Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1543022
6 maltatoday | WEDNESDAY • 4 FEBRUARY 2026 NEWS First MCAST engineering graduates handed warrants after years-long saga TWO engineering graduates at MCAST have been awarded an engineering warrant for the first time after a years-long saga over the course accreditation. They were part of a cohort of 61 engineers who were awarded their warrant on Tuesday after completing their studies. Previously, students that had followed the MCAST engineer- ing course were denied the offi- cial warrant to practice the engi- neering profession in Malta for not holding the necessary qual- ifications. MCAST's engineering cours- es are not accredited by an agency recognised by the Eu- ropean Network for Accredita- tion of Engineering Education (ENAEE), but between 2017 and 2022 the college underwent an international evaluation process by ASIIN, an accreditation agen- cy recognised by ENAEE, which concluded that MCAST's engi- neering courses meet European standards. However, MCAST never applied for accreditation. In October, the Engineering Board approved a motion to evaluate warrant applications from MCAST engineering grad- uates, but this was challenged by the Malta Association of Professional Engineers (MAPE) in court, which requested an injunction. The injunction was eventually rejected. MCAST principal and chief executive Stephen Vella said during the official warrant cer- emony that the this milestone reflecys years of structured de- velopment, quality assurance and sustained collaboration with national and international stake- holders. "It confirms the standing of MCAST's engineering pro- grammes and the ability of our graduates to meet professional standards. Industry has long rec- ognised the value of our grad- uates, who today play leading roles across manufacturing, re- search, technology and beyond," he said. Stephen Sammut, the direc- tor of the Institute of Engineer- ing and Transport at MCAST, similarly said that recognising MCAST graduates for war- ranting is the result of rigorous course design, external evalu- ation and continuous engage- ment with the profession. Noel Camilleri, the chairperson of the Engineering Board, said the board has always worked within the terms of the law and will continue to do so to ensure that the level of the engineering profession remains as high as it is at present. Transport Minister Chris Bonett, who is the minister re- sponsible for this sector, said the warrants are being awarded to students who truly deserve it. Parliamentary Secretary for Public Works Omar Farrugia said these 61 engineers will con- tinue to build Malta's future. NICOLE MEILAK nmeilak@mediatoday.com.mt 61 engineers were handed a warrant during the award ceremony on Tuesday (Photo: DOI) CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 But in a twist to the saga, on Tuesday evening, Borg insisted that in his last meeting with the prime minister he had informed him that there was no consen- sus on Scerri Herrera and had also proposed an alternative name. In his letter to the prime min- ister, Borg wrote: "I remind you that during the last private meeting we had, I had already informed you that there was no agreement on the name pro- posed by yourself… I had put forward the name of another person. At the time you in- formed me that you had to dis- cuss this with your parliamenta- ry group and inform me of the outcome." Borg said he received no feed- back from the prime minister, who opted instead to publish the name of government's nom- inee despite knowing there was no consensus on the person. "I do not understand why you are persisting and tabling a mo- tion in parliament concerning a person you already knew will not garner consensus. It is not in the best interest of justice that a sitting judge ends up in such a situation," Borg wrote in his letter. The Opposition leader said he was still awaiting a response from the prime minister on the alternative name he had pro- posed, reiterating a request for a date and time to resume dis- cussions in "a mature, discreet and institutionally appropriate manner". Borg said that, if necessary, he would put forward additional names for consideration if no agreement is reached on the suggested nominee. Borg has so far refused to dis- cuss names for the role in pub- lic, insisting the prime minister breached a gentlemen's agree- ment between them when he released Scerri Herrera's name. However, Abela has insisted no such agreement existed, justify- ing his decision to publicly an- nounce government's nominee on the basis of transparency. "Until now, I have not heard one good reason why Judge Scerri Herrera does not have the competence and credentials for the role," Abela said, accus- ing Borg of being beholden to "factions" within the PN. PN leader Alex Borg says he had proposed an alternative name to Robert Abela (Photo: James Bianchi/MaltaToday) Borg received no feedback from PM on his alternative for chief justice