Around 1.5 million bees burned in suspected arson in Xewkija

Sep 13 2021

An approximate 1.5 million bees were burned in Xewkija, Gozo in what is suspected to be an act of arson. The owner of the hives, Ermanno De Chino posted a gruesome clip of what remained of the 28 bee hives with the caption, “Malta used to be the island of honey, now it is the island of hatred for bees”.

The video shows how car tyres were placed under the hives and set on fire, not only killing the bees but causing thousands in damages. De Chino told Times of Malta that the immediate damage is over €10,000, with another estimated €7,500 due to loss of production for the following year. He went on to state such an attack caused biological and moral damages, highlighting the fact that he has dedicated his life to bees and seeing such an act happen leaves its mark.

This is not the first arson case of its kind, as 200 fertilisation nuclei with around 250,000 bees and their queens being burned in Għasri in 2016.

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Malta begins vaccine booster rollout for immunosuppressed patients

Sep 13 2021

Earlier today, Health Minister Chris Fearne revealed that immunosuppressed patients residing in Malta will begin to receive their booster shots today. Booster shots were also given to the elderly last week, when Malta initially began its booster campaign.

Currently, 90% of Malta’s population aged 12 and over has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, with the government beginning the booster roll out in fear of a resurgence of the virus. The authorities have expressed concerns that the vaccine’s diminishing level of protection may contribute to a surge in cases, an issue which Malta has seemed to manage throughout the summer months despite the influx of tourist.

The booster shots being given are reportedly mRNA vaccines manufactured by Pfizer and Moderna, with Chris Fearne revealing in a recent press conference that the distribution of booster jabs to the remainder of the population will be determined in due course.

When do you think booster shots for the general population will begin to roll out?

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Photo Source: Chris Fearne FB / Klaus Nielsen

Emma Raducanu makes history whilst Novak Djokovic loses US Open final

Sep 13 2021

Last weekend both US Open male and female’s singles finals took place. The women’s final was the first to be held, 18-year old Brit Emma Raducanu won the final making this her first ever Grand Slam win. The men’s final between Novak Djokovic and Daniil Medvedev did offer up some surprises as Novak lost what would have been a historic 21st Grand Slam.

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A post shared by Emma Raducanu (@emmaraducanu)

Emma Raducanu’s win was unprecedented as she became the first ever unseeded competitor to win a Grand Slam. This is also her first foreign open after making her Grand Salm debut at Wimbledon last year. However her debut at Wimbledon was masked with controversy as upon her Round of 16 tie she forfeited due to breathing problems, this led to Piers Morgan criticizing her. Emma showed everyone her talent in not only winning the US Open but winning it without losing one set the entire tournament.

This Grand Slam was an important one for Novak Djokovic as he was looking for a historic 21st win. That would have made him the player with the most Grand Slam wins overtaking Rafael Nadal and Roger Federer. Unfortunately for him this didn’t work out as Russian player Daniil Medvedev beat him in all three sets of the game to win his first Grand Slam.

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15 chickens and 18 guinea pigs have been saved from Gzira’s Duck Village so far

Sep 13 2021

So far, a total of 15 chickens and 18 guinea pigs have been saved from Gzira’s Duck Village, with the Gzira local council recently taking the decision to close down the controversial establishment in Manoel Island due to unsanitary conditions.

Sunshine Animal Sanctuary Malta took to Facebook to break the good news that many chickens were taken to a veterinary for a check-up while the guinea pigs were medically treated against fleas. The sanctuary’s volunteers washed the creatures and treated any wounds that may have had with hopes that the animals eventually find an owner.

So far, all of the chickens have found a new home, with more animals expected to be found as the authorities dismantle the establishment. The Duck Village housed a plethora of animals including ducks, chickens, rabbits and many more but was also a target for waste disposal, which may have contributed to its increasingly unsanitary conditions over the years.

The sanctuary called upon the public for any donations, which may be given via Revolut or BOV Mobile.

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