300 year old Naxxar Mill has been fully restored to its original state

Apr 23 2023

After an extensive restoration project, The Mill of Naxxar, was officially inaugurated by the Local Council of Naxxar and the Minister for Public Works and Planning Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, alongside the Parliamentary Secretary for European Funds Chris Bonett.

The Mill, which was built more than 300 years ago, has been fully restored to its original state, providing the residents of Naxxar with a new attraction to enjoy.

The restoration was carried out with an investment of €1.5 million from various sources, including the Planning Authority and the European Fund for Regional Development.

During the inauguration, Minister Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi highlighted the importance of preserving Maltese cultural heritage, stating that the conservation of such heritage is a mission for all.

Parliamentary Secretary Chris Bonett also spoke at the inauguration, highlighting the significance of the restoration project for the locality of Naxxar. He stated that the mill will serve as an attraction for both Maltese and tourists, estimating that it will attract around 3,900 visitors annually.

The Mayor of Naxxar, Anne Marie Muscat Fenech Adami, praised the restoration project, stating that it has restored the mill to its original state and has also created a cultural center and tourist attraction in the community.

#MaltaDaily

Three individuals arrested in Zabbar for excessive amount of cannabis plants and cocaine

Apr 23 2023

The Malta Police Force conducted inspections in several locations in Ħaz-Żabbar in relation to drugs, which resulted in the arrest of three individuals, including two men and a woman.

The first arrest was made at a residence in Triq Santa Marija where the police discovered several capsules containing cocaine, with a street value of approximately €8,000, along with a bag of cannabis, suspected to be for trafficking. A 25-year-old man and a 20-year-old woman were taken into custody from this location.

The second arrest was made at a residence in Triq Santa Klara, where the police discovered an excessive amount of cannabis plants, along with cannabis herb ready for use, which exceeded the legal limit for possession. A 20-year-old man from Wied il-Għajn was taken into custody for drug trafficking.

While another search was conducted at an establishment in Triq ix-Xgħaira, it produced no results.

The three arrested individuals are currently being held in the Floriana lock-up for further investigation, and they are expected to be brought to court in the coming days. Meanwhile, investigations are still ongoing.

#MaltaDaily

Marigold Foundation and parents of children with Autism mark World Autism Month

Apr 22 2023

April is World Autism Month and The Marigold Foundation, joined the rest of the International Autism community to mark World Autism Month by symbolically lighting up blue The Meeting Place… a space inspired and created for people on the spectrum amongst others.

This year’s European-wide awareness raising campaign theme, led by Autism Europe ‘Building an inclusive society for autistic people’, provides an opportunity to reflect on the advances made so far for the autism community and the work that remains to improve the lives of autistic people.

Addressing the event, Chair of The Marigold Foundation, Global Ambassador of Autism Speaks and Honorary Chairperson of APA, Michelle Muscat referred to this year’s European theme which amongst others raises awareness about the need to create spaces where persons on the spectrum feel comfortable and can frequent.

Muscat said that in fact this year this event is being held precisely in a space which was inspired by people on the spectrum and which today is fully utilized by people on the spectrum too amongst others, therefore providing an opportunity for their full inclusivity in the community.

Michelle Muscat said that on both local level and European level it is now high time that people on the spectrum are looked at holistically so that they can truly have a fulfilling journey through life where services needed are available for every stage.

The music literary evening at The Meeting Place celebrated the many talents that Maltese youths on the spectrum have. In fact the event was animated by fifteen year old Master Daniel Pisani who composed a Key transformation for the occasion.

Eleven-year old Beppe Caruana presented his fourth book in Maltese, which was read out to the audience present.

Thirteen year old Laura Abela read the poem ‘My Love Language by Tina Bryant whilst 20 year old Mariah Micallef performed one of her favourite music pop songs.

Against the lighting up blue background, the band ‘Different Minds’ closed the event with their new released song ‘Different Not Less’, written by one of their guitarists who is a parent to an autistic 17 year old.

Addressing this symbolic occasion was Mr. Omar Farrugia President of the Association of Parents of Children with Autism who thanked The Marigold Foundation for their support and their work of advocacy to the cause.

If you would like to donate to help spread more awareness on autism and help more families who have members on the spectrum, you can do so by:

Calling +356 5170 2052 to donate €15

Calling +356 5180 2053 to donate €25

Sending an SMS to +356 5061 9238 to donate €11.65

OR BOV mobile pay, +356 9991 2373 to donate any amount

#MaltaDaily

Malta develops multi-drone system to enhance divers’ safety at sea

Apr 22 2023

The Institute for Aerospace Technologies at the University of Malta and Divers Code have developed the world’s first multi-drone system to enhance divers’ safety at sea. The BEA project was made possible by a €200,000 investment from the Malta Council for Science and Technology (MCST), which is aimed at mitigating the risk of diving accidents through a system of drones.

The multi-drone system consists of a Remotely Operated Underwater Vehicle (ROV), a floating platform, and an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV). While the ROV follows the diver, the floating platform acts as a resting platform and also hosts critical support and first aid kit. It acts as the communication link between the underwater ROV and the hovering drone. On the other hand, the drone detects boats and relays the message, ensuring that it is safe for the diver to surface.

Keith Azzopardi Tanti, the Parliamentary Secretary for Youth, Research, and Innovation, emphasized the importance of technology in improving people’s lives and growing the economy in local and international markets. He highlighted the government’s commitment to research and innovation, particularly in the maritime sector, to achieve the goals set for the Smart Specialisation strategy. He also expressed his pride in the Malta Council for Science and Technology, which continues to support and incentivize more projects for the benefit of society.

Dr. Tonio Portughese, MCST Chairman, added that such projects contribute not only to economic growth but also to improving the quality of the products that Malta offers, particularly in the tourism sector. He emphasized that the tourism sector is a significant pillar of Malta’s economy and includes niche tourism, with over 5% of visitors coming to the island for diving, where the clear waters and unique diving sites, many with great historical value, are available.

Dr. Robert Camilleri, the BEA project coordinator, highlighted the importance of research on collaboration between drones, given the increasing role they play in many aspects of our lives.

The BEA project is financed by the Malta Council for Science and Technology through the FUSION: R&I Technology Development Programme. It represents a significant step forward in enhancing the safety of divers at sea, as well as in promoting Malta’s position as a leader in innovative research and development. With continued support from the government and other stakeholders, such projects will continue to pave the way for further advances in technology, research, and innovation, benefiting not only the economy but also the wider society.

#MaltaDaily