832 irregular migrants arrived in Malta by boat in 2021

May 31 2022

Data tabled in parliament this Monday showed that 832 irregular migrants arrived in Malta by boat last year.

Minister for Home Affairs, National Security and Law Enforcement Byron Camilleri tabled the news in parliament in a response to a parliamentary question by Nationalist MP Rebekah Cilia.

More somber statistics showed that 1,971 died or disappeared in the Mediterranean in 2021, with at least 23,000 over the past decade. This was revealed by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees earlier this year.

The authority remarked how despite the Mediterranean being one of the world’s deadliest routes for migration, Maltese authorities are looking away from their duties to protect the lives of asylum seekers.

This follows a boatload of 450 migrants at sea being refused a rescue coordination by Malta. The UNHCR also revealed that Malta has only taken one asylum seeker in 2022.

This news follows the appeals made by Pope Francis during his visit in Malta. During his visit, the Pope had urged the Maltese to welcome migrants and not treat them like statistics.

However, Malta deported a record number of migrants last year. This was also revealed by Minister Camilleri, who had said that the government’s politics is ‘clear’ in that they are fair with those with ‘genuine requests for asylum but hard on abusers.’

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Meet Pebbles: the world’s oldest living dog at 22-years-old

May 31 2022

Toy fox terrier Pebbles has just been crowned the world’s oldest living dog by Guinness World Records on May 17th.

Pebbles has just turned 22 years and 50 days old, and has dethroned TobyKeith, a 21-year-old chihuahua from Florida as the oldest living dog. Pebbles was welcomed into the family of Bobby and Julie Gregory from South Carolina in 2000.

After the pair heard of TobyKeith, the pair reached out to Guinness World Record, figuring that Pebbles was likely older.

Despite her newfound fame, Pebbles’ life hasn’t changed much as she still spends her days sleeping in until five in the afternoon and, get this, listening to country music. Pebbles is also known for her cranky moods, but also loves warm baths, cuddling and cake.

Pebbles is also in excellent health, thanks to a diet catered to her physical needs and ageing. Her family loves her very, very much and treat her like another family member.

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7 historic moments Kinnie has been around for

May 31 2022

No matter which way you look at it, 70 years is quite a long time. It is enough time for something to develop from a bittersweet novelty to an object of national pride and a symbol of Maltese heritage, and that’s exactly what happened with Kinnie.

Characterised by its golden amber colour and now-iconic taste and aroma, the thirst-quenching beverage is an icon of Maltese gastronomy and goes hand in hand with traditional favourites like the classic galletti water crackers & bigilla bean dip . The Mediterranean Classic has been around for as long as we can remember and has lived through a number of historic moments… here are a few of the most iconic ones.

Princess Elizabeth becomes Queen (1952)

On the 6th of February this year, Queen Elizabeth celebrated her Platinum Jubilee, commemorating 70 years since she first succeeded the throne in 1952. In the same year that Princess Elizabeth became Queen, Kinnie hit the local markets, which means that Malta’s king of soft drinks has been around as long as the current Queen of England.

One giant step for mankind (1969)

On July 20, 1969, Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin became the first humans to land on the moon, with Armstrong becoming the first person to walk on it. “That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind;” the quote heard around the world was uttered in Kinnie’s 17th year in the market. The historic moment is just about as ‘out of this world’ as the Maltese beverage’s bittersweet flavour.

The Beatles walk THAT walk (1969)

One of the most famous photos of all time, the artwork for The Beatles’ final album ‘Abbey Road’ is as iconic as it gets. Throughout history, many have theorised what George Harrison, Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr and John Lennon were walking towards as they crossed the London zebra crossing; we just think they were on their way to get some Kinnie.

The Jumpman’s final shot (1998)

An undisputed legend of the game, Michael Jordan’s long and illustrious basketball career culminated with one earth-shaking shot against Utah Jazz in 1988. Jordan’s last shot was a defining moment in his career and, much like Jordan changed the game forever, Malta’s own aromatic blend of orange and herbs made its mark on the beverage market for decades to follow.

The end of Friends (2004)

Arguably one of the greatest series of all time. Much like Kinnie, Friends has been been there for us through the highs and lows of our lives and were it not for the troublesome New York natives, we would have had much less laughs. Thankfully, Kinnie was there to comfort us when the very last episode of Friends aired in 2004.

The birth of the iPhone (2007)

Steve Jobs’ 2007 introduction of the first-generation iPhone is one of the most ground-breaking speeches in commercial history. While the tech company successfully brought together 3 technological components to create a product which made history, the minds behind Kinnie had already blended the essence extracted from oranges with aromatic herbs to create the now-iconic beverage, 55 years prior.

Ye interrupts Taylor (2009)

“I’mma let you finish, but Kinnie is one of the best soft drinks of all time.” The man formerly known as Kanye West’s interruption of Taylor Swift during the 2009 edition of the MTV video music awards is one of the most iconic moments of pop culture history. Despite the public’s animosity towards Kanye’s bold move, all he was doing was making a statement about something he loves, and honestly… we would do the same for Kinnie.

That’s how long Kinnie has been around. The magical mix of orange flavour and aromatic herbs has lived through some of the most iconic moments in recent history and is as important to Maltese culture as the events mentioned above are to the world’s. So here’s to 70 years of Malta’s favourite beverage – CHEERS!

Send this to someone who loves Kinnie!

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Austin: Maltese owner of 80 dogs and cats passes away

May 31 2022

It was announced earlier today that Austin, a Maltese man who raised around 80 dogs and cats, has sadly passed away.

Austin had gathered the stray animals off Malta’s roads and gave them a better life in his home. His passion for helping animals is very well known on the island, with many even donating to him to help in his mission.

Austin had appeared on Xarabank around 11-years-ago when he explained what it means to him to help so many animals. The news of his passing was reported by Jenkins Maria, who also has a passion for helping animals.

His funeral will take place on Thursday at 14:30 at Our Lady of Sorrow in Hamrun. Austin had around 4 to 5 dogs left in his care when he passed, according to Jenkins.

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