INTERVIEW
Thriving on change

Retailer and events promoter Desmond Vella decided to venture alone into the world of businesses at a young age. Now 34, he has grown into one of Malta’s biggest retailers. Is he feeling the pinch? Interview by DAVID DARMANIN >>

EDITORIAL
Economic aestivation
Mid-August in Malta was made for children and holidaymakers. Work, most work, is a brutal ordeal in this weather. Air-conditioning makes things possible for office-workers but the country cannot run on them alone: somebody must haul and deliver goods, somebody must provide services that have to be carried out under the blazing sun. >>

OPINION
J.G. Vassallo
The Quangos in the Woodpile
The latest official figures show that government expenditure is still peaking up and is running well in excess of revenue. Although total annual revenue shot up from about €1,600 million in the year 2000 to about €2,697 million last year, total government debt escalated from €2,217 million to €3,422million during the same period. And it is still rising merrily.>>