Backlash in Mosta After Replacement Trees Decorated With Christmas Lights

Nov 25 2023

In the latest development of the Mosta tree saga, BirdLife Malta CEO Mark Sultana has expressed his disapproval of the mature trees, replacing the recently uprooted ficus trees, being decorated in Christmas lights.

Taking to Facebook, Sultana, together with a number of environmental activists and outspoken members of the Mosta community, expressed their concern on the matter, particularly on its affects towards roosting birds attempting to find shelter.

One user wrote “poor birds, one trauma after the other”, whilst others voiced their frustration via memes. At the time of writing, Sultana’s post had 330 likes, 147 comments and 74 shares, with more and more members of the Mosta community getting increasingly frustrated at the situation.

Last week, Moviment Graffitti’s Andre Callus was handcuffed and dragged by police after the organisation planted themselves at the Mosta Square to protest the uprooting of the ficus trees.

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80-Year-Old Woman Dies After Being Hit By Coach in Żurrieq

Nov 25 2023

An elderly woman’s life was claimed after she was hit by the coach she was disembarking in Żurrieq on Friday.

After being notified of the incident, the police went on site of the incident in Triq Ħal Far, Żurrieq to investigate, finding that the 80-year-old Ħal Għaxaq resident was hit by the Iveco Coach driven by a 52-year-old male from Ħal Għaxaq.

Civil Protection Department Officials and a medical team were called to assist the victim but she was, unfortunately, certified dead on site. Two other female passengers, aged 64 and 63-years-old from Tarxien also sustained some injuries and were taken to Mater Dei Hospital via ambulance.

It was later revealed that the 63-year-old woman suffered grievous injuries while the other’s situation is still pending.

An investigation is currently under way.

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Metsola Urges For Teacher Empowerment Ahead Of Strikes

Nov 24 2023

Taking to social media, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola encouraged the Maltese authorities to empower the teachers of the island ahead of strikes set to take place next week.

‘Teachers have a unique and special role in our society’, wrote the EP President. ‘For long hours throughout the week, we entrust them with our children.’

‘The reality is that our country did not invest enough in educators. Maybe there were times where they were taken for granted. But if we truly want our children to be given the best education, we need a strong and serious investment, not just into the building of schools but also in the persons who will give our kids the best future.’

‘We have dedicated teachers, who invest their time and energy to offer the best classroom environment. Instead of discouraging them, let’s empower them, give them what was promised to them and incentivise them.’

‘This is the only way that we can secure the future of our children and that more youth are attracted to the profession itself. We are still in time.’

This comes ahead of a Monday strike called upon by unions after no deal was struck between them and the government.

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16 Days Of Domestic Abuse Awareness Activism

Nov 24 2023

Dr. Lydia Abela, alongside Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg and Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan, has launched a 16-day campaign titled “Beat The Silence” to raise awareness about domestic violence.

The initiative aims to break the silence surrounding gender-based and domestic violence and promote professional help for victims.

Dr. Abela stressed the enduring importance of awareness, particularly during these days of activism, emphasizing the need for education and support for victims.

She highlighted ongoing reforms to address the realities of domestic violence, emphasizing that seeking help is not a sign of weakness.

Parliamentary Secretary Rebecca Buttigieg underscored that the campaign targets not only victims but encourages friends, colleagues, and others to speak up and provide support. The effort is seen as just the beginning, with ongoing government and societal work necessary to combat domestic violence. Initiatives include a five-year Strategy and Action Plan to keep the issue on the agenda throughout the year.

Commissioner Samantha Pace Gasan detailed the collaborative efforts involving ministries, associations, entities, and organizations. The campaign encompasses diverse activities engaging various social groups, such as the elderly, children, communities, athletes, and workers from different sectors, aiming to raise awareness about the complexity of gender-based and domestic violence.

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