What the Sunday papers say…

MaltaToday says that a second Gozitan contractor has come forward offering to substantiate similar claims about free private construction works paid by former Gozo minister Giovanna Debono’s husband Anthony, and that the whistleblower had complained to PN Whip David Agius – only for the matter not be investigated. MaltaToday’s survey reveals that the NO camp has a lead of seven points in the referendum on spring hunting, while the hunting lobby’s decision to campaign for a ‘yes’ vote, only resulted in a two-pint drop in respondents who intend not voting.

On the backpage, the newspaper reveals that MEPA is set to approve the dismantling and decommissioning of the Marsa power station just two days before the local elections on 11 April, with a case officer’s report revealing that extensive work has already been carried out without the necessary permits.

Sunday newspaper Illum leads with the formal appointment of new Archbishop Charles Sciluna, while on the front page, the newspaper reports that Raymond Caruana – the man who was gunned down in Rabat on Friday evening – was shot six times. It also says that police found an assault rifle inside a burnt vehicle abandoned in Tal-Virtu.

On the backpage, the newspaper reports that on Monday, a passenger on an Easyjet flight that had just landed in Malta, lost consciousness and despite emergency officials being notified immediately, an ambulance arrived 35 minutes later.

The Sunday Times of Malta says Friday’s murder at Rabat could have been a contract killing possibly linked to drugs or payback for a deal gone wrong. In another story, the newspaper says that a new private hospital is set to open at smart City.

The Malta Independent on Sunday says that a group of American businessmen have approached the government with a proposal to run Mater Dei hospital and St Luke’s.

It-Torca says 100 people have already been struck off the unemployment register after benefit abuse, and that the Employment and Training Corporation could partner up with the private sector to increase employment opportunities.

PN news organ il-mument leads with the appointment of Archbishop Charles Scicluna and also reports that the US is increasingly worried with the presence of Islamist fundamentalists in Libya.

Kullhadd says former Prime Minister Lawrence Gonzi had met with Azerbaijan president Ilham Aliyev in 2011 to discuss further cooperation between the two countries.