Updated 1300
Major discovery puts first humans in Malta back by 1,000 years: New research shows that Malta’s human history began at least 1,000 years earlier than previously thought, with the island’s first settlers being hunter-gatherers, not farmers. This discovery challenges global beliefs about early human migration, proving that hunter-gatherers were more skilled and adaptable than assumed. The findings, led by archaeologists Eleanor Scerri and Nicholas Vella, followed six years of excavations and analysis. Human remains, stone tools, and artifacts were uncovered in a cave in Mellieħa and are now being studied at the University of Malta. Published in the prestigious journal Nature, this discovery reshapes Malta’s history and offers new insights into ancient human migration. (Times of Malta)
Four Palestinian children arrive in Malta to receive medical care: Four Palestinian children from Gaza have arrived in Malta for medical treatment, the government announced. The children, accompanied by family members, arrived early Thursday through a coordinated operation under the EU Civil Protection Mechanism, involving Malta’s Civil Protection Department. They will receive care at Mater Dei Hospital, while their relatives will be hosted by the Agency for the Welfare of Asylum Seekers (AWAS). Prime Minister Robert Abela said Malta remains committed to providing humanitarian aid and supporting peace efforts. (Maltatoday)
MAM concerned about ‘dangerous cannabis edible products’: The Medical Association of Malta (MAM) has raised serious concerns over dangerous cannabis edibles like gummies, cookies, and cakes that have sent several people to hospital with severe symptoms, including extreme drowsiness, vomiting, vision problems, and liver damage. Many of these products contain the substance “CC9” and are misleadingly labelled “not for human consumption” despite being marketed for that purpose. MAM warned that these edibles bypass safety regulations, pose serious health risks, and impair coordination and judgment, increasing the danger of accidents. They also highlighted the link between cannabis use and mental health issues. MAM urged the government to take urgent action to ban these products and hold those responsible accountable.(Newsbook)
Morning Briefing
Malta trade deficit narrows, activity with US drops significantly
Malta’s trade deficit has slightly narrowed in early 2025, according to official figures, but the country’s fragile trade balance faces mounting risks due to US President Donald Trump’s new tariff regime. Provisional data from the National Statistics Office (NSO) shows that Malta’s trade deficit improved to €486 million in January-February 2025, down from €502 million during the same period last year. This improvement comes despite a significant drop in both imports (down 10% to €1.2 billion) and exports (down 14% to €719 million). The data highlights a major shift in Malta’s trading patterns, particularly with the United States. Exports to the US plummeted by 91%, falling to €11.9 million in February 2025 from €138.5 million in February 2024, turning a trade surplus into a €15.7 million deficit. Meanwhile, Malta’s exports to Turkey and the Philippines have surged dramatically. (Newsbook)
Trump halts enforcement of Act allowing US authorities to prosecute Steward Healthcare
US President Donald Trump’s decision to halt enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) means US authorities will not prosecute Steward Healthcare over alleged bribery in Malta’s hospital deal, the Daphne Foundation said. The foundation noted: “The US embargo on FCPA enforcement means accountability now rests with Malta’s institutions.” Trump’s February executive order paused FCPA enforcement for six months, reviewing the law’s application. Steward Healthcare has been under investigation since 2022 for fraud and FCPA violations related to a 2015 deal for managing three Maltese hospitals, later taken over by Steward in 2018. Steward filed for bankruptcy in May. (Times of Malta)
Searches on Yorgen Fenech’s properties as part of 17 Black Investigation
Three searches were carried out on Yorgen Fenech’s properties in connection with the 17 Black investigation. The inquiry, initiated by Simon Busuttil and David Casa, concluded that Fenech, Keith Schembri, Konrad Mizzi, Paul Apap Bologna, and Mario Pullicino should face charges over money transfers from 17 Black. Magistrate Rachel Montebello ruled in February that there was sufficient evidence for money laundering charges. Inspector Kevin Pulis testified that on 20 November 2019, searches on Fenech’s boat, residence, and office seized documents, a phone, a laptop, and €7,000 in cash. The searches uncovered further evidence, including another phone and company documents. Schembri and Mizzi face separate charges over the Vitals hospitals deal, while Fenech awaits trial for his alleged role in Daphne Caruana Galizia’s murder. The case was adjourned to 14 May. (The Malta Independent)