21 Constables Promoted To Sergeant After 14 Week Course

Dec 12 2024

In a ceremony held at the Malta Police Force Headquarters in Floriana, 21 Constables were officially promoted to the rank of Sergeant.

This comes after their completion of a 14 week course at the Academy of Disciplined Forces.

‘During his address, Police Commissioner Mr Angelo Gafà, emphasized the importance of four core values enshrined in the Malta Police Code of Ethics: Impartiality, Integrity, Respect and Leadership.’

“You are now change agents and from this day forward, you have the opportunity to be visionary leaders who inspire and motivate your colleagues. The rank of Sergeant carries with it great responsibility, so place our clients at the heart of your operations, and be accountable, fair, honest, and service-oriented towards the public”, said Commissioner Gafà.

Congratulations to all!

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Demolition Of Fort Chambray Barracks Approved By PA

Dec 12 2024

The Planning Authority (PA) has approved the controversial demolition of the British barracks at Fort Chambray as part of a redevelopment plan that includes a 5-star hotel, residential units, and commercial spaces.

The project, submitted by developer Michael Caruana on behalf of Fort Chambray Ltd., also includes 105 residential units, a 64-room aparthotel, and 50 apartments.

The two planning applications were approved with a 5-2 vote, with Mario Borg from the Gozo Regional Development Authority and NGO representative Romano Cassar opposing the decision.

Despite over a thousand objections from local groups, including Din l-Art Ħelwa and Moviment Graffitti, the PA approved the plans after no objections were raised by internal consultees, such as the Superintendence of Cultural Heritage.

Critics argue that the project risks damaging the historic site, especially with plans to relocate the barracks facade. The Malta committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) stated that the proposal does not meet conservation standards.

Fort Chambray has been a subject of controversy for over three decades, with the current redevelopment marking a continuation of plans initiated in the 1990s.

NGO il-Kollettiv criticized the PA for prioritising development over heritage preservation and for scheduling the decision before a public holiday.

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Time Magazine Name Donald Trump Person Of The Year

Dec 12 2024

Donald Trump has been named Time magazine’s 2024 “Person of the Year.”

This is the second time Trump has earned the prestigious title, the first being in 2016 after his election as U.S. president.

In its announcement, Time highlighted Trump’s potential to reshape both the United States and the world, writing, “If what comes next is anything like what he promises, Trump will reshape the nation and the world.”

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Last year, Taylor Swift took the honour, while previous recipients included figures such as Volodymyr Zelensky and the “spirit of Ukraine” in 2022, and Elon Musk in 2021.

Kamala Harris, who has been a key political rival to Trump, shared the title with President Joe Biden in 2020.

While the title is often a celebration of influential figures, Time’s history of selections has not been without controversy, with past honourees including figures like Adolf Hitler, Joseph Stalin, and Ayatollah Khomeini.

What’s your take on this?

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Launch Of The 2025 Arts Awards

Dec 12 2024

Minister for National Heritage, the Arts, and Local Government Owen Bonnici officially launched the 2025 Arts Awards during an event that included participation from past winners and other distinguished guests.

The biennial Arts Awards celebrate exceptional achievements in Malta’s cultural and creative sectors, aiming to recognise excellence while fostering diversity and professionalism.

Recent editions of the awards have introduced notable structural updates to better reflect the evolving arts landscape.

In his address, Minister Bonnici highlighted the significance of the event, describing it as “a prestigious platform that honours Malta’s cultural and creative industries and underscores the vital role of artistic expression in contemporary life.”

He emphasised the transformative nature of the awards’ new structure, which builds on prior successes while aligning more closely with cultural rights principles.

He added, “These awards reaffirm our commitment to delivering on our electoral promises by creating opportunities to celebrate Malta’s diverse cultural heritage and strengthen the sector through tangible actions.”

Albert Marshall, Executive Chairman of Arts Council Malta, reiterated the awards’ importance, stating, “The Arts Awards provide a vital opportunity for artists, organisations, and cultural practitioners to gain national recognition for their outstanding contributions.

This initiative aligns with our 2025 Strategy to elevate the status of those in the creative field and to inspire new ideas in a dynamic cultural landscape.”

The 2025 edition features 14 competitive categories honouring accomplishments in areas such as theatre, dance, visual arts, artistic programming, and multidisciplinary projects. Five finalists will be chosen per category.

Certain categories—including Best Work for Young Audiences, Best Community Project, Best International Achievements, and Best Creative and Innovative Enterprise—will include a public voting component, which will contribute 25% to the final score. Each individual can cast one vote using their ID card number.

Additionally, the event will present four non-competitive honours: the Lifetime Achievement Award, Cultural Promoters Award, Artistic Heritage Award, and the prestigious Arts Ambassador Award, presented every four years.

Projects completed between September 1, 2023, and August 31, 2025, are eligible for nomination. Submissions must be made online at premju.mt by noon on September 19, 2025.

For further details on the awards and nomination process, visit artscouncil.mt or premju.mt

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