Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/722943
maltatoday, SUNDAY, 4 SEPTEMBER 2016 8 MATTHEW AGIUS TWO Gudja band clubs, a parish priest and an MP have hit back at claims that they prevented a farmer from tilling a field in Gudja, saying he had falsely told the Government Property Department that he was a full-time farmer whilst working as a full-time electrician at the Mediter- ranean Conference Centre. In a counter-protest filed against the complainant, Dennis Catania, the La Stella Philharmonic Soci- ety, the Gudja Maria Assunta 1919 Musical Group, Parish Priest Mar- tin Cardona and Shadow Minister for Lands Jason Azzopardi (left) claimed that the initial claims in- cluded a number of "inaccuracies". In the original judicial protest, Catania claims to have worked the four-tumoli field for many years, but when the owner of the field passed away, the La Stella Philhar- monic Society inherited the land. He claims that after the landowner died, illegal and abusive attempts to transfer the emphyteusis to the philharmonic society had been made, which included attempts to transfer the field to a priest by en- croachment, without the priest's knowledge. Although Catania had won a call for tenders to farm the field, at- tempts were made to exclude him from the tendering process, neces- sitating a visit to the Ombudsman. The defendants filed a counter protest, saying that, contrary to what he claimed in the initial pro- test, Dennis Catania had actually been employed as a full-time elec- trician with the Mediterranean Conference Centre and had been abroad since January this year. An emphyteusis of government- owned land cannot be inherited, but only returned to government ownership upon the death of the emphyteuta, they point out. Jason Azzopardi, a former lands minister before 2013, objected to being included among the origi- nal defendants in the original pro- test filed by Catania, saying this amounted to undue pressure on him in the course of his duties as an MP and pointing out that in 2013, Catania had been convicted of attempting to influence the MP "because of his baseless pretentions over this field in Gudia." "The Hon. Jason Azzopardi wish- es to make it clear to Catania that nothing and nobody is going to stop him from making his voice heard or defend the legitimate and genuine interests of Gudja's residents and civil society," according to the coun- ter protest, which called on Catania to stop making the false claims and requested that he be held personally responsible for any damages caused as a result of the false claims. News The Environment & Resources Authority is seeking to employ experienced professionals to join a growing team of specialized officers. Interested applicants are expected to be fluent in both written and spoken Maltese and English. They are also to possess interpersonal, methodological, leadership and communication skills, along with the ability to conduct research and analysis. The selected applicants must be team players with good time management and negotiation skills. Senior Officer (Engineer) Jobs Plus Permit No. 96/2016 This Authority is recruiting an engineer in order to achieve its aims through sound environmental management. The position requires a First Degree in Electrical Engineering recognised by the NCFHE and a Warrant to practise as an engineer. Preference will be given to individuals in possession of a Master's degree in a related field. Candidates must have a minimum of three (3) years work experience following the completion of the first degree. Assistant Officer (PR & Communication) Jobs Plus Permit No. 399/2016 This Authority is recruiting Officers to support the PR & Communications Team in delivering effective and efficient Communication, Education and Public Awareness initiatives. The position requires a First Degree at MQF Level 6 recognised by the NCFHE in either communications, natural sciences, environmental management, geography or comparable qualification. Assistant Officer Jobs Plus Permit No. 405/2016 The Authority is recruiting Assistant Officers to work in various areas of environmental importance and to contribute towards the drawing up and implementation of management plans. The position requires a First Degree at MQF Level 6 recognised by the NCFHE in either chemistry, physics, biology, engineering, maths, an environment-relevant social or natural discipline including geography, environmental planning, environmental management, environmental or natural resources, earth systems or comparable qualification. Interested candidates are advised to submit their application, together with a detailed curriculum vitae and a copy of their qualifications by noon of the 19th September 2016 (CET) to the attention of Human Resources, quoting the respective position and Jobs Plus permit number, via email on vacancies.era@era.org.mt For further information, visit the careers page on our website: http://era.org.mt/en/Pages/Current-Vacancies.aspx Environment & Resources Authority Hexagon House, Spencer Hill, Marsa. CAREER OPPORTUNITY Farmer in all-out war against Gudja band clubs, priest and MP Young man injured in Floriana knife attack A 20-year-old Syrian man was hos- pitalised on Friday night after he was stabbed during an argument with another man in Floriana. The police said in a statement that the man, who lives in Qormi, had entered the Floriana Health Centre at around 10pm to receive treat- ment for his injuries and was quickly rushed to Mater Dei Hospital. The man was allegedly stabbed during an argument with another man, also a foreigner, in Vjal ir-Re Dwardu VII at the entrance to Valletta. Police are searching for the aggres- sor. Policeman controls house fire in Sliema A police sergeant has been treat- ed for smoke inhalation after he helped put out a fire at a house in Sliema on Friday night. The fire is thought to have start- ed in a frying pan in a private resi- dence in Rudolph Street at around 8:30pm. The unnamed sergeant fought the flames using a fire ex- tinguisher and a towel until mem- bers of the Civil Protection De- partment arrived and took over. The three residents were evacu- ated safely. The policeman was taken to Mater Dei hospital, where he was treated for smoke inhalation be- fore being released. Police investigations into the cause of the fire are being held. Woman hospitalised after falling off electric motorbike A 42-year-old Bulgarian woman who lives in St Paul's Bay was rushed to hospital with after fall- ing off her electric motorbike on Friday evening. Police said in a statement that the accident occurred at 5:30pm in Triq San Martin, St Paul's Bay. At Mater Dei hospital where the woman was treated, medics ascer- tained that she had suffered from grievous injuries. An emphyteusis of government- owned land cannot be inherited Nationalist MP Jason Azzopardi