Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/959046
maltatoday WEDNESDAY 28 MARCH 2018 JAMES DEBONO THE President's office has for- mally presented an application to restore an existing farm- house in San Lawrenz to serve as the "official residence" of the President of the Republic in Gozo. But it is unlikely that the pre- sent President will make much use of the building consider- ing that her term expires in April next year and works are not even expected to start this year. "This initiative has to date got no further than planning ap- plication stage, so the cost and duration of the project cannot yet be accurately quantified; however, it is unlikely to be completed this year," a spokes- person for the President told MaltaToday. Days after she was nominated to the Presidency and even be- fore being officially appointed in 2014, the President had al- ready spoken of the need to provide Gozitans with better access to the Head of State. Subsequently the Office of the President looked into the possibility of identifying an appropriate and "cost-effective base" in Gozo. The site in Triq it-Torri in San Lawrenz was "recommended" by former Gozo Minister An- ton Refalo. The site which consists of a "dilapidated and abandoned government-owned house" is in "dire need of extensive modification and major re- furbishment", the President's spokesperson told MaltaToday. Although this building has been described as a potential residence, its primary function will be to serve as a location for meetings and events connect- ed with the Presidency. The application, which was presented in December 2017, foresees internal alterations, the demolition of an existing garage and the construction of a larger one and the con- struction of boundary walls. The 583-sq.m site including the area around the building is fully within the development zone and occupies 583sq.m of land. Back in 2007 the area where the building is located was identified for a housing project which included a large tract of ODZ land. The project was later dropped. NEWS Approved and issued by HSBC Bank Malta p.l.c. 116 Archbishop Street, Valletta VLT 1444 which is regulated by the Malta Financial Services Authority. Licensed to conduct investment services business by the Malta Financial Services Authority. www.hsbc.com.mt/fusion (Ref No.100756 – 3/18) Because you're balancing the books and the holiday fund, you can access your business and personal banking in one place Stay in control of your life's work with Lifeview by HSBC Fusion. The combined service for your business and personal life. Find out more at hsbc.com.mt/fusion Together we thrive No cost estimate yet for President's Gozo 'residence' Works on the San Lawrenz farmhouse are not expected to start before next year MATTHEW AGIUS A man who allegedly robbed a woman at knifepoint at an ATM in Qormi has been remanded in custody. Antoine Lawrence Mallia, a 42-year-old welder from Zeb- bug, is accused of threatening the woman with a knife before taking off with around €100 in cash at around 4.45pm in Triq it-Mithna on Monday. Mallia, who denied carrying out the armed robbery, was ap- prehended after a police officer on guard at the bank reacted to the woman's screams and gave chase. Arraigned in court yesterday, Mallia told magistrate Dona- tella Frendo Dimech that he had a drug problem and had been spending €200 daily to sustain his addiction up till a month ago. He reduced his drug spend- ing to €10 daily after his parents refused to hand over more mon- ey. "I've never hurt anyone in my life. I only used a butter knife," the accused protested in court. Inspectors Roderick Agius and Fabian Fleri charged the man with the aggravated theft, hold- ing the victim against her will, carrying a sharp instrument and also relapsing. Defence counsel Leontine Calleja requested bail, arguing that her client lived with his parents, had fixed ties in Mal- ta and was presumed innocent. After having seen the grav- ity of the offences, the court rejected the request for bail de- claring itself unconvinced that he would not place himself and others in danger if he were to be granted bail. Drug addict held up ATM customer with 'butter knife', court told