11,000 people crossed between Malta and Gozo by end of last week

May 17 2022

Between Friday 13th and Sunday 15th May 2022, 11,000 people crossed between Malta and Gozo using the Gozo Channel ferries.

The statistics were revealed by Gozo Channel chairman Joe Cordina in comments to ONE News. He went on to explain that as the weeks go by, the number of people using the ferries is only set to increase.

More and more people are travelling between the two sister islands every weekend. Comparing the numbers to pre-pandemic levels, Cordina forecasted that the numbers will skyrocket given that carnival will be celebrated this upcoming weekend.

The next few months will be very positive for the tourism sector in Gozo as Malta reopens fully to an influx of travellers after two years of lockdowns and restrictions. Cordina said that the positive atmosphere of tourist influx can already be felt by the owners of restaurants and hotels.

Joe Muscat, the Chief Executive for the Gozitan Tourism Association, confirmed the sentiments as well, saying that every weekend is seeing an increase in tourists travelling to the island and stimulating the economy.

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Motorcyclist sustains serious injuries after traffic incident in Xewkija

May 17 2022

A 63-year-old motorcyclist has sustained serious injuries after colliding with a Mistubishi Pajero in Triq is-Tessuti, Xewkija, Gozo.

The incident took place at 9:40AM on Tuesday, with preliminary investigations conducted by the Malta Police Force revealing that the Yamah 250 motorcycle was driven by the 63-year-old man from Xagħra and the Mitsubishi Pajero with which the motorcyclist collided driven by a 66-year-old Sannat resident.

The motorcyclist was given immediate medical assistance, taken to the Gozo General Hospital via ambulance where he was certified to have sustained serious injuries.

An inquiry into the incident has been opened, with police magistrate Dr Simone Grech appointing a number of experts to assist in the case.

Police investigations are currently under way.

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Meet the first openly gay UK male professional footballer: Jake Daniels

May 17 2022

Jake Daniels has just come out as the first openly gay male professional footballer in Britain. He said that he felt ready to be himself after ‘such a long time of lying’ about who he is.

The 17-year-old Blackpool forward told Sky Sports News that for a long time he thought he would have to hide his truth because he wanted to become a footballer, and managed.

‘I asked myself if I should wait until I’ve retired to come out. No other player in the professional game here is out’ he said. ‘However, I knew that would lead to a long time of lying and not being able to be myself or lead the life I want to.’

‘Since I’ve come out to my family, my club and my teammates, that period of overthinking everything and the stress it created has gone. It was impacting my mental health.’

The striker signed a professional contract with the club in February, scoring 30 goals for the under-19s this season. He made his first team debut earlier this month, on the last season game.

He revealed that he knew he was gay since the age of around five or six, but feared that his sexuality wasn’t compatible with his dream of becoming a professional footballer. ‘I’ve had girlfriends in the past to try and make all my mates think I’m straight, and it was just a massive cover-up. So it has been a struggle.’

The Professional Footballers Association (PFA) commended Daniels, saying that they are extremely proud of Jake. ‘He has the complete support of everyone at the PFA.’

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Traffic in Paola after large metal coils fall off truck & into street

May 17 2022

Photos sent to this newsroom shows what seem to be large bundles of large metal coils having collapsed onto Triq Kordin, Paola near the locality’s MCAST building.

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The wire seemingly fell off a truck carrying the coils after they unravelled off the spindle, causing a bit of traffic due to the incident. The truck seemed to have dropped the coils after getting a puncture in one of the tires. Police were seemingly on site, directing traffic and assisting workers to remove the hazard.

More information as it emerges.

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