3 Protected Birds Shot Illegally Get Second Chance In Sicily

Dec 15 2023

On December 5, 2023, BirdLife Malta successfully released three protected birds— a European Honey-buzzard, a Greater Flamingo, and a Western Marsh-harrier— at LIPU’s Saline Di Priolo Nature Reserve in Sicily.

These birds, victims of illegal shooting during Malta’s ongoing autumn hunting season, were rehabilitated after concerned members of the public reported and assisted in their rescue.

The release is part of BirdLife Malta’s broader effort to protect and rehabilitate shot birds, with up to 53 birds recovered since the season commenced in September, including those ringed or tracked from countries like Finland, Czechia, and Latvia, targeted illegally.

The release marked the second attempt in recent years by BirdLife Malta, featuring, for the first time, a flamingo and a Honey-buzzard. The decision to release these rehabilitated birds in Sicily followed the October incident where a GPS-tracked Honey-buzzard, released on Comino, lost transmission while attempting to migrate south over Birżebbuġa.

Nicholas Barbara, BirdLife Malta’s Head of Conservation, emphasized the risks of Malta’s illegal hunting season, prompting the decision to release the birds in Sicily for a higher chance of survival.

The initiative involved two and a half months of rehabilitation, veterinary assistance, and collaboration with Virtu Ferries Ltd. and LIPU’s Saline Di Priolo.

#MaltaDaily

Car Catches Fire In Road Up To Kordin Prison

Dec 15 2023

The road up to Kordin Prison in Paola has been temporarily shut down to traffic following an incident this morning where a small car caught fire.

The incident, which occurred at approximately 10:30 am, prompted a rapid response from officers and CPD officials dispatched to the location to combat the blaze.

As of now, there is no confirmation regarding the presence of individuals in the vehicle at the time or if there are any reported injuries arising from the incident.

Maltese Road Traffic Updates indicate that, despite rapid reaction by officials, the road leading to Kordin Prison was closed at 11 am.

More details to emerge as story develops.

#MaltaDaily

55.6% Of Tertiary Graduates In 2022 Were Women

Dec 15 2023

In 2022, the total number of tertiary-level graduates decreased by 2.2%, amounting to 5,472 individuals. The majority, 58.5%, achieved qualifications at ISCED Level 6 (Bachelor’s or equivalent), followed by 33.1% at ISCED Level 7 (Master’s or equivalent).

Females comprised 55.6% of tertiary graduates, outnumbering males across all levels except for ISCED 8 (PhD equivalent).

Most tertiary-level graduates fell within the 20 to 29 age group, constituting 72.0% of the total. Among the graduates, 74.4% completed full-time programs.

The number of foreign graduates increased by 10.6 percentage points, totaling 24.8% of all tertiary graduates in 2022. EU citizens (excluding Maltese) represented the majority of foreign graduates, accounting for 57.8%.

The most popular field of study among tertiary graduates was ‘Business, administration, and law,’ making up 34.6%, followed by ‘Health and welfare’ at 19.6%. In contrast, ‘Agriculture, forestry, fisheries, and veterinary’ constituted the least popular field at 0.3%.

In terms of STEM qualifications, 15.4% of graduates attained degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, with a slight increase in female STEM graduates and a decrease in male STEM graduates compared to the previous year. Full NSO report here.

#MaltaDaily

Brooklyn Nine Nine Cast Mourn Andre Braugher’s Passing

Dec 15 2023

The cast of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” mourns the death of Andre Braugher, known for his iconic role as Captain Raymond Holt.

Stephanie Beatriz, who portrayed Rosa Diaz, shared a poignant video of a scene where Braugher’s Captain Holt comforts her character as she came out.

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A post shared by Stephanie Beatriz (@stephaniebeatriz)

Terry Crews, Terry Jeffords on the show, expressed disbelief, honoring Braugher’s wisdom and friendship over the eight glorious years they shared.

Dirk Blocker and Joel McKinnon Miller, Hitchcock and Scully on the series, acknowledged Braugher’s immense talent and expressed devastation.

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A post shared by Melissa Fumero (@melissafumero)

Chelsea Peretti, Gina Linetti on the show, posted a photo, expressing love and noting the deep impact Braugher had on her. Melissa Fumero, Amy Santiago, shared behind-the-scenes photos, reminiscing about deep conversations and Braugher’s laugh.

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A post shared by Terry Crews (@terrycrews)

Joe Lo Truglio, Charles Boyle, highlighted Braugher’s commitment to family and shared a favorite memory of the actor’s singing on set.

The cast collectively conveyed their grief over the loss of a beloved colleague, emphasizing Braugher’s irreplaceable talent, kindness, and the significant role he played in their lives.

#MaltaDaily