Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/653685
maltatoday, WEDNESDAY, 16 MARCH 2016 7 News Ebba von Fersen Balzan In loving memory of artist Ebba von Fersen Balzan, who passed away aged 50 on the 16, March, 2008. Born in Darmstadt, Germany and who lived in Naxxar, Malta. Her memory lives on in her works and her paintings. Fondly remembered by Saviour Balzan, Antoinette and Ray Balzan, Mariella and Alan Dimech and niece and nephew Matthew and Francesca. 2123 4710 www.mita.gov.mt For further information, contact the Finance and Contracts Department The above tenders are obtainable from the Electronic Public Procurement System (www.etenders.gov.mt) Procurement of Microsoft Licences and Services 2016-2021 – T028/16 Issued on: 8 March 2016 / Closing on: 4 April 2016 A Clarication Meeting is scheduled for Friday 18 March 2016 at 1000 hours (CET) and will be held at Malta Information Technology Agency (MITA), Gattard House, National Road, Blata l-Bajda. MITA NOTIFIES THAT OFFERS WILL BE RECEIVED FOR: Invitation to TENDER Economic operators interested in participating in these call for tenders are to note that workshops are being organised by the Department of Contracts at the premises of Centre for Development Research and Training (CDRT), San Salvatore Bastion, Sa Maison Road, Floriana FRN 1610. During these workshops, economic operators will have the opportunity to familiarise themselves with compiling and submitting a tender online. More information is available in the tender document. AD says Abela paid price for 'Panamagate' CONTINUES FROM PAGE 1 Abela said that since his nomination, he had relinquished his role as an advisor to the government when MEPs asked him about a pro- test led by the Nationalist Party against institutionalised corrup- tion. "It's not for me to judge what is happening in Malta now that I aspire to be a member of the ECA," Abela said. The former Labour deputy leader also claimed he never felt himself "particularly attached" to any party. He described the crea- tion of Alternattiva Demokratika in 1988 as a game-changer for Maltese politics. "I campaigned back then for a whistleblowers' law, and it is only now that it has been introduced, and I was part of this push towards enacting such a law to strengthen democ- racy." Abela had to defend himself over previous statements he made in which he defended "se- cretive actions" by the govern- ment to enhance people's quality of life, and even answer for his boisterous character at the law courts. "Every lawyer gets censured in the Maltese courts… it hap- pens five to six times a day, and it is part of the heated debate between lawyers in the courts," Abela told his interviewer. In a reaction, Alternattiva Demokratika chairperson Ar- nold Cassola said that Abela had paid the price for the unethi- cal behaviour of Joseph Muscat, claiming that 'Panamagate' had compounded the blurred view of Malta in the eyes of MEPs. "These are terrible blows for the prestige of our country at an international level. Unfortunate- ly the John Dalli case had already cast a shadow on Malta." Earlier, Abela introduced him- self as a man who 'held govern- ments and public authorities to account for their actions' in both his professional life as a lawyer and in his public role with La- bour. "I specialised in trying to annul or scrutinise unsound govern- ment decisions that would have otherwise negatively affected people's quality of life," Abela said. Abela claimed this role in itself served as an 'auditory' role of governments' actions when these went over and above their remit and powers. "I have qualities I can contrib- ute to the ECA. Up to this day I have never feared criticising my own party or the government my party belonged to… I've always striven to keep my independence all throughout my life." Hearing 'poisoned' by misinformation In a joint statement, the three Labour MEPs; Alfred Sant, Miri- am Dalli and Marlene Mizzi said Abela did not deserve to lose the vote. Underlining Abela's clarity, sincerity and thoroughness, the three MEPs said "it was evident the hearing was poisoned by misinformation disseminated among MEPs anonymously." However, the MEPs remain hopeful and said "after the vote we still believe that Abela possess all necessary attributes to give a valid contribution to the Court of Auditors. We have full confi- dence in his ability and integrity." Bachelor's degree in journalism launched at MCAST MARTINA BORG A bachelor's degree in jour- nalism has been launched at MCAST, in collaboration with the Tumas Fenech Foundation for Education in Journalism. Education minister Evarist Bartolo, addressing a news con- ference, said that this was the first step in expanding educa- tion in the journalism sector. Pointing to the increase in the use and access of social media, and the impact on citizen jour- nalism, Bartolo said that train- ing would help people use such media responsibly. President emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici, speaking on behalf of the Foundation, said that the course had been in the making for some six years. He further urged the govern- ment to create a media law to respect the rights and govern the ethics of the job. "This course is the first step towards further regulation of the sector," he added. Karl Wright, chairman of the Institute for Maltese Journal- ists, also highlighted the need for a warranting system for the journalism sector. The president of the MCAST board of directors, Silvio de Bono, explained that the pro- gramme of studies would in- clude print, broadcast, sport and investigative journalism, among others, in an effort to teach stu- dents how to report news objec- tively. The Public Broadcasting Ser- vice had already offered intern- ship and apprenticeship oppor- tunities for students, he said. Coordinator Ian Attard said that students could apply if they had two A' level and intermedi- ate level qualifications, includ- ing English or Maltese at either level. He added that skills taught would be understanding news items based on opinions and historical facts. The course would present students with placement opportunities to ex- perience the work first hand. Attard added that applications would open in July. The course will be offered full time over three years. The course, run in collaboration with the Tumas Fenech Foundation, will be taught over three years, full time, and will focus on the various branches of reporting and the media President emeritus Ugo Mifsud Bonnici urged the government to introduce a press law to respect the rights and govern the ethics of the profession