Abandoned Site Transformed Into Public Garden In Santa Luċija

May 4 2025 Share

An abandoned site in Santa Luċija has been transformed into a vibrant green space thanks to Project Green’s latest initiative.

Officially named Ġnien l-Iskultura, the 2,300-square-metre area is now open to around 5,000 residents living nearby, providing a serene environment adjacent to the well-known Chinese Garden, Serenity Garden.

With an investment exceeding €1 million, the new space includes Oriental-inspired features such as a red iron bridge crossing a koi pond, symbolising joy, prosperity, and the repelling of negative energy.

The garden also saw the planting of 38 trees, adding to its tranquil and refreshing atmosphere.

Minister for the Environment Miriam Dalli highlighted the project as part of an ongoing commitment to improve quality of life through accessible green spaces.

Ġnien l-Iskultura is the second such project in the locality, following Ġnien Sembjożi created last year.

Project Green COO Beverley Costa explained that the garden was designed to be inclusive and serve as a continuation of the neighbouring Oriental-style garden. Santa Luċija Mayor Charmaine St John encouraged both residents and visitors from across Malta and Gozo to explore the new space.

Project Green will also be responsible for the long-term maintenance and care of the garden.

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Malta Responds Swiftly to Distress Call from Gaza-Bound Vessel After Drone Attack

May 4 2025 Share

On May 2, 2025, the unflagged vessel Conscience, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was reportedly attacked by drones in international waters approximately 17 nautical miles off Malta’s coast. The ship, carrying humanitarian aid and activists en route to Gaza, sustained fire damage, but no casualties were reported.

Responding promptly to the vessel’s SOS, the Armed Forces of Malta (AFM) dispatched a patrol boat to assist in firefighting efforts and ensure the safety of those onboard. The crew and passengers were offered evacuation via a tugboat, but they declined the offer. Subsequent rescue attempts and offers of humanitarian aid, including essential supplies, were also refused by the vessel’s occupants.

To assess the vessel’s condition and facilitate necessary repairs, Maltese authorities proposed sending a marine surveyor aboard. However, the ship’s captain denied permission for the surveyor to board. The Conscience, previously registered under Palau, which revoked its registration prior to the incident, is currently stranded at sea due to threats of confiscation from regional ports.

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Malta Lights Up the Night in Spectacular 2025 Fireworks Festival Finale

May 4 2025 Share

The 2025 Malta International Fireworks Festival concluded on April 30 with a dazzling finale at Valletta’s Grand Harbour, marking the 21st anniversary of Malta’s EU membership. This year’s edition featured over 85 local and international pyrotechnic teams, showcasing a blend of tradition and innovation that captivated thousands of spectators across multiple venues.

The prestigious Pyrotechnical Musical competition crowned Għaqda Piroteknika 10 ta’ Awwissu from Birgu, Malta, as the overall winner. Poland’s Nakaja Art and Italy’s Foti Fireworks secured second and third places, respectively, while teams from France, the UK, and Mexico rounded out the top six. The festival also included performances by last year’s champions, Għaqda tan-Nar Kerċem, and introduced a surprise finale that combined fireworks with cutting-edge technology.

Spanning from April 22 to 30, the festival’s events were held at the Grand Harbour and in Nadur, Gozo, highlighting Malta’s rich pyrotechnic heritage. For the first time, local band clubs participated, adding a new cultural dimension to the festivities.

Organised by the Malta Tourism Authority, the festival not only celebrated Malta’s craftsmanship in fireworks but also reinforced its appeal as a year-round tourist destination. Deputy Prime Minister Ian Borg emphasised the event’s role in promoting cultural tourism and showcasing Malta’s national identity on the international stage.

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Bernard Grech Requests ‘Urgent Meeting’ With Prime Minister Over Aid Vessel Attack

May 4 2025 Share

Opposition leader Bernard Grech has written to the Prime Minister requesting an urgent meeting to discuss the attack on the Conscience, a humanitarian aid vessel targeted just outside Maltese territorial waters.

Grech called for a “united national front” that transcends partisan politics, stressing the need to address maritime security, Malta’s constitutional neutrality, and the protection of national interests.

In a letter dated Saturday, Grech expressed serious concern over the drone attack, saying it warranted immediate discussion with relevant institutions.

“At times like these, when national security may be at risk, we must act together,” he stated, urging cooperation to ensure Malta’s security and stability. He also proposed using the meeting to assess potential consequences and coordinate a shared national response.

The Gaza-bound vessel, part of the Gaza Freedom Flotilla, was 14 nautical miles off Malta when it sustained damage early Friday morning.

The crew has remained aboard, refusing to abandon the ship, which is carrying humanitarian aid. The vessel was stripped of its Palauan flag the day before the incident.

The Maltese government said it had offered assistance multiple times. The attack has drawn international attention and condemnation, including from Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Imam Mohammed Elsadi.

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