Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1538195
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 6 AUGUST 2025 NEWS GOVERNMENT has announced the free distribution of palm leaves to fishermen ahead of the lampuki season, with more than 3,000 fronds handed out so far. "The lampuki season is a very important time for our fishermen and for Maltese maritime culture," said Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Ani- mal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said. "Through the distribution of palm fronds, we are continuing to protect and promote fishing tradi- tions while directly helping fisher- men." Palm fronds are used to build ka- nizzati, traditional floating struc- tures placed at sea to attract and catch lampuki. The palm leaves are being distrib- uted at the Office of the Depart- ment of Fisheries and Aquaculture in Għammieri, in preparation for the season that typically begins in August. According to the office, around 50 full-time and part-time lam- puki fishermen are expected to benefit from the service. The Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Alicia Bugeja Said said the initiative reflects the govern- ment's commitment to supporting the fishing sector while respecting environmental needs. "The government remains com- mitted to continuing to strengthen the fishing sector with measures that respect both environmen- tal sustainability and the needs of fishermen," she said. The Acting Director General for Fisheries and Aquaculture ex- plained how the month of August is known for lampuki fishing. He also remarked that the service is set to continue running free of charge until the end of this week. Fishermen provided with palm leaves for lampuki season Man who targeted Helena Dalli on TikTok pleads guilty The Government aims to preserve maritime heritage through the free distribution of palm fronds Accuse pleads guilty to harassing former European Commissioner Helena Dalli, before handing out 'Jesus loves you' stickers in the courtroom, and shouting he wants ' justice' for the country JULIANA ZAMMIT jzammit@mediatoday.com.mt Parliamentary Secretary for Fisheries, Aquaculture and Animal Rights Alicia Bugeja Said. (Photo: DOI) IVAN John Grima Hammett, a 57-year-old man appeared be- fore Magistrate Leonard Carua- na on Monday and admitted in court to harassing and stalking newly appointed acting presi- dent Helena Dalli. Grima Hammett was arrested after he posted videos on social media targeting Dalli. Police Superintendent Frank- ie Sammut stated that Dalli discovered these videos posted on TikTok and felt harassed. In the clips, Grima Hammett referred to Dalli as "a traitor of Malta" and questioned others about whether they believed she was corrupt. After the police arrested the man, he was ordered to remove the videos but refused. When entering his guilty plea, the accused's legal aid lawyer stated: "My client has instruct- ed me to say that his religious and personal beliefs do not permit him to lie, and for this reason, he will plead guilty." During submissions on sen- tencing, Superintendent Frank- ie Sammut pointed out that the law provides for a maximum sentence of two years' impris- onment and/or a fine. Nevertheless, he argued that a treatment order would be more suitable to ensure the accused receives proper assistance. He also called for a protection or- der in favour of Helena Dalli and recommended a probation order instead of an effective prison term. Sammut described Grima Hammett as someone who con- stantly records and comments on the ongoing events around him. He stressed that "if some- one accuses another of corrup- tion, they are obliged to provide proof," adding that imposing a fine would not solve the issue. The defence agreed, high- lighting that the accused is al- so responsible for looking after his elderly mother. At this stage, Grima Hammett erupted into a tirade and pro- claimed that he "wants justice for this country." He demanded that Dalli re- sign for allegedly deceiving the public and voiced criticism of same-sex couples raising chil- dren. He also handed out stick- ers reading "Jesus loves you" to people in the courtroom. "You're going straight to heav- en," the magistrate smirked. Grima Hammett earnestly re- plied, "I do not curse, and I do not masturbate." After the admission, Magis- trate Leonard Caruana issued a two-year probation order, a treatment order, and a re- straining order. It also ordered Grima Hammett to remove the videos from Facebook. As he made his way out of the courtroom, he yelled: "Thank you, Jesus! God bless you! May the evil eye leave this room". The case was heard by Magis- trate Leonard Caruana. Police Inspector Karen Cassar pros- ecuted, while legal aid lawyer Noray Galea represented the accused. MAYA GALEA mgalea@mediatoday.com.mt Helena Dalli