Caroline Muscat

Dec 31, 2024 | theshiftnews.com | Caroline Muscat

The Shift’s commitment to delivering journalism that makes a difference and our dedication to unearthing the facts has set us apart and ensured we’re still here seven years on. Our community of supporters knows what we’re all about, and thanks to them, we’re proud of the three strengths that now define us: We’re impact-led, we’re relentless, and we’re fiercely independent. This isn’t just talk. We mean what we say. Here is a sample of our achievements in 2024.

Dec 17, 2024 | theshiftnews.com | Caroline Muscat

A direct order lasting 10 years: JobsPlus audit reveals regular breaches of law A service provider for electrical works for JobsPlus has been doing jobs for the agency on a direct order for 10 years.

Dec 15, 2024 | theshiftnews.com | Caroline Muscat

Media Today owner Saviour Balzan has renewed the contract with Gozo Minister Clint Camilleri for the publication of Gozo Today, a newspaper that “must conform with whatever instruction is issued by the minister.”According to a contract signed two months ago, on 17 September, and acquired by The Shift through a Freedom of Information request, Balzan agreed to receive €3,000 a month for the publication of four editions.

Dec 11, 2024 | theshiftnews.com | Caroline Muscat

Culture Minister Owen Bonnici said in parliament that no one was interested in supplying the annual Christmas Tree for Valletta’s main entrance, and the Chairman of the Valletta Cultural Agency, Jason Micallef, was constrained to spend the budgeted €20,000 through a direct order. According to the Minister, the only supplier found to do the job through direct order was TEC – The Entertainment Company – a supplier for the Labour Party’s mass events during electoral campaigns.

Dec 11, 2024 | theshiftnews.com | Caroline Muscat

Independent politician and activist Arnold Cassola has requested the Auditor General to investigate the direct order lawyer Ryan Pace of €17,000. The Shift exclusively revealed on Tuesday that Pace, 31, who was Robert and Lydia Abela’s assistant at their private legal firm until 2020, got his eleventh government job as the legal representative of Festivals Malta. The latest €17,000 government job tops another 10 he holds with other agencies, as well as running his own private firm.