Issue Number 93
2014
The New Ford Mustang
Gasan Group Summer BBQ
New Car Models at GasanZammit
index
editorial board
editorial
Dear Colleagues,
Welcome to the last issue of the Kuntatt for 2014!
In this issue we are featuring the Gasan Group Summer BBQ as well as several other news, updates and offers from the different group companies. GasanZammit have an exciting new range of motorcycle and car models available for sale at their showroom. Other articles include the enhancement of the Home Insurance and Health Insurance policies offered by GasanMamo Insurance and details of the MIDI contract awarded recently to Mekanika.
Please send us your comments and feedback on: [email protected]
03 Influenza Immunisation
04 Mekanika Industrial Forklift Truck Training 05 GasanMamo enhances its Health Insurance plans 06 New Car Models at GasanZammit
07 Gasan Group Summer BBQ 08 Fire Awareness Course
Mekanika appointed new H&S Representative 09 Added peace of mind for GasanMamo home insurance policyholders
11 New Yamaha models soon in Malta
12 GasanMamo reopens its upgraded branch in Sliema 13 New Contract awarded to Mekanika
GasanMamo Gives 65% Discount Straight off Car Insurance 14 Healthy eating –
Pesto & Mozzarella Stuffed Pork Vegetarian Tikka Masala Malcolm Aquilina Lino Grech Ingrid Sheldon
Influenza Immunisation
What is influenza?
Influenza (flu) is an illness caused by the flu virus. There are different strains of flu virus. Flu is passed from person to person through droplets created when someone with the infection sneezes or coughs. You can also catch it by touching a surface where the virus has been deposited. Flu can spread quickly in these ways.
Symptoms of flu include a high temperature (fever), muscle aches, cough, headache and extreme tiredness. Flu usually lasts for between two and seven days. Most people recover fully. Complications such as a chest infection or pneumonia develop sometimes.
Complications are more common in young babies, older people, people with an underlying disease (especially heart or lung diseases), pregnant women and people who have a weak immune system.
There are three types of flu virus - A, B and C. Influenza types A and B cause most of the cases of flu. Each winter a different strain of the flu virus causes an outbreak which affects many people. This is called seasonal flu. During an outbreak of seasonal flu, if you get a flu-like illness, it is more likely to be caused by the prevailing flu virus than by any other. Most cases of flu usually occur in a period of six to eight weeks during the winter.
Immunisation against seasonal influenza
Flu immunisation (the flu jab) gives excellent protection against seasonal flu and lasts for one year. If 10 people have the flu jab, it will provide protection from flu for 7 or 8 of them.
The immunisation is normally given in October or November each year. It is made from the strain of flu virus that is expected in the coming winter. Each year this is slightly different, so a new jab needs to be made every year. You need a yearly jab to stay protected.
Flu jabs do not prevent other viral infections which can cause coughs, colds and flu-like illnesses. It protects only against the particular flu virus that is expected in the coming winter.
The adult immunisation does not actually contain any living flu virus. This means that it cannot cause flu or any other infections. If you develop a cough or cold shortly after having a flu immunisation it is a coincidence.
Are there any side-effects from seasonal flu jab?
Immunisation against the seasonal influenza virus usually causes no problems. You may have a temporary mild soreness at the injection site. Sometimes, it can cause a mild raised temperature (fever) and slight muscle aches for a day or so. This soon settles and does not lead to flu or other problems.
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Mekanika Industrial Forklift Truck Training
Recently two members of the Customer Care Team (Breno Fusini and Hector Busuttil) underwent a short training course on The Safe Use of Industrial Forklift trucks. This was conducted by Logistics Manager Philip Vickers, who has over 15 years’ experience as a Forklift Truck Instructor.
This 4-hour course covered among other things the basic requirements for Load Evaluation, OHSAS legislation, daily checks before operating.
Audio visual aids were used during this course to show participants the dangers associated with Forklift Trucks use. At the end of the course a small exam was undertaken in which participants had to answer to both multiple choice and written questions. A certificate of attendance was issued upon completion of the training.
GasanMamo has just launched its newly enhanced insurance plans to suit different kinds of needs and budgets. The Sana health insurance plans have been enhanced to offer extra benefits at no additional costs.
Sana Vital Plan
The plans include the Sana Vital Plan, the most basic plan which offers limited cover for in-patient and day-patient treatment in hospitals and clinics worldwide, excluding the USA and Canada. Additional out-patient benefits on this plan include cover for GP charges, specialist consultation fees, alternative therapy and diagnostic procedures.
Sana Key Plan
The Sana Key Plan is a more comprehensive plan offering full refund of fair and reasonable fees for in-patient and day-patient treatment in participating hospitals and clinics in Malta and limited cover up to the limits of the Vital Plan for treatment received worldwide excluding the USA and Canada. Additional out-patient benefits include cover for GP charges, specialist consultation fees, alternative therapy, diagnostic procedures and emergency dental care.
Sana International Plan
The Sana International Plan is the most comprehensive plan of all and offers full refund of fair and reasonable fees for in-patient and day-in-patient treatment in Malta and in most places worldwide in the world including emergency treatment in the USA and Canada. The plan covers out-patient benefits which include cover for GP charges, prescribed drugs, specialist consultation fees, alternative therapy, diagnostic procedures and emergency dental care and also includes repartition to Malta.
Additional Benefits
One also has the option to purchase additional benefits to suit their requirements; these include repatriation to your home country if not already included, out-patient benefits and cover for routine check-ups.
“Following Sana’s growth in the market, we felt that new products was the next natural step offering both individual and corporate clients more comprehensive cover and a wider variety of plans and optional benefits,” said Mark Mamo, General Manager at GasanMamo Insurance . “Health insurance is not just about jumping queues and it certainly is not just for the wealthy few. It is simply about feeling confident that you are in control of your health.”
More information about the new Sana health insurance plans can be obtained by calling 2134 5123, by visiting one of the GasanMamo’s branches or by going to www.gasanmamo.com
New Car Models at GasanZammit
Ford Tourneo Courier
The all-new Ford Tourneo Courier offers outstanding space combined with best-in-class fuel efficiency and safety feature availability.
Ford’s compact people mover offers ideal transport for growing families and urban motorists with active lifestyles. It delivers outstanding luggage and passenger space, and excellent access to the rear seats through twin sliding doors. The stylish five-seater also achieves best-in-class fuel efficiency across diesel and petrol engines, with CO2 emissions from 97 g/km.
The new model breaks new ground for safety features as the first-in-segment to offer a comprehensive standard restraint system including knee and curtain airbags, and advanced technologies such as Tyre Pressure Monitoring.
The all-new Tourneo Courier completes Ford’s line-up of four Tourneo people movers alongside the Tourneo Connect, Grand Tourneo Connect and Tourneo Custom.
Ford Transit Minibus
Ford Motor Company has launched its biggest ever minibus for Europe. The all-new Ford Transit Minibus offers up to 18-seats with improved fuel economy, comfort and safety features, and is on sale now at GasanZammit. The three-vehicle line-up delivers fuel-efficiency improvement of up to 6 per cent over previous model; low-emission diesel engines with standard Auto-Start-Stop
Passenger comfort is significantly improved with reclining seats with armrests, and rear air conditioning now available, plus improved access and visibility
The Transit Minibus also breaks new ground with advanced safety and driver assistance technologies unique to Ford: Electronic Stability Control with Curve Control and Roll Stability Control features, Driver Alert, and voice-controlled Ford SYNC with Emergency Assistance.
Jaguar F-Type Coupe
If there’s a car that encapsulates everything good about Jaguar in 2014, the F-Type Coupe is it. Bold, beautiful and beguiling, it looks and feels like the product of a company at the top of its game.
A year since the Jaguar F-Type Convertible was launched, the new F-Type Coupe made just as many waves. Like the drop-top version, it offers striking good looks and great performance, while the coupe body means there’s a bit more practicality to go with it.
Jaguar offers the F-Type Coupe in three versions - the F-Type V6 which produces 335bhp, the 375bhp F-Type S, and the F-Type V8 R, which has 543bhp and 680Nm of torque.
Both F-Type S and R models feature adaptive dampers for improved handling, plus an active exhaust that produces a spectacular engine note. Whichever model you choose, the Jaguar guarantees an exhilarating driving experience.
On Friday 01st August 2014 all Gasan Group employees and their partners were invited to the annual Summer BBQ. This year the BBQ was organized at The Roof Garden at Montekristo Estates. We had a great turnout of 490 guests who enjoyed a delicious BBQ buffet catered by Island Caterers and also an open bar. The entertainment was provided by DJ Pierre Cordina who played a variety of classic and modern hits and managed to get a lively crowd on the dance floor. It was a most enjoyable and memorable evening!
Fire Awareness Course
A Basic Fire Awareness course was organized on Wednesday 01st October 2014 for Gasan Group employees at the International Safety Training College in Hal-Far. A group of eight employees were selected to represent Mekanika Ltd, GasanZammit Motors Ltd, Gasan Properties Ltd and Gasan Group Ltd.
This course is designed to provide workers with the ability to utilize the firefighting means at their disposal, after having recognized the type of fire at hand and after having assessed that it is safe to take remedial action. The training was spread over four hours and covered various topics including chemistry of fire, classification of fires, types and uses of portable fire extinguishers, causes of fire and fire prevention. The employees were also given practical training by doing hands on exercises with CO2, dry powder, foam, and water fire extinguishers, and using a fire blanket.
The attendees found this training very informative and were issued with a certificate of competency valid for three years.
Philip Vickers has recently been appointed Health & Safety Representative for Mekanika Ltd. Philip over the years with his previous employer Baxter Ltd was involved in various H&S initiatives, in which he led the plant 6S Team.
Philip also gained vast experience working to OHSAS 18001, OHSAS18002, ISO9001, ISO 9002 and TUV Standards. Philip also recently studied the NEBOSH International Diploma in Health and Safety with R.C.C (UK.).
In his role Philip will carry out risk assessments for Mekanika Stores, Workshop and also conduct site inspections, advising the Management as necessary. Also Philip will be coaching employees on H&S Issues, as well as coordinating the disposal of site Waste and Hazardous waste with the relevant authorities, and reporting to the various NGOs in line with EU regulations.
Isn’t it everyone’s right to have peace of mind when buying a new home or when going out and leaving the home unattended? A house is the biggest purchase anyone can ever make and people tend to guard it with their life. They expect full protection, and with the introduction of a 24/7 emergency home support service for all home insurance policyholders, GasanMamo Insurance will give you just that. All home policies with GasanMamo which include buildings cover will automatically be extended free of charge and at no additional cost to cover sudden and unforseen events requiring emergency temporary repairs.
“We are always looking for innovative ways to serve our customers immediately and when the need arises,” said Leslie Causon, General Manager at GasanMamo Insurance. “Through this new service we will provide our customers 24/7 immediate assistance and with the prompt attention that they require at a time when they need us most.”
The GasanMamo 24/7 emergency home support service will cover policyholders against specific events including the sudden or unexpected breakdown or damage of pipes, blocked drains or leaks from sanitary fixtures and fixed water installations; complete failure of the electricity supply within the home resulting from damage to the internal electrical installation; loss of all keys which precludes the insured from entering his home and broken or damaged external windows and doors that result in a security risk.
Added peace of mind for GasanMamo
home insurance policyholders
Using GasanMamo’s 24/7 emergency home support service is very easy. Those policyholders who wish to avail themselves of the service can call GasanMamo’s 24 hour help desk on 77 789 789 where they will be provided with the assistance required. When calling, policyholders will be asked to identify themselves by providing some basic details including their ID card number, insurance policy number and policy expiry date. Further information can be obtained by calling 2134 5123 or by logging onto our Home Insurance page.
New Yamaha models soon in Malta
Yamaha Tricity
The new Tricity three-wheeler scooter was developed as a novice-friendly machine by a Yamaha race engineer - with a little help from his wife.
Each front wheel is connected to two slim telescopic fork legs, one behind the other. One leg on each side is a suspension unit with a spring and damping; the other is hollow; there essentially to prevent twisting. At just 152kg, the Tricity is 17kg lighter than Yamaha’s conventional 125cc scooter the X-Max. It’s compact, with a low seat, but roomy enough even for taller riders. It has a small screen, and fairly generous leg protection.
The liquid-cooled, single-cylinder engine contributes to the Tricity’s ease of use, if not to its sense of excitement. It’s a simple, softly tuned unit with a single overhead camshaft and two valves. Its maximum output is 11bhp, less than the 15bhp produced by the X-Max and Yamaha’s new MT-125 roadster.
It’s a refined powerplant, nevertheless, with crisp fuelling and an efficient automatic transmission system that makes pulling away as simple as twisting the throttle. The Tricity has enough acceleration to beat most traffic away from the lights, and to be fun in town. It brings the stability benefits of three-wheeled scootering to a wider audience, and would make a good choice for an inexperienced rider.
Yamaha X-MAX 250
The New Yamaha X-Max 250 mixes the comfort of a scooter with the performances of a 250 cc engine.
Its single cylinder, liquid-cooled, 4-stroke, SOHC unit delivers a maximum output of 15 KW at 7,500 rpm and 21 Nm at 6,000 rpm and is kept under control by a V-belt automatic transmission. The scooter is built on a lightweight sports frame which was especially designed to deliver first class ride and handling abilities. As far as wheels are concerned, the Yamaha X-Max sits on 15 inch front and 14 inch rear wheels wrapped in 120/70-15 and 140/70-14 tyres, respectively.
Needless to say, you also get a spacious under seat storage place that can accommodate two full-face helmets. The scooter is also equipped with latest contoured dual seat designed by the company which features an inbuilt rider backrest.
The GasanMamo branch in Sliema has been reopened following a major refurbishment and is the latest of a series of investments that the company is making in its operations to further enhance their customer’s experience. The Sliema branch, one of the first GasanMamo branches in Malta, now offers an enhanced layout which features new office spaces together with the very latest technology and an upgraded IT system.
“The newly refurbished branch is now even better equipped to serve our clients more efficiently,” said Mark Mamo, General Manager at GasanMamo Insurance. “We want to make sure that our clients enjoy the experience when they visit one of our outlets.” To celebrate the newly opened branch we also gave our customers a nice treat. The Sliema branch situated at Il-Pjazzetta, Tower Road offers continuous service from Monday to Friday between 8.00am to 12.30pm and 3.30pm to 7pm as well as on Saturday between 8.30am and 12.00pm and can be reached on +356 21 342 211.
GasanMamo reopens its upgraded branch in
Sliema
Mekanika has recently been awarded the project for the design and build of the Midi T14 Office Block. In this €23M project, Mekanika will be the lead contractor of a Joint Venture ‘FSJV’ between Mekanika, JS Dimech, Ballut Blocks and Halmann Vella. Project completion is June 2016 and the contract value for Mekanika scope of works is €7M.
New Contract awarded to Mekanika
For many 18 to 24 year olds, getting insured and paying for their car insurance is seen as an extra burden, even though statistically they are within the age bracket when they need car insurance the most. GasanMamo Insurance, the leading motor insurer in Malta is launching a first to the market, a new scheme which will give those in the 18 to 24 age bracket an instant 65% discount on their car insurance and the independence and freedom of having their car insurance in their own names whilst earning their own no claims discount from day one.
“We know how difficult it is for younger people to get insured and how most issue the policy in a parent’s name so that they can benefit from their no claims discount and pay a cheaper premium,” said Francis Valletta, General Manager at GasanMamo Insurance. “We have always been at the forefront in the insurance industry
GasanMamo Gives 65% Discount
Straight off Car Insurance
and through the introduction of this scheme, a first on the Maltese Islands, we are giving young drivers the freedom of having their own car insured in their own name at a discounted premium whilst reassuring parents by giving them some peace of mind by rewarding their children for good driving.”
Drivers between 18 and 24 years old who apply for this new scheme will get a 65% discount by simply installing a telematics device, which records the speed and distance covered by the vehicle. This information will be used to score driving performance and all a driver needs to do is to maintain a healthy score by driving cautiously. The current score can be accessed by the driver at any point in time via a website and the driver will also be alerted when points are deducted. Further information on the scheme can be obtained by visiting www.boosh.com.mt or one
Ingredients
• 1/2 cup shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
• 2 tablespoons prepared pesto
• 2 tablespoons plus 2/3 cup fine breadcrumbs, preferably
whole-wheat, divided
• 4 bone-in pork chops, 1/2-3/4 inch thick (about 2 pounds),
trimmed
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper
• 2 large egg whites
• 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 lemon wedges
Pesto & Mozzarella Stuffed Pork
Preparation
1. Combine garam masala, turmeric, salt and crushed red pepper (if using) in a small bowl. Cut tofu into 1-inch cubes and blot dry with paper towels. Toss the tofu in a medium bowl with 1 tablespoon of the spice mixture.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the tofu and cook, stirring every 2 minutes, until browned, 8 to 10 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 425°F.
2. Combine mozzarella, pesto and 2 tablespoons breadcrumbs in a small bowl.
3. Cut a horizontal slit in each pork chop along the side opposite the bone, nearly through to the opposite side, so it forms a “pocket.” Stuff each chop with the cheese mixture (about 2 tablespoons each).
4. Combine flour, salt and pepper in a shallow bowl. Whisk egg whites in another shallow bowl. Place the remaining 2/3 cup breadcrumbs in a third shallow bowl. 5. Dredge each pork chop first in the flour, shaking off the excess, then dip in egg white to coat. Coat on both sides with breadcrumbs, pressing to help the crumbs stick.
6. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2 pork chops and cook, turning once, until golden brown, 1 to 2 minutes per side. 7. Transfer the pork chops to a baking sheet. Wipe out the pan and repeat with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and 2 chops.
8. Transfer the baking sheet to the oven and bake until the pork chops are cooked through, 12 to 15 minutes. Serve with lemon wedges.
Vegetarian Tikka Masala
Ingredients
• 3 tablespoons garam masala
• 1 teaspoon ground turmeric
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
• 2 14-ounce packages extra-firm or firm tofu
• 1 tablespoon canola oil plus 2 teaspoons, divided
• 1 large red bell pepper, quartered and sliced
• 1 large onion, halved and sliced
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon flour
• 1 28-ounce can diced tomatoes
• 1/3 cup half-and-half
