Actor Michael Caine Announces Retirement Aged 90

Oct 16 2023

Michael Caine, the iconic British actor with a career spanning eight decades, has officially announced his retirement from acting at the age of 90.

He disclosed this decision on BBC Radio 4’s “Best of Today” podcast. Caine emphasised that his recent film, “The Great Escaper,” released earlier in the month, marks his final acting endeavour.

He portrayed Bernard Jordan, a 90-year-old who escapes a care home to attend the D-Day Landings’ 70th Anniversary in France. Caine expressed contentment with the incredible reviews the film received.

Director Oliver Parker praised Caine’s ability to transform his performances and credited his charisma and presence.

Caine’s illustrious career began on stage in the 1950s before transitioning to film in 1956. Originally named Maurice Joseph Micklewhite, Jr., he adopted the screen name Caine, inspired by the film “The Caine Mutiny” (1954), and later formalised it.

Caine’s diverse roles span secret agents, playboys, adventurers, teachers, and killers. He gained prominence as British spy Harry Palmer in “The Ipcress File” (1965) and as a charismatic chauffeur in “Alfie” (1966).

Notably, he received two Academy Awards for supporting roles in “Hannah and Her Sisters” (1986) and “The Cider House Rules” (1999). His contributions to cinema were recognised with honours including a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 1993 and knighthood in 2000.

While retiring from acting, Caine expressed his intent to pursue writing, emphasising the freedom it offers compared to the demands of filmmaking. He noted having participated in over 160 films and affirmed his longstanding desire to be a writer.

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Maltese Less Likely To Help Syrian Or Somalian Refugee Over Ukrainians

Oct 16 2023

A study by the Open University indicates that Maltese respondents exhibit a greater willingness to assist refugees from Ukraine compared to those from Syria or Somalia. The research unveils heightened negative emotions towards non-European refugees, fostering prejudice and diminishing the inclination to help them.

Sharon Xuereb, a staff tutor in psychology and counselling at the Open University, explains that Ukrainians receive more positive perceptions due to prevailing political discourse and their legal refugee status in Europe.

In contrast, asylum seekers from other countries face limited legal options, potentially resorting to illegal routes, which impacts public perception.

The study involved 287 participants in Malta and the UK, focusing on perceived threat, prejudice, emotions, and attitudes towards helping asylum seekers from Ukraine, Syria, and Somalia.

Results indicate that European adults exhibit less positivity towards asylum seekers who are culturally distant and non-white.

Compared to the UK, Maltese participants expressed higher levels of negative emotions (Malta: 11.92 out of 56, UK: 10.50), perceived threat (Malta: 13.57 out of 42, UK: 11.85), and prejudice (Malta: 19.24 out of 56, UK: 15.48).

Examining the Maltese scores, it was found that in terms of ‘negative emotions’, Maltese respondents scored an average of 10.09 out of 56 points towards Ukrainians. This score increased to 12.57 for Syrians and 13.24 for Somalis. Regarding ‘perceived threat’ measured on a 42-point scale, the average score for Ukrainians was 12.44, while for Syrians it was 14.62, and for Somalis, it was 13.75.

Maltese participants reported higher levels of negative emotions, perceived threat, and prejudice compared to their UK counterparts. The study reveals a preference for white European asylum seekers and suggests that less familiar cultures and religious differences may be perceived as more threatening.

Perceived threat and negative emotions were found to correlate with higher prejudice, resulting in reduced willingness to help. Conversely, positive emotions led to lower prejudice and a greater willingness to offer assistance.

Check out the full study here.

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CPD Rescue Horse Who Tripped Over Wall And Prickly Bush

Oct 16 2023

Over the weekend, Civil Protection Malta rescuers from Ħal Far and USAR Fire Stations were deployed on another horse rescue, this time in Santa Venera.

The mare reportedly broke out of her paddock and tripped over a rubble wall and prickly pear bush.

‘She was carefully lifted out of the tight spot using a care’, the department explained. The horse needed treatment for her injuries and removal of prickly thorns and is now safe and recovering well.

Well done to all involved!

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Full Time Employment Up by 8% In May 2023

Oct 16 2023

In May 2023, registered full-time employment saw an 8.0% increase, while part-time employment as a primary job rose by 3.9% compared to May 2022.

Over the year, labor supply (excluding part-timers) grew by 8.0% to reach 270,590, primarily due to a surge in full-time registered employment (20,029) and a decrease in registered unemployment (45).

Administrative and support service activities (NACE 77-82) and Accommodation and food service activities (NACE 55-56) were the main contributors to the employment increase in May 2023 compared to May 2022.

In the private sector, registered full-time employment rose by 19,919 to 218,445, while in the public sector, it increased by 110 to 51,229. The number of full-time self-employed individuals increased by 708, and the number of employees rose by 19,321 compared to May 2022. Full-time employment increased by 8.4% for males and 7.4% for females over 2022 levels.

Registered part-time employment in May 2023 rose by 7.4% compared to the same month in 2022. The sectors of Professional, scientific and technical activities (NACE 69-75) and Transportation and storage sector (NACE 49-53) were the primary contributors to this increase.

The number of part-timers also holding a full-time job increased to 40,281, up by 10.4% compared to May 2022. Additionally, employed persons whose part-time job was their primary occupation totaled 33,528, reflecting a 3.9% increase from the same month in 2022.

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