Morning Briefing
Luxury resort approved for Comino as old hotel makes way
Plans to redevelop the Comino hotel and bungalows have been approved by the Planning Authority, despite opposition from the Għajnsielem Local Council. The project, proposed by Hili Ventures Hospitality, includes demolishing the old structures to build a 140-bed hotel at San Niklaw Bay and 16 bungalows at Santa Marija Bay, with bars, restaurants, and a spa. The resort is set to be operated by luxury brand Six Senses. The permit prohibits permanent residence, requires coastal access to remain public, and prevents separate sale of the bungalows. The ERA did not object, and the plans were revised to reduce the project’s scale. The original hotel, built in the 1960s, has long been in disrepair. (Times of Malta)
Trial of Maksar brothers, Jamie Vella, George Degiorgio over Chircop, Caruana Galizia murders begins
The trial of four men accused in the murders of Daphne Caruana Galizia and Carmel Chircop has begun, with a jury empanelled on Wednesday. Robert and Adrian Agius, known as the ‘Maksar’ brothers, along with Jamie Vella and George Degiorgio, face multiple charges, including the murder of Chircop and involvement in the 2017 car bomb that killed Caruana Galizia. Robert Agius, Vella, and Degiorgio are also charged with illegal possession of explosives and firearms. The case marks a major step in the long-running Caruana Galizia investigation. (The Malta Independent)