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An honour to speak about Maltese culture – Jade Cini responds to costume criticism

An honour to speak about Maltese culture - Jade Cini responds to costume criticism
Dec 12 2021 Share

Jade Cini, Malta’s very own Miss Universe, personally responded to criticism she received over her choice of costume as she represented our country. A post uploaded to a Facebook Group ‘Malta Dizastru Totali’ asked for the opinions of people in regards to Cini’s costume. 

The national costume ‘represents traditional feasts featuring a handprinted ‘pavaljun’ that is used to decorate the streets. It shows the scenery of churches and fireworks that make Maltese feasts a tourist attraction.’ The post was met with mixed reactions, some remarking their liking whilst others their dislike or going as far as to mock. 

However, Cini herself responded with a comment, thanking everyone for both the positive and negative comments, accepting everyone’s right for opinion. She continued to say that ‘the fact of people asking about our culture allows me to explain about our traditional Maltese festas and how we decorate our streets in such a unique fashion. This is an honour for me.’ 

Whatever your thoughts on the costume, it surely is a sight to behold as it captures many moments from Malta’s history in grand fashion.

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Jade Cini IG

Restaurants and hotels call for wage supplement to continue into 2022

Restaurants and hotels call for wage supplement to continue into 2022
Dec 12 2021 Share

As the new year draws ever nearer, hotels and restaurants have called on the government to continue paying the wage subsidies which covered their payroll during the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The Malta Hotels and Restaurants Association (MHRA) issued a statement saying that the industry would suffer from ‘irreparable damage’ if wage subsidies which provide life-blood for thousands of workers are halted. The MHRA is urging the government to extend the subsidies until at least March of 2022. 

A Brief History:

First introduced by the government in March 2020, the COVID-19 wage supplement was first introduced to stop bulk lay-offs from business which are forced to halt due to the height of the pandemic.

When non-essential businesses were ordered shut, the scheme was rolled out and is estimated to have cost around €44 million per month. The government claims that tens of thousands of jobs cross most economic sectors were saved due to this initiative. 

Later in July, a tapering-off plan was presented to the Malta Council for Economic and Social Development during a meeting with the government. The plan foresees the end to wage subsidy payouts by the end of this year. 

Back to this closing month of 2021, the MHRA commended the government for its aid to date. However, it highlighted how it is evident that there are still some long hard months ahead. 

‘MHRA appreciates that the government would like us to do more, but we do need to stay within the confines of what’s affordable and sustainable under realistic business conditions.’ 

#MaltaDaily

Photo Source: Robert Abela FB, BusinessNow

Here are the pharmacies opening today 9am to noon

Pharmacies opening today 9am until 12pm and 4pm until 7pm
Dec 12 2021 Share

Find your nearest pharmacy below: 

Hamrun: Brown’s Pharmacy, 706, St Joseph High Road;

San Gwann: Brown’s Pharmacy, 92-94, Mensija Road; 

Mellieha: Brown’s Pharmacy, 69, George Borg Olivier Street; 

Valletta: Empire Pharmacy, 77, Old Theatre Street; 

Santa Venera: Fatima Pharmacy, 82, Ferrovija Street;

Birkirkara: Pharmaplus, Ganu Street; 

Msida: Deby’s Pharmacy, 1 Misrah il-Barrieri; 

Sliema: Norman’s Pharmacy, 70, San Frangisk Street; 

Naxxar: Pillbox Pharmacy, 63, Bjad Street; 

Paola: St Monica Pharmacy, 157, Santa Monika Street; 

Vittoriosa: Milia’s Pharmacy, Cottonera Street;

Marsascala: San Gwakkin Pharmacy, 1 Sant Anna Street; 

Ghaxaq: Beta Pharmacy, 50/52, Santa Marija Street; 

Safi: Safi Pharmacy, St John Street c/w Bieb il-Garra Street; 

Siggiewi: Menelo Pharmacy, Tabib Nikol Zammit Street;

Rabat: Ideal Pharmacy, 63, Main Street; 

Malta International Airport: The ‘8 Till Late Pharmacy open everyday from 8am to 10pm 

Gozo: 9 am to noon 

Victoria: Abela Pharmacy, Bellavista Court, George Borg Olivier Street;

Gharb: Ta’ Pinu Pharmacy, Frangisk Portelli Street. 

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Here are the 10 exceptions to Malta’s public mask-wearing rule

Here are the 10 exceptions to Malta's public mask-wearing rule
Dec 11 2021 Share

This week, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Health Chris Fearne announced that as of Saturday, masks must be worn in open public spaces to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in Malta. However, there are a number of exceptions to the public mask-wearing rule.

Masks can be removed in public for a number of reasons. The first reason is during high-intensity physical activity and exercise. Kindergarten students are allowed to remove their masks while in the classroom, as are individuals who are communicating with others who require lip-reading to understand. Furthermore, given a provision of at least two meters between individuals, official public speaking allows individuals to remove their masks. Cases such as lectures, lessons or anything of the sort within academic institutions do not constitute as public speaking.

Masks can also be removed for identification purposes in places such as banks, airports or otherwise. The same goes for cosmetic treatments or services which involve the face or mouth as well as in cases of individuals who require medication. Individuals seated at establishments which serve food or drink can also remove their masks.

Masks can also be removed during the consumption of food or drink and while smoking. The only new exception is that individuals are not allowed to remove their masks in bathing areas after a wave of controversy which led the exception to be introduced in June 2021.

Anyone caught not following the mask-wearing measures may be subject to a fine of as much as €100.

#MaltaDaily