Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/246133
18 Events maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 22 JANUARY 2014 BOV welcomes Fitch Ratings confirmation and stable outlook THE international credit rating agency Fitch has affirmed its rating of the Bank of Valletta Group at BBB+, with a stable outlook. Fitch attributes its confirmation of BOV's rating to the Bank's leading domestic franchise, its strong funding base and its satisfactory liquidity position, which benefits from a large and stable customer deposit base. The agency refers to BOV's revenue-generating capacity, which has shown resilience even in a scenario of low interest rates. Fitch explains that BOV's rating is also influenced by high industry and single-borrower credit concentrations which are derived from the small size of the Maltese economy. When commenting on asset quality, Fitch observes that "doubtful loans appear to have stabilised and are beginning to benefit from an improved provisioning policy implemented by BOV over the past two years." BOV Chairman John Cassar White expressed satisfaction that Fitch has affirmed BOV's credit rating. "The Fitch report can be viewed as an endorsement of the Bank's business model, which is based on prudent asset and liability management, and which is not dependent for its funding on volatile international money markets." In the coming years, continued Cassar White, the Bank will focus on improving its customer service, enhancing operational efficiency, and building up strong capital and liquidity buffers in line with current best international practice. HSBC Malta Water Alcatel Onetouch EVO 7 available Programme volunteers for €199 from GO return to share Ghana experience GO customers can now purchase the Alcatel Onetouch Evo7 for just €199. This tablet is also available for free to customers who are subscribed to GO's Limitless 35 plan, while those on pre-paid plans can enjoy 6GB of free mobile internet for up to 30 days. Rupert Perry, Assistant Manager – Device Support at GO, said, "The Alcatel Onetouch Evo7 boasts a 7 inch display screen and internet speeds in excess of 21 mbps. The device also has a 4GB internal memory and a microSD card slot which takes cards with memory of up to 32GB. At a retail price of just €199 it represents great value to anyone looking for a good quality tablet. It's also a great free option for all GO customers on Limitless 35." The Alcatel Onetouch Evo7 uses the Android v4 0.3 Ice Cream Sandwich operating system and has a 1GHz processor. Weighing less than 400 grammes, the device also offers Bluetooth, Wi-Fi & WiFi hotspot connectivity. The screen is a TFT capacitive touchscreen which determines where the user Clean running water flows for the first time in the Dohini Yapala community as HSBC Malta's Stephen Pandolfino and WaterAid Ghana's Suleiman Issah Bello inaugurate a new Water Kiosk built with the support of WaterAid and HSBC A group of six HSBC Malta em- ployee volunteers have returned from a weeklong visit to Ghana, as part of the HSBC Water Programme, where HSBC is supporting WaterAid projects to improve access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene. "This was an eye-opening experience for us and one that has left us with an enduring appreciation and deep understanding of the HSBC Water Programme," said team leader Stephen Pandolfino, HSBC Malta's Deputy Chief Risk Officer. The group of HSBC Malta representatives included also Edward Cachia, Graziella Grech Borg, Paul Curmi, Raymond Cassar, and Samantha Hollyoak. "Our experience in Ghana was at times very challenging as we understood the many stark realities faced by the communities we visited. We empathised with the people we met, whose quest for basic necessities, such as safe and clean water, is vital for their survival. Each day of the visit had its own particular highlight, although the most impressive was the day we inaugurated the Water Kiosk in Dohini Yapala, which was celebrated with great fanfare, joy and happiness, equal to that of the birth of a new born child," Pandolfino added. He said: "We returned home with a positive message: the HSBC Water Programme is making a tremendous difference. By coordi- nating with leading organisations and pooling together expertise and resources, the project is providing the collaborative approach required to make an impact in the face of large-scale challenges." WaterAid is helping individuals and communities progress and aspire to the future through the programme's support in delivering safe water, sanitation and hygiene as well as the important social, psychological and economic benefits these bring. On their return route to Malta from Ghana via London, the team met with HSBC's Group Chairman Douglas Flint and Senior Manager Environmental Programmes Sue Alexander who congratulated the team on their contribution. The HSBC Water Programme is a five-year, USD100 million programme, in partnership with widely respected non-government organisations (NGOs) - WWF, WaterAid and Earthwatch, delivering a powerful combination of water provision, protection and education; resulting in the most ground-breaking water programme committed to by a financial organisation. More information is available on the HSBC Water Programme website at www.thewaterhub.org, together with daily blogs recounting the Ghana Malta team's experiences in Ghana has touched the device and delivers images and videos using 16 million different colours. "Whether it's to share photos with friends, have a business video conference, read a book, or have access to the more than 600,000 apps in the Google Play store, the Alcatel Onetouch EVO 7 is an ideal device for anyone who wishes to enjoy all the benefits and freedoms a tablet provides at a very reasonable price," said Rupert Perry. Further details on the Alcatel Onetouch Evo7 and GO's Limitless 35 plan are available from all GO retail outlets and exclusive resellers, by calling Freephone 80072121 or visiting www.go.com.mt Campari unveils stunning 2014 calendar featuring vibrant worldwide celebrations CAMPARI has recently launched its 2014 calendar entitled 'Worldwide Celebrations'. The calendar is the 15th edition in the prestigious collection and stars Hollywood actress Uma Thurman enjoying 12 intriguing and vibrant festivals from around the world. From Spring Festival in Beijing, the biggest celebration in China, to Hanami in Japan, where people enjoy the beautiful cherry blossoms of spring, the 2014 calendar provides a window on the world and invites fans of Campari to embark on a global voyage of discovery. The celebrations in the calendar span every continent and also include Midsummer's Eve in England, during which revellers celebrate the Summer Solstice at the historic Stonehenge, and the bright and exhilarating Reveillon in Brazil, the biggest New Year celebration in the world. Uma stars as the calendar heroine adorned in a collection of beautiful dresses and shoes from luxurious fashion houses such as Versace, Stella McCartney and Chopard, to name just a few. On starring in the 2014 Campari calendar, Uma Thurman comments "The 2014 calendar is a stunning piece of artwork and perfectly conveys the positive energy and pleasure which Campari lovers around the world can enjoy through our worldwide celebration. The calendar photographer, Koto Bolofo, has been fantastic to work with and inspired me throughout the shoot. There is nothing more enjoyable than a celebration and I feel confident that people around the world will enjoy the worldwide celebration which the Campari calendar provides." The 15th edition of the Campari calendar was shot by noted fashion photographer, Koto Bolofo, renowned for his lively and dynamic imagery. Bolofo was born in South Africa, raised in the UK and now resides in France so is a true world citizen himself and the perfect choice to convey the calendar's worldwide celebration. On the 2014 Campari calendar, Koto Bolofo comments "For me, the Campari Calendar is all about pleasure, intrigue and charisma and I feel confident the 2014 edition embodies all of these qualities. Working with Uma has been a joy and I am truly thrilled that the Campari Calendar 2014 can be revealed to the world and enjoyed by all." Bob Kunze-Concewitz, CEO of Gruppo Campari comments: "The Campari Calendar 2014 is dedicated to the pleasure that can be enjoyed from travel and discovery around the world. Uma's passion and style shine through in each and every shot, and she embodies every celebration to provide stunning visuals. Koto has clearly brought his unique eye and crea- tivity to the Calendar and has yet again helped Campari to produce a beautiful piece of art." The Campari Calendar is one of the world's iconic artistic calendars. Distributed in international limited edition of only 9,999 copies it is a small, collectible luxury for the happy few that receive it, and is a tribute to the world class talent and photographers that make it come to life every year. The Calendar theme, Worldwide Celebrations, was created by BCube Milan. Working side by side with the photographer Koto Bolofo on the project were Client Creative Director Andrea Marzagalli and Associate Creative Director Bruno Vohwinkel.