61 Contraventions Issued As Transport Malta Cracks Down on Road Safety

Jul 7 2023

In pursuit of road safety, Transport Malta has unleashed a crackdown on traffic violations and the latest operation took place in San Pawl il-Baħar.

During these inspections, a staggering total of 228 vehicles were subjected to scrutiny, with the majority of them being Y-plate vehicles, accounting for a whopping 201. With no room for leniency, authorities meticulously scoured each vehicle, determined to uncover any breaches of traffic regulations.

The results were astounding, as 61 contraventions were issued to errant drivers.

To complement their stringent enforcement efforts, Transport Malta has also launched an educational campaign aimed at raising awareness about traffic regulations.

The repercussions of these inspections were not limited to mere penalties, as three vehicles were seized in the process.

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Cockroach or Divine Vision? Viral Photo Sparks Heated Debate!

Jul 7 2023

In a bizarre turn of events, the unlikeliest of creatures has become the center of a heated debate: the cockroach! Renowned exterminator and self-proclaimed cockroach enthusiast, Arnold Sciberras, took to Facebook to share his thoughts on these creepy crawlies, but little did he know that his post would ignite a firestorm of controversy.

Sciberras, known as “The Exterminator,” is no stranger to dealing with these notorious insects. In his Facebook status, he unabashedly expressed his love for the critters, with a quirky twist that only he could muster. “Cockroaches, who loves them right? (apart from me :)),” he wrote. While his affection for these pests may raise some eyebrows, it was his subsequent statements that truly captured the public’s attention.

With temperatures soaring, Sciberras claimed that discussions about cockroaches had reached a fever pitch. He lamented how exaggerated stories about these tiny creatures were only further bolstering their reputation as monstrous villains with sinister agendas. But it was one particular incident that sucked him into a sweet debate, one that piqued his naturalist curiosity.

According to Sciberras, a local photographer named Jonathan Frank captured a remarkable image near St. Paul Bay Church. It featured a freshly moulted adult American cockroach, its light-coloured exoskeleton shimmering under a unique combination of lighting and lens reflections. The resulting image, Sciberras claimed, bore an uncanny resemblance to a woman riding on the wings of the insect.

This discovery sparked widespread curiosity and intense debate, with some enthusiasts insisting that the image was none other than a divine apparition of the religious Virgin Mary herself. But Sciberras, ever the naturalist, was quick to dismiss such claims. While he acknowledged the special circumstances surrounding the photo, he maintained that it was merely a fascinating coincidence, a product of nature’s quirky sense of humor.

In his defense, Sciberras highlighted the fact that numerous insects display peculiar shapes and features that resemble human faces or even other animals. It seems Mother Nature loves to play tricks on us, leaving us astonished by the fascinating world of insects.

As the debate rages on, believers and skeptics clash in a battle of interpretations. Is it truly a divine message or just a whimsical play of light and shadows?

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9 out of every 10 people think corruption is widespread in Malta

Jul 7 2023

In a bombshell revelation, a recent survey has exposed the shocking reality of corruption plaguing European nations in 2023. Startling statistics have emerged, indicating that a significant portion of Europeans find corruption to be an acceptable practice, while an overwhelming majority believes their countries are riddled with this insidious menace.

92% of people in Malta believe that corruption is widespread across the entire nation whilst the EU average stands at 70%.

The survey, conducted across several European Union member states, reveals a disconcerting truth: 64% of Europeans unequivocally deem corruption to be unacceptable. However, a concerning 27% of respondents see nothing wrong with offering gifts or doing favours to secure favours from public administrations or services. Even more alarming, 16% of those surveyed find it acceptable to provide monetary bribes for the same purpose.

The widespread perception of corruption’s prevalence is deeply distressing, as a staggering seven out of ten respondents believe their respective countries are plagued by this societal scourge. Furthermore, a shocking 74% of participants suspect corruption to be deeply entrenched within their national public institutions, while an equally concerning 73% perceive corruption to infest local or regional public entities.

The survey sheds light on the worrisome nexus between business and politics, with a resounding 78% of participants agreeing that close ties between these realms foster corruption. Additionally, 60% believe that corruption is deeply ingrained in their country’s business culture, painting a bleak picture of the ethical landscape. To make matters worse, 57% concur that political connections are the only pathway to success in their nation’s business sector.

Perhaps one of the most distressing revelations is the lack of knowledge and resources available to combat corruption effectively. Astonishingly, 54% of respondents confessed to being oblivious about where to report incidents of corruption. However, there were notable exceptions, with participants from Malta (63%) and Slovenia (62%) exhibiting a higher awareness of the reporting channels. Conversely, citizens from Poland (32%) and Hungary (33%) were least knowledgeable about reporting mechanisms.

The survey unearths disheartening reasons behind the reluctance to report corruption. Approximately 47% of respondents cite the difficulty in proving corruption as a significant hindrance, deterring them from speaking out. Three in ten participants express disillusionment, believing that reporting corruption would be futile, as those responsible are unlikely to face consequences. Furthermore, almost as many (28%) express concern about the lack of protection for whistleblowers, creating an environment of fear and impunity.

Regrettably, citizens exhibit a pervasive pessimism about their governments’ efforts to combat corruption. A mere 35% believe that anti-corruption measures are impartially implemented without ulterior motives. Additionally, only 32% feel that successful prosecutions occur frequently enough to deter corrupt practices. An alarming 30% express doubts regarding their national government’s effectiveness in combating corruption. The survey also highlights citizens’ concerns about the transparency and supervision of political party financing, with a mere 29% believing that sufficient oversight exists in their countries.

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Parliament Discussing The Possibility Of A Public Enquiry Into The Tragic Loss Of Jean Paul Sofia

Jul 7 2023

Posting on social media, Jean Paul Sofia’s mum, Isabelle, has once again asked why are her questions not being answered. The video was filmed outside Parliament, yesterday evening, before Parliament discussed the possibility of a Public Enquiry into the tragic loss of Jean Paul Sofia.

The debate took center stage in Parliament, with emotions running high and family members of the deceased present to witness the proceedings. During the Parliament debate the government spoke against the opposition’s demand for a public inquiry into the tragic death of Jean Paul Sofia, proposing instead a speedy magisterial inquiry.

The Nationalist Party, proposed that the inquiry be appointed by a two-thirds majority in Parliament and that its proceedings be conducted transparently, allowing the public to witness the inquiry through live streaming. Furthermore, they emphasised the importance of providing the inquiry with ample resources to carry out its investigations effectively.

The government, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, proposed an amendment that omitted any reference to a public inquiry. Instead, the amendment called on the investigating magistrate, Marsanne Farrugia, to expedite her inquiry as swiftly as possible. Prime Minister Abela expressed his dissatisfaction with the lack of charges against any party involved, despite seven months passing since the construction collapse.

PN Leader Bernard Grech argued that a public inquiry could prevent future tragedies of this nature. He drew attention to the case of Miriam Pace, where a public inquiry could have potentially saved Jean Paul Sofia’s life. Grech accused those opposing the public inquiry of turning their backs not only on the grieving family but also on potential victims of future construction accidents.

Nationalist MP Jerome Caruana Cilia opened the discussion with a heartfelt appeal to fellow lawmakers, urging them to support the Nationalist Party’s motion for a comprehensive public inquiry.

Construction minister, Stefan Zrinzo Azzopardi, asserted that the government is actively working on improving the construction industry. He outlined several reforms, including revisions to the licensing system for builders and the restructuring of the Occupational Health and Safety Authority, all aimed at enhancing safety and preventing future accidents.

A vote on the matter is expected to be taken in Parliament before the summer recess.

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