Bolt To Introduce Maltese Speaking Driver Option

Apr 30 2024

Ride-hailing platform Bolt announced the launch of a Maltese language service called Rikba (“ride”), aimed at meeting the needs of local residents.

Although not officially posted on Bolt’s Facebook page, with a ‘Bolt Malta News’ screenshot shared onto ‘Are You Being Served? (Malta & Gozo) Original’, a company spokesperson confirmed the service.

Bolt To Introduce Maltese Speaking Driver Option

Rikba allows customers to book a Maltese-speaking driver. The announcement generated mixed reactions on social media with some praising the initiative and others expressing concerns about potential delays or increased costs.

Criticism also arose by some users perceiving the move as discriminatory towards non-Maltese drivers. Instances of racial and xenophobic comments were reported, highlighting ongoing challenges faced by third-country nationals in the transport sector.

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Valletta FC Crowned Winners Of Youth League Section A

Apr 30 2024

Valletta FC clinched the Youth League Section A title with a 1-0 victory over Mosta in their final match at the Centenary Stadium.

David Garba’s goal secured the win, delighting Valletta fans. This success brought relief to the club’s supporters, reeling from their senior team’s relegation to the Challenge League.

MFA vice-president Matthew Paris presented the trophy to the Valletta players. The win reflects Valletta’s consistent performance throughout the season, battling with Mosta for the top spot.

It serves as a morale boost for the senior team aiming to return to the Premier League next season.

Additionally, Valletta FC’s triumph grants them entry into Europe, as they will represent Malta in the UEFA Youth League for the first time. Their debut in September’s first qualifying round awaits, with opponents to be determined in the upcoming draw on September 3rd.

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Bjorn’s Voice Preserved Through Technology

Apr 30 2024

In a post uploaded to social media, it was revealed that Bjorn Formosa’s voice – which he sadly lost to ALS – was preserved through technology.

‘This Saturday, on the inaugural anniversary of DAR Bjorn, we will debut this voice in a special context for the first time’, Bjorn explained.

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A post shared by Bjorn Formosa (@bjornformosa)

The technology has allowed them to keep the ALS activist’s voice after he revealed that the neurodegenerative disease has taken it away.

However, Bjorn vowed to keep pushing for the cause, and that: ‘silently, I will shout louder than I ever had’.

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‘Ħmieġ U Indjani’: PN MP Comment Causes Social Media Stir

Apr 30 2024

Parliamentary Secretary for Reforms and Equality Rebecca Buttigieg strongly criticized PN education spokesperson Justin Schembri for a Facebook remark in which he described Malta as “full of filth, shabbiness and Indians.”

Schembri made the comment under a post from ONE News depicting Prime Minister Robert Abela meeting with cleansing department staff and Project Green, stating “the government has turned Malta into a dump.”

In response, Buttigieg accused Schembri and the PN of resorting to populism, highlighting his derogatory remark towards Indian people.

She condemned this view, stating it reflects the PN’s stance towards foreign workers, neglecting their humanity and the need for policies protecting them from exploitation.

When reportedly questioned about his remarks by Times of Malta, Schembri defended them, refusing to retract. He denied any racist connotations, claiming his words merely echoed public sentiment.

In a separate Facebook post, saying that if ‘these Labour supporters are not seeing a filthy, run-down and over-populated country, then I don’t know what they see. I will keep speaking out because I am not afraid of speaking the truth.’

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