B-Boys Represent Malta & Earn Top 16 Spots In Rome, Italy

B-Boys Represent Malta & Earn Top 16 Spots In Rome, Italy
Jan 13 2025 Share

On January 12th, Maltese breakdancers from Street Elements represented the island nation at an international breakdance competition in Rome.

Among the team members was Brady Frendo, a passionate breakdancer who shared his excitement with MaltaDaily.

Street Elements brought their A-game to the competition, showcasing their talent and dedication on an international stage.

The team included Brady Frendo (Bboy Brady), Bboy Kai, Bboy Jerri, Tinu White, and their director and coach, Bboy Liston Bongailas. Each member delivered high-energy performances, highlighting the skills and creativity that have earned them recognition far beyond Malta’s shores.

The competition proved to be a significant milestone for the team, with three of its members—Bboy Kai, Bboy Jerri, and Tinu White—achieving Top 16 finishes.

Well done all!

#MaltaDaily

Dispute Over Public-Private Partnerships In Malta’s Healthcare System

Dispute Over Public-Private Partnerships In Malta’s Healthcare System
Jan 13 2025 Share

A growing dispute has emerged in Malta’s healthcare sector following directives from the Medical Association of Malta (MAM) opposing the government’s new initiative to collaborate with private hospitals for emergency services.

The disagreement has drawn sharp responses from stakeholders, including the Health Ministry, private healthcare providers, and MAM itself.

The core issue revolves around whether public-private partnerships are the right approach to address the pressures on Malta’s overstretched public healthcare system.

The Government’s Position

Health Minister Jo Etienne Abela expressed frustration with MAM’s decision to oppose the initiative, calling it “heartless behaviour.”

The proposed partnership would see private hospitals such as DaVinci Health and Saint James Hospital Group handling minor emergency cases from Mater Dei Hospital’s Accident and Emergency Department.

According to the Minister, this collaboration is critical during a period of high demand due to seasonal illnesses.

Dr. Abela accused a “small faction” within MAM of prioritising personal grudges over patient care, stating, “It doesn’t matter to them if someone remains on a stretcher in a corridor or has their surgery canceled.” He emphasised that similar partnerships had successfully reduced waiting times and improved healthcare delivery in other countries.

Private Sector’s Support for Collaboration

Private healthcare providers have voiced strong support for the initiative, arguing that public-private partnerships are essential for relieving pressure on Malta’s public healthcare system.

DaVinci Health highlighted the urgent need to address prolonged waiting times at Mater Dei Hospital, particularly during peak seasons. The organization had voluntarily offered its state-of-the-art facilities to support Mater Dei’s emergency team in managing minor cases.

DaVinci expressed disappointment at MAM’s directive instructing union members not to participate in transfers to private hospitals. They urged MAM to reconsider, emphasizing that collaboration would ultimately benefit patients.

Similarly, the Saint James Hospital Group described the initiative as a “step in the right direction.” The group has long advocated for stronger collaboration between the public and private healthcare sectors, arguing that such partnerships improve efficiency, reduce duplication of services, and contain costs.

They noted that public-private partnerships are standard in other EU countries and urged all parties to work together for the benefit of patients and staff.

MAM’s Opposition

Although MAM has yet to issue a detailed public statement explaining its rationale, the union has declared an industrial dispute, directing members to admit all patients to Mater Dei Hospital and refrain from engaging with private hospitals.

This directive suggests concerns about the implications of public-private partnerships, potentially including issues related to transparency, accountability, or the long-term impact on public healthcare resources.

Call For Dialogues

With Mater Dei Hospital facing significant strain and private hospitals advocating for collaboration, patients are left in the middle of the debate.

The Saint James Hospital Group and DaVinci Health have called for constructive dialogue, urging MAM and the government to prioritise patient welfare.

#MaltaDaily

Local Young Ambassadors At Beekeeping Competition In Dubai

Local Young Ambassadors At Beekeeping Competition In Dubai
Jan 13 2025 Share

December is typically a quiet month for Maltese beekeepers, with less work required for bee colonies and a focus on preparing for spring.

This year, it provided the perfect opportunity for Mr. Jorge Spiteri, an administrator and mentor, to guide the next generation of Maltese beekeepers.

Three A-Level Biology students from Giovanni Curmi Higher Secondary School were chosen to represent Malta at the 13th International Meeting of Young Beekeepers (IMYB) held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, from December 18 to 22, 2024.

Accompanied by their educator, Ms. Maria Lourdes Attard, who prepared them in honey bee product marketing and presentation skills, the students joined participants from 20 countries across five continents in this event celebrating innovation, cultural exchange, and friendly competition.

Organized by the Malta Youth in Agriculture Foundation (MaYA), this year’s Maltese delegation achieved outstanding results.

The team secured the top award in the Country Competition for their narratives on Maltese honey and solutions for beekeeping in arid regions. Individual members earned Gold and Bronze in theoretical and practical assessments, showcasing their expertise.

Beyond competition, IMYB fostered entrepreneurial skills and cross-cultural collaboration, offering students invaluable experiences in marketing Maltese honey globally.

#MaltaDaily

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Prime Minister Celebrates 5 Years In Office

Prime Minister Celebrates 5 Years In Office
Jan 13 2025 Share

Prime Minister Robert Abela celebrated 5 years in office this past weekend, addressing a rally to mark the date.

He expressed gratitude to former Labour leaders for their contributions and pledged to strengthen the party’s unity and focus on the country’s future.

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Dr. Abela highlighted several milestones, including free childcare, reduced utility bills, pension increases, job creation, and achieving Malta’s highest economic growth in Europe.

He also referenced the government’s handling of challenges like the pandemic, emphasizing the importance of bold decisions and fulfilling electoral promises, such as investing in social assistance and introducing tax cuts.

He outlined plans for Malta Vision 2050 to sustain the country’s digital and environmental goals, as well as economic growth.

Stressing the importance of unity and renewal, Dr. Abela called for continued support to achieve a prosperous future for Malta and Gozo, saying, “There is still much to achieve together for our country.”

Meanwhile, Opposition leader Bernard Grech addressed a political event, criticising the government over scandals and corruption, saying that the Maltese people pay the price daily.

‘Maltese people now look to the Partit Nazzjonalista as the hope for returning to normality – a future where young people once again believe their prospects lie in Malta’, said Grech.

#MaltaDaily