Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1514625
10 NEWS 18.01.2024 THE Malta Chamber of Com- merce, Enterprise and Indus- try and BNF Bank p.l.c have renewed their Bronze Collab- oration Agreement with the aim of supporting e Malta Chamber's Entrepreneurship and Family Business Commit- tee. With the support and capa- bilities provided by BNF Bank, this committee is poised to enhance its strength, fostering robust discussions in policy domains pertinent to family businesses. e overarching goal is to enhance the busi- ness landscape, ensuring the efficient distribution of crucial information to key stakehold- ers. Collaboratively, both enti- ties will establish frameworks to address issues unique to family businesses, develop tangible recommendations for the annual national budget concerning family enterprises, and raise awareness about the advantages associated with a thriving presence of family businesses within the country. "Cognisant of the important legacy in the sphere of Mal- ta's commercial development, family businesses have always been at the core of e Malta Chamber's mission. It is with pride and honour that we re- new our partnership with BNF Bank. Over the years, our col- laboration has been dedicated to fostering the prosperity of family businesses in our econ- omy by delivering essential resources through workshops and seminars," noted Chris Vassallo Cesareo, e Malta Chamber President, ahead of the signing. "For the Bank, renewing our support for the Malta Cham- ber is also a continuation of our support to family busi- nesses. In this regard, we are very much aligned with the Malta Chamber, in providing guidance for family businesses as they navigate changing reg- ulation, succession planning, economic challenges and busi- ness opportunities. We firmly believe that family businesses are the country's backbone, and supporting them means supporting our country's con- tinued development," said BNF Bank plc Chief Executive Officer David Power. e Bronze Collaboration Agreement was signed by Christopher Vassallo Cesareo, Nick Xuereb and Dr Marthese Portelli as President, Deputy President and CEO of e Mal- ta Chamber, respectively, and George Debono and Melvin Pellicano, CCO and Head of Business Development at BNF Bank, respectively. The Malta Chamber and BNF Bank p.l.c renew Bronze collaboration agreement THE Justice and Peace Commission in Malta is the latest entity calling for mandatory insurance coverage for contractors. This was one of eight recommen- dations following a study address- ing Malta's construction industry. In response to a troubling surge in ac- cidents leading to the tragic deaths of 25 construction workers between 2019 and 2022, the Commission's re- search project, titled "The 'Ejja Ejja' Culture," delves into the underlying factors contributing to the safety chal- lenges faced by workers. The integral conclusion drawn from this extensive study is a prevalent cul- ture of urgency within the construc- tion sector, described as 'ejja ejja' or 'get on with it.' This culture, marked by unrealistic deadlines and a race against time, has raised concerns about the well-being and safety of workers. The Justice and Peace Commission has put forth eight recommendations aimed at overhaul- ing the current state of affairs and fostering a safer and more equitable working environment. These include: • Using tax and policy levers to mitigate risks associated with impractical deadlines imposed by the need for rapid construc- tion. • Encouraging workers' unions to champion a rights-based ap- proach and expand their member- ship to include foreign workers. • Introducing cultural sensitivity and bias training for all front- line stakeholders involved in the construction sector. • Bolstering the provision of health and safety courses, cou- pled with language training where necessary, to enhance worker preparedness. • Studying the effects of machis- mo culture on the health and well-being of workers within the construction industry. • Reviewing work permit regu- lations and immigration laws, focusing on empowering rather than disempowering migrant workers. • Ensuring adequate resourcing for the Occupational Health and Safety Authority (OHSA) is highlighted as crucial, ensuring effective oversight and enforce- ment. • Making insurance coverage a prerequisite for contractors seeking licensure is proposed to ensure financial responsibility and accountability. The Justice and Peace Commission's research report emphasises the im- portance of dismantling the prevail- ing 'ejja ejja' culture and addressing all factors contributing to construction site tragedies. The recommendations are described as a pathway to creating a more just, equitable, and safe work- ing environment for all construction workers, irrespective of their back- ground or employer. Despite numerous rules, regulations, and authorities, a pervasive culture of impunity persists, the research- ers found. The study underscores the need for a fundamental shift in ap- proach to effectively address the root causes of accidents in the construc- tion sector. Bishop Joseph Galea-Curmi, endors- ing the study, remarked, "The hope is that this study serves as a valuable contribution of the Church in Malta for a society that is inspired by these values [Gospel values of justice, com- passion, and respect for life]." Church commission calls for mandatory insurance for all contractors The integral conclusion drawn from this extensive study is a prevalent culture of urgency within the construction sector, described as 'ejja ejja'