Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1539444
LISTENING to and supporting the voices of young people has been at the very heart of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ since its inception in 2010. I have seen how their ideas, questions, and concerns have helped shape national discussions, and this is once again evident in the government's Vision 2050 process. Our national youth policy, Towards 2030: Reaching Out To, Working With And Supporting Young People, plac- es listening to young people as its first strategic goal. That is not by chance. It reflects our conviction that meaningful participation begins with giving young people the space to speak and ensuring that their words are not only heard but acted upon. Recently, at our head office in Santa Venera, we welcomed a diverse group of young people to share their views on Malta's Vision 2050. What struck me most was not only the breadth of their perspectives but their holistic way of thinking about Malta's future. They saw the sea that surrounds us, our climate, our land and fauna, and our culture and traditions as the canvas for a sustainable tomorrow. At the same time, they were clear-eyed about the challenges we face: Climate change, energy security, land use, and the fast-paced development of artificial intelligence. They want Malta to invest seriously in renewable energy, not just through in- frastructure but through education, in- centives, and international cooperation. They challenged us to think differently about land use, suggesting that regen- erating abandoned buildings is more valuable than creating yet more over- development. On food sustainability, they were equally insightful, calling for stronger support for farmers, healthier food industries, and innovative practic- es such as vertical and sustainable farm- ing. Waste and the circular economy pro- voked some of the strongest reactions. These young people are not naïve; they understand that change requires not only creativity but also enforcement, accountability, and a willingness to face resistance. They also reminded us that preserving Malta's cultural identity and heritage is not a luxury but a necessity in the face of growing commercialisa- tion and overdevelopment. One theme was constant—educa- tion. They see education as the enabler that will make everything else possible. A more flexible, responsive, and for- ward-looking system, they told us, is essential to prepare new generations to meet the future with confidence. And then, as young people so often do, they surprised us with fresh, imag- inative ideas. From limiting the number of cars per household, to planting trees along our roads, from applying the pol- luter-pays principle to insisting on qual- ity time with family and friends, their suggestions reflected creativity, respon- sibility, and a vision for a better quality of life. For me, the message is clear. The future is not about isolated issues; it is about interconnection, cooperation, and inno- vation. Young people are telling us that if we want Malta to thrive in 2050, we need to think in systems, not silos, and we need to do so while remaining root- ed in our unique identity and heritage. As CEO of Aġenzija Żgħażagħ, I could not be prouder of the way our young people have engaged in this consul- tation. They are alert, informed, and thoughtful. They are ambitious but real- istic, imaginative yet practical. Most of all, they are ready to take responsibility for their future. Our role, as adults and decision-makers, is to make sure their voices continue to guide us on the road ahead. 8 maltatoday | SUNDAY • 14 SEPTEMBER 2025 OPINION & LAW THE Criminal Court discussed and de- cided on whether an accused should benefit from any reduction in isen- tence if he pleads guilty to the charges brough against him. This was discussed in a judgment delivered on 10 Septem- ber 2025 in the Republic of Malta vs Ismael Alirou, presided over by Judge Neville Camilleri. Ismael Alirou was accused of raping a girl under 16 years of age in July 2018. He was also charged the corruption of a minor and encouraging her to enter into prostitution. Alirou was also ac- cused of living off the earnings of pros- titution. On 30 July 2025 the Attorney Gen- eral and the accused registered a joint application, where they agreed that the punishment should be a jail term of nine-and-a-half years, once the ac- cused admits to the charges. This was in terms of Article 453(1) of the Crim- inal Code. The accused confirmed his guilty plea after he was asked to recon- sider by the court. He also confirmed that he agreed with the punishment he had brokered with the prosecution. Following this guilty plea, the court declared that the accused was guilty of the crimes he was accused of. Mr Justice Camilleri made reference to a previous judgment in the Repub- lic of Malta vs Alessandro Giuseppe Gandolfo, which cited those parts of the Criminal Code that outline the sentencing policy when there is an ear- ly guilty plea. This judgment, in turn, made reference to other judgments, notably Republic of Malta vs Nicho- las Azzopardi, decided on 24 Febru- ary 1997, and the Police vs Emmanuel Testa decided by the Court of Criminal Appeal on 17 July 2002. The court also quoted from Black- stone's Criminal Practice in which the author of the book discusses whether the sentence should be reduced by a third if a guilty plea is filed. The author said that the court should take into account the strength of the evidence against the accused or on whether the accused has assisted the prosecution in testifying against co-offenders. If on the other hand the accused was caught red handed, then there was no need for any discount. The court may decide not to give a discount, if it is in the public's interest that a long sentence is neces- sary to keep the public safe. Another instance where no discount is given is if the guilty plea is a tactical plea when it is given at the last moments of the case. The court held that it kept all this in mind and as such agreed with the pun- ishment reached between the Attorney General and the accused, Ismael Alir- ou. The court then confirmed that the ac- cused was guilty of all the charges and awarded him a prison sentence of nine- and-a-half years. A protection order was issued in favour of the victim and he was also ordered to pay all the court costs. MALCOLM MIFSUD Mifsud & Mifsud Advocates Are there any benefits from a guilty plea? Miriam Teuma Young minds, bold visions: Malta's future in focus CEO Agenzija Zghazagh The court also quoted from Blackstone's Criminal Practice in which the author of the book discusses whether the sentence should be reduced by a third if a guilty plea is filed