzo demanded a formal apology from Naxxar PL Councillor Marlon Brincat, who allegedly was involved in a verbal outburst with him. Zrinzo took offence at what Brincat said and reportedly demanded the party take disciplinary action against him. Brincat had reacted to Zrinzo s continuous taunts about Alfred Sant s leadership and had simply had enough, party sources told MaltaToday. He minimised the incident in his few comments to MaltaToday, insisting that there was no blood was shed. In 2005, Joe Zrinzo was suspended by the PL Vigilance Board. A letter written by the then MLP secretary-general Jason Micallef informed the party leadership, the national executive, deputy general secretaries and the secretaries of Stefan Zrinzo s father has on several occasions embarrassed him because of his outspoken comments MLP clubs at Mellieha, Mgarr, Naxxar, St Paul s Bay and Gharghur that Joe Zrinzo had been suspended from any party activity with immediate effect. In his letter, Micallef informed them that Joe Zrinzo was also being suspended from the national party executive until his case was investigated by the vigilance board. Micallef said the board was investigating allegations that Joe Zrinzo, together with another person, identified as Steve Mc Carthy, had instigated George Vella to undermine the party leader. The allegations about Joe Zrinzo and Steve McCarthy, then chairman of the GWU-owned Union Print, were initially made by former MLP president Manwel Cuschieri, who on Super One radio spoke of two people with foreign sounding surnames, who had offered George Vella the party leadership. Vella had turned down the offer to serve as the party s new leader in Zrinzo, who was also a former activist of the Campaign for National Independence and ironically a former Nationalist party supporter, criticised Vella, who was entrusted with presenting the MLP s arguments in favour of the European Constitution. Known for his temperament, Vella had flared and walked out of a party meeting that discussed party s position on the European Constitution, where in an adjacent room he blew up in front of half a dozen delegates, including some high officials, and blurted out the details of the approach by Steve McCarthy and Joe Zrinzo. Jason Micallef, PL secretarygeneral at the time, had vehemently confronted Joe Zrinzo for his role in fomenting dissent and attacking party leader Alfred Sant.

3 News 3 Broiler chickens to get six hours of darkness JAMES DEBONO BWSC appeal to go ahead government THE government yesterday issued a rebuttal of claims made by Labour s planning spokesman Roderick Galdes, that the Prime Minister intended to interfere with an appeal before the board of the Malta Environment and Planning authority on the BWSC contract. The appeal was originally lodged by the Marsaxlokk local council. Galdes claimed that the Prime Minister had written to MEPA to apply a call-in procedure, enabling Cabinet to decide the matter. However, the Department of Information yesterday denying the allegation. The decision will still be taken by MEPA, but only after Cabinet submitted its own recommendations. A legal notice issued by the Ministry for Rural Affairs is set to put an end to the practice of depriving chickens of darkness to make them eat more and thus gain weight in a short period of time. A legal notice modeled on European Union animal welfare legislation states that lighting must follow a 24-hour rhythm and include periods of darkness lasting at least six hours in total, with at least one uninterrupted period of darkness of at least four hours, excluding dimming periods. According to the new regulations beak trimming has to be authorised by government officials and the procedure only performed if other measures to prevent feather pecking and cannibalism are exhausted. In such cases, it will proceed only after consultation and on the advice of a veterinarian and will be carried out by qualified staff on chickens that are less than 10 days old. Chickens that are seriously injured or show evident signs of health disorder, such as those having difficulties in walking or severe malformations, and are likely to suffer, must receive appropriate treatment or be culled immediately. According to the new rules all chickens shall have permanent access to dry litter. Ventilation will be sufficient to avoid overheating and, where necessary, in combination with heating systems to remove excessive moisture. To ensure enforcement of the new rules, government officials will be carrying out inspections to verify compliance with the requirements of these regulations. The Maltese authorities will have to submit an annual report to the EU accompanied by a list of the inspections done. The new regulations do not apply to egg-laying chicken, holdings with less than 20 chickens, free range and organically reared chickens. [email protected]

4 4 News Suspension of oil drilling: a last resort measure, says Maltese government JAMES DEBONO THE voluntary suspension in exploration drilling proposed by the European commission is only warranted as a measure of the last resort according to the Maltese government. The suspension of exploration drilling is justified when drilling takes place in complex operational, environmental and geological environments and where well control technology, safety and incident response mechanisms are not in place, a spokesperson for George Pullicino s Ministry for Resources told MaltaToday. The spokesperson was replying to MaltaToday s question on the Maltese government s stand on the European Commission call for a voluntary suspension of new permits for oil drilling until new safety rules come in to force. In an official communication issued on Wednesday the European Commission called upon the member states to review all complex oil or gas exploration operations. While stating that any decision to suspend offshore drilling is left to the discretion of member states the commission reiterated its call upon the Member states to rigorously apply a precautionary approach in the licensing of new complex oil or gas exploration operations and to examine whether a suspension of such licensing is needed until the European offshore regimes have been assessed in light of the Deepwater Horizon incident. The Ministry s spokesperson insisted that that any decision to suspend offshore drilling is left to the discretion of member states. Malta is in agreement with the principles enshrined by the commission, in particular with the application of the precautionary approach in the licensing of new complex oil and gas operations, the government spokesperson told MaltaToday. When asked about whether the optional moratorium proposed by Brussels would have any impact on Malta s oil exploration operations, sources in the European Commission confirmed that it is entirely up to Malta to heed the Commission s call for a voluntary suspension of new permits for oil drilling. But Malta s precarious condition with regards to its dependency on sea water for its drinking water supply should ring alarm bells of Maltese government. [email protected] Internet gamblers most likely to have problems, study shows JAMES DEBONO THE internet gambler who uses multiple substances and spends more than 10 a month on gambling is at the greatest risk of gambling problems. This emerges from a thesis based on a highly representative sample of 792 university students who replied to an unanimous questionnaire. In her study, psychology student Michelle Sammut concludes that 0.8% and 0.9% of University s student population are problematic gamblers. This indicates that up to 85 students may have severe gambling problems. This figure was found to be relatively high when compared against the average amount of past year problem gamblers in the general population in other European countries. The study showed that students who use internet gambling frequently are more likely to have gambling problems than respondents who never gamble on the online. When internet gamblers were asked for the reasons why they opted for an online outlet to gamble, the most popular answers were ease of access (at 20%), convenience (19%), 24-hour availability (16%) and comfort (15%). Males, substance users, and students who that spend substantial amounts on gambling were found to be at a greater risk for problem gambling. The survey shows that the more substance abuse habits (namely smoking, alcohol and illicit drugs) the students have, the greater the amount or degree of gambling problems that they are likely to suffer. Students with two or three habits were found to be more likely to have gambling problems. This strongly suggests that the psychological and biochemical roots for substance use and gambling behaviours are similar or linked. Approximately 30% of alcohol users also use alcohol while gambling. Similarly, 37% of smokers also smoke while gambling. A large proportion of the participants stated that they never engage in gaming except for playing lotteries or scratch cards, in which 67% of students have participated at least once. After lotteries, machine gambling and gambling on card games were the most popular types of gambling, with about 30% of the participants having tried them. Very few of the participants bet on animals and only about 10% of the participants have used the internet to gamble. Overall, students showed a predominantly negative view of gambling, with 55% of respondents having a mildly negative view, and 11% having a very negative one. 30% of the sample had a neutral attitude towards gambling while only 4% of respondents had a more positive attitude towards gambling. Most of the respondents spend very little on gambling every month; almost 90% spend less than 5 a week, about 5% spend five to 10 a month and the remaining 5% spend more than this.

5 DIVORCE & CONSCIENCE KARL STAGNO-NAVARRA THE month of January was never an issue. The good news is that Parliament will debate the introduction of divorce next year, and to the Prime Minister s credit, he actually allowed an MP to announce it. It took almost four days for the dust to settle over Malta- Today.com.mt s filmed interview with PN MP Pullicino Orlando, who announced, after getting the Prime Minister s consent to do so, that a parliamentary debate and referendum on divorce will be held next year. The announcement came in the wake of a meeting held last Monday between the PN MP, Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi and Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg, who is also Leader of the House. But shortly after this statement, all was good about the debate being held next year, but questions were raised as the Prime Minister snubbed a One News journalist when asked to confirm if a referendum on divorce was to be called next year. No was the Prime Minister s stern reply, as he walked into Parliament on Wednesday night, while other media chased him to get a better comment. If no complications arise I think next year we can start the discussion in Parliament with respect to the bill, because I do believe that the bill presented by a private member of the House needs to be discussed. So next year we will go through this discussion. We ll see what happens in Parliament because I don t want anyone to jump the gun, and I don t want anyone to start talking about referenda and all this because there is a parliamentary process that needs to go ahead with respect to every MP who will be given the opportunity to speak. And then, the end result of all of this will be decided at the appropriate time, but I think as Prime Minister and as leader of my Party it is only correct to insist that the final decision on how to conclude this issue must be taken after Members of Parliament have expressed themselves. So that is the position the Prime Minister said. But Lawrence Gonzi also added that he met Pullicino Orlando because Jeffrey had said in public that he wanted this bill to pass from Parliament by the end of this year, and that was not acceptable to me. We spoke and I said we are carrying on with the discussion within the party. There s still more meetings to be held at the level of the party which will help us to come to some sort of a solution. But did Pullicino Orlando actually say that he wanted to pass the bill by the end of the year? Not quite. And this is where the month of January made it to the headlines, almost diverting the attention from the real news of the day. Pullicino Orlando explained, back in July and shortly after presenting his Private Member s Bill, that we should be prepared to discuss this bill in Parliament by January. Speaking to MaltaToday, the PN MP went on to explain that he had mentioned January, specifically to put all PN supporters and my constituents minds at rest that I never had any intention to tie my bill to any possible blackmail from my part, when it comes to voting on money bills related to the budget. I gave the same explanation to the Prime Minister during a very cordial and frank meeting I had with him at his office about the subject on 28 July. I also explained this particular point to the Leader of the House and Deputy Prime Minister Tonio Borg and to the Executive Committee of my party during a meeting held on the September 30. In his interview with Malta- Today.com.mt, Pullicino Orlando goes on to reveal that he made sure to mention the January issue because he was encouraged to do so both by the Deputy Prime Minister and the Prime Minister last Monday. I was told to do so to set everyone s mind at rest that I was not exerting any undue pressure and I gave both of them my word that I would, he said. Pullicino Orlando is unfazed by the controversy, and goes on to stress his satisfaction that OPM is confirming that the Prime Minister feels that we should start discussing the Bill in Parliament sometime next year. OPM is reconfirming that, once the discussion is completed, the Prime Minister feels that the final decision should be taken by the electorate since there is no mandate for the introduction of divorce. I have stated that I fully agree with him about this point publicly on a number of occasions, Pullicino Orlando said. In his interview with Malta- Today.com.mt, Pullicino Orlando spoke about his meetings with the Prime Minister, the Deputy Prime Minister, Never mind Ja Speaker Michael Frendo, Professor Ian Refalo as legal consultant of the House, and the Clerk of the House Pauline Abela. In the wake of the announced understanding that a parliamentary debate on divorce will be held next year, Pullicino Orlando says it is entirely in the Prime Minister s discretion to propose the Bill s First Reading, and then the House will move on to the Second Reading, where I have already stressed on my wish to have an active debate, allowing all my fellow MPs who feel they could give their input, perhaps make it even better than I have in fact presented it. I admit, I do not have any legal background, and so if this bill could be improved, I will be more than happy to see it so. After that, I will seek agreement to forward the bill for a referendum, and subsequently automatically have it approved during the Third Reading, after the referendum. But what are Pullicino Orlando s red lines when it comes to amending his proposed bill? There are no red lines in this. I welcome any possible changes that could make the law more adaptable to Mal-

6 News 11 nuary So near and yet so far tese society, and strengthen its intentions, which is not to facilitate marriage breakdowns, but to strengthen the institution of marriage and to offer an alternative for cohabiting couples, and who wish to formalise their relationship, after their first marriage had failed irremediably. The PN MP explains that his bill is based on the Irish model, and revolves around three main points. Firstly, for someone to file for divorce, he or she must have lived apart from the spouse for four out of the last five years, and that the lawyer engaged must certify that all means to reconcile have been exhausted, and that before deciding on any divorce application, the presiding magistrate would take all the necessary provisions for the upkeep of any dependent persons, in particular children and the former spouse that would have remained home to take care of the children. But how does Pullicino Orlando reconcile his bill, which calls for the introduction for divorce, with government s imminent publication of a law that provides for cohabiting couples? A law on cohabitation is good because you will still find couples who choose not to marry and still live together, not to also mention gay couples. This provides for a certain formalisation of an established couple living together. But to promote cohabitation as the alternative for divorce is not something any legislator should even consider. With divorce, cohabiting couples may formalise their relationship through a contract, and this is through marriage. It s not just a case of social justice, but for the State, it is always better to recognise married couples rather than cohabiting couples, rubbing deeper the slang Maltese saying: pogguti (sitting pretty). The reasons are various and obvious. Pullicino Orlando is proposing a law, and has presented a Private Member s Bill, so technically this is a parliamentary affair. What has happened beyond the internal political debate? I informed Speaker Michael Frendo soon after I presented the Bill, and after meeting him to seek his guidance on the way forward, he suggested I meet with Professor Ian Refalo who is legal consultant to the House of Representatives, which I did, and also with the Clerk of the House Pauline Abela. Regarding procedure, Pullicino Orlando explains that it is now at the Prime Minister s discretion to decide on the day the Bill will receive its First Reading, and then move on to the debate stage at Second Reading. A referendum will follow and then, according to what the people s verdict would be, the House would move on to the Third Reading, that would either approve or reject the law. I wish to clarify that January was never an ultimatum, as some may have wanted to suggest. It was never the case... As a date, I leave it entirely up to the Prime Minister, in collaboration with the Leader of the House to decide. Certainly parliament has its agenda, there are other bills that need to be discussed, so it is entirely up to him for the date and timeline. But he [the PM] clearly showed me that his wish is to have a debate in parliament next year, and move on to hold a referendum that would get the Maltese people to approve or reject it. Is JPO satisfied with this? I leave it entirely up to him. Meanwhile, opinion survey results published by Malta- Today and subsequently vindicated by other organisations show a clear majority in favour of Pullicino Orlando s proposal. It is interesting to note however, that while the Prime Minister has already expressed himself against the introduction of divorce, there is a growing majority in favour of his bill among the PN voting base. What does this mean? This subject is an emotional, but also a very sensitive one. And this is why I agreed with the Prime Minister that this issue must engage the electorate to approve or reject. The public s pulse is showing that it is understanding that the bill I am proposing intends to formalise couples who currently cohabit, and whose first relationship through marriage has irrevocably broken down. I believe that the people are understanding that if this law is not approved, our country could be heading towards a chaotic situation. I refer you to a recent study conducted by the Discern Institute that was commissioned by the Church. This study showed that if everything remained as it is, 35,000 people would be single again or would be cohabiting by I do not believe it to be wise if we encourage 35,000 individuals not to formalise their status and remarry. Is Pullicino Orlando satisfied with the way the church is approaching the divorce debate? Not to mention Judicial Vicar Mgr. Arthur Said Pullicino s homily, who declared that whoever cooperated in divorce proceedings would be committing a sin? Mgr Said Pullicino s comments are not even in line with the Curia s feeling. The Archbishop is being cautious and very correct in how he is approaching the debate, and has stressed that he will not be leading any cruades against this bill. There has also been a statement issued by prominent priests and theologians this week, who emphasised the Church s Cathecism, which is entirely to the individual s conscience when deciding what to do. Pullicino Orlando s bill is modeled on the Irish divorce legislation, and he has repeatedly mentioned the Irish Church example when discussing approach, why? I modeled the bill on the Irish law mainly for the social similarities that exist between the Irish and the Maltese societies, most importantly their strong Catholic background. Also because the Irish approved a divorce law recently, which was designed by taking into consideration other divorce laws. So as conservative as it is, it does social justice and regularises chaotic situations. DIVORCE has been a topic of intense discussion for years, but it was only in the past five days that matters seemed to finally come to a head. Emerging from a private colloquy with the Prime Minister last Monday, Nationalist MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando whose private member s bill kick-started the debate in earnest last July hinted that some form of agreement had been reached at last: if not on the issue itself, at least on the manner (and timeframe) of how it should be settled. Pullicino Orlando appeared to suggest that a referendum on the issue would be scheduled at some point next year; ideally, after a second reading of his bill in Parliament. But while this statement seemed to herald an immediate start to campaigning on both sides of the divide, Dr Gonzi was quick to pour cold water on the flames of speculation: informing the media that no deadlines had as yet been established, and giving the impression that A final decision (if any) may have to wait a good deal longer. The dilemma faced by Dr Gonzi is in fact the subject of a two-page analysis (12-13) by veteran MediaToday journalist James Debono, exploring the complex choices facing a Prime Minister who has already painted himself into an awkward corner declaring his own opposition to divorce, at a time when various surveys indicate a growing pro-divorce majority cutting across party lines. Equally awkward is the situation facing Opposition leader Joseph Muscat, who has seen the carpet swept from under his feet after having announced his own plans to submit a private member s bill (to be put to a free vote in parliament) if elected Prime Minister in three years time. Also in our feature, the backbencher from Zebbug clarifies his position regarding Monday s meeting with Dr Gonzi (facing pages). There was never any specific talk of a January deadline, he tells Karl Stagno-Navarra; adding that for better or for worse (and possibly also in sickness and in health) a decision will now have to be taken sooner rather than later. Separately, we also look at the issue from a slightly less political angle, with columnist Raphael Vassallo interviewing Dr Andre Camilleri former chairman of the National Family Commission on how a self-avowed anti-divorce exponent views the entire controversy. Camilleri talks about the apparent dilemma faced by lay Catholics in the face of what appears to be a set of contrasting messages emanating from the Church, on an issue it has traditionally opposed. And echoing the Bishops views that any decision has to be taken with an informed conscience, Camilleri emphatically argues against any quickfix referendum claiming that it would be unfair to spring a referendum on an uninformed or misinformed voting public.

7 DIVORCE & CONSCIENCE The confusion over how the government intends to proceed with Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando s divorce bill is symptomatic of having a conservative Prime Minister opposed to divorce calling the shots of a debate whose final exit could be the approval of a law which he opposes. JAMES DEBONO reports IT was an ephemeral moment of sunshine as the thick clouds around Castille seemed to clear while a radiant Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando emerged from a meeting with the Prime Minister announcing a parliamentary debate on divorce, followed by a referendum (to be held some time next year), a full two years before the next election. But it took only a day for the nebulous confusion to transform into the shape of a puff of thick black smoke coming out of Castille as Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi made it clear that he will not accept any guillotines or temporal impositions whatsoever when dealing with the forthcoming divorce debate, reminding us all that he intends to call the shots of how the debate is to proceed. Admittedly, Pullicino Orlando might well have jumped the gun by announcing a road map for his proposed bill and the forthcoming referendum, a clear prerogative of the Prime Minister. But his rush to announce the good news also revealed a profound desire for clarity, perhaps to cast the PM s nebulous commitments in stone. Yet Pullicino Orlando s decision to go public seems to have had the opposite effect. Instead of a firm commitment with clear deadlines, we are faced with an official commitment to have the law discussed some time next year, and a reiteration of Gonzi s personal stance that the ultimate decision should be made by the people. This includes no firm commitment to hold the referendum before the next election. The passage of the divorce bill appears to be torturous and full of incognita, before the discussion has even started. Once again, an attempt to clear the air triggered more questions rather than answers. A procedural minefield In the absence of further surprises, we may well have Parliament commencing the debate on divorce without having any idea on where the discussion is headed. Will it be simply a series of talking shop discussions with no vote in sight, perhaps running parallel with the internal discussion in the Nationalist Party stretching right up to election year? Will it simply serve as a discussion on the wording of the question to be fielded in a forthcoming consultative referendum, which is the only one possible since the law does not envision a binding propositive referendum? Will a vote be taken on the divorce law after the full parliamentary procedure is completed before the referendum, thus raising the doubts expressed by President Emeritus Eddie Fenech Adami on whether the constitution allows a referendum on a law already approved by Parliament? Will substantial amendments altering the nature of the proposed law be presented to the proposed text before the law is either approved by parliament or through a referendum? To circumvent this procedural minefield, Pullicino Orlando is proposing that the law gets a first and second reading in Parliament before it is submitted to a referendum. In this way, the third and final reading and the crucial parliamentary vote will only take place after the referendum. This will probably entail a commitment by both parliamentary groups to respect the results of the referendum, which will not, in the end, be legally binding. If the referendum passes, MPs opposed to divorce on moral grounds would still face a moral dilemma, having to vote in favour of something which they oppose in principle in order to respect the mandate. Gonzi himself will face this dilemma. Pullicino Orlando s suggestion of having the law in an advanced second reading before the referendum would ensure that the electorate will be voting on a concrete legislative proposal rather than on some generic question on whether divorce should be introduced or not. This option could provide parliamentarians of both sides the opportunity to strengthen safeguards on the practical issues such alimony and children s rights. But it could also give them the opportunity to dilute the law, transforming the responsible Irish-style divorce proposed by Pullicino Orlando into chimera shape by the conservative instincts of the rejectionist camp in his party. But the rejectionist camp in the PN, perhaps with the complicity of hesitant Labour MPs, may well play a double game, opposing divorce in Black smoke f principle in the forthcoming referendum while making sure that the text of the proposed law will be a hard to get divorce. They may well find themselves in the comfortable position of not being the final arbiters of the law (leaving that to the people) while still using their prerogative as legislators to change its wording of the law. And even if Gonzi opts for the procedure proposed by Pullicino Orlado, that would still require parliament to approve a law enshrining the wording and mechanics of the referendum. Procedural hiccups may well stretch the debate till the next election, raising the prospect of its postponement either to after or on the same day of the election, thus giving Gonzi just enough space for political manoeuvre to keep liberals hopeful that divorce could still be introduced if Gonzi is re-elected in The only thing Gonzi cannot control are the numbers of his one-seat parliamentary

8 News 13 rom Castille majority. This could be the only reason why Pullicino Orlando was not ignored and divorce is on the agenda. But ultimately, Gonzi s fear of going down in history as the Prime Minister under whose reign divorce was introduced could make him procrastinate while keeping the debate dragging. Muscat s dilemma In view of the nebulous circumstances, it is perfectly understandable for Opposition leader Joseph Muscat not to make any commitments on the procedural aspect of the debate, on which he has no control and where the shots will be called by the Prime Minister. But his reluctance, on Bondiplus, to commit himself in favour of Pullicino Orlando s Pullicino Orlando s suggestion of having the law in an advanced second reading before the referendum would ensure that the electorate will be voting on a concrete legislative proposal rather than on some generic question bill, taking ages (in terms of television time) to re-affirm his stance in favour of a responsible divorce (although this was justified in view of the government s lack of clarity), gave an impression that Muscat s leadership on this issue is weak. What comes into question is Muscat s failure to commit his party in favour of the responsible divorce he is personally proposing and to energetically campaign for its introduction. In this way, he could set the red lines by his MPs, especially in view of possible amendments to the Pullicino Orlando bill aimed at splitting the opposition. And if the Prime Minister suddenly changes course, opting for a pre-election referendum, it is doubtful whether Muscat s personal stance will be enough to galvanise the full strength of the party s electoral machine. His reluctance to commit his party would leave Alternattiva Demokratika the only party to favour divorce on the eve of a referendum whose outcome depends on which side is better equipped to mobilise its supporters. One wonders how balanced the campaign will be if Labour, as an entity, remains non-committal, thus refraining from campaigning, considering the organisational strength and moral clout of those opposing divorce. For despite the declaration by influential priests and theologians that divorce is a matter of individual conscience, ultimately the church can rely on its organisational strength and influence. In fact, by refraining from draconian threats of eternal damnation, the church could be in a better position to exercise its soft power to influence consciences while still using informal networks to mobilise its full force on referendum day. For unlike telephone surveys where people express an opinion in the comfort of their armchairs, in a referendum people will be expected to actually go out and vote on an issue which, in the majority of cases, does not directly affect them. While opposing a referendum enjoying vast popular support according to all surveys conducted so far is not an option for Muscat, in the absence of a strong yes campaign, the risk of Gonzi having the last laugh on the matter remains a reality.

9 DIVORCE & CONSCIENCE May divorce ( It s been a confusing week on the divorce front, with mixed messages coming from both political and ecclesiastical quarters. Speaking as both a lay Catholic and former chairman of the National Family Commission the first to hold that post, in fact lawyer Dr Andre Camilleri urges more light, less heat in the ongoing debate RAPHAEL VASSALLO FAMILY matters are clearly important for Dr Andre Camilleri: who together with his wife Sonia (former Children s Commissioner) has been closely involved in Malta s family policy for years. When I lived in San Gwann, my wife and I were asked to participate in marriage preparation courses. It was a wonderful learning experience, highlighting so many issues in the daily lives of many Maltese couples. I also chaired for a while and then was a member of the National Family Commission, set up in But even before returning to Malta, my work experience in Holland, Brazil and South Korea, was also a personal eye-opener in the fragility of married and family life, especially in those cultures that have, over the years, devalued the commitment of a lifelong marriage. Looking back on these experiences, he talks in terms of a worrying movement away from traditional family values in all these countries. I am not saying that this cheapening of the marriage commitment is necessarily done intentionally, through specific government policies. But certain government policies, or the wrong messages and incentives, create an environment which is anti-family, at times anti-children. To give one example, in a US which now permits no-fault divorce in all states, a lifelong marriage commitment becomes almost a contradiction in terms. I confront Dr Camilleri with another example: that of Malta, where divorce is unobtainable from a local court. His own views in the matter are well-known, as he voiced his opinion against divorce often enough. But one question that is begging to be asked is whether one s own personal opinion on the matter should be reflected in a country s law at the expense of all others. At the risk of oversimplifying the issue, what is his view on where the law should stand? No matter how personally against divorce he may be as an individual: is this enough for divorce to remain illegal? You are correct in highlighting the risk of oversimplification in this debate. The issue is a very personal and sensitive one to those persons who are not happily married and would like to re-marry, but this is also an issue that affects not only these persons but all members of our community Camilleri alludes to an excerpt from the Civil Code ( not a Church statement, he insists) to the effect that the law promotes the unity and stability of the family. At this point, my personal view is that this unity and stability of the family in our nation is impacted more negatively by divorce and, consequently, I believe that it should not be part of our law. Malta is in fact one of only two countries where divorce is not part of the law. The other is the Philippines, which is debating the same issue even as we speak. So there is a very real chance that Malta may soon be the last country standing to lack divorce legislation. I ask him if this would this be a matter of pride for people who share his own views. As I tried to explain earlier, we should debate what is best for our country and our community now, and our hopes and ideals for its future. We have made some hard choices in the last 50 years as a nation, some of which have been very divisive, and have left GUT FEELINGS We risk becoming a nation that decides all issues on gut feelings and the political divide BETRAYED I feel betrayed by a member of parliament who springs a sensitive issue such as divorce on the voting public when no mention of it was made prior to the election deep marks on the psyche of a society which, in the main, considers itself Christian. My perception is that all those decisions pale in comparison to the one on divorce, which is why it troubles me to see so much debate and writings with very little scientific research and study. We risk becoming a nation that decides all issues on hunches, gut feelings, sympathy or the political divide. The legal provision which I quoted earlier, that The law promotes the unity and stability of the family, compels us to debate this issue in a more restrained and informed manner. Frankly, we need to see more light and less heat And yet, there seem to be mixed messages emanating from the Church on the subject of divorce. Recently we heard the Archbishop stress that there would be no crusades ; then we heard Mgr Anton Gouder say that parliamentarians who vote in favour if a divorce law would be committing a sin (a view that was subsequently moderated); and this week, Judicial Vicar Mgr Arthur Said Pullicino claimed that any who collaborated in the introduction and application of divorce could also be sinning. The latest position to emerge was a declaration by a number of theologians including Mgr Gouder to the effect that Catholics who vote in favour of divorce without informed and formed conscience may possibly be sinning. So what is a lay Catholic to make of all these various, apparently contradictory messages emanating from the same source? You must have come across the dictum that To one who has faith, no explanation is necessary. To one without faith, no explanation is possible. But on the subject of whether divorce is good or bad for our community, a committed Christian should seek to be informed. As a Christian, I was pleased to read the latest statement from Mgr Gouder, Professor Serracino Inglott and others. I am sure that all the signatories of this statement, as well as many other priests, are available to assist Christians seeking clarity on Church teachings in this area It seems, however, there is no shortage of messages trying to inform the public about divorce at the moment some would say influence or possibly even threaten. For instance, one recent billboard with the words Id-Divorzju Alla Ma Jridux (God does not want divorce), seems to have reawakened unpleasant memories of the turbulent 1960s which saw, among other things, the imposition of ecclesiastic sanctions on Labour Party voters. Is there a danger that the divorce debate might go down the same road? Or has the lie of the land changed to such an extent that it s no longer possible? Dr Camilleri replies by invoking an unlikely ally the notoriously anticlerical French thinker Voltaire. I may disagree with some of the headlines in your paper but, to paraphrase Voltaire, I will defend all the way your constitutional right to express your views. Why create such a fuss because a parish expressed its views on church property? After all, our Constitution provides not only for freedom of expression, including freedom to hold opinions without interference and to commu-

10 15 not) be with you nicate ideas and information, but it also states that The authorities of the Roman Catholic Apostolic Church have the duty and the right to teach which principles are right and which are wrong Interestingly enough, the article Dr Camilleri quotes is itself a reminder of the conflicts of the 1960s, when the Church sought (and obtained) precisely such Constitutional safeguards to its privileges I prefer basing my arguments on today s law and on 21st century mind-sets, rather than on events that occurred half a century ago. Any safeguards which the Church obtained were granted by the only legislative authority in Malta which was and I believe still is enacting what the electorate mandates from time to time But considering the extent of involvement of the Church in local politics at the time, and the continued attempts to inveigh upon parliamentarians (and possibly even the judiciary) does Dr Camilleri believe that the distinction between Church and State is sufficiently clear in our country? If you believe for a moment that our members of parliament are puppets on a church string, then you have a very poor opinion of our political leaders. The few that I know are persons of conviction who seek to read what is best for society at a point in time and legislate accordingly. They may at times exercise their political acumen more along party than national lines but, then again, perfection will always remain a human objective, rarely a human achievement And yet, some among the anti-divorce camp have also argued that the issue is too important to be left in the hands of 65 MPs, and should therefore be put a referendum. Others argue the clean opposite: insisting that civil rights like divorce should not be decided by plebiscite on principle so which of the two have the poorer opinion of politicians? Dr Camilleri acknowledges that there is a degree of opportunism on both sides, and invites me to consider the private member s bill presented by Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando as an example. We cannot juggle with our legal system to please groups within the community. I feel betrayed by a member of parliament who springs a sensitive issue such as divorce on the voting public when no mention of it was made prior to the election Dr Camilleri argues that in the circumstances, a popular vote remains the preferred option. It would give a voice to all who wish to speak on this issue but were not given the opportunity. Whether the issue is presented to the voting public via a referendum or a party mandate at an election, the country deserves a wellinformed debate based on real facts, figures and projections, not speculation. More importantly, we need to debate whether our families are being adequately supported, and whether the stability of marriage and the family is truly a state priority Meanwhile, just this week it was announced (though it seems there has been some kind of retraction) that a referendum will in fact be held next year. Assuming this does happen: are all the ingredients in place for a fair referendum on the issue? Absolutely not, he emphatically replies. It would be unfair to spring a referendum on an uninformed or misinformed voting public. Calculate, in today s money, what was spent prior to EU membership by the YES and NO sides of the debate. That decision was a very important one, but the decision on divorce is even more important in my opinion, and respect to our community demands that it be informed adequately before being asked to express a vote Coming back briefly to Mgr Said Pullicino s sermon some have argued (considering his position in the Church tribunal) that the main motivation, both for the sermon itself and for the Church s general opposition to divorce, is to defend its temporal power, as in the current scenario couples whose marriages have broken down have only State and Church annulments as options to end their marriages. Do you agree that the Church would be weakened if divorce is introduced? Now it is you who are using language of the 1960s and 1970s, which is degrading to today s political leaders. I do not for one moment believe that our Members of Parliament, even those who are practising Christians, do not have a mind of their own. And if you still believe that the Church in Malta is after temporal power then you very clearly do not know the Archbishop and the other spiritual leaders of the local Church We agree to move onto other matters, and I raise an issue that has long perturbed me about the standards of local discussion. One common strategy among exponents of the No camp involves lumping abortion and euthanasia in the same basket as divorce. But is there any direct causal link between such vastly unrelated topics? Camilleri suggests that there is, though not perhaps as direct as it is often painted out. My view is that when a society weakens part of its fabric, such as the marriage commitment, over time it becomes easier to decide on weakening of that social fabric in other areas. It is evident in societies that have had divorce for decades that cohabitation increases and not decreases, and that the second and third marriages are dissolved at ever increasing rates. In such scenarios, it becomes easier to justify the abortion of babies that will be born to a single mother, outside a marriage or in a marriage that is about to be dissolved Camilleri argues that once a society accepts that it is preferable for the unborn to be terminated rather than nurtured and supported, is a matter of time before it concludes that (in his words) society should not bear the expense of caring for lives that are too sick or too fragile. But this only illustrates the dangers of dragging unrelated topics into the equation. Euthanasia, for instance, is a far more complex issue than Dr Camilleri s own example suggests. There are also cases of people suffering terminal illnesses who want sometimes beg to be allowed to die with dignity. Aren t we now oversimplifying the euthanasia argument? And is it fair for an issue as complex as this to be reduced to a mere plank in an argument against divorce? I would not bring in abortion or euthanasia to a local debate on divorce: there are sufficient convincing arguments against divorce based on the lengthy and negative experience of other jurisdictions. But I feel it is fair to highlight that a community of persons that starts tinkering with the value of a human person, will invariably commence a process which weakens the social fabric that gives each member the dignity of an individual and the respect that each person in that community deserves On the subject of children born or otherwise Dr Camilleri suddenly shoots a question of his own. Maybe inadvertently, you have not asked me about children in any of your questions. There are currently about 15 million children in the EU alone, affected by the divorce of their parents. What meaning will a lifelong commitment have for them? Will they have a say in the local debate..? I reply by pointing out that children are also the victims in cases of separation and annulment (both legal). So shouldn t the same argument be used against these options, too? There are damaging effects on children whenever their parents relationship is not one based on love and mutual respect, and the negative effects tend to increase when the parents separate, divorce or have the marriage declared null, he acknowledges. But there is research which shows clearly that the damage in children s lives is worse when other persons enter their parents lives, whether as cohabiting partners or new spouses after a remarriage.

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12 17 Saviour Balzan (هللا ءاش نا ) Insha Allah There is a peculiar habit that devout and less devout Muslims have, that is to complement their conversations with the word Insha Allah ءاش نا ),(هللا which, literally translated, means God willing. It is, I would think, a convenient way of excusing all the excesses, deficiencies and hopes that could not really take place were it not for the hidden intervention of man, not God, I m afraid. I love the word. I have started to use it sporadically when I hope for something to happen and can t find a way of actually making it so. Which is why our upright Muslim friends who own SmartCity and who hope that our government does everything possible to promote it, only put their faith in God because they know very well that someone else is on their side. I would have hoped that God has better taste than to allow the plonking of concrete and big windows with sexy lifts and luxuriant indoor plants in the middle of forgotten Xghajra. A little quirky story which appears in today s newspaper talks of the ludicrous examination carried out for prospective long term residents, with very specific questions on SmartCity as if it were the London Stock Exchange, Le Bourse or The Trade Centre. It is now common knowledge, Insha Allah ءاش نا ),(هللا that SmartCity, as a business project for Dubai, is not only marketed via the usual spin and overkill but also via the examination curriculum for some curvy blonde Russian babe who has chosen Malta as a long term place of residence (not all Russian babes are dumb blondes by the way). From now on, it is very important that all the Russian Olgas of this world (not to be confused with Bondi s Nanna Olga) who choose Malta as their home, not only know that Malta s rock strata are divided into five segments, but that SmartCity is our future..(هللا ءاش نا ) Insha Allah Nothing wrong with that, but I wonder exactly what the government which our oh-so-smart electorate has kept in power for the last 23 odd years is doing to encourage other businesses and centres which are in direct competition with Smart City? Because SmartCity, owned by Dubai, should be treated no different to all the other bona fide businesses that have invested in office space and other real estate projects and wish to kick off their own business centres. It is very true that we have given or better still Claudio Grech has نا ) given or rather sold, Insha Allah acres of Maltese land for (هللا ءاش a pittance but then again, I am certain that Mr Grech knows exactly what he is doing. The very fact that he quit Austin Gatt s secretariat to join SmartCity Malta as CEO soon after the deal was concluded should not be taken out of context. Claudio Grech is, after all, a very decent guy he was only caught falsifying a police ID card and is renowned for his gentle ways. It is, Insha Allah ءاش نا ),(هللا a very normal practise in business, here and the world over. While listening to former Nationalist MP and private hospital owner Frank Portelli on One TV, I thought I heard him say that a government which allows full transparency will attract foreign investment. This should be interpreted that though Dr Portelli has now become a Labourite, he will, Insha Allah ءاش نا ),(هللا always be a Nationalist more so now, when he really depends on their good.(هللا ءاش نا ) intentions, Insha Allah ءاش نا ) That of course, Insha Allah is wishful thinking. Because,(هللا with all due respect to Portelli s idiosyncratic way of interpreting things, he should appreciate that big business does not give a flying hoot about open and transparent government. Big business has its own ways of doing business, which would make Portelli squirm. But as Noel Grima, the loquacious editor of a defunct newspaper (The Independent) told me back in the days when we shared the same publication as deputy editor and editor it seems that nobody is a virgin, so I m not too sure about that. A country which survives on its own mediocrity, where the same bigoted individuals demand that citizens uphold values and respect the law when they themselves openly flout it Continues to page 18

13 18 Continues form page 17 The financial market, which seeks Malta specifically to avoid taxation with little trickle-down effect in the long run, comes to Malta purposely because we are low profile and they remain as such. And all this talk that the MFSA screens or concerns itself with the origin of these funds is of course true, but it does not alter the truth that tax evasion legal or not is tax evasion nonetheless. نا ) Big business, Insha Allah embraces secrecy,(هللا ءاش and secretiveness. The Danish company BWSC is perhaps a better example of how openness is crucial to its way of doing business. In the build up to the Delimara contract and right in the middle of the tendering procedure, we had for better or worse Enemalta with Spiteri Gingell s cognisance coupled with the blessing of George Pullicino s ministry directly involved in changing the emission levels. These particular changes led to the exclusion of the Israeli company tendering for a cleaner and less costly technology in favour of dirty energy from the Danish company renowned for its corrupt practices. In all this time, no one in Gatt and Fenech s ministry found it in themselves to ask a particularly pertinent question: isn t it just too precarious for Alex Tranter to be Chairman of Enemalta while simultaneously working for Zaren Vassallo? No one seems to have asked why the emissions were changed during such a sensitive time, and why Spiteri Gingell was working with Zaren Vassallo very soon after he left Enemalta. The truth of the matter, Insha Allah ءاش نا ),(هللا is that business for the big boys is less about respecting the rules and more about double dealings. The political leaders of this country have long realised that they have to apply a different yardstick for business and that, once they are in power, their morality barometer simply stops working. Morality is not a keyword for good business. That is why it is the Nationalist and Labour parties who have real political clout in this country, and not newspapers like as MaltaToday. But while good and bad governance is all about compromise, journalism is all about reporting the truth and the hypocrisy of politicians and their peers. So all these conversations on radio stations about good business are, in my view, one big hullaballo, more so when they come from people who know better. Business is business, and there are no two ways of doing business. That is why, for example, George Pullicino s Ray Bezzina and Tonio Fenech s Keith Zahra are told to boycott MaltaToday and other sister publications: they know that the only way to stop us from making observations about their Ministers is to stop adverts coming our way. At least, that is what they think. (هللا ءاش نا ) Insha Allah the word on the street is that Tonio Fenech has a very short political career ahead of him. His eventful, bungling experiences (the flight to a football game, the construction at his home and the ludicrous revelations about his maid), coupled with his lacklustre captaining of the Finance Ministry have ensured that his days are numbered. Unless, that is, Insha Allah Dr Gonzi,(هللا ءاش نا ) manages to make a comeback in the next election and win back his lost sheep. Everything is possible, literally everything especially if the party in government decides to dish out goodies before the election. Insha Allah ءاش نا ),(هللا if there is a new government, there is little doubt in my mind that the first six months will be a breath of fresh air but after that, I have a funny feeling that things will return to what they are today. A country run by sycophants and party faithful. But Labour will only get نا ) elected if, Insha Allah individuals such as,(هللا ءاش the most fair and objective Natalino Fenech the politically appointed former Times journalist fails to deliver as Head of News on State TV, and if the PBS current affair programmes run by the those two, fail to demolish Joseph Muscat & Co. in those crucial three months before the election.,(هللا ءاش نا ) Insha Allah they will do what is possible and necessary, because this country deserves to be ruled by the same class of people for another five years. The very same people who claim that Paul Borg Olivier did nothing incorrect in not filling his VAT form in time, but who still waste precious time and money prosecuting thousands. The same individuals who claim the VAT law needs changes but do nothing about it. The same people who give amnesties and forgive defaulters but do nothing to crown those who respect the law. The same people who excused David Agius for his copying stunt. The same people who cannot distinguish between Church and State, and who have serious problems embracing change and allowing for a secular State. The same persons who find the accusation of perjury of no consequence and speed up a court hearing to ensure that Chris Said returns to the fold. ءاش نا ) This is, Insha Allah country. our,(هللا A country which survives on its own mediocrity, where the same bigoted individuals demand that citizens uphold values and respect the law when they themselves openly flout it and live a life with little or no respect for values and are, at best, a happy bunch of raving hypocrites. (هللا ءاش نا ) Insha Allah nothing will change, only the faces change.

14 News 5 59% of new university students are female JAMES DEBONO ALTHOUGH Malta still lags behind all other EU member states with regards to female participation in the labour market, females account for 59% of all new university students and predominate in most faculties. The largest share of female students is found among prospective teachers and psychologists enlisted in the Faculty of Education where they account for 77% of new entrants. But females not only predominate in faculties like education or in the humanities areas of studies which have traditionally attracted females but also in areas normally associated with male dominance such as law, surgery and dentistry. Females account for 56% of new students in the faculty of medicine and surgery and 59% of new students in the Faculty of Law. Although men still account for the majority of students in dentistry, females have overtaken men among new entrants. Men manage to hold their ground in science (where they account for nearly 60% of new entrants) and in architecture (Faculty for the Built Environment), where they still account for 71% of new entrants. Women also lag behind in the Faculty for Information Technology. But it is in engineering that men retain an absolute dominance over women, who account for just a quarter of aspirant engineers joining the university this year. Unsurprisingly, the most male % of females among new entrants in main faculties % Education 76.8 Health Sciences 70.6 Dental Surgery 68.8 Tourism, Travel and Culture 65.5 Arts 64 Faculty of Laws 59.3 Communications Technology 58.9 Economics, Management, Accounts 58.6 Medicine and Surgery 55.6 Diplomatic Studies 46.6 Science 41.7 Information Technology 32.4 Architecture 29 Engineering 26.7 Theology 22.6 dominated faculty remains the Faculty of Theology. Malta has lowest proportion of female self employed Comlux Malta Ltd is one of the finest aircraft charter companies rapidly expanding their exclusive fleet of business aircrafts with Headquarters in Zürich Switzerland. To support our Engineering Team in Malta we are looking for a dynamic and highly motivated Aircraft Engineering Manager In this challenging position your main duties and key responsibilities are: Ensure compliance of the continuous airworthiness requirements of EASA/CAMO Manage scheduled Aircraft maintenance tasks Evaluate technical information and recommendations from aircraft, engine and component manufacturers Evaluate legal requirements issued by the regulatory authorities Provide repetitive and recurrent defect analysis to support the company s reliability and maintainability programmes Follow and control all work carried out on aircraft, engines and components as well as review and/or assessment of SBs, ADs, Minor/major Modifications and Occurrence &Audit reports so that they are addressed in a timely manner To fulfil this position successfully, your qualifications and experience shall include: Engineering degree At least 3 years experience in the aviation industry Good knowledge of EU-OPS (JAR-OPS 1) Holder of Part-66 AME, Type Rating Airbus A320 family or Bombardier Good knowledge of Aircraft Documentation Good knowledge in IT (Microsoft-Office, CAMP) Fluent in English (speaking and writing) Knowledge of a second language Ability to work effectively and productively as part of a multi-disciplined team Flexible to work outside of normal Office hours and willing to travel Ability to take over responsibility Stress resistant Preference will be given to candidate with experience in VIP-Business aviation and CAMO/145 Organisation Take the next step with us: We are looking for a highly committed, reliable, communicative and enthusiastic personality with good team spirit and excellent interpersonal skills. If you prefer a modern place of work in an international, multicultural environment, then we look forward to receiving your application. Please send your complete application documents including motivation letter to Human Resources by [email protected]. Unsuccessful applications may remain with the company and can be re-considered for a future position-opening, except where the applicant requests to withdraw his application. Candidates not meeting the mentioned requirements will not be contacted. Many thanks for your understanding. A study carried out in EU member states shows that just 18% of Malta s self employed, which is the lowest number in the European Union and the second lowest in Europe after Macedonia. The study published in October was carried out by the European Employment Observatory. The study shows that the gender imbalance among the self employed is highest in Ireland, Malta and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia (FYROM), where 81, 82, and 86% of the self-employed respectively are male, a share considerably higher than that of the general working population. EU-level data show that the typical self-employed person in Europe is male (69.6 % in 2009) and falls within the higher age groups (37.5 % are aged over 50). The study reprimands Malta for the fact that self-employed persons do not enjoy employee rights awarded by the Employment and Industrial Relations Act (2002), which is Malta s main employment legislation, but which covers only employees. Self-employed workers also have significantly lower social security entitlements when compared to employees with regards to sick leave, sickness benefits, maternity leave and unmarried and widow s benefits. The report also denounces the use of self-employment by employers to avoid making social security or tax contributions on wage costs in Malta as well as other countries. Although men still account for the majority of students in dentistry, females have overtaken men among new entrants

15 6 News Stopping human trafficking in the Med Migrant smuggling has decreased significantly in 2010 with only 47 migrants reaching our shores until September this year. However problems of human trafficking throughout Europe remain a major concern for host, transit and source countries as well as the migrants whose lives are at risk. A conference organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime and hosted by the Maltese government, addresses this situation with delegates from Europe, Africa and the United States. RACHEL ZAMMIT CUTAJAR reports MIGRANT smuggling has seen a rapid increase since the second half of the 1990s in the Mediterranean region. Migrant smugglers have steadily adapted their modus operandi, changing points of embarkation, routes and landing destinations as a direct consequence of strategies taken by various states to stem the flow of human trafficking. A conference was organised by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) on promoting law enforcement and judicial cooperation among source, transit and destination countries in response to the smuggling of migrants. Justice Minister Carm Mifsud Bonnici opened the conference saying stopping human smuggling is a necessity and moral obligation but that it cannot be stopped by one country alone and requires the cooperation of Europeans and third countries alike. Irregular migration in the Mediterranean region is largely facilitated by criminal networks. The criminal groups have become increasingly professional, now offering a range of services from the expensive and highly sophisticated to the very cheap and life threatening. It is a highly profitable business, while risks of detection and punishment are quite low. Within the low cost segment of the market, migrant smuggling at sea has evolved into a preferred method used by criminal networks that minimise their risks at the expense of the safety and lives of the smuggled migrants. As a result, the death toll has been quite high. While intervention has seen the termination of some routes from Morocco to Spain and from Albania to Italy this only illustrates the capability of migrant smugglers to change routes and transfer expertise to other points of embarkation. The Maltese scenario Joseph St John Director for policy development at the Ministry for Justice and Home Affairs presented Malta s situation to the delegates in attendance. Migration in Malta saw a dramatic increase in 2002 when the number of illegal arrivals increased from 57 the previous year to 1,686. This influx was maintained and exceeded throughout the following years with a peak of 2,775 in Though this might be a trivial figure when taken in the grand scheme of illegal immigration, it is important to take into consideration that Malta is the most densely populated member state in the EU and one of the most densely populated countries in the world with a population of 1,300 per square kilometre thus having a substantial impact on the country as a whole. Over the years a pattern emerged, with the largest number of migrants arriving in summer. However in 2009 the pattern changed, with 859 arrivals between January and May as opposed to just over 300 the year before. In 2010 there was a significant decrease of illegal migrants entering Malta with only 47 migrants arriving until September. This can be attributed to increased cooperation between Malta, Italy and Libya to assist the Libyan authorities to patrol borders. The majority of migrants landing in Malta are not here intentionally. Nick Garlick of Europol identified Germany, the Netherlands, the UK, Sweden and Norway as the most common choice nations of migrants. However, they land in Malta as a result of patrols, losing their way, as they are not accompanied by professional sailors, or intend to move to Sicily and the rest of Europe. Maltese intervention Policies regarding migration fall under the care of the Office of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice and Home Affairs and include aspects such as border control and surveillance, the return of migrants to their country of origin, housing in detention or open centres and the granting of asylum. Safeguarding security through border control, Malta has made use of funds available through the EU for maritime search and rescue. Though the influx of migrant has decreased considerably this year, there is still the problem of existing illegal migrants in the country. The Malta-Montenegro protocol to EU readmission agreement has entered into force this year, which will force illegal migrants back to their homeland. Government is in dialogue with sub-saharan countries to conclude bilateral readmission agreements. Forced return to countries of origin is of utmost importance. However, Government will also encourage and assist voluntary return of migrants. Whereas efforts are made to return those who are not eligible to stay in Malta, international protection is accorded in compliance with Malta s international obligations. Solutions pursued include integration and resettlement. Fair treatment of all migrants is of paramount importance. Illegal migrants are subject to 18 months 12 if they are considered asylum seekers in a detention centre before they are released to open centres. Vulnerable persons, however, are not subjected to detention and transferred to open centres on arrival. Malta was also recently involved in an EU-funded project MAREMCA that aimed to strengthen Malta s return capabilities. The final outcome At the end of the three-day conference, the UNODC presented some recommendations for guidelines of future cooperation, formed by proposals of the delegates in attendance. Organised smuggling of migrants should be criminalised in all European States with technical assistance and training given to countries requiring introduction of legislation. Logistical and technical assistance will be provided to stem the flow of migrants from sub-saharan Africa to North Africa thus contributing to the decrease of irregular migration to the rest of Europe. Regular meetings will be held to develop working relationships with a view of exchanging information between source, transit and destination countries and to voice common concerns.

16 News 7 Prospective foreign residents will have to pass local exam JAMES DEBONO FOREIGNERS from outside the European Union will be expected to be able to list the five main rock layers, the location of fish farms around the Maltese islands as well as the importance of SmartCity in Malta s strategic economic plans, in their bid to gain long term residents status. This is because they will have to attend a course of at least one hundred hours on the social, economic, cultural and democratic history and environment of Malta. In order to secure a long-term residence permit, they would need to get a pass mark of at least 75% in an examination assessing their knowledge on these matters. This is a result of a legal notice issued in July with the aim of promoting integration of long term residents in Malta s social fabric. In October the Employment and Training Corporation (ETC) the agency responsible for these courses issued a programme of study which includes knowledge, skills and competences that foreigners are expected to master prior to becoming long-term residents. The programme includes both practical information on working conditions, health and education and residence permits, general information on geography, demography, history and climate as well as specific themes ranging from fish farming to Malta s strategic and economic plans. One of the skills applicants have to master is the mentioning of current plans to improve Malta s economic system such as the setting up of the SmartCity project. When dealing with the political and legal system, prospective residents are expected to learn about the leading and main political parties in what could suggest a deliberate exclusion of smaller political formations. With regards to working conditions, applicants are expected to learn about labour shortages, as this will help them find employment opportunities. No specific reference is made to laws on gender equality and laws against discrimination two very relevant themes for people hailing from countries with no safeguards on these matters. But prospective residents have to be wellversed in the Maltese constitution and the political system. But the study programme also includes a whole module on aquaculture, with the aim of helping applicants appreciate the importance of marine farming. One of the competences aquired in this course is to locate the places where fish farms are found. But applicants are also expected to be able to demonstrate the negative impacts of fish farms to the surrounding environment and the need for environment impact assessments for such developments. The programme is quite exhaustive when it comes to environmental matters focusing on the negative effects of overextraction from Malta s aquifers. Prospective residents are also expected to learn why waste separation is important, and to list the methods used to separate waste in households and offices. Prospective residence permit holders are also expected to list the five main rock layers found in the Maltese islands as well as a number of protected public gardens, nature reserves and natural parks. They will also have to attend a 250-hour course on literacy for Foreigners in Maltese or English. The new rules do not apply to people who are already recognised as long-term residents. Long term residents Foreigners are eligible for long-term residence permits after five years working in Malta, while refugees can apply as soon as they are recognised. The new regulations provide, among other things, that applicants have to prove that they and their families have stable and regular resources to maintain themselves without recourse to social assistance and that they have appropriate accommodation. The regulations also provide that the family members of a person granted long term residence status will be allowed to accompany the third Some of the things foreign residents need to know for their exam: Recall important historical events The flag and the national anthem Religion, norms and values of the Maltese Aspects of Maltese lifestyle The establishment of the Malta Freeport and importance of the shipyard Current plans to improve the economy such as the setting of the SmartCity Project. A look at the Maltese constitution The leading political parties in Malta Shortages in the Maltese labour market The prevailing winds in Malta List the five main rock layers The three types of agricultural land List of protected zones in Malta The area of Malta s coastline The economic importance of marine farming The problem of over extraction from Malta s aquifers How Waste Separation is organised List all member states of the EU Describe the main institutions of the EU country national in Malta. Long-term resident status is not equivalent to citizenship, which is acquired through naturalisation. Citizenship exams in other countries In 2008 Germany introduced a new multiple-choice citizenship test that every immigrant has to pass in order to gain a German passport. Immigrants must study politics, history and culture to pass the test, but unlike prospective residents in Malta, they do not have to answer questions on ecology, economy or the European Union. As well as taking the test, migrants must fulfil other conditions such as having sufficient command of the German language, no criminal record and an income independent of social welfare. Citizenship test questions include questions related to national symbols like What is the German constitution called? and What is the emblem of Germany? Historical questions include when were the Nazis and Hitler in power?, what does Stasi stand for? and why did the former Chancellor Willy Brandt kneel down in the former Warsaw Ghetto in 1970? 33 questions are chosen from a catalogue of 310. Would-be citizens have to answer 17 questions correctly. In the USA, the Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers a test to all immigrants applying for citizenship. For years, these questions have been selected from among the following list of 100. These include question on the flag like What colour are the stars on our flag?, historical questions like who was the first President of the USA? and Who was Martin Luther King, Jr and which President had freed the slaves? Other questions on the American constitution like How many changes or amendments are there to the Constitution? and What are the two major political parties in the US today? Other questions focus on the division of powers between the judiciary, the legislative and the executive arms of the US state.

17 8 News Desperately seeking 290,000 I gave to notorious Patrick Spiteri For nine years, Joe Azzopardi has been chasing disgraced lawyer Patrick Spiteri to get his money back. This week he met him in a car park and it ended up in punches being traded MATTHEW VELLA PATRICK Spiteri is no stranger to the law courts, and that s not because he is a lawyer: he was debarred by order of the Commission for the Administration of Justice back in 2005 when he was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for four years, for forgery. Spiteri is chased for his debts. And people like Joe Azzopardi, 62, chase him. In court, but sometimes outside. I ve been chasing Spiteri for nine years for squandering my life savings, Azzopardi says after emerging as the unknown character in a minor news story last week: the man who was involved in a punch-up with the notorious Spiteri, in the lift of the MCP car park in Floriana. Spiteri is always in court, and I waited for him there to face him down, and ask for what s left of the money I gave him for him to invest, Azzopardi says, a chap whose thick-set appearance belies the anxiety of someone who fears having lost every penny of some 290,000 invested by Patrick Spiteri. For nine years, Azzopardi says he never took legal action against Spiteri over threats against him of mafia-style retribution by the Italians Spiteri befriends. Even now, Azzopardi refuses to have his photo taken. He says he will send me his Italian friends round. He told me that if I report him to the police, he would send the Italians and all the people he befriended inside prison to see to me, Azzopardi says. Azzopardi implored Spiteri s lawyer Labour MP Chris Cardona to come to an understanding. I asked Cardona so that we settle for 50,000 and forget everything but Spiteri is having none of it. So I waited for him at the car park when Cardona told me that Patrick didn t intend paying me. Still, I finally got to report the whole affair to the police, hoping criminal steps are taken but I don t know if I will ever get any of my money. I told him [Spiteri] when are you going to give me my money? and the matter degenerated into a scuffle, Azzopardi says. He then waited for the police to come down to the car park after letting Spiteri go off to the Valletta police station. And then he filed a report against Spiteri himself, detailing how he gave him money to invest and which never came back. I invested the savings I held in a UK bank account with Spiteri back in 2000 when I was returning back to Malta. My former lawyer Anna Mallia introduced me to Spiteri and we agreed to create a nominee company, Azzopardi says. The money was invested with Growth Investments, a Ta Xbiex financial services company, under nominee status, in favour of Azzopardi s partner Gemma Sorrentino. But Azzopardi is unsure whether this money was even invested at Growth Investments. I have letters with the Growth Investments letterheads confirming the money was invested with them, but the people at Growth personally told me they have no such records. Indeed, the letters sent by Spiteri from Muscat Azzopardi Spiteri & Associates letterhead (former judge Godwin Muscat Azzopardi was his legal partner), inform Azzopardi in August 2000 that his money was deposited at Growth Investments. Then in October 2000, when Azzopardi asked for the money to be released, Spiteri faxes him a letter communicating with Growth Investments Henrik Damato to liquidate the sum. Spiteri asks Damato in his letter to expedite the authorisation presently being sought. Another fax, dated 25 October 2000 this time from Growth Investments tells Spiteri the money is earning interest at 6.5% per annum. But Azzopardi claims Growth have never confirmed this fact to him personally. Spiteri has actually been giving me small sums, randomly all throughout the last nine years a few thousands here and there, sometimes a cheque of 500. He once promised me a cheque of 500 and instead gave me a 50 note! He wired me cash from Italy, where he was under housearrest. His cheques bounced. And he would always threaten me with the Italians if I report him to the police. Today Spiteri, 46 on Boxing Day, is living in an apartment as far as possible from the maddening crowd: l-imbordin, where a sole secondary road connects the lush agriculture of Manikata with the Ghajn Tuffieha thoroughfare. There he lives with his partner Lorna Maltby, who endured Spiteri s house arrest in the Tuscan city of Lucca, Italy, last year. A cursory look at Spiteri s credit Patrick Spiteri (second from left) had been commissioned by Alfred Sant to draft a law to replace VAT in 1997 report shows HSBC Bank Malta is chasing him for debts of 1 million, with settlement being sought through the sale by auction of his immovable property possibly his Wardija villa (he also owns 26 tumuli of land in the rural locality, according to an HSBC loan document seen by MaltaToday). Other claims include fees claimed by Grant Thornton for 43,000 and some 19,000 from the VAT department. Despite these financial black spots, Spiteri carved an impressive record for charming some gullible investors into trusting him with their cash. One of them was the double Oscar-winning composer Leslie Bricusse, whom Spiteri allegedly offered $3,000 to drop a court action against him. The reason? He was chasing Spiteri for 150,000 he gave him to invest in government bonds. A cheque of Lm19,000 was once sent by Spiteri to invest in bonds, but the cheque bounced, and it now appears that none of my money was invested, Bricusse had told the court, a similar account to Azzopardi s ordeal. In October 2004, he was sentenced to 15 months imprisonment, suspended for four years, for forging a notarial contract. Spiteri was selling a piece of land, called Tal-Bajjada on Wardija Hill, for 233,000 when he still owed its previous owner 110,000. The sentence cost him his lawyer s warrant, earning a perpetual suspension from the bar from the Commission for the Administration of Justice. In 2009, he kept himself busy running the offices of Symphony Global Ltd, a London firm whose directors then included Conservative MP Tony Baldry, and Quarter Global. With Quarter Global and Baldry s other interest in SPDFG Technologies, the two firms acquired Italian biodegradable plastics firm Idroplax in But then in 2009, Spiteri was placed under house arrest, with news agency ANSA reporting investigations into fraudulent bankruptcy with some 400,000 allegedly siphoned off from the firm. The great survivor For someone who enjoys such a reputation, Spiteri is, if anything, a survivor. Dogged by debts and a career peppered with incursions with the law, Spiteri has proven to be a great charmer. In 1996 he devised Labour prime minister Alfred Sant s Customs Excise Tax CET, a substitute for VAT. In the ensuring years, Spiteri was engaging some protégées close to Labour, among them the young Joseph Muscat. Others included children of MPs, fresh out of university. Accompanied by former Nationalist MP Noel Buttigieg Scicluna, Spiteri travelled to Brussels to convince the Elizabeth Pierrepoint (EPPA) consultants to transfer 25%of their shares to him but payment for 3 million for the shares never materialised. Other associates included publicist Daphne Caruana Galizia and the former judge Godwin Muscat Azzopardi. I told him when are you going to give me my money? and the matter degenerated into a scuffle

18 News 9 Disability is not a disease! Integration of children with special needs into the classroom has been a priority for a number of years. However, what happens to these children after school years and, more importantly, what happens to them once their carers pass away? RACHEL ZAMMIT CUTAJAR talks to Laurence Borg, whose 33-year-old son has an intellectual disability, about the worry he faces every day about what will become of his son in the future LAURENCE Borg is the father of 33-year-old Stephen. After a difficult childbirth, Stephen caught pneumonia from swallowing water during the birth. He also experienced cardiac arrest and though he was resuscitated, his brain was momentarily deprived of oxygen. Though doctors assured the Borg family that the baby was healthy, the couple knew something was wrong from the outset. As an infant, he cried all the time, he didn t really maintain eye contact, he was very hyperactive and he didn t sleep a whole night until he was seven. He was late for every single milestone. We knew something was definitely wrong. At the time, there was no Child Development Unit (CDU) where disabilities could be diagnosed, so Borg tried to take him to doctors and even psychiatrists to try and make some sort of sense of what was going on. All the doctors ever did was to prescribe sedatives for the hyperactivity. Stephen is suffering from an intellectual disability, which, though it was never properly diagnosed, means that his brain cannot filter information and that his concentration span is very short. Despite his greatest efforts, Borg never managed to teach his son how to read. As a teacher I feel that this is great failure on my part. I have written to experts to get advice and have tried various methods but none seem to have worked. Stephen can spell. He just can t read. At the age of 33, Stephen is dependent on his parents. He goes to respite homes during the day, which teach valuable lessons in social skills. Though he can wash and dress himself he needs nearconstant supervision. We leave him alone for an hour or two at a time if we have somewhere to go but most of the time we take him with us. He feels more at home with young children because his mind is akin to a 10- year-old, but this often leads to trouble. He s been threatened by parents of children he tries to play with because there doesn t appear to be anything wrong with him, so people get the wrong impression and assume he s some sort of pervert. Though life with a child with a disability is a challenge, it is not this that mostly concerns the Borg family. Borg is a 65- year-old pensioner and has suffered a number of health issues over the past years. He is most concerned about what is going to happen to his son when he and his wife pass away. Not a night goes by without me tossing and turning, wondering what is going to happen to Stephen once we are gone. The Borg family has another son who qualified as a cardiac surgeon as is working in the UK. Although we know our eldest son will always look in on his brother we cannot oblige him to take complete care of him. We want him to live his own life and follow his dreams. The family comes from the first generation of people who have had to wrestle with this dilemma. Medical advances have allowed people with disabilities to enjoy a regular When parents of a disabled person pass away and there are no other family members to take over care, the person becomes a social case and is usually transferred to a home for the elderly or, even worse, Mount Carmel Psychiatric Hospital Laurence Borg (top) and his son Stephen lifespan as before, they weren t expected to live past 40. In the past, families were much larger, which enabled siblings to look after disabled family members after the passing of parents. Nowadays however, the typical family has an average of two or three children. It is not fair to impose care on other children. There are 24,000 people registered with a long-term disability in Malta and we are encountering the same problem. As things stand, when parents of a disabled person pass away and there are no other family members to take over care, the person becomes a social case and is usually transferred to a home for the elderly or, even worse, Mount Carmel Psychiatric Hospital. This is a deplorable situation. There is not even a period of transition. They are simply removed from the only living conditions they know to a hospitalized environment. There are four or five homes each, with full time supervisors that take up to 15 people with disabilities and a new one opens every three years or so. However this is nowhere near enough to put the minds of parents with disabled children at rest. Within the next 10 to 20 years, there will be 1,500 people with one or more disabilities seeking accommodation. What we need for peace of mind is for a place to be identified for them so that we can begin to get them used to living there while we are still alive. Government help in this area is non-existent. Whenever we have approached government for help in this regard the reply has always been the same: There is no money. We are not expecting government to finance everything, and most parents are willing to pay for their children to be looked after. I am ready to sell the clothes off my back to ensure a decent lifestyle for Stephen. When it comes to crunching numbers, Borg estimates approximately 300,000 that needs to be put away to ensure Stephen a decent life for a 30- year span, Though many parents in his situation say that this is not enough. Some parents can afford to put this money away, others have that money, though it is tied up in the property they live in and others simply do not have the money. This is where we need government help. We have even approached private contractors to see if they would be interested in setting up a facility similar to those established for the elderly, though with people with disabilities in mind. This is not an ideal scenario, though it is better than housing people with disabilities in psychiatric hospitals. Disability is not a disease and should not be treated as such. Borg is part of the National Parent s Society of Persons with Disabilities, and is doing his best to get help for all parents with children suffering from disabilities. There are over 80 organisations that look after the interests of people with varying disabilities, both physical and intellectual. A federation exists to unify all of these to put pressure on the government for help. However, only of these organisations are affiliated with the federation and due to the fragmentation no progress is being made. Borg calls for all parents of children with disabilities to unite in the common goal of providing a future for their children.

19 Raphael Vassallo 19 Opinion Epitaph on a certainty have often wondered what I is meant by the expression, a dead cert. OK, I am aware of the general meaning in purely idiomatic terms. I know or at least, I m almost certain that the cert part is an abbreviated form of the word certainty. And as a whole, a dead cert is a something that is considerably more certain than its live equivalent would be, if it happened to actually be alive. Hence my difficulty. Never mind the cert ; it s this dead business I just don t get. What is it about death that seems to enhance the truth about things we already know to be true? And wouldn t a cert be slightly more certain if it also displayed some exterior sign of life? By an extraordinary coincidence, all these thoughts happened to be passing through my mind when, purely by chance, I stumbled upon a real example of a dead cert. That is to say, something of which we once all were certain, but which now appears to be um dead. And having encountered the thing itself, I now realize that all my previous certainties on the subject of dead certs were in reality unfounded. Once a cert has truly shuffled off its mortal coil, it does not actually become any more certain than when it was alive. Quite the contrary: a dead cert, it turns out, has about as much conviction about it as most other dead things: in other words, none at all. (In fact, about the only difference I could detect was that it tends not to smell as bad during putrefaction phase... but let s leave this unpleasant topic for another time.) In case you were wondering, the dead cert I bumped into this week was the certainty of knowledge that whenever the One Holy Roman and Apostolic Church actually speaks, it does so (as its impressive title suggests) with One Holy Roman and Apostolic Voice and that this One Voice happens to also be a reflection of God s will. OK, I admit the second part of that sentence was never very certain to begin with how could it be, when the world is full of different Churches, and all of them happen to make the same claim? But even I who am but a newcomer to this vale of tears, compared to some of the more seasoned commentators on this delicate subject remember a time when the Church did indeed speak with One Voice. Not only that; but if anyone within its fold happened to speak with Another Voice be it ever so marginally distinct from that of the institution as a whole well, you could rest assured the hapless chatterbox would either have a vow of silence imposed upon him or, if particularly verbose, find himself exiled somewhere far, far away such as, for instance, the middle of Mexico s drug wars. Those were the good old days, when the Church s public pronouncements on virtually any subject were so consistent, you could predict them all almost to the letter. Well, times appear to have changed. In fact, for an institution that claims to speak on behalf of God Almighty in person, the Catholic Church has suddenly become remarkably cacophonic of late. How many apparently contradictory truths can be uttered in the name of the same universal deity even if the same deity comes in three persons? Well, judging by the public pronouncements of various church exponents over the past two weeks alone, the answer appears to be: quite a few. Let s start with Mgr Arthur Said Pullicino, who stunned the country last week with the following words (among a few others): Whoever cooperates in any way in the introduction of divorce, who applies the law and who seeks recourse to it, though not the innocent party, would be breaking God s law and so would be committing a grave sin. It is pertinent to note that this was not a case of a prelate being caught out unawares with some impromptu remark quoted out of context. There was nothing off-thecuff about this particular comment. On the contrary, it was uttered as part of a sermon during a Mass held to mark the commencement of the Forensic Year. And not by some eager beaver junior priest, either. Mgr Said Pullicino is the Church s Judicial Vicar a rather senior position within the Church s hierarchy. So much so, that his entire homily was initially uploaded onto the Malta Archdiocese website until all the hullabaloo began in earnest, whereupon it appears to have transmigrated somewhere else. Now: leaving aside important considerations of whether such supposedly secular events should be commemorated by Church services or not there can be little doubt that Mgr Said Pullicino was talking very much in the name of the Catholic Church when he expressed the above opinion. And in case any doubt still lingers regarding this particular point, he hammered it home himself when asked to clarify the following day: The Archbishop cannot say anything different from what I am saying, he told the press. He cannot approve of something that goes against God s law. Oh? How strange, then, that within just a few days of the publication of the above words, an assortment of theologians including such heavyweights as Rev. Prof Peter Serracino Inglott and Mgr Anton Gouder came out with a statement that was hmm, just slightly different. According to a posse of the Church s most eminent intellectuals, the issue of sin enters the equation only as a possibility, and even then, is limited to considerations of individual conscience. This is a hugely significant difference in opinion, as it marks a clear distinction between two opposite poles of enormous relevance within Catholic thinking as a whole. Said Pullicino spoke of sin in absolutist terms. Malta s leading theologians, on the other hand, took a significantly relativist approach to the same phenomenon: it might be a sin, or then again it might not, depending on various factors, blah, blah, blah. Nor is this the only example of the Church retracting absolutist statements in favour of more relativist ones. Another recent case involved the famous billboard that briefly appeared on the Zebbug parish parvis (and afterwards in photos throughout the local press). Remember? The one that told us how God does not want divorce and that the same God apparently buys all his electronic appliances from a shop called Vision Tech? Well, in this case we were promptly informed that the billboard in question had not been approved by Church authorities, but was rather the personal initiative of the Zebbug parish priest himself who subsequently made a public apology to Vision Tech (which even I thought was slightly excessive, considering the sheer extent of the publicity involved). Interestingly enough, on this occasion the One Holy and Apostolic Church appeared to shy away from a public declaration which let s face it only a few years ago would have been almost expected, given the circumstances. Considering how the previous certainty (now very dead indeed) that the Church is both One and Immutable and considering also that the present Archbishop was himself appointed by none other than Pope Benedict XVI: who in turn had ascended to the papacy precisely on the strength of his declaration of war on the dictatorship of relativism well, it seems that the Church in Malta does not necessarily speak with the same overall voice as its counterpart in Rome. Could this be a relativist heresy in the making? Could there be one Truth for the Rome, another for Floriana, and yet another for Zebbug, all concurrently embraced by the same institution? I was about to answer my own question with a single word absolutely until I realized that absolutism is now very clearly history and for this, we now have the word of the Church herself.

20 20 Opinionn Claudine Cassar How the State is letting abused children down We are a Christian nation, with Christian values and priorities. We do not have divorce in Malta, so it must be so. Yes, we are the last bastion of Christianity and we should indeed be proud. This is a country with a soul. A country with a heart. A country that gets its priorities right. So tell me, when exactly did we lose our conscience? It might be harsh, but that is the only way I can explain the total indifference that greeted the statistics published this week about children in care. Minister Dolores Cristina replied to a parliamentary question and informed us that 190 children in Malta are under a care order. Of these, 160 have been placed in residential care while 30 are still at home. Simple statistics, it is true but what a depth of suffering they hide! Children under a care order are children who have been grossly abused or neglected. These children simply cannot be left in the care of their parents and the State takes over their guardianship. Put simply, they become wards of the State. So let me put it this way in Malta there are currently 190 children who have been so badly abused that the Courts have declared their parents unfit to take care of them. 160 of these children are in institutions, while 30 have been left to live with their abusers. Yes, somehow it was impossible for the government to find alternative homes for 16% of the grossly abused and neglected children in this country. The only solution was to leave them where they are and forget about them. Let s call them the children that fell through the cracks, shall we? An excuse that would possibly hold water if it were not for the fact that we know exactly how many of them there are, what their names are and where they live! What about the 160 children that were saved? That s something to feel good about, is it not? We may have let down 30 of the most unfortunate children in the country, but at least we were there for the other 160. That s something to pat ourselves on the back for, is it not? It would be wonderful if it were really so simple. We would be able to turn to other articles and read about Tiffany and Britain s Next Top Model or some other flavour of the week news item, and not have to worry about children suffering in Malta. Unfortunately the reality is that the State is letting down many children not just the 30 that have not been found a safe place to live. Readers of this column may recall that I wrote about these children and the charities that look after them several times last year. The people who work in this field are truly incredible people who are trying to pick up the pieces and instil hope in children who lost it a long time ago. Each one of these victims got a rotten deal from the people who brought them into the world and then got a second rotten deal from the institutions that are supposedly there to safeguard them. Let us consider a practical matter. Seeing as the children are under a care order, the State is supposed to shoulder the cost of feeding, housing and caring for them. This sounds good in principle however in reality it is a joke. Guess how much the Government gives homes to care for these kids? 2.33 a day. In other words, the people running these homes are somehow expected to feed hungry kids on 70 a month. Work it out what will 2.33 get you? One litre of milk ( 0.72), half a kilo of apples ( 0.75) and a loaf of bread ( 0.65). I would not manage to feed a child properly on 2.33, and I bet you could not either. Then the joke gets even funnier. The State gives these children pocket money. This money is supposed to make it possible for the child to buy essentials such as toiletries, school supplies and the occasional treat. Once again this sounds great on paper but the reality is that, once again, the sum was set arbitrarily at 2.33 a day, i.e., 70 a month. Let s take, as an example, a hypothetical 16-year-old who is living in a shelter and has no income other than the pocket money generously sent to her by our caring government. She will need shampoo ( 3.50), shower gel ( 2.50), toothpaste ( 1.00), toilet paper ( 3.00), sanitary towels and tampons ( 10) and transport costs ( monthly, assuming just one return bus trip daily). That leaves her with the princely sum of 27 to live on. That money must cover her clothing, any requirements she might have for school and also the occasional treat. Let s face it it simply is not enough. These children go to school with other kids who probably appear to have it all. Nice bags, clean clothes, yummy lunches. Every day each and every one of those 160 children who were lucky enough to be saved by the State are made to remember just how disadvantaged they are, both emotionally and physically. We should be truly ashamed of ourselves. Martin Scicluna The divorce debate, part 4 POPULAR FALLACY: CHANGING THE LAW TO INTRODUCE RE-MARRIAGE AFTER LEGAL SEPARATION WOULD UNDERMINE SOCIETY The question of whether changing the civil law to introduce divorce would seriously undermine the stability and well-being of society is of importance to all in society. Those who oppose the introduction of divorce in Malta assert that it would de-stabilise many existing marriages and bring about an overall weakening of the bonds holding society together. When Malta looks to other western societies it sees a widespread collapse of marriage when measured by the incidence of divorce. But a multiple array of cultural, social and economic factors lie behind this rise in other countries, not least the tendency to make divorce easy to obtain. Blaming it just on the introduction of divorce is utterly misleading. The fact is that when we look around us in Malta we also find this collapse in marriages, and its unhappy consequences for families, to be prevalent, if not rampant, here as well. The only difference is that the collapse here has to be measured in broken marriages, not in divorce applications, as exemplified by the high, and escalating, number of annulments and legal separations. The absence of civil dissolution after legal separation has plainly spared Malta none of the pain and tensions and de-stabilisation of the modern age. All that it has done is made life more difficult than it need be for many people caught up in this tragedy. The question, therefore, becomes whether an apprehension, a fear, that the situation might be made worse would justify the continuation of an actual and existing injustice. While no two countries are alike, the availability of divorce in Ireland since 1997 like Malta, a staunchly Catholic country where the introduction of divorce was fiercely resisted has not borne out the dire predictions of those who were against divorce. Divorce and family breakdown flood-gates have not been opened over the last thirteen years and relatively few Irish people have actually applied for divorce. Indeed, the rate of marital breakdown has actually fallen. The Irish, together with the Italians, have one of the lowest rates of divorce in the western world. There is no reason to suppose that Malta would be any different. To say therefore that introducing legislation to permit re-marriage after legal separation would undermine or de-stabilise Maltese society is scaremongering and a canard for which there is no justification. The introduction of divorce legislation would force no one to avail themselves of this option. It would not prevent or undermine marriages which last and remain stable for life. There are still strong forces in Maltese society which militate against taking marriage lightly. The existence of legal separations in our society for over a hundred years has not led to an outbreak of frivolous marriages, but it has provided people whose marriages have irretrievably broken down with a legal remedy to separate and to resolve the financial and other difficulties which inevitably arise. But this legal remedy has been inadequate and inimical in its effects on society. The unintended consequences have been to encourage cohabitation and to cause untold pain to those who wish to remarry and are prevented from doing so. Neither individual justice, nor the common good have been well served by it. The next necessary step in the legal response is to allow people not only to separate, but also to view themselves as single people through the dissolution of their failed marriage, with the opportunity of engaging in another relationship leading to marriage and a family based on the solid institution of marriage. This would be more beneficial to Maltese society, not detrimental.

21 Charles Mangion 21 Opinion Authority without responsibility One of the main duties of any democratically elected government is to manage public funds for the common good. The duty of the opposition is to make sure that this authority is exercised responsibly because no democracy can permit a situation where the government is allowed to wield authority without paying heed to responsibility. In politics, responsibility is not just a legalistic concept, but a moral one because at the end of the day, the government is dealing with taxpayers money. The way the Gonzi administration has been treating the Public Account Committee one of the checks that exist on the nearly absolute authority that Government has when it comes to spending public money shows that moral responsibility is not such an important priority for this administration. The Opposition has, for many months, been criticising the government about the way it handled the BWSC contract for the extension of the Marsaxlokk power station. Readers will be familiar with the issues that we raised: conflicts of interest, the recruitment of shady consultants that are blacklisted by international respected organisations, decisions that have serious negative implications on our people s health and on our environment, substantial commissions being paid to brokers who flaunted their political connections, and solutions that are considered by many as not at all cost-effective and technically outdated. But the issue that shocked so many people was the government s resistance to participate in a transparent discussion on these issues in the Public Accounts Committee, where the government has a clear majority of members. The first objection was raised by Dr Austin Gatt, who claimed that as Chairman of the PAC, he was not free to define the agenda of the meeting. If this argument were to be held as valid, then the PAC could be rendered completely ineffective as it would only be able to discuss items approved by the members representing the government. What checks and balances would the PAC provide in our parliamentary democracy if this situation were to prevail? The ruling by the speaker on the first point of order raised by Dr Austin Gatt leaves much to be desired insofar as this affects the degree of independence and authority the Chairman appointed by the Opposition has in scheduling the agenda for discussion. The reason for having a chairperson from the opposition was always intended to enhance the level of scrutiny that can be exercised in the public interest. The democratic principle that the Executive finally decides on and that carries the motion will never be flawed thanks to the fact that the agenda in the PAC is drawn exclusively by the Chairperson. In my opinion, the first ruling on the point of order raised by Dr Gatt has undermined the authority of the PAC considerably. Many were even more surprised or rather amused when the government members in the PAC expressed shock at discovering that One Radio was aware of the agenda that the PAC was going to discuss ahead of a the particular meeting about the BWSC Report by the Auditor General. People were amused because they know how government ministries are populated by spin doctors paid by taxpayers money to manipulate public opinion and to project the government s image in the best possible light. Isn t this a classical case of the pot calling the kettle black? The recent ruling on whether the PAC can discuss the BWSC contract once a motion for debate has already been carried in the house in a plenary session partially sanitised this issue from the poison that had been injected in it by a government that has no qualms about using its authority but objects to the Opposition scrutiny to ensure that the administration is held responsible for its decisions. If the BWSC issue and the unflattering comments made by the Auditor General about the way this contract was handled embarrasses this government, then so be it. Our responsibility as a democratic Opposition is not to make life easy for the government but to protect the public s interest. People are increasingly worrying about the surge in corruption and mismanagement in most sectors of public life. They know that in the end they are footing the bill and especially at a time of economic austerity, they rightly expect to be treated with more respect. Electoral success may give a political party the authority to manage the public funds for five years, but it never exempts it from shouldering the responsibility of its decisions, not only from a legal perspective, but also from a moral one. As Chairman of the PAC I will continue to voice the concerns the Opposition has as regards the way public funds are managed, and will ensure that a transparent scrutiny is undertaken on any financial issue that is of interest to the Maltese public. This is why I was elected in parliament, and this is my belief as a progressive politician. Charles Mangion is Labour s main spokesperson for finance.

22 22 Opinion Evarist Bartolo Inclusion for the disabled the struggle continues young mother once A told me: We will never give up, but it is so hard to continue to come up against walls with no doors and windows and which are impossible to scale. She was reacting to my comment that in meetings with parents of disabled children, I often come across examples of heroic determination to improve the lives of their children, but also a feeling of powerlessness to bring about the necessary social changes to give their children equal opportunities in life. A father added: For years now we have heard so many nice words, we have been called to hundreds of meetings for consultations on how to improve matters, but so little has been done and there is such a long way to go still! The persons gathered around the table meeting me in the crammed Attard office out of which the Equal Partners Foundation operates have been fighting hard to provide a good future for their disabled children and other disabled young people. One of the professional people driving the work of the foundation explains to me: We have no buildings to show you. Our work is done in families, in schools and in the community. This puts us at a disadvantage when we ask for public funds or try to raise money, as when people ask us what do you do? and what do you use the money for? they expect us to show them physical facilities where we work, but since we work with people in their own setting, it would go against our philosophy of the social model of disability to spend money building facilities that take disabled persons out of their homes, schools and communities. The Equal Partners Foundation, whose mission is to strive for equity in learning, employment and life has grown considerably since it was set up over a decade ago. They are supporting around 300 members and the number is growing. They have 64 professionals serving an ever-growing community of learners. All the services provided to babies, children, young people and adults are person-centred, individualised and holistic. They are right to feel humiliated by the fact that they have to beg for public support in order to alleviate the heavy financial burdens the parents have to face to pay for their services. Surely we can find a way to use taxpayers money in public-private partnerships to provide such services for disabled people! During the meeting, we agreed that to include disabled persons in a real way, we must move away from the charity model to the human rights model. Inclusion is a human rights issue. This vision must be communicated incessantly. Although in our official language we have moved away from the rhetoric of pity, we still do not really believe that including disabled people, especially people with intellectual disabilities, is a human right. Thousands of intellectually disabled people of all ages in our midst are still largely invisible and improving their lives is still not very high up in the national agenda for education and employment. The Equal Partners Foundation believes unconditionally in inclusion of persons with disability/ learning difficulties in all aspects of society, pointing to experiences in Malta and other countries that children and adults with disability who have been included throughout their lives are functioning better that their peers who have been in a secluded setting. Their quality of life and their coping skills are better, and they can lead a more independent and meaningful life within an inclusive society. They derive their inspiration from the Salamanca Statement, which states that regular schools with this inclusive orientation are the most effective means of combating discriminatory attitudes, creating welcoming communities, building an inclusive society and achieving education for all; moreover they provide an effective education to the majority of children and improve the efficiency and ultimately the cost-effectiveness of the entire education system. The Equal Partners committee urged me to remind government that three years have passed and Malta has still failed to ratify the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities. What are we waiting for? We agreed that there is no national vision, neither a comprehensive plan to empower persons with disabilities to participate fully in society. The government should provide better public services for persons with disabilities and where this is not possible it should come to an agreement in an open and transparent manner with non-governmental providers to deliver these services. Parents should be allowed the right to choose which services to seek for their children. The Statementing Board and the Child Development Advisory Unit should operate in a fairer and more ethical way. Services for persons with disabilities should be coordinated across all government ministries and departments, joints budgets need to be set up and common programmes implemented by the Ministries responsible for Health, Education and Welfare and the institutions they are responsible for. As the meeting concluded, one thing was certain in my mind: we still have to change our mindset, our behaviour and all the economic, political and social structures to bring about a genuine integration for these people, otherwise inclusion will remain just another buzz word. We still need to embrace diversity. It is not easy to transform a past of exclusion into a future of inclusion. Inclusion is the continuation of a deep, long and painful process stretching over centuries: social classes, women, disabled persons, races, religions, ideas, political beliefs, persons with different sexual preferences, cultures, entire countries previously excluded and considered a threat to the mainstream, vilified and persecuted for along time have had to struggle hard to start becoming accepted and included. Inclusion is a constant journey and not a fixed destination. Taking steps in the right direction we should be aware that no ultimate and irreversible progress is guaranteed. The struggle continues. Evarist Bartolo is shadow minister for education. The next issue of Architect will be out 17 November with the Wednesday edition of MaltaToday ISSUE NO. 53 JULY 2010 THE OFFICIAL JOURNAL OF THE KAMRA TAL-PERITI For advertising enquiries please contact Adriana Farrugia on ext. 126 NEWSPAPER POST

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24 24 Letters Send your letters to: The Editor, MaltaToday, MediaToday Ltd. Vjal ir-rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016 Fax: (356) Letters to the Editor should be concise. No pen names are accepted. Clarifications on criminology With reference to the article entitled Suspending Sentences Rampant penned by Rachel Zammit Cutajar, which appeared in on the Sunday, 10 October edition of MaltaToday, I would like to point out a number of issues that served as a disservice to the work done in the field to date. The journalist s use of the anonymous criminologist as an expert on suspended sentencing has shed an unrealistic light on the profession in Malta. To date, criminologists, on an individual and MACA representation, have given direct interviews and statements without the need for anonymity and the use of the term criminologist who wished to remain anonymous is both dishonest and misleading. This points towards the fact that either the person does not exist or someone who is a charlatan with delusions of being an expert in the field. Such sweeping statements as it is more dependent on the money thrown at lawyers taking the case only manage to brew controversy without any basis in fact. As to the statement that suspended sentences should be given only if the crime committed is not a serious one and the risk of re-offending is small, the law (Chapter 9 S. 28A (2)) clearly states that a court shall not deal with an offender by means of a suspended sentence unless the case appears to the court to be one in which a sentence of imprisonment would have been appropriate in the absence of any power to suspend such a sentence by an order under subarticle (1). Thus, suspended sentences relate directly to serious cases as it is in effect a prison sentence. Also stating that the police are hindered in the prosecution process due to their lack of expertise only serves to offend another discipline and is purely aimed at sensationalism. The police, who are the main prosecutors in the Magistrates Criminal Court, undergo training on evidence collection and how it should be presented in court and cannot be stated to lack expertise. The anonymous person had better consult with the process which shows that it is a complex one involving police inspectors, probation officers, psychologists, social workers, psychiatrists and other services. Kindly note that as criminologists we dissociate ourselves from such statements. Dr Saviour Formosa MACA President Editorial note: Dr Saviour Formosa s observations are misrepresenting the content of the news report. MaltaToday respects the confidentiality of a helpful source whose views and studied experience of the judicial system are not in tandem with those of Dr Formosa. While respecting the MACA s claims to representing all criminologists, MaltaToday sought out a source whose views of the criminal justice system did not necessarily coincide with those of the MACA. In respecting the source s anonymity, this newspaper was proved right in its assumption that differing views would be met with contempt by the MACA. Budget the State must take responisbility A State s role is primarily to see to it that the macro-economy is running satisfactorily and efficiently. Price stability is one of the main pillars of a sound economy. Thus, not taking sufficient measures to ensure that no price earthquakes wreck havoc is a duty no administration can shrink. China and India, prior to the oil price highs and lows, purchased and entered into agreements to acquire volumes of this important stuff so that they could insert a constant in their calculations: the energy cost. No amount of spin in press releases, propaganda broadcast or seminars will make this go away if those countries did not make store for a rainy day, or rather few years! The shortcoming in not making sufficient provision was also highlighted recently when cyber-cowboys played around with buying and selling and are thought to have been responsible for a spike in the price of oil. In a perfect world, yes, the market should be allowed to play out, but not when so many imperfections are built in which skew results and threaten the livelihoods of so many people and bring misery and dissatisfaction to whole communities. It is useless for the common citizens to join the farce of offering suggestions for the upcoming budget if this is merely a window-dressing exercise on pushing economywrecking measures down our throats such as higher utility and car licence charges with no commensurate reductions in income tax to favour the honest and penalise the underground economy operators. G. Bonett Marsalforn Trade Unionism is the answer for Private Security Workers Żminijietna Voice of the Left agrees with conclusion presented by General Workers Union official Cory Greenland in a press conference addressing the phenomenon of precarious work and the exploitation of workers in the Private Security sector. The real problem is that there is no legal framework regarding conditions of work and this is leading to the deregulation of working conditions. On the European level this is classified as deregulation of work and social dumping. The situation is the result of neo-liberal economic policies which are creating a modern type of slavery in the pursuit of profit. We believe that the silence of the government on these matters show that it approves and supports the creation of precarious jobs. It is also of grave concern that the Maltese government did not offer any opposition on European level to the Services Directive, which has been criticised and opposed by Trade Unions and the Left and Green Parties. This Directive allows the creation of classes of workers with inferior working conditions and no job security to compete with established sectors of workers. In fact the type of employment offered in the Private Security sector is based on the same concepts of the Services Directive, whereby the free market economy reigns supreme. Żminijietna Voice of the Left strongly urges security guards in the private sector to organise and unite, within a trade union, to oppose exploitation and unjust working conditions. David Pisani PRO, Zminijietna Voice of the Left Easier said than done I did not know that it is, after all, so easy to talk to our Police Commissioner Mr John Rizzo, until I heard Dr Lawrence Gonzi being interviewed by Charlon Gouder during the PN s Independence festivities at Floriana. One just has to The Communist Party of Malta has, in a recent statement, criticised the Working Time Directive as being vague and widely open to various interpretations. The Party stated that it believed that the way the directive was formulated is a direct threat to increase the 40-hour week to a 48-hour week work, as this directive refers only to working hours per week, and not to overtime. The name given to this directive confirms our concern. Communist and other Workers Parties represented in the European Union Left Group are of the same opinion. Trade Unions of a Communist leaning are also objecting to this directive. The fact that part-time employment as an extra job is not included in this directive, and the fact that the worker can be obliged to work more than a 48-hour week, as long as the average overtime is not more than eight hours per week, over a period of three months, uncovers the hidden agenda that contact our Prime Minister on the matter and he would provide you with a chauffeur driver car that would take you to the Police Headquarters in Floriana. As easy as that! Some time ago, I had to wait for quite some time to secure appointment with our Police Chief. I only live about 1.5 kilometres from Floriana. Anyway, it s never too late to learn. Charles Cirillo Hamrun Concerns about the Working Time Directive exists to change the 40 hour week, work legislation. The Communist Party of Malta concluded its statement by saying that it is in favour of decreasing the 40-hour week to a 35-hour week without a decrease in pay. This will translate into more family time for the workers, improves in health and safety and an increase in new jobs, the CP continued. Victor Degiovanni Senglea

25 Editorial 25 MaltaToday, MediaToday Co. Ltd, Vjal ir-rihan, San Gwann SGN 9016 MANAGING DIRECTOR: ROGER DE GIORGIO MANAGING EDITOR: SAVIOUR BALZAN Tel: (356) , Fax: (356) Website: The cart before the horse It has been an inauspicious week for the way the national discussion on divorce is likely to unfold. Once again, just as some kind of light seemed to flicker at the end of the tunnel suggesting that an agreement of sorts had been reached, at least regarding the way the decision ought to be taken the Prime Minister promptly snuffed it out by denying plans that he intends to hold a referendum at some point next year. We are therefore back where we started: uncertain whether the matter will be put to a referendum or a simple vote in Parliament (if indeed a decision is taken at all); and even then, whether this will occur before or after the next election a consideration that carries weighty consequences for the political climate over the next two to three years. Indeed, political tensions over this issue are already rising apace, with arguments on both sides of the divide steadily assuming greater urgency. And we can only expect the situation to be greatly exacerbated, given the renewed sense of doubt cast over the entire issue by the Prime Minister this week. To speak plainly, Dr Gonzi is being irresponsible in his approach to this debate. Short of declaring himself to be personally against divorce, the Prime Minister has not only chosen to keep all possible options open for the longest possible time; but the messages now emanating from Castille appear to contradict each other with ever increasing frequency. The latest example occurred when MP Jeffrey Pullicino Orlando claimed that a referendum would be held in 2011, only for Dr Gonzi to distance himself from this alleged commitment with a decidedly ambiguous and non-committal statement last Thursday. Considering his own declared antidivorce bias, Gonzi s apparent U-turn is directly contributing to an unnecessarily disproportionate atmosphere of anxiety. Worse still, he appears to be also playing with words: studiously avoiding any reference to a referendum, and yet insisting that the matter should be decided by the electorate without specifying exactly how. None of this is conducive to a healthy debate of the kind Dr Gonzi himself once suggested. But at the same time, Malta has always taken such decisions in the most tortuous ways possible. Indeed it seems we have learnt little from our recent past, and are once again paving the way to a repeat performance of the shambles we experienced with the EU referendum in 2003: not to mention the referendums of Independence (1962) and Integration (1956), both of which similarly climaxed in uncertainty, aggression and lasting acrimony. Truth be told, Malta has held three national referendums on major issues of national controversy all three of which proved to be inconclusive and bitterly divisive. One need not look far for the reason: for with the exception of the abrogative variety inapplicable in the case of divorce Malta simply lacks the legislative framework within which a referendum may be legally binding. It was this stark fact that enabled Opposition leader Dr Alfred Sant to jeopardize the 2003 EU referendum, through his bizarre (and quite frankly appalling) behaviour when faced with the result. So much so, the issue of membership eventually had to be decided by means of an election as indeed was the case with Independence, and will always be the case for as long as referendums remain unregulated and non-binding in any legal sense of the word. Besides, Malta s eurosceptics had a valid point when they claimed that the entire referendum had been weighted in favour of a Yes result most pertinently, by the fact that the government had chosen to pump millions of liri in taxpayers money into the Malta EU Information Centre, with no equivalent campaign funding made available to the No campaign. Considering that the Maltese taxpayer was at the time in two minds about the issue of EU membership, it was blatantly unfair to use public money for propaganda purposes no matter how cunningly disguised as information. Broadly speaking, it seems the entire concept of a referendum has been cynically transformed into the very opposite of the democratic instrument it was always supposed to be. Instead, governments have repeatedly shown that they view referendums as little more than an electoral tool in order to secure a precise result according to their own exigencies; and given Dr Gonzi s publicly expressed views, one would be justified in treating any proposal for a referendum, on divorce with the suspicion it currently deserves. By the looks of things, when it comes to deciding the divorce issue, we are about to repeat the cardinal mistake we made with EU accession and other such momentous vicissitudes: that of putting the cart before the horse, and holding a referendum without first ensuring that all the necessary legislative measures are in place to avoid the unpleasant consequences of yesteryear. Quote of the week We ll see what happens in Parliament because I don t want anyone to jump the gun and I don t want anyone to start talking about referenda and all this because there is a parliamentary process that needs to go ahead with respect to every MP who will be given the opportunity to speak. Lawrence Gonzi, clarifying his position on a divorce referendum

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27 27 THIS WEEK CULTURE TV FILM CINEMA LISTINGS FOOD WHAT S ON If it ain t funny, we won t put it on With the passage of time, Adam and Eve s infamous Biblical transgression has inspired a number of copycat sinners and is nowadays not so original at all. UK playwright David Tristram takes this premise and runs with it in Unoriginal Sin, which will be playing at the Manoel Theatre next weekend courtesy of Mellow Drama. Teodor Reljic speaks to the trio behind the production company that has previously staged The 39 Steps, My First Time, All the Great Books (Abridged), and others, confirming their status as prime purveyors of comedy Mellow Drama has had a consistent success with comedies that manage to be both broad and quirky. Was it established early on that you wanted to carve that particular niche, and do you ever get the urge to do more austere work? Steve Casaletto, director: No, we where always about comedy, since day one. So far we have not really had any inclination to stray from the path to the dark side. But you never know. James Calvert, producer: From the word go we collectively agreed that Mellow Drama would never produce a play that wasn t funny. That s not to say our productions can t have a serious underlying message or moral, they can. But even if they do, they must get that message across in a way that leaves people upbeat and entertained. Our theory whether it s right or wrong is that people have enough stress and angst in their lives without having to add to it. We want them to leave the theatre with a smile on their faces and maybe a damp patch on their trousers. I would love to say I get the urge to tackle more serious drama from time to time, but it would be a lie. I just want to make people laugh and on that basis, I will leave deep theatre to people who are considerably better at it. John Montanaro, producer/actor: Laughter is the best medicine! As theatre companies go, Mellow Drama is a bit on the unique side. We formed in 2003 with a single goal in mind to make people laugh. As founders, we all share a belief that theatre should be about relaxing, letting your hair down and enjoying yourself. Our commitment which we have followed passionately since our formation is to produce comedies and nothing but comedies. If it ain t funny, we won t put it on. Continues on page 29

28 28 THIS WEEK PUBLIC LECTURES Sit in on French architect s dreams JEAN-MICHEL Wilmotte, one of the world s leading architects, urban planner and designer, will address a public talk at the Malta Chamber Of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry, Republic Street, Valletta at the invitation of the French Embassy and The Today Public Policy Institute on Tuesday, 19 October at 18:00. His talk is entitled Dreams, Realities and will focus on his passion for architecture and how he has translated those passions into effect his creations, the dreams and realities. Those attending the talk are kindly requested to be seated by 17:45. Drinks will be served after the talk. Wilmotte is a graduate of the Ecole Camondo and set up the Governor practice in Paris in Together with his team of ninety-nine people of varying nationalities, he is currently working on more than a hundred projects in France and abroad (Europe, Korea, Lebanon, Morocco, Qatar, Japan, Russia, United States and elsewhere). His projects are diverse, and include private homes, auto tracks, commercial centres, subsidised housing, office buildings, hotels and museums. His firm s activities range from industrial design to architecture and include work in the fields of modern re-adaptation of old buildings and museography, furthering his concept of interior architecture for cities. The literary history of the Holy Grail THE legend of the Grail and the quest for sublime mystical experience is one of the most fascinating legends to arise out of the Middle Ages. In this public lecture held at the St James Cavalier Music Room on Thursday, October 21 at 19:00, under the auspices of the British Culture Association, Prof. Peter Vassallo M.A (Oxon), D.Phil (Oxon) will focus on the literary treatment of this absorbing theme as it evolved from Celtic myth to Christian symbol and the significant ways it was woven into the fabric of Arthurian romance in literary texts, from Chretien de Troyes s Conte de Graal to Sir Thomas Malory s Le Morte D Arthur, to Tennyson s Idylls of the King, to T.S.Eliot s The Waste Land and David Jones s In Parenthesis. The lecture is dedicated to the memory of Dr Donald Sultana.

29 THIS WEEK 29 THEATRE Love is tricky Continued from page 27 ON a related note, do you feel that other local productions maybe take themselves a bit too seriously, and that what you re in fact doing is presenting an antidote to that? SC: I think there is a place for all types of theatre and theatrical expression. Just as some of the theatre other people are doing is not my cup of tea, I m sure that for some people what we are doing is also not to their taste. As long as the audiences are enjoying it, and we are enjoying it, we will continue to make people laugh in as many ways as possible. JC: Not at all. I think there is plenty of room for theatre companies who want to tackle serious issues and, by definition those companies need to take themselves seriously. We, on the other hand, like to offer an alternative that is light-hearted and easy to absorb. There are plenty of people who like both extremes and that will always be the case. What is it about David Tristram s script that really clicked with the kind of comedy you go for? SC: Tristram is a very talented comedy playwright and so a lot of his plays have struck a chord with us. However on a personal note I really wanted to revisit farce as a genre and so this particular piece really stood out as being clever and fun. JM: His plays are witty and very funny, with some one liners which I will continue to quote way after this production is over. This is British comedy at its finest, which is right up our street. With all the recent broo ha ha over censorship and the walkingon-eggshells approach it inspires when artists tackle religion, do you think there s anything at all risky to the play s title and overriding theme? SC: Well to be honest, the last thing we are usually looking to do is upset anybody from either a religious (or any other) angle. We are all about making people laugh and having a great evening out. However, nearly all the plays we have done have had a serious message to them (all the best comedy has a message really). To be honest, although the divorce debate is an extremely hot topic at the moment, I don t think that it will in any way offend in the way it is presented. JC: The thing about good theatre is that you should be able to relate to it. This play is not a social commentary on the Maltese scene, although it does cover a number of subjects which are particularly relevant to Malta at the moment. But that should just make it all the more interesting. We don t plan to be controversial in the plays we pick, but if a current topic happens to be covered in the script then we won t shy away from it. What s the greatest challenge when directing a quick-fire comedy such as this? SC: The main challenge for this sort of production is to remain as real and true to life as possible. The situations and the major comedy comes from the actors portraying real people. The second part is probably the speed with which things change in this type of comedy. Pace is key. The ultimate challenge is of course making sure we are still enjoying ourselves by the time we get the production on stage and in front of an audience. The cast includes John Montanaro, Louiselle Vassallo, Faye Paris, Barry Calvert, Stefan Cheriet Busuttil and Jean-Pierre Agius; the play is be directed by Steve Casaletto. All performances start at 20:00. Tickets for the play are available at 20, 18, 15 and 10. Bookings can be made in person at the Manoel Theatre on online at More information about this production and Mellow Drama s future productions is available on com.mt.

30 30 THIS WEEK WHAT S ON NIGHTLIFE TODAY Catch a Fire Reggae Party An afternoon reggae party will take place at Morning star in the limits of Zejtun/Mscala from 14:00 17:00. The event will also include an ethnic market by Aw Tribu, music by Zico, art exhibitions and thai massage. Entrance at 3 including free drink. OCTOBER 29 Horrorshow The Halloween Do Alternative Halloween party at Rookies Bar, Bugibba from 22:30. Clint and Rick on a Leash will be DJs for the night while Virginia Queens will be playing a themed set. There will also be a costume competition. OCTOBER 30 Vendetta The Freak Show Halloween costume party at Tattingers, Rabat from 22:30. Music by David Rogers and Chunky. Tickets at 10 from [email protected], 15 at the door. MUSIC TONIGHT Voices Annual choir concert held at the Mediterranean Conference Centre, Valletta from 19:. Tickets at 15, 20 and 25 are available from the MCC booking office ( , ) and www. voices.org.mt. OCTOBER 22 Airport Impressions album launch The rock band will be launching their debut album, Minutes of a Lifetime, at Tattingers, Rabat from 21:00. Tickets at 5 tickets are available online via www. jaggedhouse.com or from all Exotique outlets, Gillardu Kiosk (Valletta), 7 Camicie (Sliema), Guess (Bay Street), D Amato Music Shop (Valletts), Ministry of Music (B Kara), Celeste Video Rentals (B Bugia). Tickets at the door will be at 8. NOVEMBER 27 Brikkuni & Xtruppaw at Tattingers Following last year s hugely successful concert, the two bands will once again share the bill at Tattingers, Rabat from 21:30. Tim Ellis and Club Sandwich will once again be the DJs for the night. Tickets at 12 can be bought from or any Agenda,Exotique and Vodafone outlet. Tickets at the venue will be at 14. THEATRE TONIGHT The History Boys Masquerade presents a production of Alan Bennet s award-winnng comedy at the Manoel Theatre, Valletta from 19:30. Acclaimed UK director Andy Smith directs a cast including Jon Rosser, Nanette Brimmer, Malcolm Galea, Colin Willis, Francesco Catania, James Muscat, Andre Agius, David Chircop, Luke Farrugia, Joseph Zammit, Alexander Gatesy Lewis and Paul Cuschieri. Bookings: , bookings@ teatrumanoel.com.mt, online OCTOBER Unoriginal Sin Mellow Drama production of the David Tristram comedy at Manoel Theatre from 20:00. Directed by Steve Casaletto. Cast includes John Montanaro, Louiselle Vassallo, Faye Paris, Barry Calvert, Stefan Cheriet Busuttil and Jean-Pierre Agius. Bookings: bookings@ teatrumanoel.com.mt, OCTOBER 28 AND 30 La Traviata The well-known opera La Traviata will be making a welcome return to the Teatru Astra in Victoria, Gozo twentyone years after it was presented for the first time in April This new production will be under the artistic direction of renowned Marco Gandini, set design by Mauro Tinti, Joseph Cauchi is scenic artist and Carmel Zammit Stage Manager. OCTOBER 29, 30, 31 Ritratti Sepja Dahk mill-passat Unifaun presents Trevor Zahra s play at Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University from 20:00. Tickets are at 15 for stalls and 12 for balcony. Bookings: , NOVEMBER 5 7; 12 14; Bla Kondixin 2010 The 10th anniversary edition of the popular satirical show will be held at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta from 20:00. Bookings: , or [email protected], www. blakondixin.com. EXHIBITIONS OCTOBER 22 DECEMBER 5 Earth An exhibition of ceramics by Charlot Cassar at the Main Hall of St James Cavalier. Opening hours: Monday to Tuesday: 09:00 17:00, Wednesday to Friday: 09:00 21:00, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 21:00. UNTIL OCTOBER 21 Stirati Collective exhibition by Carmen Aquilina, Mario Cassar, Olivianne Farrugia, Mark Lughermo, Claire Scicluna, Robert Zahra, Charmaine Zammit at the Auberge de France, Birgu. Silent classic The Cabinet of Dr Caligari will be screened with musical accompaniment on October 27 at St James Cavalier The Geography of Proximity, an international collective exhibition, will be held at MCA, St James Cavalier until November 14 UNTIL OCTOBER 30 Vetro e Retro

31 THIS WEEK 31 WHAT S ON Trixi Weis. Opening hours: Monday to Tuesday: 09:00 17:00, Wednesday to Friday: 09:00 21:00, Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 21:00. COMIC CONVENTION TODAY Malta Comic Con This year s Malta Comic Con will be once again held at St James Cavalier in Valletta from 10:00 18:00. The comic convention will feature special guests Liam Sharp, Tim Perkins, Gary Erskine and Sean Azzopardi among others. For more information: FILM SCREENING OCTOBER 27 Silent no more! The Cabinet of Dr Caligari A screening of the classic silent horror film at St James Cavalier Cinema from 19:30, accompanied by musical improvisations from Kris Spiteri. Tickets are at 5. A selection of paintings, drawings and sculptures by Josette Azzuz Caruana at Opus 64 Galerie, 64, Tigné Street, Sliema spanning from 1984 to Opening Hours: 10:30 to 13:00 and 16:30 to 19:00. www. opus64galerie.com; [email protected]. UNTIL OCTOBER 31 Postage Stamp Artwork: Emvin Cremona ( ) Maltapost and Heritage Malta s National Museum of Fine Arts jointly present an exhibition of Emvin Cremona s original stamp artworks at the Museum s Unifaun presents Ritratti Sepja Dahk mill-passat at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University Contemporary Hall. Opening hours: 09:00 16:30. UNTIL NOVEMBER 14 Geography Of Proximity Travelling exhibition curated by Roberto Daolio & Alessandro Castiglioni and forming part of The Little Constellation Project at MCA, St James Cavalier, Valletta. Featuring work from Barbara Bühler, Canarezza and Coro, Giancarlo Norese and Umberto Cavenago, Haris Epaminonda, Nina Danino, Irena Lagator, Ingibjörg Magnadóttir, Pierre Portelli, Mark Mangion and AIRFREIGHT OCEANFREIGHT TRUCKING We have been leading for over 60 years offering you a fully integrated logistics solution. 25, Air Cargo House, Triq Ġanni Vassallo, Luqa Tel: Fax: [email protected] Exclusive agent for:

32 32 THIS WEEK TELEVISION TVM 07:00 L-Ghodwa T-Tajba 08:00 Starboard 08:30 Waltzing Matilda 09:00 L-Quddiesa Tal-Hadd - H Attard 09:45 Hajja 10:15 Mixage 11:00 Hadd Ghalik 12:00 News In Maltese/Weather Report 12:05 Hadd Ghalik Ikompli 14:00 TVM Shop 14:30 Qattiela 15:30 TVM-Shop 16:00 Dot EU 16:30 Gadgets 17:00 Bijografiji 18:00 Sign News/Weather Report 18:05 Luxdesigns 19:15 Venere 20:00 L-Ahbarijiet/Sports/Rapport Tat-Temp 20:45 KC 21:45 Kontra Attakk 23:15 L-Ahbarijiet/Weather Report 23:35 News In English 23:40 Modern Lifestyle 00:10 Zmeraldi NET TV 14:00 Net News 18:00 Net News 18:55 Wheelspin 19:45 Net News 20:30 Simpatiċi 21:10 Replay ONE TV 09:00 Mat-tokki l-prima 12:45 Malta fuq kanvas 13:30 One News 13:45 X Ħadd magħna 17:00 Uniċi 17:30 One News 17:45 Fresh n Funky 18:15 On d road 19:00 Ieqaf 20 minuta 19:30 One News 20:15 Kważi... kważi aħwa 20:44 The Kilo Challenge 22:45 Pandora CANALE 5 06:00 Tg5 Prima Pagina 07:55 Traffico - Meteo 5 08:00 Tg5 Mattina 08:50 Le frontiere dello spirito 09:40 TgCom 09:45 Verissimo 13:00 Tg5 - Meteo 5 13:40 Domenica 5 18:50 Chi vuol essere milionario 20:00 Tg5 - Meteo 5 20:40 Striscia la domenica 21:30 Distretto di Polizia 10 23:50 Terra! 01:00 Tg5 Notte - Meteo 5 RETE 4 07:05 Sei forte maestro 2 09:20 Artezip 09:25 Puglia - Da Molfetta a Bari 10:00 S. Messa 11:00 Pianeta mare 11:25 Anteprima Tg4 11:30 Tg4 - Meteo 4 13:30 Pianeta mare 13:45 Vie d Italia - Notizie sul traffico 13:55 Tutti per Bruno 15:15 Cascina Vianello 16:10 Caccia selvaggia 18:05 Colombo 18:50 Anteprima Tg4 18:55 Tg4 - Meteo 4 19:35 Colombo 20:30 Forrest Gump 23:20 Controcampo Anteprima 23:30 Controcampo 01:25 Tg4 Night News ITALIA 1 07:00 Motomondiale MotoGp 08:00 Casper, scuola di paura 08:05 Beethoven 08:25 Kilari 08:50 Pearlie 09:05 Gormiti - L eclissi suprema 09:30 Bakugan Battle Brawlers 09:55 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 10:20 Motomondiale :20 Motomondiale Moto2 13:00 Guida al Campionato 14:00 Motomondiale MotoGp 15:00 Grand Prix - Fuori Giri 16:00 Capogiro Junior 18:30 Studio Aperto Meteo 19:00 Mr Bean - La serie 19:30 Big Mama 21:25 Colorado 00:35 Le Iene RAI UNO 06:00 Quello che 06:30 Mattina in famiglia 10:00 Linea Verde Orizzonti 10:30 A sua immagine 10:55 Santa Messa 13:30 Tg1 - Tg1 Focus 14:00 Domenica In - L arena 15:50 Domenica in Amori 16:15 Domenica in...onda 16:25 Che tempo fa 16:30 Tg1 16:45 Domenica in... onda 18:50 L eredità 20:00 Tg1 20:35 Rai Tg Sport 20:40 Soliti ignoti 21:30 Terra ribelle 23:45 Speciale TG1 00:50 Tg1 Notte - Che tempo fa 01:15 Applausi. Teatro e arte RAI DUE 07:00 Il diario di Bindi 07:45 Art Attack 08:30 Tutti odiano Chris 09:00 Karkú 09:25 Unfabulous 09:50 The Naked Brothers Band 10:10 Ragazzi c è Voyager 10:40 A come Avventura 11:00 Numero Uno 11:35 Challenge 19:00 Mr Bean Italia :00 Tg2 Giorno 13:30 Tg2 Motori 13:40 Meteo 2 13:45 Quelli che aspettano... 15:40 Quelli che il calcio e... 17:05 Stadio Sprint 18:00 Tg2 L.I.S. - Meteo2 18:05 90 minuto 19:00 Numero Uno 19:25 Squadra speciale Cobra 11 20:30 Tg2 21:00 NCIS 21:45 Castle - Detective tra le righe 22:35 La Domenica Sportiva 01:00 Tg2 RAI TRE 07:30 La grande vallata 08:20 La leggenda di Banna Bianca 10:05 Appuntamento al cinema 10:10 L ispettore Derrick 11:00 TgR Estovest 11:20 TgR Mediterraneo 11:45 TgR RegionEuropa 13:25 Passepartout 14:00 Tg3 Regione - Tg3 Regione Meteo 14:15 Tg3 14:30 In 1/2 h 15:00 Tg3 Flash L.I.S. 15:05 Alle falde del Kilimangiaro 18:00 Per un pugno di libri 18:55 Meteo 3 19:00 Tg3 19:30 Tg3 Regione - Tg3 Regione Meteo 20:00 Blob 20:10 Che tempo che fa 21:30 Report 23:25 Tg3 23:30 Tg Regione 23:35 Caternoster 00:35 Tg3 00:45 TeleCamere Salute BBC WORLD NEWS :00 BBC World News 06:30 Our World 07:00 BBC World News 07:30 The Record Europe 08:00 BBC World News 08:30 Fast Track 09:00 BBC World News 09:10 World Features 09:30 To Be Announced 10:00 BBC World News 10:10 World Features 10:30 Dateline London 11:00 BBC World News 11:10 World Features 11:30 The Real... 12:00 BBC World News 12:10 World Features 12:30 My Country Nigeria 13:00 BBC World News 13:30 Newsnight 14:00 BBC World News 14:10 World Features 14:30 Click 15:00 BBC World News 15:15 Sport Today 15:30 The Bottom Line 16:00 BBC World News 16:30 World Challenge :00 BBC World News 17:10 The Doha Debates 18:00 BBC World News 18:30 India Business Report 19:00 BBC World News 19:30 Our World 20:00 BBC World News 20:15 Sport Today 20:30 Click 21:00 BBC World News 21:30 To Be Announced 22:00 BBC World News 22:10 World Features 22:30 World Challenge :00 BBC World News 23:10 World Features 23:30 The Real... BBC ENTERTAINMENT :10 Teletubbies 06:35 Me Too! 06:55 Balamory 07:15 Tweenies 07:35 Teletubbies 08:00 Me Too! 08:20 Balamory 08:40 Strictly Come Dancing 09:55 Casualty 10:45 Casualty 11:35 Holby City 12:35 Robin Hood 13:20 Holby City 14:20 The Big Top 14:50 The Big Top 15:25 Doctors 15:55 Doctors 16:25 Robin Hood 17:10 Doctors 17:40 Doctors 18:05 Doctors 18:45 Strictly Come Dancing 19:55 Strictly Come Dancing 20:40 Mutual Friends 21:35 Holby Blue 22:25 New Tricks 23:15 BlackJack E! ENTERTAINMENT :00 THS: Hulk Hogan & Family 07:20 Hollywood s Nastiest Jobs 07:50 THS: American Idol: Girls Rule 08:40 THS: Simon Cowell 09:30 E! News 10:00 Holly s World: Operation Angel 10:25 The Spin Crowd: Beauty and the Billionaire 10:50 Keeping up with the Kardashians: Blind Date 11:15 Celebrity Crises: 10 Most Shocking Mental Disorders 12:15 E! News 12:45 Kendra: The Big Game 13:15 Holly s World: Operation Angel 13:40 THS: Whitney and Bobby 15:20 THS: Britney Spears: Price of Fame 17:10 THS: David Hasselhoff 18:05 THS: Tiger Woods 19:00 E! News 19:30 THS: Amy Winehouse 20:00 THS: Sarah: Duchess of York 21:00 Girls of the Playboy Mansion: Pleading the 55th 21:30 Kourtney and Khloé Take Miami: Jealousy Makes the Heart Grow Fonder 22:00 Keeping up with the Kardashians: Botox and Cigarettes 22:30 The Spin Crowd: Should I Stay or Should I Go? 23:00 E! News 23:30 Dr 90210: Girls Just Want to Get Done FINE LIVING NETWORK :00 Breathing Space Yoga 06:25 Breathing Space Yoga 06:50 Yoga Zone 07:15 Yoga Zone 07:40 Picture This 08:30 Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello 09:00 Bathtastic! 09:25 Kitchen Impossible 09:50 D-Sign 10:15 Picture This 11:05 Around the World in 80 Homes 11:30 Giada s Weekend Getaways 12:00 Rachael Rays Tasty Travels 12:25 Easy Entertaining with Michael Chiarello 12:50 I Do, Let s Eat 13:15 Cook s Tour 13:45 Kitchen Impossible 14:10 Small Space, Big Style 14:35 Small Space, Big Style 15:00 Bathtastic! 15:25 Around the World in 80 Homes 15:50 World s Most Extreme Homes 16:15 Extreme Yachts 17:05 Bathtastic! 17:30 Bathtastic! 18:00 A Place in the Sun 18:55 Hollywood Pets 19:20 Extreme Living 19:45 Extreme Living 20:10 World s Most Extreme Homes 20:35 World s Most Extreme Homes 21:00 Extreme Yachts 21:55 Extreme Living 22:20 Extreme Living 22:45 Mansions 23:10 Mansions 23:35 A Place in the Sun ZONE REALITY :00 Medical Detectives 06:25 Medical Detectives 06:50 Untold Stories of the ER 07:40 Fire :05 Who Do You Think You Are? 08:55 Saving Babies 09:20 Saving Babies 09:45 Lifeline 10:35 Children s Hospital of Orange County 11:25 Beyond Chance 12:15 Medical Detectives 12:40 Medical Detectives 13:05 Who Do You Think You Are? 13:55 Saving Babies 14:20 Saving Babies 14:45 Lifeline 15:35 Children s Hospital of Orange County 16:25 Beyond Chance 17:15 Untold Stories of the ER 18:05 Gift of Life 18:55 Children s Hospital of Orange County 19:45 Fire :10 Street Court 20:35 Street Court 21:00 Sex Change Hospital 21:50 Unsolved Mysteries 22:40 Medical Fraud Investigators 23:30 Haunted Homes GRANADA TV :00 60 Minute Makeover 07:00 Coronation Street Omnibus 09:00 Dates from Hell 10:00 Live the Dream... As Seen on Screen 11:00 Essex Wives 12:00 Forger s Masterclass 12:30 Driving Mum and Dad Mad 13:00 Parkinson 14:00 Michael Winner s Dining Stars 15:00 Piers Morgan s Life Stories 16:00 The Sunday Night Project 16:30 TV Made Me Do It 17:00 Rosemary and Thyme 18:00 Parkinson 19:00 Michael Winner s Dining Stars 20:00 Piers Morgan s Life Stories 21:00 The Sunday Night Project 21:30 TV Made Me Do It 22:00 Rosemary and Thyme 23:00 Coronation Street Omnibus TCM :00 Red River [U] 08:30 Belle of the Yukon 10:15 Elmer Gantry [PG] 12:55 Screening Room 13:20 The Ambassador s Daughter 15:35 Screening Room 16:00 Frankie and Johnny [U] 17:50 Superman II [PG] 20:15 Apache [U] 22:00 The Night of the Hunter [12] 23:50 A Breed Apart [15] MGM CHANNEL :35 The Limbic Region [18] 08:10 Napoleon [U] 09:30 True Heart [PG] 11:00 Brannigan [15] 12:50 The Legend of Johnny Lingo 14:20 Spellbinder [18] 15:55 Rich in Love [12] 17:40 Salt and Pepper [PG] 19:20 Nothing Personal [15] 21:00 Bigger Than the Sky [PG] 22:45 Asteroid HALLMARK :00 Great Women 06:05 Judging Amy 07:05 Judging Amy 08:00 Judging Amy 09:00 7th Heaven 10:00 7th Heaven 11:00 Brideshead Revisited 12:00 Brideshead Revisited 13:00 Brideshead Revisited 14:00 Great Women 14:06 Arch of Triumph 15:53 Great Women 16:00 7th Heaven 16:52 Great Women 17:00 The Marva Collins Story 18:54 Great Women 19:00 Rosemary and Thyme 20:00 Wolff s Turf 21:00 Wolff s Turf 22:00 Rex: A Cop s Friend 23:00 Agatha Christie s Poirot COMEDY CENTRAL :00 M*A*S*H 06:30 M*A*S*H 07:00 Teleshopping 07:30 Teleshopping 08:00 Teleshopping 08:30 Teleshopping 09:00 Teleshopping 09:30 Teleshopping 10:00 Scrubs 10:30 Scrubs 11:00 Scrubs 11:30 Scrubs 12:00 Scrubs 12:30 Scrubs 13:00 Scrubs 13:30 Scrubs 14:00 Scrubs 14:30 Scrubs 15:00 Scrubs 15:30 Scrubs 16:00 Scrubs 16:30 Scrubs 17:00 Scrubs 17:30 Scrubs 18:00 Scrubs 18:30 Scrubs 19:00 Scrubs 19:30 Scrubs 20:00 Two and a Half Men 20:30 Two and a Half Men 21:00 The Rules of Engagement 21:30 Scrubs 22:00 The Office 23:00 Grumpy Old Holidays 23:40 Grumpy Old Women LIVING :30 Teleshopping 07:00 Teleshopping 07:30 Teleshopping 08:00 I Dream of Jeannie 08:30 I Dream of Jeannie 09:00 Bewitched 09:30 Bewitched 10:00 Ghost Whisperer 11:00 Ghost Whisperer 12:00 Ghost Whisperer 13:00 Ghost Whisperer 14:00 Ghost Whisperer 15:00 Ghost Whisperer 16:00 Ghost Whisperer 17:00 Ghost Whisperer 18:00 Ghost Whisperer 19:00 Ghost Whisperer 20:00 Ghost Whisperer 21:00 Ghost Whisperer 22:00 CSI: Miami 23:00 Criminal Minds THE STYLE NETWORK :00 The Style Network 10:00 The Style Network 14:00 The Style Network 18:00 The Style Network 22:00 The Style Network FOOD NETWORK :00 Paula s Best Dishes 06:25 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 06:50 Guy s Big Bite 07:15 Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics 07:40 Everyday Italian 08:05 30 Minute Meals 08:30 Tyler s Ultimate 09:00 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 09:30 Barefoot Contessa 10:00 Unwrapped 10:30 Paula s Party 11:30 Guy s Big Bite 12:00 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 12:30 Paula s Best Dishes 13:00 Barefoot Contessa: Back to Basics 13:30 Everyday Italian 14:00 30 Minute Meals 14:30 Throwdown with Bobby Flay 15:00 Iron Chef America 16:00 Barefoot Contessa 16:30 Unwrapped 17:00 Paula s Best Dishes 17:30 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 18:00 Throwdown with Bobby Flay 18:30 Good Deal with Dave Lieberman 19:00 Iron Chef America 20:00 Barefoot Contessa 20:30 Everyday Italian 21:00 Chopped 22:00 Throwdown with Bobby Flay 22:30 Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives 23:00 Food Network Challenge DISCOVERY CHANNEL :00 Wheeler Dealers: Corvette C4 06:25 How It s Made 06:50 How Stuff Works: Rubber 07:15 Nextworld: Future Radical Vehicles 08:10 Mythbusters: Antacid Jail Break 09:05 Destroyed in Seconds 09:35 Destroyed in Seconds 10:00 American Loggers 10:55 Ultimate Survival: Arctic Circle 11:50 Tornado Rampage 12:45 Deadliest Catch: Arctic Quest 13:40 Mythbusters: Antacid Jail Break 14:35 Nextworld: Future Radical Vehicles 15:30 Time Warp: Samurai Sword Master 16:00 Time Warp: Free Runner 16:25 I Could Do That 16:55 I Could Do That 17:20 Chop Shop: Dallaglio s Muscle Car 18:15 Fifth Gear 18:45 Fifth Gear 19:10 Street Customs Berlin: Gift on Wheels 20:05 Mythbusters: Antacid Jail Break 21:00 MacIntyre: World s Toughest Towns: Mexico City 21:55 Banged up Abroad: Colombia 22:50 Miami Swat 23:45 Behind Bars: Tennessee DISCOVERY WORLD :00 James May s 20th Century 06:30 Man on Earth 07:20 Man on Earth 08:10 Man on Earth 09:05 Man on Earth 10:00 Man on Earth 10:55 Man on Earth 11:50 Man on Earth 12:45 Man on Earth 13:40 Dambusters: The Bouncing Bomb 14:35 Superweapons of the Ancient World 15:30 Great Quakes 16:25 Atlas 4D 17:20 Discovery Atlas 18:15 Greatest Tank Battles 19:10 King Tut Unwrapped 21:00 Scandals of Ancient Egypt 21:55 Blood Ties 22:20 Rivals 22:50 Outlaw Bikers 23:45 Death Machines DISCOVERY SCIENCE :00 Thunder Races 07:00 Scrapheap Challenge 08:00 Ten Ways 08:55 Brainiac: Science Abuse 09:50 The Future of... 10:45 The Future of Pleasure 11:40 The Future of... 12:35 The Future of... 13:30 The Future of... 14:25 Sci-Fi Science 14:55 Sci-Fi Saved My Life 15:50 The Gadget Show 16:15 The Gadget Show Road Trip 16:45 Stephen Hawking s Universe 18:30 Ice Storm: The Perfect Disaster 19:20 Engineered 20:10 Stephen Hawking s Universe 21:00 Nasa s Greatest Missions 21:50 Building the Future 22:40 Ice Storm: The Perfect Disaster 23:30 Engineered DISCOVERY TRAVEL & LIVING :00 Jon & Kate Plus 8 06:25 Cake Boss 06:55 Little People, Big World 07:20 Say Yes to the Dress 07:50 My Greek Kitchen 08:15 Feast Bazaar 08:45 Anthony 21:00 The Sunday Night Project [Entertainment] Granada TV (Channel 309) 21:00 Bigger Than The Sky [Film] MGM Channel (Channel 312) 22:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians: Botox and Cigarettes [Reality Series 5] E! Entertainment (Channel 306)

33 THIS WEEK 33 TELEVISION The Proposal [Film] melita movies (Channel 801) in Disguise 20:20 Tork 20:30 Pingu 20:35 Tiny Planets 20:40 Pingu 20:45 Tiny Planets 20:50 Slim Pig 21:00 Little Fables 21:15 Igloo-Gloo 21:30 Kipper 21:40 Fireman Sam 21:50 Tigga and Togga 21:55 Tigga and Togga 22:00 Rubbadubbers 22:10 Oswald 22:25 I Spy 22:40 Bob the Builder 22:50 Thomas and Friends 23:05 Bob the Builder 23:15 Dorothy the Dinosaur 23:25 Barney and Friends 23:50 Anthony Ant MTV :00 Breakfast Club 07:30 Teen Cribs 08:00 My Super Sweet 16 08:30 Jessica Simpson: The Price of Beauty 09:00 My Life as Liz 09:30 The Hills 10:00 The City 10:30 Hosted Top 20 12:00 Made 12:30 Teen Cribs 13:00 My Super Sweet 16 13:30 Jessica Simpson: The Price of Beauty 14:00 My Life as Liz 14:30 The Hills 15:00 The City 15:30 Hosted Top 20 17:00 Made 18:00 Cribs 18:30 Exiled 19:00 Made 19:30 Pimp My Ride 20:00 Taking the Stage 21:00 Jersey Shore 22:00 Hard Times of RJ Berger 22:30 Valemont 23:00 The Dudesons 23:30 The Dudesons Bourdain: No Reservations 09:40 Beach House Down Under 10:30 Build, Buy or Restore Abroad 10:55 Say Yes to the Dress 11:25 Toddlers and Tiaras 12:15 Jon & Kate Plus 8 12:40 Little People, Big World 13:05 Take Home Chef 13:30 Cake Boss 13:55 My Greek Kitchen 14:20 Beach House Down Under 15:10 Jon & Kate Plus 8 16:00 Toddlers and Tiaras 16:50 What Not to Wear 17:40 Say Yes to the Dress 18:05 Say Yes to the Dress 18:30 Cake Boss 18:55 Cake Boss 19:20 Jon & Kate Plus 8 19:45 Little People, Big World 20:10 Ultimate Cake-Off 21:00 Toddlers and Tiaras 21:50 LA Ink 22:40 Body Work 23:30 Little People, Big World 23:55 Say Yes to the Dress INVESTIGATION DISCOVERY :00 The FBI Files 06:50 Ghosthunters 07:15 Ghosthunters 07:40 Forensic Detectives 08:30 The FBI Files 09:20 To Be Announced 10:10 Extreme Forensics 11:00 The FBI Files 11:50 Forensic Detectives 12:40 Forensic Detectives 13:30 CSU 14:20 Diagnosis Unknown 15:10 Forensic Detectives 16:00 The FBI Files 16:50 To Be Announced 17:40 Extreme Forensics 18:30 The FBI Files 19:20 Forensic Detectives 20:10 Forensic Detectives 21:00 CSU 21:50 Diagnosis Unknown 22:40 Murder Shift 23:30 Serial Killers ANIMAL PLANET :00 The Crocodile Hunter Diaries 06:50 The Planet s Funniest Animals 07:15 The Planet s Funniest Animals 07:40 Project Puppy 08:05 Project Puppy 08:35 Animal Battlegrounds 09:00 Cats :55 Monkey Life 10:20 RSPCA: Have You Got What It Takes? 10:50 Miami Animal Police 11:45 E-Vets: The Interns 12:40 Animal Cops Houston 13:35 Wildlife SOS 14:00 RSPCA: Have You Got What It Takes? 14:30 The Pack 14:55 The Pack 15:25 Dogs :20 Cats :15 Snake Crusader with Bruce George 17:40 Snake Crusader with Bruce George 18:10 Venom Hunter With Donald Schultz 19:10 Planet Earth 20:05 The World Wild Vet 21:00 Whale Wars 21:55 Your Worst Animal Nightmares 22:50 The Sharkman 23:45 Untamed and Uncut NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC :00 The Dog Whisperer: Calvin, Rudy, and Milo 07:00 Prehistoric Predators: Razor Jaws 08:00 Monkey Thieves: Divided We Stand 08:30 Monkey Thieves: Hard Times 09:00 Megafactories: Rolls Royce 10:00 Air Crash Investigation: Snowbound 11:00 The Dog Whisperer: Calvin, Rudy, and Milo 12:00 The Dog Whisperer: Titan, Candy, and Bella 13:00 Caught in the Act 14:00 Wild Russia: Kamchatka 15:00 Genius of the Vikings: Raiders by Design 16:00 Genius of the Vikings: Victims of Success 17:00 Jesus: The Man from Nazareth 19:00 Ancient MegaStructures: Angkor Wat 20:00 Inside: Talibanistan 21:00 Inside: Afghan Marine Base 22:00 Earth Investigated: Hunt for Aliens 23:00 Inside: Talibanistan NAT GEO WILD :00 Animal Rescue Squad 06:30 Animal Rescue Squad 07:00 Rescue Ink 08:00 Dog Town 09:00 Storm Stories 09:30 Storm Stories 10:00 Expedition Wild 11:00 Hyena Queen 12:00 Hyena: Bonecrusher Queens 13:00 Relentless Enemies 15:00 Eye of the Leopard 17:00 Living with Big Cats 18:00 Bug Attack 19:00 Giant Python Invasion 20:00 Anaconda: Queen of the Serpents 21:00 Expedition Wild 22:00 Dangerous Encounters 23:00 Storm Stories 23:30 Storm Stories TRAVEL CHANNEL :00 Globe Trekker 07:00 Swiss Railway Journeys 08:00 Raider of the Lost Snow 08:30 Skier s World 09:00 Surfari 09:30 Essential 10:00 World s Greatest Motorcycle Rides 11:00 Globe Trekker 12:00 Planet Sports 13:00 Essential 13:30 Hollywood and Vines 14:00 Inside Luxury Travel 15:00 Globe Trekker 16:00 Floyd Uncorked 16:30 Floyd Uncorked 17:00 Floyd Uncorked 17:30 Floyd Uncorked 18:00 48 Hours In... 18:30 Travel Today 19:00 Down the Line 20:00 Word Travels 20:30 Culture Shock 21:00 Food Tripper 22:00 Globe Trekker 23:00 Julian and Camilla s World Odyssey BIO :00 Bio: Kylie Minogue 07:00 Pawn Stars: Knights in Fake Armour? 07:30 Pawn Stars: Boom or Bust 08:00 Bio: Jennifer Love Hewitt 09:00 Bio: Drew Barrymore 10:00 Bio: Beyonce 11:00 Bio: Kylie Minogue 12:00 Pawn Stars: Knights in Fake Armour? 12:30 Pawn Stars: Boom or Bust 13:00 Bio: Jennifer Love Hewitt 14:00 Bio: Beyonce 15:00 Bio: Kylie Minogue 16:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge 17:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge 18:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge 19:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge 20:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge 21:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge 22:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge 23:00 Lorraine Kelly s Next Big Fat Challenge HISTORY :00 Sliced: Robots 06:30 Sliced: Gas Station 07:00 Mummy Forensics: The Misfit 08:00 Mega Disasters: New York Earthquake 09:00 Mega Disasters: Methane Explosion 10:00 American Pickers: Invisible Pump 11:00 Sliced: Robots 11:30 Sliced: Gas Station 12:00 The Prime Minister Is Missing 13:00 Darwin s Brave New World: Origins 14:00 Mega Disasters: New York Earthquake 15:00 Mega Disasters: Methane Explosion 16:00 My Favourite Place: Charlotte Ulhenbroek s Tintagel with English Heritage 16:30 My Favourite Place: Konnie Huq s Osborne House with English Heritage 17:00 Highlands 17:30 Highlands 18:00 The Cosmos: A Beginner s Guide: Life in the Cosmos 18:30 The Cosmos: A Beginner s Guide: Building the Universe 19:00 Ancient Aliens - The Visitors 21:00 Pawn Stars: Secret Santa 21:30 Pawn Stars: Steaks And Stake 22:00 Death Masks NAT GEO HD :05 Street Monkeys 07:00 Mad Labs 07:25 Street Monkeys 08:15 Animal Autopsy 09:05 Animal Autopsy 09:55 Animal Autopsy 10:45 Animal Autopsy 11:35 Street Monkeys 12:25 MegaStructures 13:15 In the Womb 14:05 Animal Autopsy 14:55 Animal Autopsy 15:45 Mad Labs 16:10 Big, Bigger, Biggest 17:00 Secret Bible 17:50 MegaStructures 18:40 Street Monkeys 19:30 Mad Labs 20:00 Wild Russia 20:55 Planet Carnivore 21:45 Banged up Abroad 22:35 Wild Russia 23:25 Planet Carnivore DISNEY CHANNEL :10 Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 06:35 The Fairly Odd Parents 07:00 The Suite Life on Deck 07:25 Wizards of Waverly Place 07:50 Jonas LA 08:15 Hannah Montana Forever 08:40 Good Luck Charlie 09:00 Sonny With a Chance 09:25 Have a Laugh 09:30 High School Musical [U] 11:00 Hannah Montana Forever 11:25 Jonas 11:50 Wizards of Waverly Place 12:15 The Suite Life on Deck 12:40 The Fairly Odd Parents 13:00 Sonny With a Chance 13:25 The Replacements 13:45 Have a Laugh 13:50 Hannah Montana Forever 14:15 Jonas 14:35 The Fairly Odd Parents 15:00 Sonny With a Chance 15:25 Hannah Montana 15:45 Wizards of Waverly Place 16:10 Wizards of Waverly Place 16:30 Jonas 16:55 Have a Laugh 17:00 Hannah Montana Forever 17:20 Good Luck Charlie 17:45 Sonny With a Chance 18:10 The Cheetah Girls 2 19:40 Hannah Montana Forever 19:55 Have a Laugh 20:00 Wizards of Waverly Place 20:25 Wizards of Waverly Place 20:50 The Suite Life on Deck 21:15 Good Luck Charlie 21:40 Sonny With a Chance 22:05 Jonas 22:30 Hannah Montana 22:55 Hannah Montana 23:20 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody 23:45 The Suite Life of Zack and Cody NICKELODEON :15 Ni Hao, Kai-lan 06:40 Ni Hao, Kai-lan 07:05 Go, Diego, Go! 07:30 Go, Diego, Go! 07:55 Dora the Explorer 08:20 Dora the Explorer 08:45 SpongeBob SquarePants 09:10 SpongeBob SquarePants 09:35 The Fairly Odd Parents 10:00 The Fairly Odd Parents 10:25 CatDog 10:50 CatDog 11:15 The Penguins of Madagascar 11:40 Drake and Josh 12:05 icarly 12:30 icarly 12:55 The Mighty B 13:20 Back to the Barnyard 13:45 Sponge- Bob SquarePants 14:10 My Life as a Teenage Robot 14:40 Jimmy Neutron 15:05 Avatar: The Legend of Aang 15:30 The Penguins of Madagascar 15:55 icarly 16:20 Drake and Josh 16:45 Drake and Josh 17:10 The Troop 17:35 SpongeBob SquarePants 18:00 CatDog 18:25 CatDog 18:50 The Fairly Odd Parents 19:15 The Penguins of Madagascar 19:40 icarly 20:05 True Jackson, VP 20:30 Drake and Josh 20:55 Unfabulous 21:20 Avatar: The Legend of Aang 21:45 My Life as a Teenage Robot 22:10 Jimmy Neutron 22:35 CatDog 23:00 SpongeBob SquarePants 23:25 The Fairly Odd Parents 23:50 The Mighty B CARTOON NETWORK :00 Fantastic Four: World s Greatest Heroes 06:30 Fantastic Four: World s Greatest Heroes 07:00 The Marvelous Misadventures of Flapjack 07:30 Chowder 08:00 Bakugan: New Vestroia 08:30 Bakugan: New Vestroia 09:00 Johnny Test 10:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 10:30 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 11:00 Ben 10: Alien Force 11:30 Ben 10: Alien Force 12:00 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 12:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 13:00 Battle Force 5 13:30 Battle Force 5 14:00 Hero :00 Johnny Test 16:00 Chowder 17:00 Ben 10: Alien Force 17:30 Ben 10: Alien Force 18:00 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 18:30 Ben 10: Ultimate Alien 19:00 Battle Force 5 19:30 Battle Force 5 20:00 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 20:30 Star Wars: The Clone Wars 21:00 Johnny Test 21:30 Chowder 22:00 Fantastic Four: World s Greatest Heroes 22:30 Skatoony 23:00 Robotboy 23:30 The Cramp Twins JIM JAM :00 Barney and Friends 06:25 Tigga and Togga 06:30 Tigga and Togga 06:35 Igloo-Gloo 06:50 I Spy 07:05 Anthony Ant 07:20 Dorothy the Dinosaur 07:30 Barney and Friends 07:55 Tigga and Togga 08:00 Tigga and Togga 08:05 Baby Antonio s Circus 08:10 Benjamin s Farm 08:15 Baby Antonio s Circus 08:20 Benjamin s Farm 08:25 See The Sea 08:30 James the Cat 08:35 Fluffy Gardens 08:50 James the Cat 08:55 Connie the Cow 09:05 Wobblyland 09:10 Wobblyland 09:15 The Mighty Jungle 09:30 Mio Mao 09:35 Mio Mao 09:40 P.B. Bear and Friends 09:45 P.B. Bear and Friends 09:50 Connie the Cow 10:00 I Spy 10:15 I Spy 10:30 I Spy 10:45 I Spy 11:00 I Spy 11:15 I Spy 11:30 I Spy 11:45 I Spy 12:00 Benjamin s Farm 12:05 Kipper 12:15 Fireman Sam 12:25 Tigga and Togga 12:30 Tigga and Togga 12:35 Rubbadubbers 12:45 Oswald 13:00 Barney and Friends 13:25 Dorothy the Dinosaur 13:35 Bob the Builder 13:45 Thomas and Friends 14:00 Bob the Builder 14:10 I Spy 14:25 Igloo-Gloo 14:40 Rubbadubbers 14:50 Tigga and Togga 14:55 Tigga and Togga 15:00 I Spy 15:15 I Spy 15:30 I Spy 15:45 I Spy 16:00 I Spy 16:15 I Spy 16:30 I Spy 16:45 I Spy 17:00 Dorothy the Dinosaur 17:10 Bob the Builder 17:20 Thomas and Friends 17:35 Bob the Builder 17:45 Rubbadubbers 17:55 Oswald 18:10 Pingu 18:15 Tiny Planets 18:20 Pingu 18:25 Tiny Planets 18:30 Dougie in Disguise 18:40 The Magic Key 18:50 Dougie in Disguise 19:00 Little Fables 19:15 Tork 19:25 Slim Pig 19:35 Angelina Ballerina 19:50 Dougie in Disguise 20:00 The Magic Key 20:10 Dougie MEZZO :00 Bach, messe en si mineur 10:55 Haydn, les 7 dernières paroles du Christ 11:55 Divertimezzo 13:00 Honegger, R. Strauss : Royal Concertgebouw orchestra 15:00 Jazz Icons 16:30 Divertimezzo 17:00 Un Ballo in Maschera at Madrid 19:20 Divertimezzo 20:30 Spartacus au Bolshoï, chorégraphie de Yuri Grigorovich 22:50 Hariprasad Chaurasia live at Salle Poirel EUROSPORT :35 Cycling: Tour of Lombardy 09:30 WATTS 09:45 WTA Tennis: Linz: Semi-Finals 11:00 International Rally Challenge: Scotland: Day 2 [Live] 12:00 Motor Racing: ETC Adria: Race 1 [Live] 12:30 Cycling: Tour of Lombardy 13:15 Motor Racing: ETC Adria: Race 2 [Live] 13:45 International Rally Challenge: Scotland: Day 2 [Live] 15:00 WTA Tennis: Linz: Finals 16:30 WATTS 17:30 Cycling: Tour of Lombardy 18:45 WATTS 19:00 WTA Tennis: Linz: Finals 20:30 Boxing 22:30 Motorsports Weekend 22:45 International Rally Challenge 23:45 WTA Tennis: Linz: Finals EUROSPORT :30 Eurosport 2 Morning News 08:45 The Daily Surf Report 09:00 Football J League 10:30 Field Hockey [Live] 12:00 Handball 12:30 Eurosport2 News 12:45 The Daily Surf Report 13:00 WTA Tennis: Linz: Finals [Live] 15:00 Dew Tour 15:30 Dew Tour 17:30 BMX Racing: World Cup [Live] 20:30 Eurosport2 News 21:00 Handball 22:30 Dew Tour 23:45 The Daily Surf Report ESPN CLASSIC :00 DTM Greatest Races 07:00 Football Rivalries 07:30 Football Rivalries 08:00 Sports Years 09:00 Sports Years 10:00 World s Strongest Man 10:30 World s Strongest Man 11:00 World s Strongest Man 11:30 World s Strongest Man 12:00 Ringside 12:30 Ringside 13:00 Football Rivalries 13:30 Football Rivalries 14:00 Premier League: Season Highlights 15:00 Euro Matches - Europe 16:00 UEFA Football Finals 17:00 Sports Years 18:00 Sports Years 19:00 World s Strongest Man 20:00 World s Strongest Man 20:30 World s Strongest Man 21:00 DTM Racing Series 22:00 DTM Greatest Races 23:00 Football Rivalries 23:30 Football Rivalries ESPN AMERICA :15 Nascar Now 07:00 30 for 30 08:00 College Football 10:30 College Football: Ohio State at Wisconsin 13:00 College Football 15:30 College Football Final 16:30 NFL Matchup 17:00 Sunday NFL Countdown 19:00 NFL Football [Live] 22:00 NFL Football [Live] YACHT&SAIL :00 Cruises to a World of Discovery 07:00 Hot Water 08:00 Des Top News 08:06 Meteo 08:15 Powerboat Racing 08:45 H20 09:45 Yachting: World Match Racing: Troia, Portugal 10:45 Des Top News 10:51 Meteo 11:00 Powerboat Racing 11:30 Cruise...Adventure 12:00 Sailing Woman 12:30 H20 13:00 Jetsprint 13:30 Des Top News 13:36 Meteo 13:45 Powerboat Racing 14:15 Navy 14:45 World Boat 15:15 Cruises to a World of Discovery 16:15 Des Top News 16:21 Meteo 16:30 Powerboat Racing 17:00 The Global Challenge 17:30 Kiteboarding: Pro World Tour 18:00 Aquanauts 18:30 Shark Gordon 19:00 Des Top News 19:15 Powerboat Racing 19:45 Navy 20:15 World Boat 20:45 Des Top News 21:00 The Global Challenge 21:30 Kiteboarding: Pro World Tour 22:00 Des Top News 22:15 Powerboat Racing 22:45 World Boat 23:45 Des Top News

34 34 THIS WEEK FILM IN CINEMAS TODAY COP POP PROP SLOP FLOP EMBASSY CINEMAS Valletta Tel , Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps (12) 10:00, 12:45, 15:30, 18:10, 20:50 The Town (18) 10:20, 13:35, 16:05, 18:40, 21:10 The Switch (12) 10:00, 12:15, 16:00, 18:15, 20:45 The Social Network (14) 11:00, 13:45, 16:15, 18:45, 21:15 Grown Ups (14) 10:00, 12:10, 14:20, 16:30, 18:40, 20:50 Eat Pray Love (PG) 14:30, 18:10, 21:00 We all know the drill EDEN CINEMAS St Julians Tel The Town (18 14:25, 18:15, 21:10, 23:40 Salt (12) 14:00, 16:20, 18:40, 21:10, 23:25 Wall Street Money Never Sleeps (12) 14:30, 18:15, 21:00, 23:45 Eat Pray Love (PG) 14:25, 18:15, 21:00, 23:45 Step Up 3 (U) 14:10, 16:25, 18:40, 20:55, 23:10 Life As We Know It (12) 14:00, 16:25, 18:50, 21:15, 23:40 Killers (PG) 14:05, 16:10, 18:20, 20:45, 22:50 The Twilight Saga Eclipse (12) 14:05, 18:20, 20:50, 23:20 Shrek Forever After - The Final Chapter (U) 14:05, 16:10, 18:20, 20:45, 22:50 Marmaduke (U) 14:05, 16:10,18:20 Inception (12) 20:50, 23:45 Resident Evil: Afterlife (3D) (14) 14:15, 16:25, 18:30, 21:15, 23:20 The Switch (12) 14:20, 16:30, 18:45, 21:05, 23:15 The Other Guys (14) 14:10, 16:25, 18:40, 20:55, 23:10 Grown Ups (14) 14:15, 16:35, 18:50, 21:05, 23:20 Jonah Hex (16) 14:20, 16:15, 18:30, 21:05, 22:55 The Social Network (14) 14:30, 18:30, 21:10, 23:45 Going the Distance (16) 14:15, 16:30, 18:45, 21:15, 23:25 EMPIRE CINEMAS Bugibba Tel , Resident Evil : Afterlife 3D (14) 11:05, 14:00, 16:15, 18:40, 20:50 Piranha 3D (18) 13:30, 18:25, 21:05 Step Up (U) 10:50, 16:00 Eat, Pray, Love (PG) 11:10, 14:30, 18:00, 20:55 The Social Network (14) 10:55, 13:30, 16:10, 18:45, 21:20 Grown Ups (14) 13:45, 16:05, 18:20, 20:45 The Other Guys (14) 13:50, 16:20, 18:40, 21:10 Wall Street - Money Never Sleeps (12) 14:25, 18:05, 21:05 YES, I know The Social Network David Fincher and Alan Sorkin s already box-office-bursting drama about the founding days of Facebook is already out by the time you read this. And by all means, you should go see it: critics are often as bad judges of quality as herd-audiences are, but as was the case with Jonah Hex last week (only in inverse), it s getting the kind of praise that s difficult to explain away as just a matter of opinion. However, sadly enough, it has arrived to our multiplexes only on Friday not enough time for me to scribble away before deadline. So for now, we ll have to content ourselves with some filler perhaps (who knows?) you re already having trouble booking for The Social Network after all, Facebook is just as big here as anywhere else. Just as (I imagine) most males in the audience, however, when looking for something to watch this week I operated on a very specific brief: avoid Eat Pray Love, Julia Roberts s neo-hippie-cum- Sex-and-The-City-style- soulsearching -exercise. It looks lush, uplifting and pretty, but corrupt on every other level: the kind of narcissistic indulgence masquerading as spiritual enlightenment makes me feel slightly sick. So instead I went with something I thought was bound to be inoffensive and fun. Will Ferrell usually does the trick in that area, and his buddy cop film with Mark Whalberg had a chuckle-worthy enough trailer. My expectations were more or less met though it was still a case of simply being relieved for dodging the Julia Robert vehicle, rather than revelling in a genuinely enjoyable cinematic experience. By Teodor Reljic New York City detective Allen Gamble (Ferrell) is more comfortable pushing pencils than busting bad guys. A meticulous forensic accountant, his numbers are never off. Detective Terry Hoitz (Wahlberg) is Gamble s reluctant partner. Try as Detective Hoitz might to get back on the streets, an embarrassing encounter with a famous baseball player has left a sizable black mark on his permanent record. Detectives Danson (Dwayne Johnson) and Highsmith (Samuel L. Jackson) are the complete opposites of Gamble and Hoitz: unwaveringly confident, they always get their man, and they do it with style to spare. But while pursuing a band of highly trained robbers, the super-detectives get too reckless for their own good leaving a hole to be filled in their absence. A hole that Gamble and Hoitz, try as they might, don t stand a chance of filling, but they go for it anyway, embarrassment and hilarity never too far behind their efforts. Director Adam McKay was crucial to Will Ferrell s ascent into superstardom. Also a graduate from the American TV staple comedy show Saturday Night Live, he helmed Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy THE OTHER GUYS (14) and Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby, cementing Ferrell s reputation for nailing painfully delusional gasbags that we feel no guilt for laughing at. The fact that they have a healthy working relationship is made evident in The Other Guys, as it s a comedy that rolls on with effortless, even childish abandon. While you can predict the plot from the beginning to the very end (and despite some convoluted twisty-turniness towards the end), the joy is in the gags and perhaps more importantly in some hilariously memorable lines. At a meeting for cops with anger management problems that Hoitz is forced to attend, a sufferer explains how firing his gun with complete abandon made him feel like a Viagra pill with a face. Hoitz and Gamble s pseudo-banter also yields some gems: on one of their first encounters, Gamble counters an insult with such nerdy precision that you just have to stare back in bafflement, and Hoitz, the frustrated alpha male par excellance ( I m a peacock, you gotta let me fly! ) comments that driving in Gamble s Prius literally feels like riding in a vagina. Some sustained gags also work well: Gamble is convinced that his smoking hot wife Sheila (Eva Mendez) is in fact plain and an embarrassment, and the duo s boss Captain Gene Mauch (Michael Keaton) unwittingly quotes lyrics from TLC. In the end, the film s selfawareness is what saves it: we re all in on it, so let s just enjoy it, is the motto. There is a fault in all the joyful madness, however. By the middle, the gags just keep flying at the audience, the plot taking a substantial cigarette break outside the madcap police chase romp that s meant to be taking place. And by this point, you realise that maybe McKay and co. are just trying a little too hard to be funny. It s significant that McKay and Ferrell have founded and continue to be involved in the website Funny or Die a user generated comedy video page because the film s structure (or lack of thereof) and the fact that it prioritises absurd, sometimes quite inspired, gags and catchphrases so clearly over plot recalls that format. This isn t necessarily a drawback, however who wants to see yet another funny buddycop film, especially after we ve had one quite recently with Cop Out (admittedly, a complete failure)? What is sacrificed is any real tempo so instead of being a delicious side-dish, the gags become the main course and after a while run the risk of hypnotising the audience into indifference. But that s precisely the thing: do you care? True, there are a lot of buddy cop spoofs out there the monumental classic in this field in recent memory at least is Edgar Wright s Hot Fuzz (which we could actually consider as a Brit equivalent of The Other Guys). As stop-gap entertainment it works well the summer-autumn transition is never really smooth as far as cinema is concerned, and at least McKay s film one of the least ugly casualties on the list. At least we can look forward to The Social Network next week. Beyond that, it s nice to discover that the St James Cavalier Cinema is back on track so us guys will have more options for shelter come next Julia Roberts/Sarah Jessica Parker deluge.

35 FOOD 35 Going the extra mile Over the years, The Arches Restaurant has become a household name. But does its reputation as one of Malta s finest restaurants pay off, DAVID DARMANIN asks IF a new restaurant opens every minute, another goes bust every. But if one restaurant in Malta has contributed to slightly improving the world average, then that must be The Arches. The restaurant opened its doors in 1970, and one of the first people who walked through them and straight into the kitchen was Chef Eddie Xerri, who for many years was the big cheese at The Arches. While the restaurant became an institution in Malta, Eddie became an institution at The Arches Äì where he still works until this very day. At the level of The Arches, the brief of a restaurateur no longer remains doing nothing wrong, since getting everything right becomes much more fundamental. But ironically, even if a dining experience is absolutely flawless in terms of food quality, ambience, service and value, it does not mean that a full floor automatically ensues. As the number of fine dining restaurants grows exponentially, restaurateurs must either become marketing gurus, or find the budgets to employ one. And this is possibly one thing The Arches needs to do. Filling up seven tables on a random summer Tuesday night is not too bad when you re in Mellieha but after 40 years of brand-building to become a household name, it s nothing to write home about either. More so when a good deal of customers are not even Maltese. A place of such calibre would in many other countries be fully booked weeks in advance. The Arches could be suffering from a sad case of quality overkill. The restaurant s brand, and what it represents, tends to be intimidating. Taking out a date to The Arches is almost looked at in equivalence to delighting a woman with jewellery. Many do not regard The Arches as a firstdate option but rather as a place where to propose for marriage, or where to celebrate a silver anniversary, a graduation, a 60th birthday or a massive promotion. But there s an ocean of difference between the brand perception and the product on offer. The price for instance, translates into an average of 60 per person if you re having wine and a three-course meal not cheap, but certainly not more expensive than others of the same level. The decor is posh, but not too far out. You will not be looked down at if you walk in wearing casual clothes. Ultimately, The Arches is nothing out of this world, even if places in Malta offering a product of similar standards can be counted on one hand. Stephanie started with the Asparagus and Walnut Salad, which came on top of a tart of caramelised onion and rocket; and with sesame crusted goat cheese on the side. My starter was more macho fresh Capelletti stuffed with minced rabbit and pistachios topped with a cream of lentils, an egg white dressing, julienne carrot strips and rocket leaves. Servers will grate the cheese at your table. We couldn t resist the Wagyu- Kobe carpaccio, so we asked for one to be thrown in while we were going through our starters. This beef is sold at rude prices on the market, but The Arches managed to price their carpaccio at 15.00, using rump. The dressing used on it varies from the original recipe, as the thin slices of raw meat come glazed with honey and mustard, on a bed of greens and onions. A bead of roasted figs and gazpacho in an aperitif glass are served alongside. Lovely. Stephanie s choice for mains, the Pan-Seared Salmon Supreme, has a name somewhat reminiscent of the dreaded 80s. The result is a different story altogether. With a salmon fillet on one side and a sea bass fillet on a bed of cabbage puree on the other, the dish is accompanied with pilaf rice, oyster mushrooms, sautéed asparagus and fish stock. It s like being in a playground she said, as she enjoyed nibbling on the different features making up the plate before her. The venison suppliers deserve a prize for quality and The Arches deserve a prize for sourcing them, if not just for the way they cook their meats. My seared venison fillet was first cooked whole and then sliced in medallions, flaunting a perfect medium-rare as ordered. It came accompanied with a celeriac puree, shredded braised cabbage, a pear and plum chutney and boiled potatoes cooked a tad beyond al dente. Both mains came with fried crunchy onions served separate, which, along with Mark s love for butter, prove the brigade s Francophile tendencies in the kitchen always a good sign. However, Mark says he makes an effort in being less liberal than he d like to when it comes to using butter, as he tries to accept the new wave moving towards less fat in their meals. The times they are a-changing, and with no more prawn cocktail on menus comes less melted butter on anything that s hot on the plate. Mark has every opportunity to compensate with being sinful with his desserts, in which no calorie is spared. Choosing the fig Tatin tart for instance, was a total pig-out on my part after having been through all that food. Once deciding to reach the desserts stage, the patissiere cannot be blamed for that extra calorie. Young restaurant manager Manuel Attard is the star of the show on the floor. After 15 years working at the same restaurant, he has managed to hone the skills required to judge what a guest is after in an instant, giving him the option to choose for you what you will think was a mere recommendation. Some people in his position may abuse if equipped with such skills, but Manuel is not the type who will squeeze punters to their last pennies. His choice of wine for instance, was a simple Rioja Crianza worth 20. To complement our food, it was exactly what we would have chosen if we were as familiar as he is with the 200 wine varieties stocked in his temperature controlled walk-in cellars. Besides just being nice, a formidable maitre is one who can be trusted. All in all, while not being infallible, The Arches staff will go the extra mile in bringing magic to an evening with the star ingredients in either their food or service being passion and incredible dedication. But it s a question of give and take, as patrons too will have to travel the extra mile and drive all the way up to Mellieha. This review was originally published in the first edition of Gourmet Today. YOUR SUNDAY RECIPE Baked fillets of red snapper Serves 4 Baked fillets of red snapper with a potato crust Ingredients 2 large potatoes peeled and thinly sliced 100g unsalted butter Salt and pepper to taste Juice of 1 large lemon 8 red snapper fillets each weighing 150g Pinch of paprika Method Preheat the oven on the highest setting, butter a baking sheet and place the fillets on top season with salt, pepper and lemon juice. Now arrange the potato slices over lapping like scales. Season the potatoes with small pieces of frozen butter and bake in the oven for about 15 mines. If the potatoes are cooked but not golden brown place under a hot grill or use a blow torch to finish crisping and browning. Very carefully place the fish on 4 individual plates and serve pouring over any butter juices and around as well. Word and tip A simple green vegetable would be a suitable accompaniment with a fish dish. Here I used char grilled asparagus. As an alternative you can use freshly boiled French beans or Mange tout.

36 36 THIS WEEK 224. SPURGE HAWKMOTH Wildlife in European farmland is Well over 500 species of moths have been recorded in Malta. Yet we see so few of them, and that s because many moths are tiny, most of them are dust-coloured, and almost all of them fly by night. But there are some large and colourful species too, and one of these is the Spurge Hawkmoth. Hawkmoths are a group of streamlined creatures that look like sleek fighter aircraft, and among these the Spurge Hawkmoth (M: Bahrija tat-tenghud) enjoys a special place, as it is endemic (= unique) to our land. Now is the best time to search every Tree Spurge shrub to spot the crazily beautiful caterpillars of this species, as they munch away the toxic foliage like there s no tomorrow. When grown to almost the size of a human finger, these psychedelic eating machines stop bingeing, crawl down into the ground and turn into pupae. Text and photo Victor Falzon GMOs Concerns Threat to Wildlife already in severe decline because of intensive, chemical farming. For example, in the UK plants which were considered to be arable weeds 40 years ago are now listed as rare or scarce and some are endangered species. Similarly more than 20 bird species including the tree sparrow, grey partridge and song thrush have shown drastic declines in numbers since the 1970s. There is widespread concern that the use of GM herbicide tolerant crops could make this worse. GM herbicide tolerant crops allow farmers to apply broad spectrum weed killers to their fi eld, which kill all other plants. There is concern that this will continue the decline of farmland wildlife because the use of these GM crops could lead to the removal of weeds from all crops in the normal arable rotation. This will reduce the food supply for insects and birds. GMOs could also compete or breed with wild species. Farmed fi sh, in particular, may do this. GM crops could pose a threat to crop biodiversity, especially if grown in areas that are centres of origin of that crop. In addition, GM crops could compete with and substitute traditional farmers varieties and wild relatives that have been bred, or evolved, to cope with local stresses. For example, local varieties in Latin America permitted the recovery from the catastrophic potato blight in Ireland in the 1840s. Today such plants often help improve climate tolerance and disease resistance. If genetically modifi ed crop varieties substitute them, they could be lost, but the same applies to improved varieties developed by conventional breeding methods. There are also potential risks to nontarget species, such as birds, pollinators and micro-organisms, is another important issue. Nobody quite knows the impact of horizontal fl ow of GM pollen to bees gut or of novel gene sequences in plants to fungi and soil and rumen bacteria. Besides, it is feared that widespread use of GM crops could lead to the development of resistance in insect populations exposed to the GM crops. Planting GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 123 : A green option for the ladies For a green alternative to sanitary towels and tampons, find out about Mooncups at refuge areas with insect-susceptible varieties is advised to reduce the risk of insect populations evolving resistance due to the widespread growing of GMO Bt-crops. Visit Friends of the Earth s website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us You can also support us by sending a blank SMS donation on ( 4.66) or ( 11.65).

37 HEALTH & BEAUTY 37 Nails, the mirror to our health TOE nails should look transparent and silky! Daily stress and diseases can damage and alter the nails. Many illnesses can be manifested on the nails. In fact, several branches of Oriental and Asian medicines examine the nails for any possible diseases. Nails consist of horned material (keratin) which slowly grows out of the nail bed. A toe nail normally grows 0.5 to 2 mm per week and is completely renewed within six months. While the skin (on the legs for instance) rejects the dead callus layer, the old horned skin layers on the nail are pushed over each other and can form up to 150 layers. Nails protect the finger and toe tips support the gripping functions. In a healthy nail, the nail plate is smooth and transparent. This reveals good circulation of the nail bed as the nail will also appear slightly pink. The free nail edge and the half moon appears whitish. Changes in colour, forms and shape of the nails can be signs of specific illnesses or accompanying signs. If nail detaches A detaching nail onycholosis nearly always occurs as an accompanying sign of another nail disorder. Detachment of the nail can result from circulatory and metabolic disturbances or a thyroid disorder. In many cases, however, external influences can cause the nails to detach, particularly excessive pressures (most of the time caused by wearing the wrong shoes), injuries or irritated substances such as soapy water or nail polish removers..grows in. Wrong shoes can also cause ingrown nails. This is a very common nail problem, usually causing inflammations of the nail edge which can be extremely painful. Other frequent causes of ingrown nails can be wrong pressure distribution, changes in the arch of the foot and/or the toes. The general rule is: foot specialists provide you with rapid and competent help so that the problem does not remain in the long term. splinters Nails can splinter layer by layer, i.e. from the free nail edge parallel to the nail surface (onychoshises) or in the longitudinal direction (onychorrhexis), fingernails being the ones most effected. The result of nail splinters can be caused by solvents found in nail polish removers, frequent washing and circulation disturbances. thickens Those who suffer from increased callus formation (hyperkeratosis) often also have problems with thickened nails. The nail appears dull milky and the half moon of the nail is no longer recognisable. In younger patients, this condition can be the result of persistent pressure on the nail plate, whereas in older patients it is usually the result of circulation disturbances or defective nerves. In this case, more cell layers than normal lie above each other. or changes colour The best known and most harmless colour change in nails (dyschronia) consists of small white spots. This can be either inherited or developed by pressure on the nails. White cross -stripes rarely occur and if all nails are effected it can indicate metabolic disturbances. On the other hand, longitudinal stripes are age-related and normally form without a recognisable cause. Complete white colouration or milky nails may indicate a liver disorder. Pigmentation of the nail (in spots, stripes or the entire area) is often a harmless collection of blood under the nail but it may also be a melanoma. No reason to panic The most frequent causes for nail changes are nail polishes, stress or soapy water. Spots or grooves which are caused in this way usually grow out towards the free nail edge. Regular nail care prevents nail problems. Always consult your foot care specialist or doctor!

38 38 MOTORING HEALTH The bare bones BONES are what give our body its structure and its supportive frame. They form part of the mechanical organisation that allows various movements of the individual parts. Bones provide protection for the body s internal organs as in the skull protecting the brain and the ribs protecting the heart and lungs. Bones are involved in the process of blood cell production. They act as reserves for important minerals, amongst which are calcium and phosphorus. These are just very few of the extremely important functions bones are involved in within the body s dynamics. Bones have a harder shell with an inner web of tough elastic fibres, minerals, blood vessels and bone marrow. Healthy bones are very dense with small spaces between the different mesh components. On the other hand, bones affected by osteoporosis have larger spaces, making them weaker, less flexible and more susceptible to breaks (fractures). Bone is a living tissue that undergoes constant regeneration. In childhood, bones grow and repair very quickly. However, this process slows down as a person gets older. Bones stop growing in length between the ages of 16 and 18 and stop increasing in density in the late twenties. From the age of 35 bone density starts gradually being lost. This forms part of the natural progression of aging. However, for some people it can lead to osteoporosis (weaker bones) and therefore, a greater risk of bone fractures. What is bone density screening? A bone density determines whether a person suffers from osteoporosis or whether he/she are at risk of osteoporosis. Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones that causes them to become fragile and more vulnerable to breaks, which particularly occur in the spine, the wrist and the hips but which can also hit other bones, such as the arm or pelvis. A statistical association has been determined between bone density and the higher probability of bone fracture. Screening makes it possible for a person to be aware of the strength of his/ her bones, or lack thereof, before they become too weak to treat. The test results give a rather accurate analysis of a person s risk of bone fracture. The scan is generally performed by radiographers in the Radiology Department of hospitals. It uses x-rays that are non-invasive and that emit minimal radiation, to evaluate the number of grams of calcium and other bone minerals contained in a segment of bone. The higher the bone mineral content, the denser the bones are and therefore, the stronger they are. The norm is for measurements to be taken over the lumbar spine and upper part of the hip. How is the scan useful? By identifying bone weaknesses, measures can be taken to improve their strength, thus reducing the risk of breakages, especially due to falls in elderly life. Bone density scans can also confirm a diagnosis of osteoporosis after broken bones have been experienced. They can additionally monitor osteoporosis treatment. An important point worth noting is that the older a person is, the longer it takes for bones to repair themselves. So the stronger bones are, the tougher they are to break. Osteoporosis the risk factors Age bones become weaker as years progress thus increasing osteoporosis risk Low Body Weight (lean persons) Personal history of fractures after the age of 40 Parental history of osteoporosis or hip fractures The utilisation of medications that can be the cause of bone loss Commonly associated with post-menopausal women, osteoporosis can also affect men, younger women and children.

39 Events 39 Shock wave therapy now at the Fortina spa resort A new non-invasive treatment is now available for: Tennis and Golfers Elbow, Plantar Fasciitis, Calcified Tendonitis, Tibialis Anterior Syndrome, Throchanteric Bursitis and Patellar Apex Syndrome Shock Wave Therapy, in Malta has had a 90% success rate on those chronic aliments that generally do not respond to treatment. It is a broad spectrum therapy, with many applications, and that selectively promotes and stimulates the biochemical process leading to healing. It is a safe method with practically no side effects. That has proven its value during years of practical application. It can ease the pain of millions of people worldwide who suffer from chronic pain at tendon insertion points such as the Achilles tendon, Plantar Fasciitis, and Tennis Elbow, (otherwise known as Lateral Epicondylitis). Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy (ESWT) offers those patients suffering from the above mentioned ailments the possibility to avoid surgery in cases were conventional methods of treatment have failed to produce the desired affect, or for those patients who have had a condition for a period of more than six months and have exhausted all other options. In recent years, Extracorporeal Shock Wave Therapy has experienced a rapid and successful development in the field of Orthopaedics worldwide. Medical shockwaves are generated electrohydrolically by means of igniter sparks in the treatment head. They are then conducted into the body with the help of a special therapy head. After the problem has been diagnosed, the treatment is carried out and lasts for a period of about four minutes. The patient will experience a sensation of sharp jabs which are literally sound impulses that cause no pain. After a period of two weeks, the patient is reassessed and another dose is administered if necessary. The pressure which has been administered affects both the cells and blood vessels, allowing a regression of the symptoms and promotes the healing process. The treatment is ideal for the following chronic conditions: Tennis and Golfers Elbow, Calcified Tendonitis, Throchanteric Bursitis, Patellar Apex Syndrome, Tibialis Anterior Syndrome, Plantar Fasciitis. It has the special effect of assisting the body to reabsorb and extra bone tissue which may form around a chronically inflamed area. For more information contact Dr Alan Zammit at the Fortina Spa Resort Medical Centre on Tel: or or via physio@hotelfortina. com. Bla Kondixin celebrates its 10th birthday EARTHQUAKES, floods and natural disasters? This year has seen too many catastrophes not to mention the man-made ones of local politics! What other horrors await patrons of this year s Festival of Satire, Bla Kondixin? Well, all the favourite characters with their signature biting humour in tow will be present, and they will be joined by several others, to ensure a fresh fun experience for the audience. Cikku c- Ciklist, the well-loved character will join Fredu tat-taxi, both played by Snits. Salvu l- Lajburist (Paul Portelli) now has settled as a loyal follower of Joseph Muscat, and has even dedicated a song to him. And the frustrated spinster Lucy Cocciattolo (Tanya Scicluna) is still looking for a husband... Joining them is Leigh-Anne Abela fresh from her studies in London, to bring back to life audience favourites Angolina the Minister s daughter, and Gracie who knows exactly which side her toast is buttered! Bla Kondixin 2010 will be held at the Sir Temi Zammit Hall, University of Malta on the 5 7, and November. Performances start at 8:00pm. Bookings can be made by calling or through [email protected], visit

40 40 MOTORING World Record for the Mazda MX-5 MAZDA has broken a world record with its cult roadster MX-5, and entered the Guinness Book of World Records. On 18 September 2010, 459 officially recognised vehicles formed the longest continuous MX-5 parade of all time at the grounds of the UNESCO Zollverein World Heritage site in Essen clearly breaking the former world record of 249 vehicles set in New Zealand. The excitement leading up to this event was amazing, said Jeff Guyton, President and CEO Mazda Motor Europe. Over 600 MX-5 owners applied to take part; so many that we didn t have room for them all because of technical reasons. The event, the parade, the many visitors Mazda MX-5 showed today why it s still one of the best-loved sports cars on the planet. The last seats in MX-5 world record parade were auctioned off at ebay for a good cause. This included co-pilot next to German actor Ralf Bauer, and one other Mazda MX-5. The auction for these coveted slots raised about 1,300, which Mazda Germany increased to 3,000 and donated to SOS Children s Villages. Cars from 17 countries took part in the world record attempt, whereby the lion s share of parade participants came from Germany. Several awards were handed out during the day s entertaining program, and at the party that followed setting the world record. The furthest distance to the parade with 2,800 km was an MX-5 from Moscow which attended with a group of nine other Russian MX-5s. The oldest MX-5 award went to a car that was 21 years and two months old from Prague, and the MX-5 with the highest mileage of 344,624 km came from Switzerland. Visitors to the event voted for the most beautiful MX-5 at the Beauty Parking location as well, and a brand new 20th Anniversary Edition MX-5 was handed over to the lucky winner of Mazda s online drawing prior to the event. Ford and PSA Peugeot announce development of Euro 6 engines THE groundbreaking diesel engine co-operation between Ford Motor Company and PSA Peugeot Citroën celebrates its tenth anniversary, the two companies are announcing a new commitment in their joint programme. After building approximately 16.5 million diesel engines together over the past decade, and with a current annual build volume up to a potential three million engines, Ford and PSA are strengthening further their co-operation. This Sixth Phase of the Gemini co-operation the development and production of nextgeneration Euro 6-compliant engines demonstrates the commitment of Ford and PSA to remain at the forefront of diesel engine technology, and will improve further the level of efficiency of diesel engines that remain a key enabler to reaching CO2 reduction targets. This new agreement covers a range of Euro 6-compliant diesel engines for car and commercial vehicle use. This new range of diesel engines will deliver improved fuel economy, reduced CO2 emissions, and enhanced performance attributes. The first engines will go into production in It is expected that the overall investment for the R&D project associated with the Sixth Phase of the Gemini co-operation could be in the region of 300 million and will be shared between Ford and PSA. Ten years ago our two companies signed an agreement to co-operate on the development and manufacture of advanced diesel engines, said Stephen Odell, chairman and CEO, Ford of Europe. That co-operation, which we named the Gemini Project, had an ambitious objective: to combine our joint expertise to deliver a broad range of worldclass, high-technology diesel engines while providing significant economies of scale. By working closely together over the past decade, we have achieved our objective, and the co-operation has proved to be one of the most enduring and successful partnerships in the global automotive industry. Together we are the largest manufacturer of high technology diesel engines in the world. Building on that achievement, we are now looking to the future and taking our co-operation forward into its second decade, Odell said. The co-operation has given both PSA and Ford shared access to diesel engine technologies, while delivering scale advantages. But perhaps the real success of the Gemini Project lies in the way that cross-functional and crosscompany teams based in Britain, Germany and France have worked together to develop a highly successful and acclaimed range of marketleading diesel engines. By reaffirming and strengthening our co-operation, we are ensuring that we will continue to be at the forefront in meeting future CO2 challenges, Philippe Varin, chairman of the Managing Board of PSA Peugeot Citroën, said.

41 MOTORING 41 PEUGEOT CELEBRATES ITS 200 YEAR ANNIVERSARY 207 Premium HDI PERFECTLY OVER-EQUIPPED 2000 customer saving on the over-equipped 207 Premium HDI Combined fuel consumption 4.2 l/100 km - CO 2 emissions 110 g/km To celebrate the 200-year anniversary, Peugeot offers its over-equipped 207 Premium HDI series (WIP Bluetooth, 15 Monaco Alloy Wheels, Overtint Glass, Climate Control Aircondition, Visibility pack, Rear Electric Windows and many other standard features). The 207 Premium HDI is a mix of modernity and style thanks to its list of features specially chosen for your comfort and driving pleasure. *Panoramic glass roof shown above is an option at extra cost. Michael Attard Ltd. National Road, Blata l-bajda T: M: E: [email protected]

42 42 MOTORING Kia Motors focuses on style and technology at Paris Show KIA S 2010 Paris Motor Show stand will major on striking design and new technologies. Taking centre stage and making its world premiere will be the eyecatching, compact and unique electric POP concept, designed by Kia s European design team under the direction of Peter Schreyer, Kia s Chief Design Officer, and Gregory Guillaume, Kia Europe s Chief Designer. A concept car like the POP could only have come from us, explains Gregory Guillaume. Designers very rarely have the opportunity to start from a clean sheet of paper and it s great to be in a position to operate with such freedom. In addition to POP, Kia will also be displaying a number of striking production models which reinforce the company s commitment to developing its design language and putting this into practice with realworld models. Chief among these will be an all-new D-segment contender called Kia Optima. The new model will make its European debut at the Paris Motor Show before going on sale in select European countries this year. Sales in Western Europe will commence in Embodying what Peter Schreyer calls a bold, athletic and visual sporting energy, which is carried through from the exterior to the car s involving driving dynamics, Kia Optima is expected to significantly grow Kia s market share in the D-segment. The stylish sedan is longer, lower, wider and has a longer wheelbase than any previous D-segment offering from Kia. It will be available in Europe with a host of high-technology features and with a choice of either a new U2 1.7-litre VGT diesel engine (136 ps) or an all-new technically-advanced Nu 2.0-litre CVVL (continuously variable valve lift) gasoline engine (170 ps). The second of Kia s designled production models at Paris will be the stunning new Kia Sportage compact SUV, which has received praise from media and public alike since launch. New Sportage will soon be available with two additional engine options both smaller capacity, fitted with fuel-stretching technology and mated exclusively to 2WD drivetrains and six-speed manual transmissions to offer even greater efficiency. Demonstrating Kia s ongoing commitment to minimising its vehicles impact on the environment, the manufacturer s Paris stand will also feature a number of green models. The three environmentally-focused vehicles Kia cee d and Venga low emissions models, and an innovative mild hybrid Kia Sportage concept have an average tailpipe CO2 figure of just 108 g/km and will be displayed in a distinct green zone on the stand. The Kia Motors stand is located in Hall 5.2, and the press conference, including the official unveiling of the new POP concept by Chief Design Officer, Peter Schreyer, will take place at CET. Test drive Peugeot online PEUGEOT is offering its clients a chance to visit its stand via its website: peugeot.fr. This website places internet users at the heart of the leading international motor show and provides them with all the information needed to prepare their visit or take an online tour of the Peugeot stand. Videos, photos and the day-to-day atmosphere on the stand are all just a click away from the home page. Interviews, presentation of new models and concepts, a look behind the scenes, Motor Show news... all is revealed to the online community which can live and breathe the latest developments via the Peugeot Facebook page, the Peugeot Twitter account and the Peugeot YouTube channel.

43 Events 43 GO Stars home to your favourite stars, movies, series and much more GO stars is the premium movie channel from GO for all movie lovers. A highly innovative premium pay channel, GO stars is the newest addition to the GO tv line-up of quality channels and carries all genres of top-notch movies besides series and diverse entertainment programmes for the whole family. There is absolutely no chance that subscribers to GO stars will ever run the risk of getting bored. Available as an optional add-on to the GO Silver or Gold tv packages, GO stars is committed to making life intrinsically more exceptional for its viewers. The monthly subscription fee is just 6.99 on the main tv outlet with 2.99 for each additional outlet (a maximum of two). Thanks to GO stars, for just a minimal subscription fee, customers can look forward to quality entertainment from the comfort of their home especially through the long winter months ahead. The remarkable programmes on GO stars fall into five main categories namely drama, classic mystery, comedy and series. A glance at the programme schedule for October (available at lists a spellbinding mix of diverse film genres. Viewers with a preference for drama movies can look forward to the multiple Oscar winner, Atonement, about a 13-year old girl who irrevocably changes the course of several lives when she accuses her older sister s lover of a crime he did not commit. The Curious Case of Benjamin Button another Multi-Oscar winner starring Brad Pitt, tells the story of Benjamin Button and his extraordinary giftcum-curse of aging backwards. Then there s also Gran Torino, with Clint Eastwood as the disgruntled Korean war vet Walt Kowalski and a young Hmong teenager, who tries to steal Kowalski s prized 1972 Gran Torino. Classic movies lined up for October on GO stars include Nuts with Barbra Streisand and Richard Dreyfuss the story of a high-class girl who kills a customer in self-defence and is declared mentally-incompetent by her parents in their effort to avoid scandal. The Graduate starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft in the movie that became a legend evolves on the life of a college graduate trapped in a complex love affair. Another classic first is the Deer Hunter starring Robert De Niro and Meryl Streep an in-depth examination of the way that the Vietnam war effects the lives of three young factory workers. Viewers who prefer the suspense and thrill of watching mystery films just cannot miss The Good German the Oscar nominated movie directed by Steven Soderbergh, starring George Clooney and based on the story of two journalists drawn into a gruesome murder investigation. Those who, on the other hand, prefer a good laugh will surely enjoy My Life in Ruins based on the life of an American academic turned tourist guide and The Goods: Live Hard, Sell Hard the hilarious story of Ben Sellick s attempt to save his used car dealership. Meanwhile the huge variety of series showing on GO stars in October is truly to die for with something to suit everyone s tastes. Series drama includes the immensely popular House, series thriller features the electrifying Damages 2 Double Bill, while series epic includes The Tudors and much, much more! For more information or to subscribe, customers are welcome to call Freephone or drop in at any GO retail outlets or authorised resellers in Malta and Gozo. Alternatively they can visit Queen Victoria monument in Valletta to be restored M. Demajo Group is sponsoring the conservation-restoration of the Queen Victoria monument (1891) in Valletta. The project is being coordinated by heritage NGO Din l-art Helwa. M. Demajo Group is one of Malta s leading private owned businesses, spanning seven sectors and twenty six individual subsidiaries. Din l-art Helwa is a non-profit organization set up in 1965 to safeguard and promote the preservation and protection of heritage buildings, sites and monuments. This year, M. Demajo Group celebrates 100 years of continuous operation. In the light of this special milestone in its history, M. Demajo Group has taken up the initiative to adopt a corporate responsibility perspective among other activities being organised during The Group s head office was originally based in Frederick Street in Valletta and for the past few decades has been relocated to a beautifully restored palazzo in Archbishop Street. The organization s history is closely tuned to the capital city and it was befitting to focus the Group s interest in this direction, by sponsoring the restoration project of this monument. The work has been entrusted to Heritage ResCo, and will be undertaken by conservators Ingrid Ross, together with James Licari and Frank Chetcuti who also work as lecturers and conservator-restorers with Heritage Malta. The Valletta/Mdina/Kottonera Rehabilitation Project within the Ministry of Resources and Rural Affairs is providing the scaffolding. The statue is the work of the Sicilian sculptor Giuseppe Valenti and is located in the square in front National Library in Valletta. The statue and the pedestal are executed in white marble, while the base and steps are made from a grey stone. There are two coatof-arms on the monument which are cast in bronze. Paid for by public subscription and erected in front of the National Library in 1891, the monument commemorated Queen Victoria s 50th Jubilee. It depicts her with a lace shawl, as she had ordered eight dozen pairs long and eight dozen pairs short mitts, besides a scarf of Malta lace. Like all public monuments, the monument representing Queen Victoria is exposed to varying weather conditions. Over time, constant fluctuations in temperature and wet and drying processes affect the various components of the monument. Pigeon colonies in the square also cause damage. The restoration works will remove all surface grime, biological growth and deposits. The missing elements will be reconstructed using inert conservation grade materials respecting the original surfaces and following conservation ethics. Ongoing research is being carried out throughout the project to provide visual details of these parts. The bronze coatof-arms will be cleaned, stabilised and given various protective layers to preserve them for future generations. The public is encouraged to provide DLH with any historic photographs of this monument. Honouring past successes, the M Demajo Group look towards the future both as a reputable economic organisation and maintaining a sense of social responsibility in different philanthropic activities.

44 44 Events Vodafone Announces the New BlackBerry Curve 3G Smartphone VODAFONE, Malta as from tomorrow introduces the new BlackBerry Curve 3G, an exciting addition to the globally popular BlackBerry Curve series of smartphones for customers in Malta. Designed to provide the growing mass of smartphone purchasers with a distinct and powerful, approachable and affordable choice, the BlackBerry Curve 3G supports high-speed 3G (HSDPA) networks around the world and gives users the exceptional communications features they need to accomplish more than ever, when they re at home, at work and everywhere in between. The BlackBerry Curve 3G is available as from tomorrow from Vodafone stores starting from 50 per month on a Smartphone postpaid plan. We are pleased to offer the new BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone to Vodafone customers. By taking advantage of the powerful performance of the BlackBerry Curve 3G and the Vodafone network; our customers can have connectivity to their s, messages and mobile applications anytime, anywhere. The BlackBerry Curve 3G is sure to win the recognition of people in Malta and is designed to provide new BlackBerry smartphone customers with an attractive and accessible choice, said Inaki Berroeta, CEO of Vodafone Malta. The BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone features a comfortable full-qw- ERTY keyboard for fast, accurate typing, optical trackpad for fluid navigation, built-in GPS and Wi-Fi, as well as dedicated media keys, so music lovers can easily access their tunes while on the go. The new smartphone also features a camera that can record video and a microsd/sd- HC slot that supports up to 32 GB memory cards for media storage. Support for 3G networks makes browsing faster, streaming music smoother, and gives users the ability to talk on the phone while they browse the web, instant message with BBM (BlackBerry Messenger) or share their location with friends on popular social networking sites. The BlackBerry Curve 3G ships with BlackBerry 5 and is BlackBerry 6 ready. BlackBerry 6 is a new operating system for BlackBerry smartphones that retains the trusted features that distinguish the BlackBerry brand while delivering a fresh and engaging experience that is both powerful and easy-to-use. BlackBerry 6 is expected to be available for the BlackBerry Curve 3G, subject to certification from Vodafone, in the coming months. Vodafone Tariffs Vodafone Malta is offering customers the BlackBerry Curve 3G smartphone at 339 without contract, however it is available at 50 per month on a smartphone postpaid plan. To learn more about this BlackBerry smartphone visit or call at one of Vodafone s Retail Outlets. Belair Real Estate launch new website BELAIR Real Estate is proud to launch it s new state-of theart website, which incorporates uncluttered information covering property requirements to suit all needs. The website, which was the result of some very creative input by Brokenaxe web specialists, includes all modern features that will enhance easy navigation for any internet user. The clean modern design is easy on the eye and offers only the necessary information one requires to search for his or her property at a glance, without one having to navigate through all the frills that make some of today s sites so difficult to use. One can still however, should they wish, delve into the more detailed sections which offers very useful information on buying, renting or selling a property and even all one needs to know about moving to Malta. The new website is part of the ongoing marketing campaign that the company has just launched, which also includes stepping up it s overseas marketing campaign. As part of this, Belair has just participated in the popular A Place in the Sun property exhibition held at the NEC in Birmingham last week. The property exhibition hosted a number of real estate agencies and developers from across the globe. This year, as part of a new initiative, the Federation of Estate Agents, the Malta Tourism authority and local developers and real estate agencies jointly collaborated to form a Malta pavilion with the intention of promoting Malta as a destination as well as a property hotspot, to one of our oldest markets which has clearly decreased in activity over the past couple of years. The outcome was positive, with numerous people visiting the stands for general information about the Maltese islands, and a range of clients enquiring about property as an investment, holiday home or relocation. Malta s geographical position, it s wealth in culture and history together with it s mild climate entices many British people to consider Malta as a second home or retirement destination. Overall this exciting new initiative was very well received and will hopefully be the basis for other similar events in other main markets. Belair Real Estate is consistently seeking ways to further promote it s services overseas, having earlier on in the year also visited South Africa and Russia, which have since also started to show some results. Plans are underway for other overseas promotions with the intention to continue marketing Malta as an attractive destination and investment opportunity. Log on to Belair s brand new website at com for more news and a comprehensive database to suit all needs and requirements. RE/MAX Malta attend international conventions RE/MAX Malta associates and franchise owners recently attended the RE/MAX European Convention at the Savoyen Austria Trend Hotel in Vienna and then headed to Stockholm to meet with RE/MAX Sweden Affiliates at The Globe Quality Hotel at the Globen Convention Centre in Stockholm where they also attended the International Property Fair organised by Fair Media International. Over 500 RE/MAX Affiliates from all over Europe attended the European convention in Vienna and another 100 RE/MAX Sweden Affiliates attended the RE/MAX Sweden convention. The RE/MAX European convention in Vienna was targeted at all the RE/MAX Network in Europe. The keynote speakers included RE/MAX Europe Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Chuck Lemire, Premier Real Estate and Life Coach, Tom Ferry, Michael Polzler, Regional Director of the largest RE/MAX Operation in North America and Walter Schneider, President and co-founder of RE/MAX Integra which includes RE/MAX Ontario-Atlantic Canada, RE/MAX of New England, RE/MAX North Central, RE/MAX Indiana and RE/MAX Europe. During the Stockhom convention the RE/Max Malta delegation which included, Jeff Buttigieg, Regional Director Re/Max Malta, James Busuttil, Franchise owner Re/Max Central, Joseph Pullicino, Office Manager Re/ Max Crown Towers Sliema, and Edith Camilleri, Office Manager Re/Max Property Centre Victoria Gozo, gave a 40 minute presentation to RE/MAX Sweden affiliates on the benefits and advantages of Buying property in Malta. Speaking about the conventions, Jeffrey Buttigieg said: The Vienna convention was an opportunity for our associates and franchise owners to exchange ideas with other RE/MAX network operators from all over Europe, while the Sweden convention was aimed at exploring business opportunities in this region. Our aim was to educate the RE/MAX Sweden network about the opportunities that exist in Malta and further enhance our relationship with them. New collection from BoConcept THE new 2011 collection of design furniture and interior is now in BoConcept Brand Stores and Studios around the world. There s new designs, new colours, new functionalities and new ways to customise which is one of the specialities of BoConcept. The new classics Simplicity and functionality are key in describing many of the new pieces of furniture in the collection. The classic sofa with modern steel legs, softened lines on the cushions and bold colours brings a new, dynamic dimension to the well-known. The old wooden chair has now become comfortable and characteristic with sculptural lines and details that underline the natural look. We all know the industrial factory lamps. Now in a variety of colours that blend well with the style of the home. Functional wall systems and cabinets step into character with colourful fronts and different depths and sizes. It s intelligent and well-considered design without being boring. Back to basics The materials for the new season are inspired from nature with a genuine look and feel. Fabrics are soft and delicate and invite to cosy evenings at home. The collection still features many colours that will bring new life to the interior. The basic colours white, grey and black are dominant and blends well with the new colours of season; such as vintage blue, different shades of water colours, coral red and orange. Mixed with wood, the look is softened and more mature. The new going out is staying in. And with the new collection from BoConcept, there are plenty of reasons to enjoy the comfort and cosiness of home. Malta The new collection will be in the stores from 11 October and featured in the new 164-page design catalogue. This is the seventh consecutive year that the Malta store is presenting its annual design catalogue. Bo- Concept Malta is part of an international franchise and part of Brands International Ltd. portfolio. The catalogue is given free to patrons when visiting BoConcept Malta Store in San Gwann. The latest web design is at Additional information can be obtained by calling /12.

45 Classifieds 45 ANTIQUES ANTIQUE amusement machines, pintables, flippers 40 year old plus other arcade machine. To be sold as one lot. Price 15,000 for approximately 50 machines. Call , BEDROOM suite consisting of all mirrowed six pieces plus bed, four small chairs and one large, all with the same inlaid design. Price 600 ono. Call POMSKIZILLIOUS Museum of Toys, open in October Monday to Saturday from 10:30-1pm. We are at 10, Gnien Xibla Street, Xaghra Gozo. Groups by appointment, old toys to look at, new toys to buy. A nostalgic trip back in time. Call WARDROBE, one side table, chest of drawers in pine. Brass bed mantri perla, ideal for farmhouse all for 800. Call BOATS 26FT sailing boat - fibre glass, Cemper and Nicholson, BMW engine, 9.5HP, Diesel. Call BOAT Crestline 22ft fiber Volvo Penta engine, trailer nice condition. Price 14,000. Boat chriscraft 30ft twin perkins, diesel engine, electric winch and trailer. Price 12,500. Call , FOR SALE ALUMINUM, melamine and glass cubicles. Ideal as partitions. Call AS new carpet all wool, 312cm by 240cm, beige colour. Price 88. Xmas tree 6 feet high including xmas lights and decorations. Price 25. Call , BIG bargain, one time opportunity. Quantity of Malta cards in boxes with envelopes at fantastic low prices. Call LARGE mirror 7X44 inch. Ideal for a studio. Call MAN suite, DJ siza 52, worn only on CE. Price 40. Travelling case, dark green, measuring 50cm wide, 80cm high and 28cm deep. As new. Price 20. Call , LETTING B KARA - Fleur De Lys area, 17 year lease or longer garage having toilet, kitchenette and long yard suitable for a shop. Price 10 daily. Call B KARA/SWATAR, large garage for rent. Call KAPPARA - close to Chiswick school, spacious corner semidetached villa, three bedrooms, front terrace, drive - in, garage etc. Also, separate available two bedroomed maisonette same location. Call , [email protected] ZABBAR, 30 sqm premises finished. Ideal for salon, stationery, confectionery, office and others. Storage/working area, inside plenty of parking spaces. Price 8 daily. Call , PROPERTY FOR SALE BAHAR IC-CAGHAQ, a brand new finished, very spacious larger than usual penthouse. Comprising hall, enormous open plan kitchen/breakfast, sitting/dining/living, kitchen can be separate, three double bedrooms, main bathroom, shower ensuite, washroom, boxroom. Splendid direct sea views from large terrace and lock up garage. Price 308,640. Call B KARA - Fleur De Lys area, garage freehold having toilet, kitchenette and long yard 10mx3.3m. Price 55,000. Call B KARA/SWATAR, large garage for sale. Call GHARGHUR, a state of the art converted and restored character house, corner on two roads on this lovely village with two entrances and good size private back garden with ample space for pool. Comprising wide entrance hall with rooms on both sides. Having separate fitted kitchen/breakfast, sitting, dining room, study and spacious family room, three/four bedrooms, two bathrooms, ensuite, box room, washroom and large usable cellar. Offering incredible direct open sea and country views from first floor. Must be viewed. Price 617,285. Call GHARGHUR, an amazing House of Character in the core of this tranquil village! Hall, sitting, dining, kitchen, TV lounge leading onto a 100ft garden with pool, sundeck and BBQ area, guest toilet and a picture perfect courtyard giving light to the whole house! Three double bedrooms and two en suite bathrooms, laundry! Price 650,000. Call IBRAG, a quaint, recently refurbished Terraced House having a pretty front garden, an underlying garage as well as a basement flatlet! Entrance hall, sitting room, dining, fitted kitchen, three bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower, guest toilet, laundry and a semi basement guest quarters along with a garage. Extras include solar water heater and air conditioning. Must be seen! Price 300,000. Call QORMI - Wands area, semi industrial garages, ideal to work any business, 5mx15mx14 courses. Phone owner , QUI-SI-SANA, Sliema, a brand new, highly finished large direct sea view three bedroom apartment. Offered fully air conditioned throughout and comprising hall, large open plan kitchen/breakfast, living/dining, main bathroom, dressing room and bathroom ensuite, box room, spacious front terrace and includes a two car lock up garage. Price 570,500. Call SAN GWANN, two garages, one in the village 80ft x 11ft. For sale or part exchange with property in Sicily. Call , SAN PAWL TAT-TARGA, a stylish, corner, fully air conditioned ground floor property having its own entrance and forming part of an elegant block. This maisonette comprises an entrance hall, open plan sitting and dining room with an annexed fitted kitchen and large sliding doors leading to a lovely front porch. There are three double bedrooms, a bathroom and an en suite shower as well as an internal yard. An underlying two car, lock up garage is also included! Price 233,000. Call SAN PAWL TAT-TARGA, one of only few remaining great character houses available on the market. A must see property! Located in an old and beautiful part of this village. This 300 year old house is set on two roads and besides a pretty courtyard. It boasts two large gardens, with ample space for pool and space for garages. Retaining its original features, nice old windows, and a fireplace, it also has unobstructive sea and country views from its large terrace. Price 1,225,000. Call SLIEMA, a stunning apartment in central Sliema close to all amenities and offering a spacious, bright layout with lots of storage space! Served with lift and intercom this fine home comprises an entrance hall, sitting room, separate dining, fully fitted kitchen/breakfast with appliances, a pantry, three double bedrooms, bathroom, en suite shower and box/utility room! Must be seen! Price 285,000. Call SLIEMA, Tower Road, three large three double bedroom flat, good location near shopping centres1 and hotels. Price 500,000 ono. Call SLIEMA, Tower Road: a luxuriously refurbished seafront Apartment situated on the sunny side of this ever popular sea front location enjoying spectacular views of St. Julian s Bay, Independence gardens and the open sea. State of the Art finishes and specifications include integrated air-conditioning, surround system throughout, intelligent lighting, security systems and more! Accommodation comprises hall, sitting / dining room, kitchen / breakfast, four bedrooms (main with walk in wardrobe and en suite shower), main bathroom, guest toilet, laundry, utility/box room and two optional underlying car spaces! Price 780,000. Call ST JULIAN S Bay investment, first class Italian restaurant. Rented freehold for four years. Price 545,000. Call ST PAUL S BAY: Bargain! Reduced for quick sale! Xemxija. A pristine, corner, third floor apartment with lift and intercom enjoying vast, panoramic views from all main rooms and four balconies! Hall, spacious sitting/dining room, fully fitted kitchen/b fast, three bedrooms, two bathrooms, one en suite and an optional lock up street level garage! Price 160,000. Call ST. JULIAN S/MENSIJA, a large well priced, hard to find semi detached villa, set on land meas over 400sqm, with ample space for sizable pool in it s back garden. Comprising road level minimum five car garage, two impressive wide halls, with separate sitting, dining, living and study, fully fitted kitchen/ breakfast/tv family room, two bathrooms, shower, washroom, boxroom and large room at roof level. Price 617,280. Call MEPAwatch Robert Musumeci s analysis of the new MEPA law (Part 9) In the past, we witnessed several occasions where third party ownership issues were raised during the processing of planning applications. To date, applicants were bound to declare whether they owned the site linked to the application. If not, applicants were obliged to inform the owners about their intentions to carry out works through registered communication. Nonetheless, consent from the respective owners would still need to be sought once the permit is issued. With the new amendments, an applicant for development permission would still need to certify to the Authority that he is the owner of the site or that he has notified the owner of his intention to apply by registered letter, a copy of which has to be forwarded to the Authority. However, the new law stipulates further that the owner must grant his consent to any works proposal. In those instances when an applicant is not the owner of the site, but he holds the site under a title of agricultural lease, or holds the premises under a title of lease and he is carrying out the works under a scheme of a Government entity, the applicant must still notify the owner of his intention to apply by registered letter of which a copy must be transmitted to the Authority. Unlike the former instances, however, there is no need to certify that the owner has granted his consent to such a proposal. In contrast with previous legislation, any person may now declare an interest in a development application. This implies that an objector no longer needs to prove that he has an interest in terms of the doctrine of juridical interest. Moreover, registered interested parties shall be informed by the Authority each time applicant submits fresh information during an application process. On a completely different note, applicants may only appoint recognized consultants to carry out impact assessments. Indeed, the amended Act provides for a new Board called a Registration Board, whose role is to monitor a register of recognized independent consultants who can conduct environmental impact assessments, assessments in relation to sites falling within a Special Area of Conservation or a Special Protected Area, strategic environment assessments and assessments in relation to scheduled property and sites. Owners must now grant their consent to any works proposal except for agricultural leaseholders and works under a scheme of a Government entity

46 46 Classifieds SWIEQI, first floor maisonette, fully detached with its own drivein, consisting of a very large sitting/dining room, living room, kitchen/breakfast, four double bedrooms, laundry/toilet, wide L-shaped hall, garage and spacious swimming pool. Permit to build studio flat on own airspace. payment terms negotiable. Asking price 348,000. Call SERVICES WE are seeking an active partner with experience in catering, to manage a busy outlet in a prime location with growth potential. The partner will be involved in drawing up of our business plan and be responsible to lead the business to the next phase of our strategic plans. For more information send an on [email protected] TUITION Cabrio CDi diesel, Mini Cooper latest model, VW Polo All cars loaded with extras, service history, etc. Value for money. Visit or phone , CLASSIC cars Morris Traveller, MGB 1972, MGA, Austin 7 Perla Cabrio, Renault 11 Convertible LHD. Reasonable Prices. Visit Call , GET your hair in good shape. We can make you look as best ever at Grace Hair Studio, Paola. You deserve the best so trust a professional. Call PROOF reading services offered by qualified proof reader. Good rates and efficient service. Call or [email protected] TYPING services offered. Call SITUATIONS VACANT A personal driver is required on a part time basis. Applicants must be over 25 with a clean police conduct. Call NEW business opportunity. Try out your hairdressing, beauty therapist or any other career in your own salon. Call , COME dancing - Latin / Ballroom beginners only. Monday evenings in Sliema. Qualified teacher in airconditioned studio. Call ENGLISH Private Lessons. Small groups and individual attention. Experienced tutor. Lessonsx held in Paola area. Reasonable fee. Price 1.50 for one and a half hour. Forms 1, 2 and 3. Call MALTESE form 1 to 5. Resits September Ordinary/ Intermediate/Advanced Level Notes provided. University graduate. Also as foreign language. Central area. Call , VEHICLES AND PARTS AS New Selection of all Smart models, Mercedes A140, A150, A180 Diesel, B170 models manuals/automatic; Renault Megane CLASSIC cars, Chevrolet, Jaguar, Rolls Royce, Simca Morris, Mercedes among others. Private collector. Call , MORRIS Marina diesel in good running order and without rust. Garaged with number plates at ADT. Can be separately sold for parts including engine and body or any other part. Price 500 or nearest offer. Call PARTS EXPRESS, Suppliers of new or used spare parts of most cars, specializing in Mercedes, Smarts, Volvo, Saab etc. Phone , or [email protected] VW Beetle Convertible, silver, year 2004, full extras with AC, manual, 1.4 petrol, miles, 12 months VRT. For quick sale only. Price 16,500 ono. Call VACANCY Sales & Marketing Executives MediaToday is seeking to recruit a number of sales and marketing individuals with previous experience in selling advertising for media primarily in the print media and news portals. Proficiency in English and Maltese is a must. Applicants for the job are required to have a car. Preference will be given to those candidates with previous experience. Applicants must send in their applications to the Managing Editor with a detailed CV. Referees and references should be included if applicable. Send to: The Managing Editor MediaToday, Vjal ir-rihan, San Gwann = FOR 3 WEEKS Choose category. Fill in the boxes provided. Write in block letters. Your advert will appear for three weeks in both MaltaToday, MaltaToday Wednesday, and This offer does not apply to Real Estate agents. Send your form to: MaltaToday Classifieds, Media Today, Vjal ir-rihan, San Gwann SGN Together with a 3 cheque payable to MediaToday Co. Ltd. 3 2 CLASSIFIEDS Name: Address: Tel: ANTIQUES BOATS FURNITURE GENERAL LETTING PETS PROPERTY SITUATIONS WANTED SITUATIONS VACANT SERVICE TUITION VEHICLES / PARTS WANTED ANTIQUES BOATS FURNITURE GENERAL LETTING PETS PROPERTY SITUATIONS WANTED SITUATIONS VACANT SERVICE TUITION VEHICLES / PARTS WANTED ALL PRICES INDICATED FOR YOUR PRODUCT OR SERVICE MUST BE IN EURO

47 Classifieds 47 QUARTER OF A MILLION The number of UNIQUE VISITORS that visited between 14 June - 14 October, 2010

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50 50 Business Mark Lamb Weekly international investment round up to 15th October 2010 Currency wars The next phone call Jack Bauer receives asking for his urgent assistance may have more to do with the dire state of the international currency markets than any impending terrorist threat. Although the plot resembles something out of the hit TV series 24, in grim reality, a currency war is looming and is now a clear and present danger. The sabre-rattling has in truth been going on for quite some time. Countries ranging from China, Japan, Korea, Thailand, Israel and even Switzerland have all actively intervened to suppress their currencies in an attempt to keep their export earnings strong and protect their trade surpluses with the US and, having built their export strategies on the back of America s willingness to buy more with almost uncontrolled debt, two of the largest currency manipulators have understandable reasons for continuing to do so. China is fearful of the consequences on its somewhat fragile political order should thousands of factories close due to higher priced export goods, while Japan s aging population desperately wants to avoid another crippling deflationary crisis. However, America has had enough and is promising a strong retaliation leading the IMF to engage in frantic attempts to cool the frictions before sparks turn into flames. Actually, it s difficult to see how America can avoid economic ruin without a much weaker dollar. Mindful of his growing and restless unemployed, President Obama has placed a greater emphasis on stimulating export demand for American goods, the trouble is that based upon forecasts from the Institute for International Finance the capital flowing into emerging economies will probably increase to $825 billion dollars this year from $581 billion dollars in 2009 which could actually place upward pressure on the dollar, thus making American exports more expensive. So, following on from the successful internal attempts which has served to deflate the dollar during the last quarter, President Obama s finger is again hovering above the go The world is on the brink of an all out currency war America set to deploy QE2 to deflate the dollar button on the dollar printing press machine ready to activate QE2 the second phase of quantative easing which could flood the world with dollars and possible spell disaster for other economies the currency equivalent of a nuclear strike against those holding their values artificially low against the dollar. One pound sterling currently buys $1.60 while one euro buys $1.40; a few days ago Goldman Sachs forecasted that the dollar could drop to $1.79 against the pound in the next six months and $1.85 in 12 months while valuing the dollar at around 1.50 and WEEKLY MARKET ANALYSIS Stock markets 15/10/ /10/2010 wks chg CAC 40 (Paris) 3, , % Euro STOXX 50 2, , % Dax (Frankfurt) 6, , % Dow Jones Ind. Avg 11, , % FTSE 100 5, , % FTSE All-Share UK 2, , % Hang Seng 23, , % Shanghai CSI 300 3, , % Mumbai (BSE) 20, , % Nasdaq 2, , % Nikkei 225 9, , % S&P 500 1, , % SMI (Zurich) 6, , % at 1.55 euros over the same time lines. Currency instability is driving demand for gold ever higher and could easily lead to a hike in oil prices pouring cold water on the economic recovery, was it not only last March that the G20 vowed to act in coordination and battle the economic crisis together? Any real currency war will mean every man for himself. The Americans are now squaring up to the Chinese and will probably use protectionist activities as their weapon of choice risking a contagion of retaliation, if such a conflict scenario plays out the carnage will not be attractive or last for just 24 hours. Mark Lamb is Head of the Life Dept. at Citadel Insurance plc which is authorised to carry on general and long term business of insurance under the Insurance Business Act, 1998 and is regulated by the MFSA. Contact by ; [email protected] Tel; Website; www. citadelplc.com. This article does not intend to give investment advice and its contents should not be construed as such. Information in this article has been obtained from various public sources and is given by way of information only. Readers are always encouraged to seek financial advice before making any investment decision. FinanceMalta attracts topline EU speakers in Brussels Scandinavian Business Forum Malta to be launched PREPARATIONS are underway for the official launch of the Scandinavian Business Forum Malta under the auspices of the Malta Chamber of Commerce, Enterprise and Industry. The Forum will aim to strengthen business networks existing between Scandinavian and Maltese businesses and to create new ones. The SBF-M also aims to produce more interaction between Maltese and Scandinavian businesses, which will now have a body which the Scandinavian businesses already linked to Malta can identify. Notwithstanding the commendable efforts of Malta Enterprise and Finance Malta, Scandinavian businesses are still not fully aware of the benefits and advantages of investing in Malta. SBF-M intends to complement what is already being carried out by these two state organizations. explained Mark Fenech, a founding member of SBF-M. The official launch will be held on 5 November from 8:30am until 12:30pm at the Exchange Buildings in Valletta, with the participation of the Minister of Finance, the Economy & Investment, Tonio Fenech and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Tonio Borg. Presentations will also be made by Ole-Kristian Baevahr, Vice-President Shipping at Wilh. Wilhelmsen ASA of Norway, Mikkel Korntved, CEO of Loyalty Group International, Denmark and Phillip Baruch, a partner at Lund Elmer Sandager law firm of Copenhagen, Denmark. Representatives of Scandinavian businesses having a Maltese connection and Maltese companies with links to the Scandinavian region are expected to attend. For further information please contact [email protected] or [email protected]. Promoting Malta s financial interests on the FinanceMalta stand in Brussels. (From left) Professor Bannister, MFSA Chairman, John Dalli, EU Commissioner and FinanceMalta s Bernice Buttigieg FINANCEMALTA has just completed the sponsorship of Malta Week, a series of events that was held in Brussels last week to promote Malta s growing reputation as a respected financial services jurisdiction. FinanceMalta s exhibition stand was located at the Malta Week event in Place Luxembourg, right in front of the European Parliament. The stand held a plasma screen that showed FinanceMalta s promotional videos and podcasts while copies of the Investment Guide and Business Directory were distributed over the three-day exhibition period. As part of Malta Week, FinanceMalta worked closely with Malta s MEPs, Dr. Simon Busuttil and Professor Edward Scicluna, to organize a public debate on Europe s New Financial Supervision Package: Challenges and Opportunities for the Financial Services Sector. The debate, which was held on 6 October at the Malta Week venue, was well attended by EU diplomats, representatives of financial services firms and associations as well as the Malta delegation in Brussels. The debate discussed the new European banking and finance regulations in the light of Malta s growing reputation as an International Finance Centre (IFC). The quality of Malta s international standing in the financial sector, both as a jurisdiction and as a growing IFC, attracted high-ranking speakers for this debate. Professor Edward Scicluna, opened the debate by saying that, although the financial and economic crisis has passed, the European Union was not out of the woods yet; budget deficits were running high and signs of protectionism were showing through on a global scale in the monetary policies of a number of countries. Michel Barnier, European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services, emphasized the need for a financial sector that services the real economy. In the wake of the financial crisis, he stressed the importance of putting the financial sector at the service of the real economy, of having the right supervisory bodies in place as well as the need for these bodies to be not only transparent but backed by intelligent regulation. He expressed the belief that the package voted by the Commission, Parliament and the Council meets these criteria. He also stressed the importance of keeping track of other countries activities in this respect, especially the United States.

51 Sport 51 SPORTTODAY FOOTBALL Van der Sar howler gifts Baggies a point Edwin van der Sar s (left) mistake proved costly for Manchester United A shocker from Manchester United goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar handed West Brom a 2-2 draw at Old Trafford yesterday afternoon. For the second time this season, Sir Alex Ferguson s men threw away a two-goal lead as they were forced to settle for their fifth draw of the season. With Wayne Rooney left on the bench following his comments in the week, Ferguson s decision to leave his star striker out was justified almost immediately when Javier Hernandez scored his first Premier League goal to put the home side ahead after five minutes. Hernandez responded quickest after Scott Carson could only push away Nani s free-kick, and it was Nani who got his name on the scoresheet 20 minutes later as United looked to be on course for a comfortable victory. The Portuguese winger pounced when Nicky Shorey slipped on the ball, and after a slick one-two with Dimitar Berbatov, fired the ball into the net to double United s lead. With Ferguson s men cruising at half-time, the Baggies refused to lie down and grabbed one back after the United defence failed to clear their lines from a cross, and Patrice Evra got the last touch under pressure from Somen Tchoyi. And Tchoyi scored the equaliser after Van der Sar failed to hold on to a simple catch and Tchoyi was on hand to tap the ball home from close range. Ferguson turned to Rooney as United desperately searched for a winner, but Roberto Martinez s side held firm and had a number of chances to steal the three points on the break. However, leaders Chelsea failed to capitalise on United s slip-up after being held to a goalless draw by Aston Villa. With key players Frank Lampard and Didier Drogba both out with injury, Carlo Ancelotti handed a start to Gael Kakuta, but the teenager was unable to inspire the champions to victory. Both sides were denied by the woodwork - Branislav Ivanovic came closest for Chelsea but his powerful header from a corner clattered the post, and just moments later James Collins s header met the same fate at the other end. Nigel Reo-Coker had the chance to steal all three points at the death, but his attempted chip over the advancing Cech bounced wide. Arsenal avoided a third straight defeat after coming from behind to beat Birmingham 2-1 at Emirates Stadium. The Gunners went behind from a Nikola Zigic header, but Samir Nasri converted from the spot after Scott Dann was deemed to have fouled Marouane Chamakh, who scored his third goal of the season to seal three points for Arsene Wenger s men, who had Jack Wilshere sent off in the final minute for a wild challenge. Tom Huddlestone scored a controversial winner as Tottenham clinched a 2-1 away win at Fulham. Huddlestone s long-range effort found its way into Mark Schwarzer s net, but although William Gallas failed to get a touch, the assistant referee signalled the defender had been in an offside position. However, referee Mike Dean overruled the linesman and awarded the goal. Fulham enjoyed much of the possession at Craven Cottage and went ahead through Diomansy Kamara on the half-hour mark. But the lead was short-lived as Roman Pavlyuchenko netted just a minute later after Rafael van der Vaart s delicate chip over Schwarzer struck the crossbar. Newcastle left it late to snatch a 2-2 draw at home to Wigan. The Magpies looked to be on course for their third home defeat of the season after striker Charles N Zogbia struck twice in as many minutes, but Fabricio Coloccini sealed a point after Shola Ameobi s header had pulled one back for the home side. Ivan Klasnic scored a last-gasp goal to clinch a 2-1 win for Bolton against Stoke before seeing red. Rory Delap looked to have salvaged a point for the Potters after scoring his first goal since January 2009 to cancel out Lee Chung-yong s opener, but Klasnic came off the bench to snatch all three points before being shown two yellow cards in the space of a minute as Bolton ended the game with ten men. In the clash of the bottom two, Wolves and West Ham shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw at Molineux. Matt Jarvis fired Wolves ahead after ten minutes when Rob Green failed to clear the ball, but Mark Noble equalised from the penalty spot after Kevin Foley had brought down Victor Obinna. English Premier League P Pts 1 Chelsea Arsenal Man Utd Man City Tottenham West Brom Bolton Aston Villa Stoke Blackpool Fulham Wigan Newcastle Sunderland Blackburn Birmingham Everton Liverpool Wolverhampton West Ham 8 6

52 52 Sport FOOTBALL Pato brace sends Milan top AC Milan moved to the top of Serie A thanks to a 3-1 win over Chievo, but they were made to work hard for all three points. Alexandre Pato scored twice against the run of play in the first half to set the Rossoneri on their way to the top. An own goal from Zlatan Ibrahimovic in the 71st minute gave Chievo hope, but Robinho ended their dreams in stoppage time with his first goal for Milan sending them above Lazio into first place. Chievo made it clear they were not just making up the numbers as they made a bold start to the game with Kevin Constant, a surprise inclusion in their midfield, particularly lively. They did most of the attacking from start to finish, but fell behind to Milan s first counter attack in the 16th minute. Clarence Seedorf started the attack from deep in his own half and he sent Luca Antonini forward down the left. The Milan full-back passed the ball wide to Ibrahimovic, who picked out Pato at the far post and the Brazilian volleyed the ball back across Stefano Sorrentino into the opposite corner of his goal. Pablo Granoche should have done better with a header from eight yards after being found by Constant s cross in the 24th minute before an excellent team move in the 28th minute culminated in Constant shooting straight at Abbiati, who made an instinctive save to deny him. The ball fell back to Constant, who was denied again by the Milan goalkeeper. Chievo were continuing to pose the greater threat, but a quick free-kick from Ibrahimovic sent Pato through to double Milan s lead against the run of play on the half-hour mark. Sorrentino then denied Pato a hat-trick with a good save on the stroke of half time. Chievo continued to believe in their chances of getting back into the game and substitute Cyril Thereau tested Abbiati with a curling 30- yard shot which was tipped over the crossbar. They finally got the goal they deserved in the 71st minute when Sergio Pellissier flicked a corner on with his head and the ball took a deflection off Ibrahimovic s shoulder to divert into the top corner of the goal. Gelson Fernandes nearly levelled three minutes later with a shot wide of the post from the edge of the penalty area, but the Flying Donkeys ran out of steam. Robinho pounced with the Chievo defence stretched to round Sorrentino and stroke the ball in for his first goal for the Rossoneri in stoppage time to seal the 3-1 victory. Italian Serie A P Pts 1 AC Milan Lazio Inter Milan Napoli Chievo Brescia Juventus Palermo Catania Genoa Bari Lecce Cagliari Sampdoria Bologna Cesena Fiorentina Parma Roma Udinese 6 4 Robinho (left) bows to the crowd as Ronaldinho and Pirlo celebrate SPORT DISCUSSION Time for the big match Benitez welcomes Messi plan INTER boss Rafa Benitez is enthusiastic about the Leo Messi plan, but warns his side cannot be at its best against Cagliari amid an injury crisis. President Massimo Moratti confirmed yesterday that his interest in Barcelona hero Messi started as a joke, but is now under serious consideration. If the President wants to do something with Messi, I certainly wouldn t say no, smiled Rafa. As for Kaka, we already have Wesley Sneijder and Coutinho. With regards to Karim Benzema, we have Goran Pandev and Diego Milito. In the meantime, the Nerazzurri must focus on regaining the Serie A leadership, but face a tricky trip to Cagliari in today s kick-off. It will be a difficult game. Cagliari are doing well and are confident, though we are ready to put in a strong performance. It was also difficult to deal with the break for international duty, as so many of our players Inter boss Rafa Benitez were away from training. All top sides have to struggle with such matters. The injury crisis is also a problem for Inter, as Thiago Motta, Pandev and Javier Zanetti are still major doubts for this game. Dejan Stankovic should play after the trauma of seeing Tuesday s Euro 2012 qualifier abandoned because of Serbian hooliganism in Genoa. We didn t talk about it much, as this is an unusual situation, said Benitez. Stankovic is a good man and wanted to do his best, but we cannot control everything. Now his job is to do well for Inter and I hope he scores tomorrow [today]. George Micallef, Sarah Agius and Christian Micallef THE BOV Premier League is be back this weekend with possibly the most anticipated game of the season as champions Birkirkara take on title favourites, Valletta. This should be a hugely important game, albeit being the first of four encounters in which these two teams will lock horns this season. Needless to say, during the first part of the programme, Replay will be analyzing this match in great depth, and will also feature comments from the protagonists and vox pops taken from supporters of both sides. Replay will also dwell on the remaining Premier League matches as teams strive to avoid dropping further points in what augurs to be a keenly contested campaign. The show will also pick up the topic of foreign scouting and recruitment which our Premier League clubs carry out to lure players to Malta. During the latter part of the programme, the guests shall then converse international football. The Liverpool takeover saga and the skirmishes in Genova prior to this week s abandoned Italy-Serbia game, will take prime focus. Hosted by popular sports presenter, Christian Micallef and aided by Sarah Agius, this week Replay will feature B Kara coach, Paul Zammit, Tarxien Rainbow s Team Manager, John Vella and resident guests, Joe Caruana Curran, Hugh Caruana and Konrad Sultana. No doubt the programme promises to offer great analysis but also serious chat and information. Viewers are encouraged to check out Replay s new website updated everyday, and also to share their views about various topics and other related matters through on [email protected] or voice their opinion through text messages on during the programme. Keep logging on Replay s facebook group during the show to voice your opinion. If you are not a member of this group then join now to keep yourself updated with the latest information and news related to Malta s Sunday sports show. Replay is co-produced by Christian Micalelf and Ġorġ Micallef, with Vannesa Mizzi and Stephen Chircop being the visual editors, and Jeremy Dalli directing. Kris Scicluna, Roderick Vella and Simon Borda assist the production team. Replay, 21:10 on Net Television every Sunday.

53 Sport MOTOGP 53 Casey Stoner strength on home soil underlined with Phillip Island pole THE Ducati Team rider secured pole position for his home race the Iveco Australian Grand Prix with a solid qualifying display which placed him ahead of Jorge Lorenzo and Ben Spies, who will also start from the front row. Valentino Rossi qualified in eighth position today. Casey Stoner took his third pole position of the season with the best time in qualification for the Iveco Australian Grand Prix of on Saturday, as he secured top spot on the starting grid at Phillip Island for the third consecutive season. The Australian, who has won his home GP for the last three years, was an impressive 0.668s clear of the rest of the field by the end of the session. World Champion Jorge Lorenzo (Fiat Yamaha) was the only rider able to get within a second of Stoner, as the Spaniard joined his rival under the 1 31 barrier. Lorenzo briefly led the session with his time of but eventually had to settle for second on the grid. Achieving his third front-row starting position of the season Ben Spies set the third best time of the session, the Monster Yamaha Tech 3 rider closing out the 60-minute run at 1.279s off the pole time of Stoner. Hot on the heels of the American and registering a best qualification of the season to date was rookie Marco Simoncelli (San Carlo Honda Gresini), at just 16- thousandths of a second behind in fourth. Colin Edwards (Monster Yamaha Tech 3) was a similar distance (0.013s) further back in fifth, with Nicky Hayden (Ducati Team) taking sixth position in the session and crashing at turn four towards the end. Randy de Puniet (LCR Honda) will head up the third row after setting the seventh fastest time, with Valentino Rossi (Fiat Yamaha) failing to overcome the issues he experienced in both practice sessions and qualifying in eighth, which is his worst starting grid position of the season to date. Andrea Dovizioso (Repsol Honda) and Marco Melandri (San Carlo Honda Gresini) completed the top ten. The recovering Dani Pedrosa (Repsol Honda) qualified in 15th position as he prepares for his first race back after missing the last two rounds, whilst Héctor Barberá (Páginas Amarillas Aspar) and Loris Capirossi (Rizla Suzuki) both crashed during the session and qualified in 16th and 17th positions respectively. Capirossi sustained a pulled adductor of the left leg in his fall which has placed his participation in the race in doubt. Inside the final five minutes spots of rain were significant enough to effectively mark the end of the session, as the riders abandoned any further attempts at improving their times. SPORT DISCUSSION Birkirkara vs Valletta discussed on Kontrattakk Gilbert Agius and daughter Brooke THE third programme of this series of the popular sports programme Kontrattakk is on air this evening as the BOV Premier League resumes after a short break of two weeks. Kontrattakk hosts Sandro Micallef and Caroline Attard welcome various guests to discuss the weekend s encounters while televiewers can enjoy the goals and highlights from the comfort of their home. Guests from the football clan together with sports journalist Gerald Fenech will discuss the league so far and the matches played during this weekend together with sports journalists and presenters Sandro Micallef and Caroline Attard. Sports correspondent Catherine Micallef interviewed Valletta FC Player Gilbert Agius and his daughter Brooke in her Double Marking weekly interview. How much does Gilbert know about this daughter? All televiewers are encouraged to seat back and enjoy a 90 minute football show tonight on TVM at 9.45pm. All televiewers are encouraged to participate during the programme by texting their views on SMS number or address kontrattakk@ gmail.com. All facebook users are also welcome to post their comments on Kontrattakk s facebook page. Kontrattakk is another production of Events Services and Where s Everybody? TENNIS Andy Murray defeats Monaco in Shanghai to book place in final ANDY Murray breezed into the final of the Shanghai Masters with a crushing victory over Juan Monaco. Despite arriving in Shanghai at less than 100% fitness on account of illness, the Scot has looked in supreme form all week and Monaco could not counter Murray s brilliance from the back of the court. Two breaks of serve helped Murray secure the opening set and that broke Monaco s spirit as the world No. 4 raced through the second set, demonstrating his full array of shots, to wrap up victory in less than 90 minutes. Murray has been superb on serve all week and made an early signal of intent with a love service hold. Monaco does not possess a huge weapon and attempted to change things up by heading to the net, but his shortcomings were highlighted when he threw a backhand volley into the net. The Argentine held his first service game, but he was put under severe pressure in the fourth game when Murray arrowed a running crosscourt forehand past his outstretched racket and it helped the Scot break. Murray has a habit of taking his foot off the gas for no reason and he handed the break back to Monaco when serving for the set at with the effort summed up by a double fault at break-point down. With the chance to cement his break, Monaco inexplicably gave the break straight back to the Scot. Murray did it the hard way as he won the second point of the game with a broken string. He threw up huge defensive lobs and Monaco chucked the third into the tramlines. Losing that point seemed to rattle Monaco as errors crept in and a tame backhand hit the net to hand the world No. 4 the set. Monaco demonstrated superb fighting spirit to beat Jurgen Melzer in the quarter finals, but that near three-hour epic may well have left a mark as he had nothing to give in the second set. Murray raced into a three-love lad and although Monaco held serve to stop the rot, he failed to take an opening in the fifth game. He twice had presentable opportunities to get ahead in the game, but hit the net and then threw a backhand long and he wilted in the face of the incessant pressure from Murray who sealed the win with an ace.

54 54 Sport

55 Sport SPORT DRUG SCANDAL 55 Maltese doctor who treated Tiger Woods could face jail time KEVIN GRECH Weather & Crosswords WEATHER: Partly to rather cloudy with showers possibly thundery at times VISIBILITY: Good except in some showers WIND: Northeast force 4 SEA: Slight becoming moderate SWELL: Low confused becoming Southeast WORLD renowned sports doctor Anthony Galea could face prison time on drug scandal. One of the world s best sports doctor, Maltese-born Anthony Galea, who was under investigation for importing illegal drugs such as HGH (Human Growth Hormone) from the U.S., now faces serious jail time. Toronto-based Galea was indicted by a federal grand jury in Buffalo, USA, on a number of drug-related charges according to a reports in the Buffalo Daily News. No date was set for Galea s arraignment. The five-count indictment alleges that Galea smuggled misbranded and unapproved drugs, including human growth hormone, into the United States, and lied to Homeland Security agents to avoid detection. Galea is also alleged to have treated more than 20 professional athletes despite not being licensed to practice medicine in the U.S. My office, along with our federal law enforcement partners, will not tolerate any attempts to either breach our nation s borders or to bring drugs that are not approved by the (Food and Drug Administration) into the United States, U.S. Attorney William Hochul said in a statement. There is a reason why the public expects the FDA to determine which substances can be TODAY 24 0 /20 0 SHOWERS UV: 5 Anthony Galea at work in his Toronto-based clinic safely used in this country. Misuse of certain substances can faces, smuggling, carries a maxi- The most serious charge Galea obviously be harmful, regardless mum 20-year prison term. Other charges he is facing are pun- of whether or not they are being administered by a medical professional.ishable by five and three-year terms /20 0 THUNDER STORMS UV: 5 TOMORROW His Toronto clinic was raided by Canadian authorities in October 2009 after he was detained at the U.S. border and found to be in possession of illegal drugs, including human growth hormone (HGH) and Actovegin, a drug extracted from calf s blood that is banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency. Galea was raised as a Catholic by Canadian parents of Maltese descent, works specifically with high profile sport athletes. Galea a McMaster University Medical School graduate, and University of Toronto faculty member considered one of best sports medicine doctors in the world. More on Anthony Galea on USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS GOZO FERRIES DAILY OPERATION TIMES PHARMACIES OPEN TODAY MALTA & GOZO: 9 A.M. NOON Emergency,Police,Fire, Ambulance Appogg 24hrs Supportline.179 Sedqa 24hrs Helpline Social policy info centre Malta Red Cross St John Ambulance Maltacom enquiries Go Mobile enquiries Vodafone enquiries Government info service Telephone faults Gozo ferry schedule MEPA MIA flight enquiries MIA Weather forecast Enemalta faults report Water Services Corporation Freephone Chess A B C D E F G H White to play and mate in three moves From 27th September till 7th November Solution to last week s problem A B C D E F G H White had to to play and mate in three moves Qxd6 f6 Qe6+ Kf8 hxg7# VALLETTA Regent Pharmacy, 70, Triq Il-Merkanti HAMRUN St Gaetan Pharmacy, Triq il-kappillan Mifsud STA VENERA Fatima Pharmacy, Triq iz-zonqor B KARA Holy Cross Pharmacy, 37, Triq il-kbira PIETA St Luke Pharmacy, Triq San Luqa PEMBROKE San Giorgio Pharmacy, Triq Manwel Buhagia SLIEMA Edward s Pharmacy, 115, Triq Manwel Dimech BALZAN Balzan Pharmacy, 70, Triq San Frangisk MOSTA Grognet Pharmacy, 41, Triq il-kostituzzjoni MELLIEHA Village Pharmacy, 116, Main Street PAOLA St Monica Pharmacy, Bereux, Triq Santa Monica BORMLA Verdala Pharmacy, 57, Triq il-gendus ZABBAR Cilia s Pharmacy, 313, Triq Haz-Zabbar GUDJA Gudja Pharmacy, 25, Triq San Ciru SAFI Pasteur Pharmacy, Triq it-tellerit SIGGIEWI Menelo Pharmacy, Triq it-tabib Nikola Zammit RABAT Nigret Pharmacy, Triq iz-zahar GOZO Azzopardi Pharmacy, Triq il-kapuccini, Rabat GOZO Gozo Chemists, Imgarr Road, Xewkija Sudoku Answers to the MaltaToday crossword will be published next Sunday Solution to last week s crossword Last week s solution Sudoku rules are extremely easy: Fill all empty squares so that the numbers 1 to 9 appear once in each row, column and 9x9 box. Across 1. Pertaining to a galaxy (8) 6. Brownish purple (4) 8. Harass (6) 9. Tangle of logs (6) 10. Ran swiftly (5) 11. Office head (7) 13. Instrument used in combat (6) 15. Sixth planet (6) 17. Deformed lip (7) 19. Frothy (5) 22. Starvation (6) 23. Quantity (6) 24. Beat with a whip (4) 25. Having ability (8) Down 2. A salt of acetic acid (7) 3. Slender part of the leg (5) 4. Migrate (4) 5. Cave in (8) 6. Costumed procession (7) 7. Derange (5) 12. Event (8) 14. Looking closely (7) 16. Love affair (7) 18. Benefit (5) 20. Enhance (5) 21. Drop (4)

56 News MEPA refuses to sanction papal monuments JAMES DEBONO ON Wednesday, the Malta Environment and Planning Authority (MEPA) refused to an application to sanction two illegally build bronze monuments commemorating Pope Pius IX and Pope John Paul II which are both subject to an enforcement order issued in The bronze statues, set on coralline limestone pedestals and located in the middle of the flight of steps in front of the Cathedral at Citadella, are 3.8 metres high. MEPA s Heritage Advisory Committee has deemed the two monuments to have a negative visual impact on the Cathedral which is a Grade 1 scheduled buildings. The same concerns were expressed by the Superintendence for Cultural Heritage. Back in 2006 MEPA had originally refused the application presented by Dr Michael Caruana on behalf of the Centenary committee, to regularise this development. But the applicants applied for a reconsideration claiming that when the two statues were erected, the Cathedral authorities assumed that such development did not require permission. MEPA had repeatedly called on the architects to propose an alternative location for the statues, insisting that the present location is unacceptable. But a decision was repeatedly postponed in view of the preparation of a master plan for the Cittadella. But last Wednesday, MEPA s Development Control Commission concluded that any decision to regularise the two statues could compromise the Master Plan. But MEPA has suggested that once the Master Plan is approved, another application to relocate the monuments could be presented. Major strikes cripple France HUNDREDS of thousands of protesters have marched in French cities as strikes hit rail and air transport and left uncollected rubbish piling. The country is enduring its fifth day of walkouts over plans to raise the nation s minimum and full retirement ages by two years, to 62 and 67 respectively. The government is determined to push ahead with the legislation, saying it is the only way to a stop a 32bn annual pension shortfall ballooning to 50bn by A union leader hoped millions of people would take to the nation s streets to make the government think again. Public and private sector employees and students marched in dozens of cities, with the largest of the crowds assembling in Paris. Industrial action at oil ports and all the France s 12 refineries has put pressure on petrol and diesel supplies across the country. The ongoing strikes have continued to disrupt rail services. Runway worker strikes at Paris Orly airport grounded some Air France flights out of the capital on Friday. Reports said main Parisian airport Roissy-Charles de Gaulle might run out of fuel. The French government said stocks will last until at least Tuesday.