Billie Eilish & Other Celebs Wear ‘Ceasefire’ Pins At Oscars

Mar 11 2024

Billie Eilish, Finneas, Mark Ruffalo, Ava DuVernay, Ramy Youssef, and Quannah Chasinghorse have stepped onto the Academy Awards red carpet sporting matching red lapel pins, joined by Mahershala Ali who wore one while introducing nominees for Best Supporting Actor.

These pins symbolize a call for ceasefire in the Israel-Palestine conflict, which has seen devastating consequences with over 30,000 deaths in Gaza since October.

Over 400 celebrities, including Cate Blanchett, Ben Affleck, Jennifer Lopez, Bradley Cooper, and America Ferrera, have joined Artists4Ceasefire, advocating for immediate action from the US Congress and President Joe Biden.

The pins feature a hand encircling a black heart, representing collective support for ceasefire, hostage release, and urgent humanitarian aid delivery to Gaza civilians.

In contrast to previous movements like Time’s Up, which garnered widespread visibility, the ceasefire pins have appeared on fewer stars at recent events. At the Grammys, Boygenius and Annie Lennox wore them, with Lennox even making a plea for peace onstage.

On the Oscars red carpet, Ramy Youssef expressed frustration at the sluggish progress towards peace, emphasizing the importance of vocal advocacy for ceasefire. Additionally, actors Milo Machado-Graner and Swann Arlaud wore pins featuring the Palestinian flag. The presence of these pins underscores the ongoing efforts of influential figures to bring attention to the urgency of ending the conflict.

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Cover Photo Source: Life & Style, WWD, Page Six

Malta Sets Record In Social Housing Projects, Initiatives

Mar 11 2024

During a Ministerial conference organized by the Belgian Presidency in Liege Brussels, discussions revolved around the accommodation sector.

Minister for Social and Affordable Accommodation Roderick Galdes outlined Malta’s plans for this sector, emphasizing the government’s initiatives to ensure Maltese citizens have access to affordable, adequate, and dignified housing. Galdes set a new record for the number of social housing buildings to be inaugurated this year.

Galdes stressed that affordable accommodation is a top priority for the government. Over recent years, policies have been implemented, schemes launched, and existing ones strengthened to provide and sustain decent social and affordable housing, promoting stability and supporting social mobility.

The government’s multi-faceted strategy includes innovative schemes like the Rent Housing Benefit Scheme, which currently supports around 3000 beneficiaries, the Rent to Assist Scheme facilitating leasing of private properties, and the first-time buyers scheme offering a €10,000 grant over 10 years to promote homeownership.

Galdes reaffirmed Malta’s commitment to ensuring every family has access to affordable, adequate, and dignified housing, aligning with the EU strategy on housing affordability. The conference concluded with the signing of the Liege Declaration among member states.

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Renewal Project Of Nadur’s Belvedere Inaugurated

Mar 11 2024

The Minister for Gozo and Planning, Clint Camilleri, unveiled the Belvedere project in Nadur during a state visit. Overlooking the picturesque San Blas valley on the village outskirts, the project received a substantial €61,000 funding from the Development Planning Fund under the Planning Authority.

Camilleri expressed his satisfaction with inaugurating the Belvedere project, a testament to the Nadur Local Council’s commitment to community development. Financed by the Development Planning Fund established in 2017, such initiatives aim to enhance various community aspects across the Maltese Islands.

The fund draws revenue from two main sources: a portion of fees associated with regularization applications and tariffs imposed on developers for non-provision of parking in development permits. Over the years, the fund has facilitated projects ranging from upgrading playing fields to restoring historic landmarks for social purposes and installing energy-efficient street lighting.

The Nadur Local Council has actively pursued projects financed through this fund, contributing to the area’s overall improvement. Initiatives include beautification efforts in the main square, installing exercise equipment for public use, and renovating benches near Kenuna Tower.

Minister Camilleri emphasized his commitment to supporting more local councils in implementing beneficial projects. He encouraged councils to propose initiatives that enhance resident and visitor experiences. He expressed gratitude to all involved parties for their contributions to the Belvedere project’s success.

The inauguration event was attended by Nadur Mayor Edward Said and Zafferana Etnea Mayor Salvatore Russo, reflecting the collaborative effort behind community development projects.

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President Of Malta Visits Hopexchange Medical Centre In Ghana

Mar 11 2024

During the state visit to Ghana, President George Vella of Malta and Mrs. Miriam Vella toured the HopeXchange Medical Centre, a facility partly funded by generous donations from the Maltese people and their government.

Founded by Mario Cappello, the centre offers clinical care, healthcare education, and collaborative research, serving over 60,000 patients annually since its opening in June 2016.

President Vella lauded Cappello’s initiative and the staff’s dedication.

In Kumasi, the Vellas met with Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II at the Manhyia Palace, emphasising Malta and Ghana’s longstanding relations.

President Vella noted Malta’s commitment to enhancing ties, exemplified by opening its first sub-Saharan diplomatic representation in Ghana. Both leaders expressed mutual interest in deepening cooperation, particularly through people-to-people exchanges and economic collaborations.

President Vella stressed Malta’s dedication to youth development and educational exchanges, alongside fostering private sector partnerships. Currently, over 20 Maltese companies operate or export to Ghana across various sectors. Accompanied by Parliamentary Secretary Keith Azzopardi Tanti, President Vella’s visit reinforced Malta’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ghana.

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