Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/811845
44 Events maltatoday, SUNDAY, 16 APRIL 2017 Macina revived as exclusive Cugó Gran hotel Combining an evocative history, a unique harbour location, spec- tacular views and the very best in modern luxury, Senglea's iconic Maċina Bastion is being restored and renovated, and will soon come back to life - as an exclusive Cugó Gran hotel. For centuries, since it was built in 1554 during the reign of Grand Master Claude de la Sengle, the Sheer Bastion has been one of the Grand Harbour's iconic land- marks, deriving its name 'Maċina' from the large sheer crane struc- ture ('macchina'), used to hoist heavy masts and other cargo, which was eventually disman- tled in 1864. Now, once again, the Maċina is set to be a landmark of a different class, a luxury boutique hotel in a standout building that will be a showpiece within the Cottonera regeneration project. Opening its doors in the summer of 2017, the Cugó Gran – Maċina, Grand Harbour will be under the dedicated management of IBB Hotel Collection. IBB, which cur- rently operates ten hotels across Europe, forms part of the Von der Heyden Group, and has over 25 years of expertise in various lei- sure and real estate projects. Against a backdrop of histori- cal fortress walls blended with bespoke interior design and lux- ury features, the Cugó Gran will truly be a hotel with a difference, offering 21 suites ranging from 40 square metres to an impres- sive 130 square metres, all having unobstructed views of the Grand Harbour and the surrounding ma- rina. The suites have been designed with the discerning traveller in mind, having all amenities avail- able in-room. Extravagant free standing baths and walk-in show- ers, make the stay all the more comfortable in a historic yet luxu- rious setting. The design juxtaposes what is truly old and of historic value from the new, blending natural and traditional materials with modern clean lines. With large communal spaces, high vaulted ceilings and ample natural light, a minimalistic design was enough to create a luxury environment. The hotel will also offer guests a swimming pool, tucked discreetly on the rooftop of the annex build- ing with a terrace overlooking the picturesque view of Vittoriosa and Cospicua. The hotel will also offer a bis- tro, bar and cafeteria, as well as a board room for small conferences. The rooftop terrace is being taste- fully converted to accommodate events for up to 1,000 guests, over- looking the, the Three Cities with views extending as far as Valletta, ideal for weddings, special events and corporate functions. Asked about the potential of the property, IBB Hotel Collection CEO, Vladimir Saal, said: "Our Cugó Gran hotel in Malta enjoys an unrivalled historic location and has been designed to surpass the needs of the most discerning traveller looking for a memorable experience. This fits in well with our business vision as we grow by focusing properly on each individ- ual market, because every market deserves a different kind of hotel. We recently announced an IBB branded property, in Valletta and this latest, high-end, Cugó Gran operation will be a further step in our Group's presence in Malta, where we see a lot of potential. IBB will be releasing more informa- tion in the coming weeks." ''We strongly believing that the Maċina has the potential to regain its former glory and live again as an integral historical part of the Grand Harbour. No expense has been spared to achieve this level of luxury,'' Saal said. An early 20th century photo showing the Shear Bastion, soon housing the Cugó Gran Macina - Grand Harbour The marina view from one of the Cugó Gran Macina - Grand Harbour suites The way forward for a safer cyberworld The world wide web brought unlimited access to information and has revolutionised the entire world. The way that we think, conduct business, communicate and entertain ourselves have all changed thanks to the internet. On the other hand, the internet is presenting us with new challeng- es and, while we must safeguard the principles of a free internet, we must ensure that the citizens are protected from any form of abuse, including online bully- ing and other digital dangers. The conference "Type in LOVE, Type Out Hate" aims at increas- ing awareness on cyber-bullying, child sexual abuse online and other cyber-crimes, in order to prevent and contain them. This conference on digital dangers will help to create much needed alertness and attention regarding the possible dangers and conse- quential traumas that could be encountered online. On Friday 21 April, 2017, MEP Marlene Mizzi will be hosting the public conference "Type in LOVE, Type Out Hate" at the Ex- celsior Hotel Floriana, supported by the S&D group in the Euro- pean Parliament, from 9.00am to 1.00pm. As the S&D spokesperson and shadow rapporteur on the CULT committee's opinion "Combat- ing the sexual abuse and sexual exploitation of children and child pornography", Mizzi believes that politicians have the duty to defend and protect our children, who are the pillars of our soci- ety. This conference will help to stress the need for effective re- sponse and strong protection for our children in order to prevent this horrendous abuse from ap- pearing online. This is a confer- ence not to be missed by all those who are concerned with the dan- gers of the digital world children are exposed to. "Type In LOVE, Type Out Hate" conference will bring together a variety of stakeholders including young people, parents and educa- tors, government policy makers and civil society organisations to discuss this new age type of bul- lying – cyber-bullying, as well as online child sexual abuse. It aims to portray the benefits as well as the potential problems which are possible online. It will feature recognised keynote speakers and experts from Malta and the EU who will present prevention and intervention strategies, legisla- tive updates and other topics in relation to cyber-bullying. Most importantly, this will be a golden opportunity to exchange views about a way forward. Marie Louise Coleiro Preca, President of Malta, will give the opening speech. Keynote speeches will also be delivered by Michael Farrugia, minister for the family and social solidar- ity; Emanuel Mallia, minister for competitiveness and digital, maritime and service economy; and Evarist Bartolo, minister for education and employment. Other speakers include Pauline Miceli, commissioner for chil- dren; Dunstan Hamilton, PSCD (personal, social, and career de- velopment) education officer; Sandra Cortis, services manager at the education psycho-social services department; representa- tives from the cyber crime police, the MCA, and other representa- tives from organisations involved in the fight against this heinous crime. Andrew Azzopardi will be moderating the conference. "Type in LOVE, Type Out Hate" is free of charge. Lunch will be served to the attendees. Those interested should book a seat either by registering online on http://mizzimarlene.com/regis- ter/, by emailing info@mizzima- rlene.com or by calling 21 226 845. Book in advance since seat- ing is on a first come, first served basis. London analysts issue updated report on Medserv plc London investment research company, Edison, issued an up- dated report today following the publication of Medserv's results for year 2016. Edison highlighted the expected downturn in Med- serv's results for 2016 attributable to the current market conditions and delays in drilling programs. Edison also produced a two- year forecast which indicates that the delays are also likely to adversely affect prospects in the first part of 2017, but they expect a "solid recovery in profitability and cash returns should condi- tions continue to stabilise". The main reason for the down- turn reported for 2016 is the per- sisting oversupply of fossil fuel on the global markets with a conse- quence that projects contracted to commence in 2016 in both Malta and Portugal have been postponed to the second half of 2017. Trading conditions in Iraq were slow in year 2016 but are returning to normal. The group also reports that it has managed to retain all its existing major contracts for Malta and its shore bases in Portugal and Cyprus are expected to resume opera- tions in the second half of 2017. The group emphasised the im- portance of the successful im- plementation of its restructuring plan. Through the acquisition of METS, Medserv is now servicing both the offshore and onshore oil and gas activities. Through this acquisition the group has man- aged to penetrate the Middle East market and introduce a new strong revenue stream. This has already resulted in the award of the largest contract ever obtained by the group which will further boost the growth and reputation of METS in the Middle East. Edison forecast that Medserv should experience "a progressive recovery in its offshore logisti- cal base activity through 2018 which combined with continued growth at METS, should see a more meaningful improvement in earnings and cashflow." The full Edison report is repro- duced on both the Edison and Medserv website: www.medser- venergy.com