Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/352862
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 27 JULY 2014 8 News TIMOTHY DIACONO SINGER William Mangion is refusing to answer questions about his contract with the government and his alleged role in searching for rehearsal space for bands. Mangion's job – he now dubs himself "a service provider" – was awarded to him soon after Labour's re-election. The singer former- ly rooted for Lawrence Gonzi's re-election in 2008, singing 'Iva, Flimkien Kollox Possibli' but then switched sides in 2013 when he joined forces with Joseph Muscat. His one-year contract with the government is still running, allegedly to fulfil Article 24 in Labour manifesto's to find rehearsal space for bands. When contacted by MaltaToday this week, Mangion said he was "only a service provider" and that any questions on his tax-funded role should be raised with the Ministry for Justice, Culture and Local Government. Bands which spoke to MaltaToday take the 1993 Eurovision song finalist with a healthy dose of salt. One recording artist who pre- ferred to stay anonymous said the alleged 'coordinator for the promotion of local bands' had emailed him, requesting an updated list of email contacts for all Maltese bands. In November 2013, Mangion said that the government was probably going to rent ven- ues and rent them out to bands at a subsidised price. However, he also said that any system should allow bands to choose how long they would like to rent a venue for. On 14 July, 2014, justice minister Owen Bonnici confirmed that the government was still in the process of evaluating a number of proposals put forward by Mangion. "He is a valid person with vast experience in the sector, Bonnici said. "His job was not to simply find a garage but one should also consider the technical re- search required in finding the perfect place," Bonnici had said in response to a question raised in parliament by Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi. It is not known how much Mangion is being paid for his job. tdiacono@mediatoday.com.mt 29 migrants' Bands on the run: Mangion says he's 'only a service provider' MIRIAM DALLI AFTER almost a week at the mortuary, the 29 bodies of the migrants who lost their lives in last week's tragedy at sea were re- leased for burial. Their release was allowed by the inquiring magistrate after the autopsy, toxicological tests and DNA profiling were carried out by forensic experts. 28 migrants will be bur- ied at the Addolorata Cemetery, the one remaining is to be buried at the Turkish Cemetery. A Catholic priest and the Imam presided over the prayers ahead of the migrants' The former Eurovision singer shies away from explaining what he is being paid taxpayers' money for, and what he is doing to earn it. COURT NOTICE The Registrar of Civil Courts and Tribunals informs that the Civil Court, First Hall ordered the following sales by auction: Date and Time Place Items 4 th August, 2014 16/14 – 10:00am JGL Hay Wharf, Floriana Speedboat registered with number S- 9246 of the make Phantom named Braveheart 6 th August, 2014 15/14 – 11:00am EGL First floor, Courts of Justice, Republic Street, Valletta Life policy number EPSTF 45246N issued by Middle Sea Valletta Life Assurance Company Limited. Further details can be obtained from the website: http://www.justiceservices.gov.mt/courtservices/JudicialSales/search.aspx The bidders taking part in the auction must present their identity card Rudolph Marmara' For the Registrar Civil Courts and Tribunals Turn-leather-coat: Stills from William Mangion's performances for the PN in 2008 (inset), and the PL in 2013. His leather jacket remains his favourite outfit when singing… 'I'm only a service provider... forward your questions to the ministry' Unbearable stench at the mortuary forces workers to go out on sick leave