37.8mm Of Rain In September: Dry Start To Autumn

Oct 16 2024

Following a wet and stormy August, the Maltese Islands welcomed the meteorological autumn in September with weather conditions that were both drier and warmer than the climatic norm.

In fact, the Meteorological Office reported just 37.8 mm of rain throughout the month, with this total falling 21.4 mm short of the climatic norm.

The wettest day was 23rd September, when 11.8 mm of rain fell within a span of a few hours. With less than one hour of sunshine recorded, this was also confirmed to be the dullest day of the month. In contrast to the monthly average of four storms, no lightning storms impacted the Maltese Islands during September.

During this month, the high humidity, combined with calm conditions and clear skies, contributed to fog forming on two days.

The average air temperature for the month stood at 25.5°C, slightly exceeding the climatic norm for September of 24.9°C.

The hottest day was the 5th, when the air temperature peaked at 34.2°C, while the lowest recorded temperature was 18.1°C on 15th September.

The sea temperature was also above average, reaching 27.2°C at the surface. Additionally, September was slightly windier than usual, with an average wind speed of 8.4 knots.

The strongest gust, recorded on the morrow of Victory Day, reached 38 knots blowing from a west-south-westerly direction.

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Priest Lambasts Constant Construction Noice Outside University

Oct 16 2024

Fr Patrick Magro took to social media to express his frustration over the constant noise from nearby construction work just outside the University of Malta.

In a live video, Fr Magro, the chaplain at the University chapel, speaks over the deafening sounds of construction, highlighting the negative impact on students’ and the community’s health.

He explains that the Jesuit community at Dar Manwel Magri, where he resides, endures this noise all day, every day. The residence, located opposite the former Mireva bookshop, now faces an 11-storey hotel under construction.

Ironically, the University Health and Wellness Centre is situated just behind the noisy development.

“Do we have any rights? Do we have to tolerate this every day? It’s harmful to our minds and bodies,” he said.

He also mentioned that university research emphasises the importance of mental health and the need for quiet, green spaces—something severely lacking at the university’s entrance due to the construction.

In a follow up video, Magro says that despite calls to authorities, nothing was done as developers ‘do what they want’ and that ‘politicians are scared of them’.

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Prime Minister Highlights Commitment to Support the Creative Sector

Oct 16 2024

In a recent open forum at Spazju Kreattiv, Prime Minister and Labor Leader Robert Abela emphasized the importance of providing artists, broadcasters, and cultural professionals with the necessary platforms and opportunities to showcase their talents. He reiterated the government’s commitment to listening to the sector’s needs to better direct investments that address existing challenges and enhance the quality of creative output.

The discussion featured contributions from notable figures, including actress Frida Cauchi and director Alan Cassar. Audience members highlighted the necessity for additional incentives, concert venues, and improved coordination between public and private entities in cultural event planning.

Dr. Abela underscored the importance of ongoing dialogue to prioritize the needs of the community. He noted the government’s investments in projects such as MUŻA and MICAS, while acknowledging the need for further efforts in the arts. He also mentioned plans for a Culture Hub and the restoration of historic buildings like Villa Guardamangia. The Prime Minister concluded that these discussions are vital for envisioning the nation’s future growth over the next decade and beyond.

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Up To 2,000 Domestic Abuse Cases In Malta

Oct 16 2024

As of October 3, 2023, Malta’s courts have 1,927 pending domestic violence cases, with 12 additional cases in Gozo, according to parliamentary information.

Justice Minister Jonathan Attard provided these figures in response to a question from PN MP Graziella Attard Previ.

The minister revealed that the furthest scheduled hearing date for a domestic violence case is January 9, 2025, in Gozo, and February 13, 2025, in Malta.

He also mentioned that three magistrates are responsible for handling domestic violence cases in Malta, while one magistrate handles all criminal cases, including domestic violence, in Gozo.

Minister Attard emphasized that the government plans to expand the judiciary by appointing more magistrates to ensure better focus on these cases, noting that in the past, domestic violence cases often got overshadowed by unrelated criminal matters.

He highlighted that during this legislature, the number of domestic violence hearings has risen from two to an average of six to eight per week, with magistrates now concentrating more on domestic violence compilations.

In response to another question, the minister explained that the courts not only hear urgent domestic violence cases but also hold a special session every four weeks for cases flagged by the Multi-Agency Risk Assessment and Management system.

There are sixty-eight (68) police officers working in the Gender-Based and Domestic Violence units at the Police Headquarters and at the division’s hub in Santa Luċija, which began operating for the first time in recent months. They are joined by several other professionals from Aġenzija Appoġġ.

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