30 year old Bobi breaks record for oldest living dog ever

Feb 4 2023

Bobi, a purebred Rafeiro do Alentejo canine, has just been recognized as the world’s oldest dog by Guinness World Records.

Bobi was born in Portugal on May 11, 1992, and is now 30 years and 268 days old. The breed of livestock guardian dogs typically have a life expectancy of 12 to 14 years, making Bobi’s longevity all the more remarkable.

Bobi was certified the new record holder just two weeks after Spike, a chihuahua from Ohio in the US, was awarded the title.

The Portuguese government’s pet database and the National Union of Veterinarians confirmed his official birth date to earn him the title.

The previous oldest dog on record was an Australian cattle dog named Bluey, who lived to be 29 years and five months old. Bobi has lived his entire life with the Costa family in the rural village of Conqueiros in Leiria, Portugal.

The family attributes Bobi’s long life to the peaceful and calm environment, far from cities, and his diet of home-cooked food. He has reportedly never been confined to a leash or chain.

Due to his age, Bobi’s eyesight has declined, and he now spends most of his time relaxing by the fire. The Costa family sees Bobi as a reminder of their loved ones who have passed away, making his story all the more remarkable and special.

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Trinity College honours President Metsola for outstanding role in politics

Feb 4 2023

Roberta Metsola, President of the European Parliament, was awarded the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage during her official visit to Ireland.

This prestigious award, given by the University Philosophical Society at Trinity College, recognises exceptional contributions to the world of arts and culture. Previous recipients include US President Joe Biden, Angela Merkel, and Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon.

In her acceptance speech, President Metsola expressed her pride and gratitude for the award and dedicated it to the European Parliament. She also emphasised the importance of European values such as freedom, democracy, equality, and justice.

During her acceptance speech, President Metsola said, “I am so proud to be elected by your Council to receive the Gold Medal of Honorary Patronage this year, which I graciously accept on behalf of the European Parliament – an institution that is there to be your voice.

And this recognition gives me faith, that the actions that we have carried out in the last year are worthy of your trust. I will do my utmost to continue to repay your faith.”

The President’s visit to Ireland was significant as it marked the 50th anniversary of Ireland’s membership in the European Union. During her visit, President Metsola addressed the Oireachtas, met with Irish leaders, answered questions from young Irish students, and paid homage to the late investigative journalist Veronica Guerin at the Dublin Castle Gardens.

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Moviment Graffiti reissue calls for effective construction reforms

Feb 4 2023

Speaking to MaltaDaily, Moviment Graffiti activist and representative Chrstine Cassar said that the group has long called for reforms to take place in the construction sector to avoid further deaths such as that of Jean Paul Sofia.

One of the reforms, Cassar said, would be the creation of a license list of contractors which is not managed by the contractors themselves and further enforcement of such regulations.

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Cassar also highlighted how the victims of the families are the ones who can truly speak out about the pain experienced from losing a loved one to such recklessness.

The speeches given at the vigil speak to the tragedy themselves, said Cassar, as she encouraged the relevant authorities to take responsibility and address the issue with immediacy.

The vigil also commemorated the deaths of victims of construction recklessness from 2017 till today.

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Vigil for Jean Paul Sofia commemorates victims of construction

Feb 4 2023

A vigil held in front of the Ministry for Public Works and Planning by various members of the Maltese public and other activist groups commemorated the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia, which occurred exactly 2 months ago from today.

The vigil also commemorated the deaths of victims of construction from 2017 till today.

Speaking at the vigil, Paul Vella, the son of another construction victim after their house collapsed, said that nothing has taken place to ensure that this does not happen again.

“The authorities wash their hands from these cases” he said. “You end up in court and you never know when it will end. I have waited for 23 years. The case was closed a year ago, but the accused have not yet paid their due.”

Speaking at the vigil, Maya, Jean Paul Sofia’s cousin, said that there is a need for urgent change, effective enforcement and harsh penalties. “We cannot let chaos and recklessness continue” she said.

Speaking on behalf of Moviment Graffiti, Christine Cassar said that all these deaths could have easily been avoided. She also expressed disappointment at the fact that no one has been arraigned in court over Jean Paul’s death as of yet.

“We demand a public inquiry so that we can know the truth” said Cassar. “We are fed up as political representatives say a lot of things but do nothing in practice.”

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