Tragic accident mars Paqpaqli charity event
● Lawyer gunned down in Birkirkara ● Budget reflects economic growth
The €12m disability hub became the source of much debate
October was a month filled with controversy, murder, near-miss tragedy and the budget.
The month commenced with the shocking Paqpaqli accident that saw a Porsche careen into a crowd leaving 26 injured, with five in critical conditions. What was meant to be a day of fast cars, family entertainment and excitement, turned into one of the most terrifying days of the year.
The incident drew attention to safety regulations for such events, and luckily there was no loss of life.
Lawyer Carmel Chircop was gunned down in his garage in Birkirkara. He was a partner in Dingli and Dingli Associates. Speaking during a crime conference at the Police Depot, Assistant Commissioner Silvio Valletta said the lawyer was hit in the chest and back.
An Italian MEP had requested the European Commission to investigate the Libyan visas scam, which has seen a former labour candidate arraigned in court. The MEP was Lara Comi.
Later in the month, a court heard how many landlords who leased out properties to companies registered by accountant Joe Sammut admitted their involvement in the provision of bogus residential addresses. The landlords told the police that they had been approached by a Libyan national, who went by the name of Ali, and agreed to provide their addresses.
The budget was read in Parliament by Finance Minister Edward Scicluna. The minister announced a reduction in income tax, a very slight fuel price reduction in 2016, increased tax on tobacco and chewing gum, €56m for a new SmartCity campus, a €12m disability hub, and more.
The government said it was evaluating a few potential sites for a €25-30 million EU-funded regeneration project in the Grand Harbour area, which will be financed through the 20142020 European Structural and Investment Fund. On the same day, Chief Justice Silvio Camilleri called for more transparency in judicial appointments.
A man was found with a bedsheet around his neck in a jail cell. He was to be arraigned in connection with the discovery of 11kg of drugs. The man was found unconscious in his cell at the Police Headquarters at around 3am on 2 October.
The €12m disability hub became the source of much debate, with those not agreeing with the project stating that it would effectively create a gilded cage.
The results of an investigation into the Gaffarena Old Mint Street scandal carried out by the Internal Audit and Investigation Department were handed over to the Auditor General.
The end of October saw €11 million in EU funds earmarked for the Coast Road project revoked, because of concerns regarding the way contracts were awarded. The funds were to be used elsewhere.