Weekly News Highlights

The Grand Master of the Sovereign Military Order of Malta (SMOM), Fra Andrew Bertie, was made an honorary citizen of Birgu (Vittoriosa) on Sunday in a ceremony attended by the President, Professor Guido de Marco, at Couvre Porte.

The conferment was made by the mayor, John Boxall.

No visas for travellers from SARS countries

The government on Monday decided that for the time being visas will not be issued to travellers originating from countries hit by the SARS virus. The measure will be in force indefinitely but will be reviewed from time to time.

GPs have been informed to report any suspect case of SARS to the Disease Surveillance Unit. Patients will be registered with the health authorities without having to wait for a legal notice to be issued. On Wednesday, the Disease Surveillance Unit said it had found no cases of SARS in Malta.

Branko Lustig honoured

Film producer Branko Lustig received the National Order of Merit on Monday for his significant contribution to the film industry in Malta. Mr Lustig, famous for Gladiator and Schindler's List, flew to Malta to receive the award, which was presented by President Guido de Marco at the Palace.

Political discrimination

The Employment Commission on Tuesday ruled that the appointment of Renée Laiviera as director of the Department for the Equal Status of Women in 1997 was marred by political discrimination with the replacement of her predecessor, Angela Callus.

The commission, chaired by Michael J. Mallia, ruled that Ms Callus was politically discriminated against when her appointment expired and her contract was not renewed. She had been appointed director in November 1994.

Unemployment down

A total of 7,564 persons were registering for work in March, according to official statistics published on Tuesday, 143 fewer than in February.

Lm22,000 fraud charge

A 47-year-old man from Mosta, whose name cannot be published by court order, is pleading not guilty of defrauding Kristine Bonnici of Lm22,000 on and before November 2001 when he tried to repay her with cheques which bounced. The man confessed to Ms Bonnici that his debts totalled Lm1.5 million.

Three charged with Lm23,300 tax evasion

John Grech, 41, of Mqabba, Charles Darmanin, 44, of Paola and Noel Chircop, 30, of Attard were charged on Tuesday with trying to evade some Lm23,300 in tax on the importation of 4,800 bottles of alcohol. They pleaded not guilty to charges related to a police operation in L-Iklin on Boxing Day 2000.

Blaze on Libyan ship

No one was injured in a fire on Wednesday afternoon on board the Libyan passenger ship Garjounis, berthed at Malta Drydocks. The fire started in the living quarters and spread to nearby cabins. No shipyard employees were on board at the time. Crew members who were working in the engine room managed to get out of the ship just in time.

Sant confirms leadership bid

Alfred Sant announced during a May Day mass meeting on Thursday that he would put his name forward for the post of Labour Party leader, and urged all those who felt they had a contribution to make to the party as leader to also submit their nominations. He also said that the MLP now had a duty to accept the people's decision in favour of EU membership.

Former MP ordered to pay Lm4,465

Former Nationalist MP Josie Muscat was condemned to pay Lm4,465 damages for screening a video recording of a football match without a licence during a tea party held in 1983, leading to the revocation of the hall licence where the party was held. He was ordered to pay damages to John Cordina of Corrigo Hall, Zabbar, by Mr Justice Philip Sciberras in Civil Court.

Public lotto, MOBC to be privatised this year

The public Lotto Department and the Mediterranean Oil Bunkering Company will be privatised by the end of this year, Finance and Economic Services Minister John Dalli told The Times on Friday.

Lm30,000 reported stolen

Gozitan police are investigating the reported theft of some Lm30,000 from a house in Xewkija on Friday.

School assistant head 'attacked'

An assistant head at the Birzebbuga primary school was assaulted on Friday by a pupil's parents. They also threatened and verbally abused senior staff, MUT president John Bencini said. The incident follows a polite request to the five-year-old child's mother to send her daughter dressed appropriately. The girl's parents assaulted the assistant head straight after the child finished her school day.

Parish priest seriously injured

Luqa parish priest Fr Joseph Camilleri, 55, was seriously injured in a fall at the parish centre on Friday afternoon. Police said he tripped on some wood which was being used for maintenance work. He was rushed to St Luke's Hospital suffering from wounds in his head and ribs. He is not in danger of dying.

Priest dies after fall

Fr Raymond Previ, OP, 57 died in hospital on Friday after falling down a flight of steps in a residence at Zabbar on Monday evening. Police said the Dominican priest, who was from the Vittoriosa convent, probably slipped. He suffered serious head injuries and fractured ribs. The Cospicua distict police are investigating.

Beatification process of Bishop Galea, Mother Nuzzo

Archbishop Mercieca on Friday started the beatification process of Bishop Emanuel Galea and Mother Maria Teresa Nuzzo, founder of the Congregation of the Daughters of the Sacred Heart.

Mgr Galea (1891-1974), was auxiliary bishop to Archbishop Gonzi for over 30 years.

Maria Teresa Nuzzo (1851-1923) set up her congregation in 1903.