Activists remove deckchairs & umbrellas from Blue Lagoon; “Comino is for everyone”

Activists remove deckchairs & umbrellas from Blue Lagoon; "Comino's shore is for everyone"

Jun 11 2022

Early this morning, activists and members of Moviment Graffitti headed to Blue Lagoon to take further action on their long-standing battle against private operators who have blocked access to the island’s coastline with deckchairs and other concessions.

Chanting “ix-xatt ta’ Kemmuna ta’ kulħadd” (Comino’s shore is for everyone), the activists began to remove the deckchairs and umbrellas, highlighting the fact that a lot of people no longer visit Comino due to the excess of such objects across the island.

Around 40 individuals collectively took to Comino to remove such deckchairs, folding them against a wall in an orderly manner and laying down their beach towels. “We are here to enjoy the public beach”. they stated as spokesperson Andre Callus argued that residents and tourists should not be coerced into paying for something they do not wish to.

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New building for Puttinu patients in London officially signed off

Jun 10 2022

The official signing by Puttinu Cares for the buying of a new property for patients in London was carried out today, 10th June 2022.

President Angele Cuschieri and CEO Rennie Zerafa signed the official document to buy the property at the Maltese embassy in the UK.

The property will be refurbished and will see 23 new apartments included for the use of the patients and their families. The project is expected to cost around £20 million to be completed.

The Prime Minister’s wife Lydia Abela and High Commissioner Dr Manuel Mallia were present for the signing, with the building set to be named after Dr Victor Calvagna. Calvagna founded Puttinu Cares alongside Rennie Zerafa in 2002.

Before the founding of Puttinu Cares, patients were left to their own devices to find and pay for apartments to stay abroad for cure. Puttinu, with the help of the Maltese people’s generosity, bought residences to provide those suffering a place to stay.

Puttinu Cares has 2 buildings in Sutton, which include around 20 apartments. Due to the number of patients who go up to London for cure, the demand for more spaces also increased.

The work done by Puttinu Cares is a testament to the Maltese’s drive to help those who are suffering. Puttinu takes up part of the burden faced by many patients and their families as they undergo their battle against cancer.

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New Omicron XE COVID variant found in Malta

Jun 10 2022

Health Minister Chris Fearne revealed that a new variant of the Omicron variant of COVID-19 has been detected in Malta.

The new form of the virus, which is a recombinant variant (meaning it is the result of two strains merging together) has caused an increase in community transmission of the disease.

Fearne said that the variant is more infectious so a slight increase in community transmission should be expected. The Deputy Prime Minister however said that, despite being more infectious, ‘we are not seeing more severe symptoms or complications.’

There have been no deaths linked to COVID since June 4th, and with 1,548 active cases there are only 31 in hospital. Two are in the intensive care unit. The Omicron XE was first found in the UK in January.

The health minister also assured the public via press conference that no cases of monkeypox are currently in Malta. The one case detected around 15 days ago has since recovered.

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Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt to work on Formula 1 film together

Jun 10 2022

Lewis Hamilton and Brad Pitt are set to join forces for a new Formula 1 film, with Hamilton acting as a producer on the project.

With the film set to be directed by Top Gun: Maverick director Joseph Kosinski, Apple Studios acquired the rights to the currently untitled film. It is set to feature Pitt as a driver coming out of retirement to mentor a younger driver.

Hamilton is no stranger to the film industry, having made cameos in Cars 2 and 3 and some video games amongst other projects. Meanwhile, Pitt has taken an interest in Formula 1, having been seen at many Grand Prix events.

Not many details are known as of yet, but Hamilton is currently undergoing one of the more challenging F1 seasons. He is currently 34 points behind Mercedes team-mate George Russell and 75 points behind Max Verstappen.

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