10 years ago - The Times

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Utility rates: MCESD meeting inconclusive

A two-hour-long discussion among social partners yesterday did not yield any positive results as the government did not present its fresh proposals on the utility tariffs.

Representatives of the social partners sitting on Malta Council for Economic and Social Development said the talks could have never led to anything conclusive without the proposals, which are expected to be presented by the government during another meeting today. It could not be ascertained why these were not tabled yesterday.

The original proposals, announced on October 1, were slammed by all social partners who argued they would have drastic repercussions on families and industry and lead to unemployment.

Sources said that during yesterday’s meeting the government suggested changing the present system of subsidies to a payment system. This was accepted by the social partners.

The sources said the government also confirmed a three-year transition periodfor the new water and electricity tariffs but maintained that these will amount to more than the present tariffs plus the 95 per cent surcharge.

25 years ago - The Times

Saturday, October 23, 1993

UK government supports Malta’s EC application ‒ Major

British Prime Minister John Major said yesterday that his government was giving its full support to Malta’s EC membership application.

At a meeing with Dr Eddie Fenech Adami, he said he thought Malta had all the right credentials for EC membership.

But on a more cautious note, he warned that Malta should not ignore the fact that there are problems with enlarging the community of 12 European states.

Speaking briefly to Maltese reporters Mr Major described the meeting as “very good”.

Dr Fenech Adami said it was “important and useful”.

’Yard’s overtime: council discriminated against two workers for political beliefs

Two Drydocks workers who were refused overtime for a number of years were awarded Lm7,375 and Lm4,000 respectively yesterday, after the employment commission ruled that the Drydocks council had discriminated against them due to their political opinions.

Half a century ago - Times of Malta

Wednesday, October 23, 1968

Storm damage

These have been sad days for owners of sea craft. Taken in by the recent spell of prolonged good weather they failed to make adequate preparations for the first storms of the season. As a result they spent the past two days surveying what was left of their craft or attempting to salvage sunken or beached boats.

There were scenes of feverish activity again yesterday as boat owners hauled their craft ashore or attempted to refloat boats which had been driven ashore.

Flotsam from the debris of boats pounded to pulp by the seas filled bays all round the island.

There were scenes of desperation at St Paul’s Bay where several boats, including a motor fishing vessel, various yachts which were some of the fastest of their class, as well as speedboats lay wrecked on wharves and rocky foreshores where they had been lifted by the heavy seas.

Various fishing boats were sunk in the many of the bays. Roads skirting the shore have been dug up and many areas have been without electricity where lines have been cut.

The Gozo ferry-boat Jylland was still unable to make port yesterday and was sheltering to the lee of Comino.