January - February - March - April - May - June
July - August - September - October - November - December

For news from the previous years click here.

JANUARY 2005

Sunday writings: The organisation's regular Sunday contribution to It-Torca continued from the 2nd onwards. The contributions are a joint effort. All sections of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl pool ideas that are then worked out for public consumption. It-Torca is Malta's most distributed paper in Maltese.

Meetings at the prisons: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl resumed its meetings with prisoners, begun in December 1995, through the new year. We started meeting the male prisoners from the 4th onwards, and the female prisoners from the 6th onwards. Every Tuesday our volunteers visited all male sections between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm, and every Thursday the female section between 9.30 am and 11.30 am, and between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm.

Administrative meetings: The administration of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl began to meet regularly every Tuesday evening as from the 4th onwards. All meetings were held at our centre at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua. The sections (for Prisoners', and Prisoners' Families', matters) met between 7.30 pm and 8.30 pm. The Steering Committee met between 7.30 pm and 10.00 pm. The members at the beginning of the year were the following:

Party at Female Section: Volunteers joined the female inmates for a seasonal party. This was on the 7th between 4.30 and 6.00 pm at the Female Section of Malta's Corradino Correctional Facility, Paola. The local Rap solo singer, Hooligan, was present, and gave much joy to most of the prisoners. Inmates, volunteers and wardens joined in the fun!

Radio Programme: Every Wednesday evening, between 9.00 and 10.00, the organisation began to air a radio programme for prisoners and their families on Daritama's community radio, Radju Kottoner 98FM. This was from the 12th onwards. The programme is produced and presented alternatively between the prisoners' section and the families' section of the organisation.

2004 Annual Report - Press Conference: A press conference will be held on the 22nd to issue Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's 2004 Annual Report and statistics. This will be held at 11.00 a.m. at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua.

FEBRUARY 2005

Victims' Conference: A conference, entitled "Victims of Crime in Malta: Towards a better future", was held on the 4th. It will be addressed by some of the local heavy-weights in criminal justice, such as Dr Vincent Chief Justice De Gaetano, and President Emeritus, Prof. Guido Demarco, and others. The conference was held at Robert Samut Hall, Floriana. The participation was good, and media coverage was extensive. The other speakers were Dr Anton Felice (Director of the Malta Insurance Association), Dr David Zammit (Association for Human Rights), Dr Edward Saliba (specialist on victims' rights), Dr Jacqueline Azzopardi (Institute for Forensic Studies of the University of Malta), and Dr Mark Montebello (Victim Support Malta). The conference was chaired by Ivan Cauchi, Coordintor of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, and introduced by Rachel Agius, Coordinator of Victim Support Malta. George Busuttil, secretary of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, was secretary to the conference. The occasion was a follow-up of the national seminar organised in November 2004. It dealt with the position of victims of crime within the criminal justice system. The conference was sponsored by CasanMamo Insurance.

Meeting with Parliamentary Secretary: Representatives of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, Dr Mark Montebello and Tonio Cachia, Director and International Officer respectively, met the Parliamentary Secretary at the Ministry for Justice & Home Affairs, Dr Carm Mifsud Bonnici, on the 16th. The meeting took place at the Ministry in Valletta on the initiative of the Parliamentary Secretary himself. At the meeting, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl gave its views on the White Paper issued by the Minisitry on January 20th concerning amendments to the Civil and Criminal Codes.

Public course: A six-week course, entitled "Justice and the Prisons" was begun on the 14th of the month. It ends on the 23rd of March. It was read by Director Dr Mark Montebello assisted by Ms Graziella Muscat. The course was held at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua, on Mondays between 6.00 and 8.15 pm.

Specialised training - Families: The volunteers that form part of the organisation's section for prisoners' families have had a one-day training on supporting prisoners' families. This was on the 12th. The training was given by Sharon Robinson and Rachel Agius, respectively the Trainer and Coordinator of Victim Support Malta. The training was held at the WOW Centre of Paceville's Millennium Chapel.

Bulgaria Seminar: Between the 21st and the 23rd representatives of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, Director Dr Mark Montebello and International Relations Officer Tonio Cachia, were in Bulgaria as part of the EU Agis Hate Crime project. Their meetings were held in Bansko (close to Razlov, Sofia). Plans were held for the coming activities of the project, including a public seminar held in Malta next May.

Radio participation: George Busuttil, the organisation's Secretary, represented Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl in a radio programme about ex-prisoners and employment discrimination. This was live on the 22nd. The programme was produced and presented by Saviour Sammut of the General Workers Union, and aired locally, on RTK, and abroad. The programme was part of an EU five-year project called Media Consulta.

MARCH 2005

Juvenile Manager visits: The Manager of the juvenile section (YOURS) at Malta's Paola prisons, Ms. Joanna Battistino, visited the organisation's centre at Cospicua on the 1st. This was the first time that a YOURS Manager ever visited officially, and marks the decided progress made since the four-year crisis that occured in the past. At the cordial meeting, at which Ms. Battistino met all sections of the organisation, matters of common interest were discussion, and plans made for further collaboration.

Weekend Meeting: Daritama organised a weekend live-in between the 4th and the 6th at St. Paul's Bay. The discussion meetings were lead by the foundation's Cottonera Community School. A good number of volunteers from from all sections of Daritama attended, and the environment was a relaxed and friendly one. Themes related to service and education were dealt with.

Consultation paper: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl submitted its opinion following the publication of a Consultation Paper issued by Malta's Broadcasting Authority on February 24. The Consultation Paper dealt with news reports and programme production about crime incidence and investigation, and criminal judicial processes.

BA workshop: The Broadcasting Authority organised a workshop about news reports and programme production relating to criminal incidence and judicial processes. This was on the 21st at St James Chavalier, Valletta. Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl was represented by Dr Mark Montebello. The workshop was based on a Consultation Paper issued last month by the BA itself. The activity, including Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's intervention, was aired on Channel 22 during the following days.

End of course: On the 23rd the organisation's course on justice and the prisons begun on the 14th of February came to an end with a presentation of certificates of attendence to all participants.

APRIL 2005

Visit from Victim Support: Lisa Brett, an official of Victim Support in the west of England, met members of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl on the 2nd while on visit in Malta. The organisation will be shortly working closely with Ms Brett on the Agis Tourist Crime Project.

Official application: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl officially filed its application on behalf of Victim Support Malta for full membership with Victim Support Europe (VSE; formerly the European Forum for Victim Services). The letter, sent on the 3rd, was addressed to the Forum's secretary, Mr. Jean-Luc Domenech.

Rehab visit: Members of the organisation visited the St Anne Rehabilitation Centre at Bahar ic-Caghak. This was on the 8th. The meeting took place in a pleasantly relaxed atmosphere of friendship and companionship.

10TH ANNIVERSARY: On Sunday, 10th, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl celebrated the 10th anniversary of its establishment in 1995. Though no special celebrations were held, the event was remembered during every activity of the organisation throughout the whole year.

End of tenure: Ivan Cauchi, a worthy member of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl for these last eight years, resigned all offices within the organisation and the foundation Daritama due to his imminent emigration to Australia. This was on the 18th. Two days before, volunteers from both organisations gathered in Valletta for a farewell meal in honour of Ivan and his wife Margaret, and to thank Ivan most heartily for the valuable services rendered with much dedication and love. Ivan had been Director, and subsequently Coordinator, of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl.

Seminar cancelled: A seminar that had to be organised in Malta by Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl on May 19th as part of the EU Agis Hate Crime Project was cancelled on the 19th. This was due to the fact that Mr. Norman Lowell, a self-declared racialist, was first accepted by the project's lead partner as one of the main participants at the seminar but then refused. Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl felt, on principle, that it could not remove an invitee on the basis that someone else refuses to share the same platform.

VSE membership: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl formerly submitted to Victim Support Europe (VSE; formerly the European Forum for Victim Services) an application for full membership of Victim Support Malta. This was on the 21st. The application will be decided on at the VSE's annual general meeting in Holland towards the end of May.

Acting Head: On the 26th the Director of the organisation was appointed Acting Head of the section for prisoners. A rethinking of the section's setup was in progress to revamp its operational structure.

Working seminar: The section for prisoners' families held a working seminar on the 30th at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua, in order to study in some depth the effects of incarceration on the children of prisoners. The event was in preparation for a field survey.

MAY 2005

Ex-prisoners' project: The Ministry for the Family & Social Solidarity finally announced its' "active consideration" to a project called 'L-Ewwel Kenn' (First Shelter). This was on the 2nd. The project is intended to provide temporary accomodation for ex-prisoners who leave the prisons without a residence where to live. The Ministry conceded the allocation of a government-owned three-storey building at Cospicua for this purpose. The organisation had been working for years to win over government's approval and concession in view of this project.

MEPA opinion: The preliminary opinion of the Malta Environment & Planning Authority (MEPA) for the offices at Floriana was negative. This was announced to the organisation on the 3rd. For the former residence to operate a permit is needed by MEPA. A reply shall be appropriately prepared by the organisation's architect.

Family meeting: A get-together was organised for members of prisoners' families on the 13th. The social evening was held at the organisation's centre at Cospicua. The event was a wonderful one, much appreciated by those present, and wholly enjoyed. The get-together was organised by the section responsible for prisoners' families.

AGIS project meeting: Partners of the EU Agis Hate Crime Project were in Malta on the 19th for a closed meeting. This was held at the Jerma Palace Hotel, Marsascala. The partners came from Bulgaria, England, and Northern Ireland. As host partner of the meeting, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl made the event as pleasant as possible, organising excursions to the Three Cities and Fort St. Angelo.

VSE AGM: The Director of the organisation, Dr Mark Montebello, attended the annual general meeting of Victim Support Europe (VSE; formerly the European Forum for Victim Services) that was held in Haarlem (Holland) on the 28th. The meeting was preceded by two days (26 and 27) of conference during which Dr Montebello lead a focused group on Crimes against minority communities.

Section plan: The Steering Committee approved a plan for the revamp of the Prisoners' Section within the organisation. The plan, which aims at giving the section a surge of new life and energy, has immediate, medium and long-ranging proposals for effective change.

JUNE 2005

Press conference: The press was briefed about the fund-raising events that had to be held in a couple of weeks on the 25th and on July 3rd. The press conference was held at the Bormla Regatta Club, Cospicua, on the 17th.

TV event: The foundation Daritama held a 5-hour fund-raising programme on Smash TV. The programme linked to Super One TV and NET TV. The activity included singers, dancers, features and, of course, fund-raising messages. The programme went live from 1.00 pm till 6.00 pm.

JULY 2005

Prison disturbance: On the 2nd some prisoners at Division I of the civil prisons created a fairly serious disturbance. The division was wrecked and set on fire. The Special Assignment Group (SAG), a riot squad of the Malta Police Force, was called in to calm the situation. Various prisoners, and also some prison officials, were hurt. All the division's inmate, some 30 in all, were confined at Division XIII.

Public event: A special event was organised on the 3rd, a Sunday, in aid of the foundation Daritama to mark the 10th anniversary of its foundation in 1995. Seven "Regatta" boat clubs took part in a seven hour marathon around Malta's harbours. The clubs come from Birgu, Birzebbugia, Bormla, Isla, Kalkara, Marsa, and Marsamxett, and the marathon involved the localities of St. Julians, Balluta, Sliema, Gzira, Ta' Xbiex, Msida, Pietà, Valletta, Kalkara, Birgu, Marsa, Isla, and Bormla. Maltese public personalities also took part. In the evening, at Cospicua, a show was presented by many local artists. The event also included an exhibition of American-made cars.

Motivational course: Through the endeavours of members of the Prisoners' section of the organisation a series of meetings with juvenile prisoners by a psychologist were begun at the Juvenile Section of the prisons. As from this month, Dr Kevin Sammut Henwood began meeting juvenile inmates in groups and individually in order to access their motivational capabilities. The meetings began with discussions concerning anger management.

Disturbance PR: On the 6th the organisation issued a press release commenting on the prison disturbance of a few days before. The organisation asserted that one of the main causes of the disturbance had been the great frustration that some prisoners are plunged into due to unnecessarily long sentences, court delays, unfulfilled promises, damaging legal aid to destitute alleged offenders, a long-awaited amnesty, and other reasons. On the other hand, the organisation condemned any recourse to violence.

Resignation: Jamie Degabriele resigned from Head of the Prisoners' Families' Section on the 12th. He plans to go settle abroad in the near future. The Steering Committee accepted the resignation with a heavy heart, grateful for the wonderful dedication and committment Jamie had shown throughout his stay with the organisation. His substitute had to be presently chosen from amongst the Section's volunteers.

Head of Section: Isabel Camilleri was chosen as the new Head of Section for prisoners' families with immediate effect. The choice was endorsed by the Section's volunteers, and approved by the Steering Committee. Isabel has been a member of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl for the last two years or so, and accepted the nomination with gratitude and high hopes.

Outing: An outing for prisoners' families was organised by the Prisoners' Families' Section on the 22nd. The event took place at Birzebbugia's Pretty Bay. A good number of prisoners' relatives were present, together with the organisation's volunteers. The outing was a particularly pleasant one, with all joining in the shared well-deserved fun.

Libyan Ambassador: A delegation of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl had a meeting with the Libyan Ambassador, or Secretary of the Libyan People's Bureau, on the 25th. Dr Mark Montebello, and George Busuttil, respectively Director and Secretary of the organisation met Dr Saad Elshlmani at the Libyan Embassy at Balzan. Also present was Hugh Arrigo, member of Victim Support Malta. Matters of common interest, and bi-lateral relationships, were cordially discussed.

Head of Section: Tonio Cachia was chosen as the new Head of the Prisoners' Section of the organisation. The final choice was the result of a wide consultation process. On the 26th the Steering Committee approved the nomination, and authorised its immediate effect.

PR on abusive confinement: A press communication was issued to all media outlets by the organisation on the 27th. The release highlighted the irregular confinement and individual isolation, for 25 consecutive days, of a large number of prisoners. The organisation asked the authorities concerned to remedy the situation immediately.

AUGUST 2005

Publication: On the 8th, the Ministry for Justice & Home Affairs and Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl issued a bi-lingual publication called (in the English version) Services to Victims of Crime in Malta (PEG Publications, Malta). The publication reproduces a number of interventions made by diverse experts during the National Working Seminar held in Malta on November 11, 2004.

Web site revamp: The sub-link to Victim Support Malta within the organisation's web site has been given an autonomous physiognomy. This was done during the first week of the month. The sub-link may be accessed independently through the address www.victimsupportmalta.org, which directs the peruser directly to Victim Support Malta's opening page.

School Manager: Members of the Prisoners' Section met the manager of the prison school, Mr Desmond Zammit Marmara', on the 10th. This was at the organisation's centre at Cospicua. The aim of this meeting was to foster the organisation's support for the school's endeavours. The two sides discussed how the Prisoners' Section can introduce initiatives concerning vocational training at the prisons.

Press release: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl issued a press communication that deplored the unjust and irregular hasty introduction of an amendment to the Criminal Code by government. This was on the 11th. The amendment establishes that where an offence is committed by a prisoner the offence shall be increased by one or two degrees, and no probation can be applied. Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl pointed out the injustice and irregularity of this amendment, and asked for its removal or improvement.

L-EWWEL KENN: After years of negotiation with the Ministry for the Family & Social Solidarity, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's long-standing project for ex-prisoners who leave prison without any kind of residence — called "L-Ewwel Kenn" — was approved by Minister Dolores Cristina. This was on the 22nd. The project will be initially situated at Cospicua. It shall be operated in collaboration with the Housing Authority, and the Access service at Cottonera.

L-ARKA: The latest issue of Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's news leaflet in Maltese, L-ARKA, was released on the 23rd. It was distributed to prisoners at all divisions, and sent by post to interested parties. The issue, no. 28, carried news about the organisation's endeavours and activities from January till July.

Get together: Volunteers of the organisation met at a get together on the 23rd. The social was a beautiful moment of friendship in a relaxed atmosphere. It was held beside the sea at Qui-Si-Sana, Sliema. The volunteers took the occasion to express their appreciation and gratitude to Jamie Dagabriele, a long-time volunteer who in a few days will be emigrating to Ireland.

Visit by bishop: The Brazilian dominican bishop, Dom Tomas Balduino, president of the Commissao Pastoral de Terra of the Brazilian Episcopal Conference, paid a visit at the organisation's centre at Cospicua. This was on the 30th. Dom Balduino met all volunteers present, and review with satisfaction the work that is being done with prisoners, ex-prisoners, and their families.

SEPTEMBER 2005

Family outing: Another outing for families of prisoners was organised by the Family Section at Birzebbugia on the 2nd. The event was another little success that brought various relatives of prisoners together to enjoy moments of respite.

L-Ewwel Kenn: The final document for the L-Ewwel Kenn project was concluded on the 5th with the Access service representative, Catherine Fleri Soler. This was done at the headquarters of Agenzija Appogg, Guardamangia.

MEPA decision: The final decision of the Malta Environment & Planning Authority (MEPA) for the offices at Floriana was was issued on the 27th.

General Meeting: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl held its Annual General Meeting on the 27th at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua. Various matters were discussed and decided upon, plotting a general way forward for 2005/06. A partially renewed formation of the Steering Committee was also made. Further, the AGM decided that the process should begin immediately to establish Victim Support Malta as an independent and autonomous entity.

Foundation AGM: The Annual General Meeting for administrators of the foundation Daritama was held on the 28th at Marsascala. Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl presented its report, and had its AGM's decisions approved.

OCTOBER 2005

Weekend meeting: Daritama organised its second weekend meeting of the year for its volunteers at St. Paul's Bay. This was held between the 14th and the 16th. A good number of volunteers from various branches of the foundation attended and had a pleasant time together.

NOVEMBER 2005

Child victims: The Families' Section of the organisation took part in a seminar organised by Victim Support Malta on child victims (Tfal vittmi). This was held on the 4th at Marsa. The volunteers of the Section presented the results of a scientific survey held during the summer with children of prisoners. The survey was made in close collaboration with the inmates of Malta's Corradino prison. The research will eventually be published as part of the seminar's acts.

Anti-racism TV programme: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, was one of the two participants in a national TV programme that had, a the second participant, Mr. Norman Lowell, a self-declared racist. During the progamme, aired live on Smash TV on the 8th, some aspects of racism were discussed. Dr Montebello sought to point out the inconsistencies withing the racist theory.

University lecture: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, read a lecture at the University of Malta regarding the prisoners' social standing. This was part of a course to psychology students on inclusiveness. The lecture was on the 14th.

Anti-fascism TV programme: Dr Mark Montebello, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's Director, appeared with Mr. Philip Beattie, the ultra-conservative Catholic General Secreatary of ANR (Alleanza Nazzjonali Repubblikana) on a TV life programme on the 15th. ANR is the local newly established organisation that tends to encourage and gather around it all fascists and racists. The programme was hosted by Smash TV.

Colloquium: A meeting by invitation was organised at the Workers Memorial Building, Valletta, on the 16th as a local event of the AGIS European project. The aim of the colloquium was to foster networking between local organisations while exploring the theme of hate-motivated acts of violence in Malta. From amongst the many organisations invited to the meeting, the following decided to attend: Agenzija Appogg, Caritas Harm Reduction Unit, Church of Scotland, Emigrants’ Commission, Moviment Graffiti, Integra Foundation, Jesuit Refugee Service, Malta Gay Rights Movement, Malta-Israel Friendship Society, Media Today, Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, the Nationalist Party, and World Islamic Call Society. The colloquium was also attended by members of the public, and covered by members of the press.

Hate crime project: Representatives of the organisation were in Bremen, Germany, between the 24th and the 28th for a meeting with partners in the AGIS hate crime project. The meeting, held on the 27th, was preceded with a two-day conference organised by the German partner.

Commission for Human Rights: A representative of the organisation had a meeting with Mr. Manuel Lezertua, the Director of the Council of Europe's Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights. This was on the 29th at Floriana. The Commissioner's report will be issued mid-February 2006. Mr. Lezertua will also visit Malta's Corradino prisoners on the 30th. Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's report to the Commissioner may be downloaded by clicking here.

Spanish Ambassador: The organisation's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, met the Ambassador of Spain, H.E. Maria Rosa Boceta, at the Spanish official residence at Balzan. This was on the 30th. Matters concerning the prisons and the administration of justice were discussed, with particular focus on Spanish prisoners, and criminal cases in Malta involving Spanish nationals.

DECEMBER 2005

Higher Secondary lecture: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, addressed Naxxar's Higher Secondary students concerning the prisoners' social standing. Some two hundred students attended the lecture. This will be on the 6th.

Visit to Rehab Center: Members of the organisation very happily visited a Drug & Alcohol Rehabilitation Centre at Bahar ic-Caghak where a number of prisoners reside. This will be on the 9th. The occasion, which opened Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's 2005 festive activities for prisoners and their families, was a very warm one. All residents and volunteers enjoyed each other's company and friendship. A truly special occasion indeed.

Independence process: The process for the eventual independence of Victim Support Malta from Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, its mother organisation, was begun on the 9th. A special working commission, appointed at the organisation's 2005 Annual General Meeting on 27 September last, began to review a draft Act of Foundation.

Participation in anti-racist march: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl, as part of the foundation Daritama, took part in an 'anti-hatred' march organised by Moviment Integra. This was on the 12th. Various organisations, together with Malta's major political parties, gathered at Valletta, and held a short vigil.

Launching of Equal project: Mid-Dlam ghad-Dawl's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, represented the organisation at a press conference that launched an EU Equal project. This was on the 14th at the Wasteserve centre at Santa Venera. The conference was addressed by the Minister for Rural Affairs & the Environment, Mr. George Pullicino.

Xmas Party at YOURS: A Christmas party was organised by the organisation at the Juvenile Section (YOURS) of the Corradino prisons. This was on the 27th. The rock band Dripht was invited to attend and entertain the young inmates, who enjoyed themselves tremendously.

Prison concert: A live concert was set up by the organisation at the main divisions of the Corradino Prisons. This was on the 28th. Professional singer Ira Losco, and entertainer Joe Demicoli, were amongst the artists invited to entertain the inmates. The occasion was truly a special one for the scores of inmates who attended, particularly enjoying their close and friendly encounter with such a wonderful performer of the likes of Ira Losco.

Xmas get-together for families: A get-together was organised for the festive season for families of prisoners. This was on the 29th at Cospicua, and proved to be a most warm and refreshing occasion. All those present, prisoners' families, and volunteers, made the event an memorable one with happiness and joviality of one and all.