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

For news from the previous years click here.

JANUARY 2007

Volunteer get-together: Volunteers of MDD had a get-together amongst themselves and some friends for the festive season. This was on the 2nd. The gathering was held at Marsascala, and was really fun.

Meetings at the prisons: Visits to the male sections of the Corradino Prisons by MDD's volunteers resumed on the 2nd. Those to the female section, on the 18th. Throughout the year, MDD's volunteers regularly visited the male inmates every Tuesday between 4.30 pm and 7.00 pm; and the female section every Thursday between 9.30 am and 11.00 am and 2.30 pm and 4.00 pm.

Christmas at female section: On the 4th a Christimas celebration was organised by MDD at the female section of the prisons. Renowned singers entertained the party: Renato and Olivia Lewis. The activity is set for 2.30 pm.

Press release: On the 5th MDD issued a press release concerning an incident at the female section of the prisons. Just before Christmas a pregnant inmate was newly admitted, but the health authorities failed to notice the pregnancy. Complications led the inmate to abort. Suspecting negligence, MDD demanded a public inquest to be held. (See follow up)

Family celebration: Families and children of prisoners were invited to a special gathering for the festive season. This was on the 6th at the Floriana Scouts Centre. All present, including volunteers, had a wonderful time together, with the children entralled with games, gifts and sweets!

Administrative meetings: MDD's administrative meetings resumed on the 10th. Throughout the year such meetings will generally be held every Wednesday between 6.30 pm and 9.00 pm. At the beginning of the year the following were the members of the Steering Committee.

World Prison Awareness Day: Communication was initialised with Malta's UN Permanent Mission in New York for the official establishment of the World Prison Awareness Day. The Permanent Representative, Mr. Victor Camilleri, is keeping in touch while MDD's initiative progresses through the process.

First Shelter Project: On the 12th the Department of Housing at Floriana approved the allocation to MDD of a property at Cospicua that will be housing the First Shelter Project ("L-Ewwel Kenn"). The property, that is leased to MDD for 10 years, carries a number of conditions that MDD accepted.

Amnesty petition: MDD petitioned the government Cabinet to grant a petition to all prisoners to mark the election of Malta's new archbishop, Mons. Paul Cremona O.P. This was on the 15th. The election of a new archbishop is a rare occurrence, and a very special one for the Maltese.

Parole meeting: A working meeting was held at the Parliamentary buildings, Valletta, as part of the effort to introduce the parole system in Malta. The meeting was attended by MDD's Director and Secretary, respectively Dr. Mark Montebello and George Busuttil, and two MPs, Dr. Jason Azzopardi (PN) and Dr. José Herrera (MLP). This was on the 19th. It was decided that the way forward would be by the preparation of a bill intended for official endorsement and enactment.

Campus FM: A programme was aired on the 21st by Malta's university radio, Campus FM. MDD's Director, Dr. Mark Montebelli, and the Director of Malta's prison educational unit, Dr. Tony Vella, discussed young prisoners.

Malta's new archbishop at the prisons: On the 30th the newly appointed archbishop of Malta, His Grace Mons. Paul Cremona O.P., made a memorable visit to the prisons as part of his consecration activities. The consecration was held on the 26th. In the weeks before his visit the archbishop petitioned government to grant a special amnesty to prisoners to mark the occasion of his concecration. MDD prepared printed souvenir for all prisoners carrying a short message by the archbishop himself. This was distributed during the archbishop's official visit.

FEBRUARY 2007

Sunday writings: On the first Sunday of the month, MDD resumed its weekly contributions to Malta's most distributed Maltese-speaking newspaper, It-Torca. This was on the 4th. The contributions are a joint effort of all members of MDD.

Lifeskills at shelter: A series of lifeskills sessions are being organised by MDD at the shelter of Floriana where various ex-prison inmates reside. The first meeting was held on the 5th.

Football at rehab centre: MDD organised another football match for inmates residing at the St. Anne rehab centre of Bahar ic-Caghak. This was on the 8th at the Indepdepence Sports Complex in Floriana.

Outing: Volunteers of MDD took part in a recreational outing. This was on the 10th, a public holiday in Malta. They were joined by ex-prison inmates, and took to the street at the limits of Rabat. A beautiful day in wonderful company!

Prison Awareness Day: MDD celebrate for the first time Prison Awareness Day on the 11th. Volunteers took part in a service at Birgu in which they shared their experience.

Prison course: MDD's annual course about the Malta prisons began on the 19th. This year this was held at Lion Street, Floriana, and was attended by 17 participants.

Family gathering: MDD will resume its meetings for families of prisoners. This was on the 23rd. The meeting was held at the YTC offices in Valletta.

Prison Awareness Day: MDD launched an online petition for the world-wide endorsement of the initiative to establish February 11th as a world commemorative day of prisoners. This was on the 16th.

MARCH 2007

Football for rehabs: A game of football was organised by MDD between inmates of St. Anne's Rehab Centre, Bahar ic-Caghak, and a team of aficionados. This was held on the 1st at Valletta (Salinos) playing field. The game was organised by MDD's Matthew Agius.

Football for rehabs again: Another game of football with St. Anne's Rehab inmates . This was organised by Matthew Agius, MDD's responsible for ex-prisoners, and was held on the 8th at the Tedesco Stadium in Hamrun.

Prisoners at School: Also on the 8th, two prisoners from St. Anne Rehab Centre were invited to talk to 5th formers at St. Michael School, Santa Venera. The meeting was organised by MDD's Matthew Agius, and was a tremendous success.

Donation: Renouned choir, Voices, generously made a handsome donation to MDD. This was on the 14th. Members of MDD attended a special soire during which the presentation was made.

Weekend Meeting: Foundation Daritama, MDD's mother organisation, organised a live-in between the 16th and the 18th. This particular activity, which was prepared by MDD members, was attended by a good number of volunteers. They are had a good time together. The theme chosen was freedom. One session was addressed by two young members from the St Anne Rehab Centre.

Meeting with AD: A meeting was held between MDD and AD (Alternattiva Demokratika), Malta's green party, at MDD's centre at Cospicua. The AD leader, Dr Harry Vassallo, met MDD's Director and Secretary, Dr Mark Montebello and George Busuttil respectively. They discussed the memorandum that MDD prepared for the coming general elections concerning criminal justice processes and the prisons. This was on the 21st.

Annual Report: MDD published its annual report for 2006. Statistics were gathered and managed by Stephanie Chetcuti. A press conference was held before the Law Courts in Valletta on the 24th. Apart of statistics, other matters were discussed during the conference, including various initiatives being carried out by MDD. Media coverage was substantial and encouraging.

First Shelter: Answering a parliamentary question on prisoners leaving the prisons at the end of their sentence, Minister for the Family & Social Policy, Dolores Cristina, disclosed some information about MDD's temporary shelter project called 'First Shelter' (in Maltese 'L-Ewwel Kenn'). PQ24487 was made by MP Chris Agius (MLP) on the 13th, and answered by the Minister on the 28th.

APRIL 2007

Archbishop's visit: Malta's newly appointed Catholic Archbishop, H.G. Mons. Paul Cremona O.P., officially visited the centre from which MDD operates in Cospicua . This was on the 1st. The visit, which marked the first time that Malta's Archbishop calls at the centre, had been an occasion of great jubilation. Volunteers and beneficiaries were present to greet and meet His Grace. All present, including His Grace himself, enjoyed their time together and were confirmed in their mutual commitment.

Prison course : MDD's annual course on the prisons came to an end on the 2nd with a private visit to Malta's prisons at Paola. The participants were shown around various parts of the prisons and given a guided tour.

Parole TV programme: MDD's director, Dr Mark Montebello, took part in a TV programme that dealt with the introduction of parowl in Malta. The programme was aired on the 4th by Super One TV and presented by Charlon Gouder. Also present were Dr Jason Azzopardi (PN MP), Dr Jose Herrera (MLP MP) and Dr Tony Abela.

Most special visit: On the 6th, Good Friday, MDD had a very special visit at its Cospicua centre by the (prison) inmates of the St Anne Rehabilitation Centre of Bahar ic-Caghak. While the visit was organised on a low-key and informal basis, it marked a first in the organisation's 12-year long history. Though in the past ex-inmates and members of prisoners' families visited the centre innumerable times, never before had this been done by prison inmates themselves.

12 years on: On the 10th MDD quietly celebrated 12 years from its foundation in 1995. Operating under the belief that what happens in between celebrations is much more important that the celebrations themselves, the occasion was commemorated on a low-key basis.

Parole meeting: A further meeting was held by MDD's working committee concerning the introduction of parole in Malta. The meeting, which was held on the 11th at the Parliamentary Buildings in Valletta, was attended by MDD's Director and Secretary, Dr Mark Montebello and George Busuttil respectively, Dr Jason Azzopardi (PN MP) and two representatives of prisoners' families. Dr José Herrera (MLP MP) and two representatives of ex-prisoners, also part of the working committee, were excused.

Certificate Day: The successful participants that attended MDD's annual course on the prisons were presented with their certificate of attendence. The presentation was held on the 15th at the Sundown Complex, Kappara.

TV programme: MDD took part in a TV programme dealing with the prisons. The programme, called Xarabank, and presented by Peppi Azzopardi, was aired on the 20th.

Parole meeting: Part of the working committee concerned with the introduction of parole in Malta met on the 24th at Cospicua in preparation for the business lunch for members of the press. Logistics were reviewed.

Press release: MDD issued a press communication calling on the Minister for Justice & Home Affairs to explain anomaly. A few days before, the Minister, Dr Tonio Borg, plainly contradicted a preliminary finding concerning a case revealed by MDD in January (see). The PR deplored the delay in the publication of the final findings, and called on the Minister to explain the apparent contradition between his statement and the already known facts.

Business Lunch: A press briefing was held concerning the introduction of parole in Malta. This was on the 26th and took the form of a lunch at Valletta. MPs Dr Jason Azzopardi (PN) and Dr José Herrera (MLP) were amongst those who discussed parole issues with the journalists present.

MAY 2007

TV programme: MDD took part in yet another TV programme dealing with the prisons. The programme, called Xarabank, was a sequel of that that took place a forthnight before. This second programme was aired on the 4th.

Lisbon conference: Between the 9th and the 13th MDD's Director and Secretary were in Lisbon, Portugal, for a conference on victim-offender mediation as guests of Victim Support Malta. The conference was organised by the European Forum for Restorative Justice. Other guests included Mr Sandro Gatt, Director of Correctional Services in Malta and of the local civil prisons, Dr Silvio Meli, a Magistrate at the Law Courts of Malta, Mr Oscar Grech, a member on the Board of Directors of the Malta Mediation Centre, and Ms Romina Baldwin, Coordinator of Victim Support Malta.

Volunteer Fair: MDD has participated at the bi-annual Volunteer Fair at Naxxar. This was between the 17th and the 20th. MDD prepared a stand that was composed of a black screen with just a peep-hole marked "Do not look!". Through the peep-hole one could see a translucent image of a prison cell with Pope John Paul II and his to-be assassin, Mehmed Ali Agca, with a statement saying: "And you may have wanted to condemn this man pitiessly!"The stand was highly thought of both in terms of formal originality and of content.

JUNE 2007

Parole: During the first week of the month extensive work continued to be done in relation to MDD's campaign for the introduction of parole in Malta. MPs Jason Azzopardi (PN) and José Herrera (MLP) posted interesting articles in local journals. Furthermore, MDD's bill for amendments began to be discussed at the meetings of the parliamentary groups of both parties represented in parliament.

Warsaw conference: MDD's Director, Dr Mark Montebello, had to be in Warsaw, Poland, for a working conference as a representative for the Ministry of Justice & Home Affairs on behalf of NGOs that are involved at the prisons. This had to be between the 20th and the 23rd. Belatedly, however, the Ministry was not prepared to cover air-tickets, and unfortunately the visit had to be cancelled.

Family outing: Families of prisoners were invited to an outing at Birzebbugia's Pretty Bay. The occasion was a moment of respite for various families of prisoners who relaxed together with friendly volunteers who understand. This was on the 27th.

JULY 2007

Meeting with PN: A meeting was held on the 2nd between MDD and the PN (Nationalist Party), Malta's current party in government, at the PN's H.Q. at Blata l-Bajda. MDD representatives met Joe Saliba, the party's General Secretary. During the meeting the memorandum that MDD prepared for the coming general elections concerning criminal justice processes and the prisons was fruitfully discussed.

Press Release: MDD issued a press communication on the 10th to express its disappointment for government's failure to grant an amnesty to prisoners on the occasion of the canonization of Malta's first official saint. The communication was given good press coverage.

Meeting with MLP: A meeting was held on the 11th between MDD and the MLP (Malta Labour Party), Malta's current party in opposition, at the MLP's H.Q. in Hamrun. MDD met Dr Gavin Gulia, the current shadow minister for the interior. During the meeting the memorandum that MDD prepared for the coming general elections concerning criminal justice processes and the prisons was fruitfully discussed.

BBQ: A relaxed get-together was organised at the seaside on the 12th at beautiful Kalanka at Delimara. This was an occasion where volunteers and helpers came together in an informal and happy way away from the usual work environment. Good company, good food, good night!

International publication: Wolf Legal Publishers issued a 2-volume work entitled Foreigners in European Prisons, ed. by van Kalmthout et al (www.foreignersinprison.eu). Volume 2 includes a study about foreign prisoners in Malta by MDD members, Dr Tonio Cachia and Dr Mark Montebello. This was part of an EU sponsored project in which MDD participated.

Radicalisation meetings in London: Between the 20th and the 24th, MDD's Director and Secretary were in London for meetings with partners and colleagues in connection with the EU 'radicalisation' project. On the 23rd they also attended a conference against extremism organised by London Probation, Stockwell Green Services Project, Lambeth Muslim Forum, Clapham and Stockwell Faith Forum, Staffordshire University, Baha ud Din Zakariya University (Parkisan), Metropolitan Police Better World Foundation and others.

AUGUST 2007

BBQ at Female Section: MDD organised a BBQ at the Female Section of the Corradino prisons. This was on the 9th. MDD's volunteers provided music and food for all, and the occasion - a first in itself - was a very special one, all lively and boisterous. The inmates, especially, enjoyed themselves enormously, having a brief feeling, as they themselves attested, of shedding the burden of prison life.

T-shirts for prisoners: All 400 prisoners were given a white T-shirt with the words: "Think Free". These were produced and distributed by MDD as a token to all prisoners free of charge. The gift was appreciated by all.

Family research: On the 10th MDD launched its much awaited research concerning the children of prisoners in Malta. The research had been originally made in 2005. Though the results of the research had been published during a seminar held at the end of that year, only now have the results become available for a wider public. The publication of these results has attracted the attention of various media agencies. The study is a first in Malta.

L-Ewwel Kenn: The project for ex-prisoners moved a step forward on the 14th. The trustees of the foundation Daritama, MDD's mother organisation, formerly signed an agreement with the Housing Authority for the transfer of the property at Cospicua that will be housing the L-Ewwel Kenn (First Shelter) project. This event happily brought to an end an odyssey that had been ensuing for these last ten years or so! The project is planned to begin some time next year.

Radicalisation Colloquium I: The first meeting that was organised on a semi-public basis to explore the theme of radicalisation in Malta was held on the 16th at Cospicua. Anthropologist and International Relations graduate, Lawrence Ancilleri, was the main speaker.

Prison School Coordinator: A meeting of MDD's Steering Committee with the Prison School Coordinator, Mr. Desmond Zammit Marmarà, was held. This was on the 28th at Cospicua. Various themes related to prison schooling and education were discussed during the meeting.

MDD BBQ: A BBQ by the beach at Bahar ic-Caghak was organised for MDD volunteers and friends on the 30th. A serene and wonderful experience of togetherness far from the workplace!

SEPTEMBER 2007

Radicalisation colloquia: A second meeting was organised on a semi-public basis to explore the theme of radicalisation in Malta. This was on the 6th at Cospicua and the guest speaker was Meinrad Calleja.

Ex-Prisoners focus: On the 14th two ex-prisoners met with representatives of the Malta branch of the European Anti-Poverty Network (EAPN). This was part of a series of in-focus group meetings that EAPN had been doing in the last couple of months in connection with employment and social inclusion in Malta. The meeting was also attended by Matthew Agius for MDD. The report of the meeting can be seen by clicking here (Word document).

BBQ at Juvenile Section: A BBQ by MDD was happily held at the Juvenile Section of the Corradino Prisons. This was on the 23rd. inmates and wardens enjoyed the volunteers' company, and the movin' music provided by DJs Lizio Camilleri and Charlo Bezzina.

AGM: MDD's 2007 AGM was held on the 25th at Cospicua. The 2007/08 plan of work was worked out and approved. This was presented at the AGM of the foundation Daritama, MDD's mother organisation, on the 30th.

OCTOBER 2007

L-ARKA: The spring edition of MDD's newsletter, L-ARKA, was distributed to all prisoners on the 9th. The leader dealt with the progress being registered in the parole campaign. All other institutions where prisoners reside, especially hospitals and drug rehab centres, received the edition by post.

London Family Conference: Between the 17th and the 19th, Antonella Gili was in London to attend the annual general conference of Action for Prisoners' Families. MDD is a long-standing member of this federation, and attending the conference in London has helped to keep in contact. Antonella came back with many ideas and nice memories.

Weekend Meeting: Foundation Daritama, MDD's mother organisation, organised a live-in between the 19th and the 21st. This was at St. Paul's Bay. Varous members of MDD attended the live-in with other volunteers from Daritama's community radio and community school.

Radicalisation colloquia: A third meeting was organised on a semi-public basis to explore the theme of radicalisation in Malta. This was on the 25th at Cospicua. The guest speakers were senior members of rival social parties at Hamrun. Anselm Sciberras of St. Gaetan Band Club, and Harry Zammit Cordina of St. Joseph Band Club, explained the clubs' years of fighting, and the recent process of pacification and healing.

Radicalisation project promotion: As part of MDD's radicalisation EU project, and in connection with the live show of next November 23rd, strong promotion was set up both on air and in print. This was done in collaboration with the media company, Where's Everybody?

New Division One: The renewed Division I at the Corradino Civil Prisons was inaugurated on the 29th. MDD volunteers visited the new wing.

NOVEMBER 2007

Division I reopened: After a thorough refurbishment, Division I of the Corradino prisons was once more opened for use. This was on the 5th. The division had been closed down due to a disturbance on July 2, 2005. As Division I was repopulated, Division IV was successively closed down for refurbishment.

Parole: MDD wrote to the three major political parties that will be contesting Malta's next general elections - the Nationalist Party, the Socialist Party and the Green Party. MDD officially asked that they include in their electoral programmes a specific proposal for the introduction of parole in Malta during the government's next administration. The letters were sent during the first week of the month.

EU Agis Project: As part of the AGIS II EU project on radicalisation, four MDD members were in London for a major conference organised by London Probation (the lead partner in the project) at the Mayor of London on the Thames. This was between the 10th and the 13th. The MDD members also met colleagues from other partnership countries - Northern Ireland, Germany, Bulgaria and Holland.

Anti-Discrimination Seminar: MDD took part in an anti-discriministation and diversity seminar organised by the National Commission for the Promotion of Equality (NCPE). This was held on the 16th and 17th at the Phoenicia Hotel, Floriana. MDD put forward the plight of ex-prisoners.

2008 Wall Calendar: All prisoners were given a 2008 wall calendar produced by MDD. This is the second year running that the attractive calendar had being produced. As last year, the publication was generously sponsored by Corradino Prisons themselves. Throughout the year, the calendar will be given to new admissions at the reception office. Distribution of the calendar by volunteers at the prisons was on the 18th.

New Female Section: A new female section was opened at the Corradino Prisons, called 'Female B'. This was on the 21st. Members of MDD visited before the opening and after.

Radicalisation project messaging: MDD was fully involved with all PR exercises and press coverage related to the visit of 1985 EgyptAir hijack survivor, Jackie Nink Pflug, to Malta 22 years after the tragedy. This had been done in connection with the November 23rd TV programme (below). A major press conference was organised at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua, on the 22nd, and was extensively covered by the press.

Radicalisation TV programme: As part of the AGIS II EU project on radicalisation MDD organised a TV programme in collaboration with Where's Everybody Ltd. The programme, a two-hour production (called Xarabank), was viewed by some 150,000 people (which, effectively, amounts to almost 38% of the entire Maltese population). This was on the 23rd. The programme, which dealt with one of the possibly two most serious terrorist acts of violence to come in contact with Malta: the hijack of EgyptAir jetliner Boeing 737 on flight 648 by Palestinian militant Omar Mohammed Ali Rezaq, a member of the Abu Nidal terrorist group, on November 23, 1985 (the other was the 1988 Lockerbie tragedy). 60 people were killed in the incident. Amongst the guest speakers one may mention Ms. Jackie Nink Pflug, one of the survivors of the hijack, Rev. Dr. Mark Montebello, Director of MDD, Dr. Abela Medici, Dr. Lino Psaila and Dr. Joe Mifsud.

Diversity and Equality Seminar: A seminar on cultural diversity and equality of the labour market was organised by Malta's major union, the General Workers Union (GWU), on the 24th. MDD took part as one of the main speakers. The seminar was held at the workers' memorial building, Valletta, and MDD's representative was Matthew Agius.

Hike: Volunteers of MDD hiked together through the countryside on the 25th. This was an opportunity to meet in an informal environment away from the pressures of work. All of them probably had needed it.

DECEMBER 2007

Social Report: MDD presented a complete social report concerning a young prisoner - here called 'Jonathan B' - at court before Magistrate Lawrence Quintano. This was on the 5th. The report had been compiled over the past months by MDD's volunteers in collaboration with the inmate himself, his family, friends, lawyer and acquaintances. Mr Quintano accepted the report and showed his deep appreciation for it as for all the help being given to Jonathan B in the most practical and concrete ways possible.

Smash programme: MDD's director, Dr Mark Montebello, took part in a TV programme on Smash TV. The programme concerned justice and the prisons. Also present were the director of prisons, Sandro Gatt, and the main speaker for the oppostion on justice affairs, Dr Angelo Farrugia. This was on the 12th.

MDD social: Volunteers and their parents came together for a social gathering on the 18th at Dar it-Tama, Cospicua. Such casual occasions allow sharing in an informal and friendly environment without the burden of work business.

Radicalisation TV programmes: MDD had some say in two consecutive TV programmes produced on Malta's national station. These were on the 21st and 28th. Various themes were taken up from former programmes produced throughout the year, including that on November 23rd. MDD's partnership in the AGIS II EU project on radicalisation was again given promotion.

TV programme: Volunteers from MDD - particularly Matthew Agius and Lookie Gatt - participated in a popular talk show, Qalb in-Nies, on Malta's TV station. This was on the 23rd. The programme has a wide diffusion nationally. MDD's volunteers highlighted the plight of prisoners' families and ex-prisoners.

Prison Mass: MDD volunteers took part in the celebration of the Eucharist on Christmas Day (25th) at the Female B section. The occasion was a moving one in which prisoners and volunteers shared the special joy of Christmas and each other's deep friendship.

Archbishop's visit: Archbishop Paul Cremona O.P. visited the prisons and celebrated mass there on the 26th. MDD was represented by its director and secretary. To mark the occasion, MDD published a commemorative postcard that was given out to all prisoners - Catholic and non-Catholic - showing Bl. Pope John XXIII meeting prisoners on 26th December 1958. The postcard carried a personalised message (in Maltese and in English) by the archbishop. The event was a very special one, which most prisoners enjoyed most heartily.

Juvenile celeb: What a raucous party MDD organised at the prisons' Juvenile Section on the 28th! Comedian Ray Calleja was present, and also some great music. The boys, and all volunteers, had a wonderful time.